Journey With Jeannie

January 14, 2026, Wednesday

Fuerte Amador, Panama is a cruise port on the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. Like a lot of South American ports, only authorized vehicles are allowed in the port to pick up visitors. There were taxis available. We had an excursion with Panama Vibes, booked through Get Your Guide. A van picked us up from the cruise port and took us to the starting point with our guide, Alex. There were 18 people on the 3 hour walking tour of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO-listed historic district. It was a warm day that included about 80 steps up/down in addition to the stepping up and down on the curbs of the streets. The walk ended up being about 3 miles. I say this for anyone with mobility issues considering this tour.

Panama city was founded August, 16, 1519 by the Spanish. In 1671 it was attacked, looted, and destroyed by fire. These ruins are called Panama Viejo. (We did not visit this area). The city was rebuilt in 1673 approximately 5 miles southwest of the original city. This location is now known as Casco Viejo, ( Old Quarter). Casco Viejo is the historic area that we visited. So everything I mention refers to the city established in 1673.

Alex personalized the tour by telling stories of his childhood growing up in the historic district. He recalled memories of riding these colorful buses that were overpacked with people. Now the buses are used as food trucks, etc. This one is on display inside a restaurant.

• The complex, which included a church, convent, and school, was built by the Jesuits starting around 1641.
• First University: In 1749, the complex became the home of the first university in Panama, the Royal and Pontifical University of San Javier.
  • The Spanish crown expelled the Jesuits from their colonies in 1767, leading to the abandonment of the church.
  • The structure was significantly damaged by a fire in 1781 and further by an earthquake.

• The arch was a key factor in the decision to build the Panama Canal, as its centuries-long existence demonstrated the area’s lack of severe earthquakes. 
• The original church and convent were largely destroyed by fires in the 18th century, but the arch remained intact. 

We saw these molas in a museum. The museum was highlighting some of the Guna indigenous people in the area. 97% of Guna people live in Panama. I assumed these “molas,”artistic embroidery was something from the past, but this tradition started in the 1960s. Molas have been sources of information for the Guna community. They illustrate daily activities, tools and vehicles, and reproduce popular characters and logos of commercial brands. At times, they also announce sporting and social events, and express ideas, political opinions and religious beliefs. The decorated cloths adorn their clothes and head dresses. The women use this form of art to express themselves. I don’t think that would fly in the states.

The interior of the Iglesia de San José (Church of San José) famous for its elaborate golden altar. Our guide says it is not gold, although locals say it is. It looked like it was not.

My Thoughts: We had good time walking around the old city of Panama City. We didn’t have time to stop at any restaurants or shopping because of the ship leaving and traffic was heavy.