Very interesting site. The ruins make a stark contrast with the modern skyline of the city. A must see in Panama City
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Admission Ticket
Excludes
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to/from attractions
Itinerary
Visiting the Panama Viejo Historical Monument Complex is an opportunity to discover the history of the first city founded by the Spanish on the Pacific coast of the American continent as well as the remains of its Pre-Hispanic inhabitants. Below we provide some advice for you to plan your visit. The circuit around the Panama Viejo Historical Monument Complex covers a distance of 1.5 km and can be done in 2 hours, including the museum, a walk around the site, and going to the top of the lookout. The lookout is at the Cathedral Tower, it has a height of 30 meters and it allows the visitor to enjoy a panoramic view of the colonial city and the modern city.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Excellent experience I enjoy a lot it was very nice we got there they scan my ticket and I got a ride to the ruins and the museum very great maybes museum to learn about Panama viejo history .
Included with cruise excursion so dont know admision price. Only did the museum at the end, drove past the rest. Free wifi in museum. I would you do this from the start and explore the ruins as you go. Worth a vist.
I went there on a cloudy day and there was a little breeze. It was the perfect temperature to walk around the site and climb in the tower. Up there, the view of the city is incredible.
A relaxing day learning about the people and the history that shaped Panama. They do have a tram which will take you around if you don’t want to walk.
we did a self tour but we were able to read the history and take pictures. we were there four 3 hours
This is a must see experience in Panama City. You walk through the ruins of Panama's early settlement and then you immerse yourself in the exhibits and displays in the Museo de la Plaza Mayor. There's no problem with the exhibits in the museum because they are explained in both Spanish and English. There's a particularly interesting section on the "pirate" attacks on the city.
Most tourists who visit Panama City come for the canal, and this site may serve merely to round out their tourist experience or possibly to fill an empty afternoon. However, if you’re someone who likes old places, it’s well worth visiting this site which includes the ruins of the original Panama City. The ruins are fairly extensive and some remain surprisingly intact, given that the original city was methodically destroyed in 1671 either by the English or the Spanish, depending on which history you read, and the fact that the stones from some of the destroyed buildings were used to help build what is now known as Casco Viejo a few miles away. Also, the rainy and humid Panamanian climate is pretty tough on buildings. Among the more well-preserved buildings were a 17th century convent and a three-story cathedral in which a climb to the top revealed some excellent views of the modern city. Some of the ruined buildings have been refurbished recently, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that they’re 350 years old, among the oldest European buildings in the western hemisphere. There’s a shuttle bus that runs from the main ticket office to the ruins, but it’s also a pleasant walk. There are signs in both Spanish and English. There’s a fine museum that answered my questions as to why the Spanish built Panama City on the Pacific Coast rather than the Atlantic Coast which had never made sense to me before I came here. And there’s a small outdoor café where lunch is available. I visited on a Saturday during the rainy season, and there were quite a few visitors, mostly Panamanians I think, but it wasn’t crowded by any means. If you like ruins, it’s a solid five stars; if you visit merely to tick off a tourist box, probably three stars.
A historic and impressive site that tells the history of the old Panama City. It is easy to get to, they offer transportation services from the ticket office to the ruins and you can travel it freely. The views are very beautiful.
A nice history lesson. Perfect for a stroll back in time. I think this area is a good place for a photo shoot.
Interesting history of the old settlement before Casco Viejo. The ruins were cool to look at and the viewpoint from the top of the tower was beautiful
Historical site, definitely enjoyable, you can have a nice view of the city from the top of the tower. It’s a bit of walk inside but they provide transportation from the entrance to the center. Although, for the price they charge, 17usd, there isn’t much more than just ruins of stone buildings. The museum is decent but not extraordinary.
The city was destroyed by Cpt. Morgan in the 1600s and never rebuilt. Not too many buildings left. The small museum explains the history of this settlement.
