Destinacíon Panamá Provincia Travel Blog en la República de Panamá

Es el primer parque nacional creado en la República de Panamá, en el año 1966 con una extensión de 4,925 hectáreas. Se encuentra situado en la vertiente oeste del Canal de Panamá, formando parte de su cuenca. Enclavado muy cerca de las costas de Chame y de sus planicies aluviales, el área protegida se alza desde los 400 metros de altitud en su punto más bajo hasta los 850 metros sobre el nivel del mar que tiene el pico Campana. Desde esta atalaya privilegiada se contemplan no síólo unas espectaculares vistas de la cuenca del Canal sino también unas extraordinarias panorámicas de la bahía de Chame, delimitada por la  punta Chame, con sus impresionantes manglares que cubren la boca del río del mismo nombre.

Captured on a recent apartment viewing of the building Marquis Tower in El Cangrejo - built by Procasa in 2008. The view is representative of the 20th floors of the A and B units, which have a view of the Panama City skyline, and partial views of the bay of Panama. The C and D units face the street and have views of the mountains and Balboa Ports. Marquis Tower is located on Eusebio Morales street, the same street as Hotel Milan, Torres de Alba Suites, Hotel Las Vegas, Martin Fierro steakhouse, and Machu Picchu peruvian restaurant, among others. The units in Marquis Tower have 2 or 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, laundry room, and receive very good natural light. The building has a pool, gym, party room, visitor parking, and 4 commercial spaces with different shops.

Captured late afternoon from the roadside in Albrook on Calle La Amistad. Provides a 360 view of the area once occupied by the US and currently referred to as "Area Revertida" or reverted areas - making note to areas once belonging to US and returned to Panama. The typical homes in Albrook are 2 story, duplexes, concrete structures with garage. The area has more green areas than other parts of the city and has a very "tropical panama" feel. Many have noted that this neighborhood is how they imagined Panama to be, and were often surprised by the modern city skyscrapers upon their arrival. Notable landmarks in the area include: Marcos Gelabert Airport (domestic flights), Cerro Ancon, and Albrook Mall, to name a few.

Captured at sunset from the rooftop of the Hotel Costa Inn in Bella Vista located on Avenida Perú and Calle 39. A quaint hotel, I have a good friend who swears by this hotel and today we enjoyed a nice sunset from the rooftop pool. The view from the rooftop of this $70.00 (March 2008) a night hotel is something special. You have a full 360 degree view of the city including: avenida balboa, the bay of Panama, Cerro Ancon, the Balboa Ports, Hospital Nacional (a great hospital which saved a friends life a few years back), and the Causway at Amador, just to name a few. The Marriott and Miramar Intercontinental Hotel crowd would most likely not be impressed with the rooms in this hotel, but I think the views from the rooftop offer the traveller on a budget a clean, safe, and friendly alternative.

Hotel Costa Inn
Avenida Peru and Calle 39
T. 227-1522
http://www.hotelcostainn.com

Captured at about 2pm this afternoon, this video is from the rooftop of Faros del Sur in Coco del Mar, San Francisco. The building was built about 12 years ago by renowned architects Cambefort and Bosa, and is characterized by a unique design with red, white, blue, yellow paint.

After making my way up to the top floor in search of the social area, I found a slim staircase going up to the top of the elevator shaft. After climbing up and bracing myself, I was impressed with this special view of the the city and of the construction going on in the area. The views are sweeping with the Corredor Sur in the distance, the Atlapa Convention center, 2 new buildings: Davinci and  Cabomarzo (under construction), and some older homes which I am sure will one day be tall buildings further altering the skyline.

Captured mid morning in front of building 1914 in Amador (Causeway). This building houses the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) which employs many multinational scientists, biologists, and meteorologists. Don't forget to check out the aquarium complete with petting tank. On a clear day, the Panama City skyline is completely visible and offers great views. Scooter/bike rentals are possible and several restaurants make Amador a great day trip.

Captured from the 20th floor in the Pacific Point building in Punta Pacifica, built by Pacific Development. The views are of the Bahia de Panama (bay of Panama), San Francisco, and Costa del Este in the foreground. Construction in Panama continues to build right up to the water line and shows no signs of slow down with the recent building tax exoneration extension. 

Captured mid-morning on Via Veneto in El Cangrejo. Making a right turn at the MacDonalds on Via España, you turn onto Via Veneto which is a commercial 2 way street. Many shops are located on Via Veneto including Manolo's Restaurant, The Veneto Casino at Windham Grand Hotel, the development offices of Bala Beach, Torres de Alba Aparti-Hotel, Restaurante Pomodoro, and Restaurante Wine Bar to name a few. In addition to being the back entrance to the Hotel El Panama, this street has it's fare share of "red light" traffic as well as many jewelry and electronic shops.

Captured in front of the Crown Plaza hotel built by Herman Bern on Avenida Manuel Espinosa. Located one block from Via España, the El Carmen church, and close to the University of Panama, this 2 lane street is one of the more narrow 2 lanes you will find in Panama City. Even on scooter, it's tough navigating through mid day traffic.

Video taken from the entrance to Ciudad de Saber (City of Knowledge) where many international organizations have their regional headquarters. USAID, COPA, Spanish Embassy, are just a few. Clayton is located in the reverted areas (areas revertidas) which were once considered the Panama Canal Zone. Running along side the road you will note the Miraflores Locks (background) and the railway for the Panama Canal Railway Company which takes commuters and containers to the Atlantic ports in the city of Colon.