Panama Viejo

Panama Viejo is the atmospheric ruin of the original 1519 Spanish settlement—the oldest European-founded city on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Spread across a coastal archaeological park, its stone streets, convents, and the iconic cathedral tower trace the city’s rise, pirate sack by Henry Morgan in 1671, and relocation to Casco Antiguo. A well-curated visitors center provides context and artifacts, while boardwalks and signage make self-guided exploration easy. Visit for layered history, photogenic ruins, and sweeping views from the tower; skip if you prefer fully intact monuments over archaeological sites. Combine with nearby Casco for a fuller story.