This is a historical site that all tourists should visit. It's not just about the Spanish's establishment of a permanent city in Panama, but also a lot of info on the indigenous Panamanians that lived here prior to Spanish arrival. It is a large park, and most of the sites are just ruins, but you do get an idea of the footprint and daily life that these people experienced. The grounds are kept up very nicely, there is a very nice book store, wonderful museum, small café (very reasonable for being at a tourist attraction), and you can wonder in and around the ruins. Residents and retirees get the best prices for admission, and tourists pay about $18 per ticket. There is a tram that takes you from the entrance to the museum (maybe a 1/4 mile), although I recommend just walking it as there are ruins you pass along the way. There are bathrooms at the entrance and at the museum. Each of the ruins has a bilingual description of what you're looking at and a drawing of what the original building looked like. It will be hot so dress comfortably. There are sporadic benches around the ruins to sit in the shade of huge trees and in the company of large iguanas. I just visited again and spent three hours there. If you enjoy historical and cultural ruins, then you'll enjoy this. However, I'd recommend you consider not going if you don't like walking or the heat. Once you finish the park, don't visit the immediate area. It is, unfortunately, and economically depressed area. You will look like an opportunity. Get an Uber or Taxi and head back into the nicer area of Panama City. The park is perfectly safe. There will be multiple policemen there.
The views were great. The scenery was very picturesque. The museum was also very interesting and we learnt a lot about Panamanian history. The cart that drives around the area is pretty prompt - they circle around every 15 minutes. My advice is to walk with a hat or an umbrella and lots of water because the sun in HOT. There is also a little shop that sells water and other refreshments. Also - the attendant at the entrance was very kind. Even though she didn’t speak English, she tried to use her phone to translate and communicate.
It was an overall good experience. Could've been a but more organized in terms of time slots n dedicated guides but it was still informative n fun.
Love the culture and history. The museum was very informative and the sights well preserved. Would definitely recommend.
Fantastically preserved ruins of the original Panama city settlement, great to wander around all the scenic ruins with the modern city in the background
The site was fantastic! The reason for only 4 stars is because TripAdvisor should CLEARLY state where the address is to enter the site. We mapped to Panama La Vieja and this is NOT the entrance. For Uber destination select: Museo Panama Viejo to enter Panama Las Viejas!!
Old town full of history, ideal if you are looking for a half day trip. Was the main city back in the 1500s but destroyed by the famous pirate Henry Morgan. Recommend to book with guide. If you like history it should be one of your stops.
Very pretty and relaxing to walk around, nice info boards. But there is no line to skip... There is not a lot of tourism walking around. I don't know the price when paid at the entrance but I'd rather have bought it there at any day I want to go. There are no guides, just boards that you can read yourself in Spanish and English. I suggest to just go and buy the ticket there.
I enjoyed the visit here and looking at the historical monuments and museums. What i didn’t like was how unorganized they were here. When I first got here, the young lady at the booth was confused with my tickets from trip advisor, she called someone and eventually they let us through. She then told us to “walk for 3 minutes until we see transport”. We walked for 10 minutes, not knowing what to look for, and that’s when the trolly drove right past us. We ended up waiting for him to pass by again, and asked him if we can jump on. Keep in mind, this isn’t a guided tour, you just hop on and off the trolley and read about each monument.
Visited this site with our family on a recent trip to Panama. Pretty cool look into the history of Panama City and learn the story of Captain Morgan and his raid of the city. Also great views of the contrast between the old ruins and the modern-day Skyline. We simply walked the grounds and did a little research on our own. Not really that easy to get to by car, so plan ahead if coming from the airport or from downtown.
It is a very well organized area, beautiful streets, cafes and varied eating options, ancient monuments and buildings very well protected
We didn't plan to spend too much time here, but actually we spent more the 2 hours. Here is where the city started, with a lot of history to learn. And the ruins are beautiful. There is a fantastic view from the top of the ruin tower.
