Panama Viejo and more

On our last day in Panama City before heading back to Pedasi, we actually got to visit the ruins of Old Panama City.

Panama Viejo was the original Panama City until it was destroyed in 1671. Those pesky pirates!!

We took the shuttle to the main exhibit, although there is lots to see throughout. There are several buildings that have been restored and our first stop was the tower. Some of us even climbed to the top. Heather and Mike are way up at the top of the tower.

So much to see: the ruins of churches, convents, a hospital, a cistern and much more.

Our next stop was the Smithsonian Nature Centre at Punta Culebra. It is located on the Amador Causeway and our first good look at ships waiting to go in the canal.

The nature centre was very well done and interesting. Heather wanted to see a sloth in its natural habitat. We saw five plus a baby attached to his mommy hanging in a tree. Those sloths are not in captivity, it’s their home.

Daryl almost stepped on this one!

A short walkway through the trees and another attraction completed.

The nature centre is across the road from the port where a big cruise ship was docked. Seems like there has been a large shopping district built up around it. We sure enjoyed the gelato.