any you have ever experienced. University of Panama scientists collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution to bring three million years of history to life through interactive displays, sculptures and enormous galleries.
WHERE TO STAY AND WHAT TO EAT The American Trade Hotel, which opened in 2013 in the heart of the Casco Viejo, is the place to stay. The 50-room, hyper- hip hotel is straight out of a Hemmingway novel. Designed in vintage Floridian palm-print textiles, the place oozes chic. There’s a jazz club on the first floor and a rooftop deck where you can spend your evenings drinking blindingly strong rum.
Also in Casco Viejo is Donde José, run by young chef José Carlos and it’s the hardest dinner ticket in town. The 16-seat restaurant is only open for dinner five nights a week. The food served up by French-trained Panamanian Chef Carlos is a divine mix of native ingredients and creative flavors.
Spanish chef Manolo Madueño serves a different prix-fixe menu each night at Manolo Caracol, a colonial building that doubles as an art gallery. Plan on spending several hours savoring the eight- to ten-course meal.
Those who prefer to stay downtown will appreciate the Waldorf Astoria, the first of its brand in Latin America. Floor-to-ceiling glass, splashes of gold and bronze, and miles of marble are the order of the day at this sophisticated property. Spend your afternoons on the 7th floor terrace swimming in a pool that overlooks the Bay of Panama.
TRAVEL TIPS A few things to know about Panama: the traffic is dreadful and the street signage is even worse. Do not drive yourself around if at all possible – taxis are plentiful and the U.S. dollar is the local currency. Unfortunately, the street signs are so bad, you’ll have to give taxi drivers extremely detailed information to find your destination – a landmark or known cross street is helpful.
IF YOU GO Tocumen International Airport (MPTO/PTY) has a 10,007- foot asphalt runway that sits 135 feet above sea level. The airport is open 24 hours, but keep in mind that you’ll be jockeying for position with commercial aircraft. They have priority at the fuel pump as well, from 06:30h to 10:00h, 11:30h -13:00h, and 16:00h to 21:00h daily. Your handler is Aerosupport Ltda, though you’ll pay all airport fees through Universal. You can reach manager Yanis Rodriguez at 507-238- 4854 Monday through Saturday from 0800h to 1700h (and only until noon on Saturdays). If you’re arriving outside of Aerosupport’s normal office hours, you’ll have to prearrange the visit with a minimum of an hour’s notice. Customs agents and local police are armed, and can board your aircraft at any time, so please advise your passengers if this is their first trip to Panama.
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