It remains the ruins of what was Panama City's very first city, dating from 1519 and destroyed in 1671 by the Welsh pirate Henry Morgan. The city was certainly rebuilt by the Spanish, but in a more favorable place. These episodes are very well explained at the Museo de la Plaza Mayor.
An amazing place to learn a bit about the history of Panama. The ticket currently costs $17 and student 7 in the case of foreigners. Be careful when putting on uber Panama Viejo as it locates in an inaccessible location. The entrance is through the Visitor Center. Being in town I believe to be an unforgettable walk
Wonderful view. It is like a painting that mixes the old rustic and modern constructions, surrounded by pure nature.
I went and came back by bus, the stop is very close to the ticket office. Entry 15 dollars, I had a heart attack but it was one of the best places I've visited to date. The history of the place is unbelievable, read every line! Very good museum. There is a craft shopping center next door. I couldn't buy anything because I didn't have any change, they don't accept cards at any newsstand. Take the opportunity to buy your fridge magnet there. Very hot indeed. Be comfortable, hat, water, SUNSCREEN. There is a snack bar there.
The place is incredible for those who enjoy local history, archeology and contact with the distant past. It is a jewel that was destroyed by pirates in the 16th century.... think of a movie location.... if you pass through Panama, take 2 hours to visit the place, it is worth it!!!
The ruins of Panama Viejo are located about 12km from Casco Viejo. You pay $10 to get into the park. Besides the ruins there is a museum that tells a bit of the history of Panama and its people. Access is easy, but wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you walk a lot on a dusty road, but there is a trenzinho that makes the route.
The staff and because it was off-season there was nothing to expect, the view is wonderful, I think it could improve if there was a guide and a map of the recommended route.
Suitable place to live the true history of Panamanian origins, the stories of pirates, conquerors, governors, etc.
Interesting to see the ruins of the first city founded by the Spanish e. The Pacific. And the museum. They help to understand the Past
Estaba bastante solo durante nuestro recorrido por la mañana, lo que fue bastante agradable por temas de bioseguridad
Panama the Elder is the oldest part of Panama City. After it was burned by the pirate Morgan this part was practically destroyed and its ruins remain like the towers of which were churches. On a very hot day it can be uncomfortable, however, it is worth visiting.
Old Panama is a very beautiful place, full of history, however it is necessary to do the tour with a guide, as its posters are not entirely explanatory. The staff of the complex is not very simple to solve doubts of tourists.
So actually it's the first Panama. There are a few ruins and the tower of the Cathedral Nuestra Sentra de la Asunción. A beautiful view from the tower of the "entire city". Especially worth seeing is the small museum of history. Be sure to go in! For the foot sick, a small train runs from the museum through the grounds to the ruins of the cathedral.
When visiting this country, it is advisable to visit Panama Viejo (or “Panama la Vieja” as the locals tell you). It is currently an archaeological site that houses the ruins where Panama City was initially located, which was destroyed by the attack of the pirate Morgan. It is also important to know other aspects of this beautiful country.
Very educational and pleasant the visit to this historical, archaeological site.It was a very important city in terms of transport at that time.
Those who like historic tours will find this well weak. The ruins are there, the history too, but the structure offered to tourists is very weak. The worst is that you pay $15 just to enter!!! It is not accessible, if it rains you will get very wet and walk through mud. The park is beautiful, but there's dirt around. I do not recommend unless it is for taking thematic photographs of ancient stones!
It is a place by the sea, although climate change and the hand of man have already done their thing. It is a set of ruins with much history, as it was the first Pacific city in America founded on August 15, 1519 and destroyed almost a century later by the assault of pirate Morgan. It has buildings of the period, churches (the one that remains the tower standing), convents, squares. Annexes there is a visitor center where you can learn the history and also has a craft center for visitors. I recommend it.
For lovers of history like me, wonderful place, in addition to the very well preserved ruins, the place has a museum telling the history of the country, the before the Panama Canal, do not miss visiting!
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
Reach us by phone
Reach us by email
