The Reid Richards Wedding
Things To Do
Casco Viejo, Panama (Casco Antiguo de Panamá)
Casco Viejo (Casco Antiguo de Panama) is described as a charming old community’ with churches, pedestrian walkways and historical plazas and palaces, a must-see on any tour. It is recommended to plan for more than 3 hours to explore. Casco Viejo is where Elliot and Sheryn took their engagement photos in Panama. It's beautiful! Sheryn's family actually used to live here at a certain point before it turned into the renovated touristy place it is today. Nightlife, restaurants, cafes, pricier souvenir shops, etc are on every corner. There are many high end hotels that are on the pricier side but super cool to stay at for 1-2 days and a lot of history here as well. We have laid out some highlights from our exploration of Casco Viejo but encourage you to plan your own adventure!
Church of Saint Joseph (Iglesia De San José)
Originally built in 1612, this church has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout the centuries. After its final rebuilding in 1737, it was sold and converted into a college chapel in the late 19th century. Home to the famous golden altar - which is actually made of wood and covered in gold flakes - this church is one of the most popular visiting sites for tourists in Casco Viejo. Legend states that during the siege of 1671, Jesuit priests painted the altar black in order to conceal its identity from the pirates; the truth, however, is that the altar was not actually covered in gold until 1915. Aside from the astounding golden altar, this church also boasts a beautiful stained glass window of Saint Rita of Cascia, the Patron Saint of Lost Causes. Photos are permitted in this church any time outside of its regular service.
Hotel La Compañia
Hotel La Compañía in Panama City, Panama is a luxury boutique hotel built on the site of a former Jesuit convent and church that dates back to 1688. The hotel's three wings represent three distinct periods of Panama's history, with the Spanish wing dating back to 1688, the French wing built in 1739, and the American wing built in 1904. Even if you don't stay here, they have an art gallery with pretty cool pieces of history that include: contemporary art, framed Panama Canal documents, and landmark photography. You can walk through the gallery or visit the bar to experience the hotel in passing. It is also attached to a cloister's entrance gate built in 1739, and the original exterior has been carefully preserved.
Lotus House of Coffee | Casco Antiguo
There's plenty of cafes and coffee shops in Casco Viejo but our favorite ended up being this one during our visit to Panama. They had delicious and quick empanadas and yummy teas and coffees. The staff was also super nice and helpful and the air conditioning was much needed!
Primitivo Steakhouse - Casco Viejo
There are so many amazing restaurants in Casco Viejo but our favorite has been Primitivo. The environment is so cool and the food was delicious! Depending on when you go, a reservation may be best! It's a steakhouse.
Panama Canal Museum
Open: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00am - 6:00pm. Sheryn has visited the Panama Canal Museum at the Canal but this seems to be under construction and no longer open. The museum you can visit is located in Casco Viejo. They offer guided tours as well as just entrance fees to visit on your own terms. Non-resident pricing is: $15 for adults, $7.50 for students and seniors (retirees), $5 for kids ages 6-12.
El Faro Rooftop Bar
Rooftop Bar near Casco Viejo! You can see out to the entire city and it's beautiful! Reservations highly recommended.
Miraflores Visitor's Center
In order to see the Panama Canal, we recommend you go to the Miraflores Locks (Miraflores Visitor's Center) where the tickets include entrance to the Panama Canal and viewing of the movie at the IMAX Theater (highly recommended). Pricing for non-residents is $17.22 for adults, $7.22 for minors between 6 and 12 years old. Free admission for children under 6 years old. Ticket Office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Panamá Viejo
The area now known as Panama Viejo was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Ocean. Explore the archeological site of Panama Viejo to see various historical ruins including the iconic bell tower where you can look at the Panama City skyline from the city’s original “skyscraper.” The layout and scale of Old Panama remains largely unchanged from the original form. While you’re there, take some time to shop at the artisan market, where you can pick up local crafts and souvenirs. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30am a 5:30pm. Ticket office closes at 4:30pm.
Terrat
Another lovely rooftop restaurant in Panama City! Food was delicious and drinks too. Mezcal was available here.
El Trapiche
Authentic Panamanian food spot. Sheryn's family's favorite is off Via Argentina or the one at Albrook Mall. Emparedado de Ropa Vieja on Hojaldra is Sheryn's favorite.
Causeway Amador
The rock extracted when the Panama Canal was being built between 1904 to 1914 was used to build the causeway. From 1920 to 1980, fortifications were erected here to protect the southern entrance to the Panama Canal. It was part of a military base first called Fort Grant and later named Fort Amador. Many of these buildings now host restaurants, shops, and clubs that both residents and tourists enjoy. You can rent bicycles, scooters, stop along the sides and take pictures, eat food, ice cream, and shop at the Tax Free Shop for souvenirs and good deals on big brands with your passport.
The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort - Playa Blanca, Panama
Buenadventura Resort comes highly recommended by Sheryn's family. It's a boujee resort nearby to where the wedding will take place, 2 hours outside of the city near Playa Blanca that is not all-inclusive. They offer fun for the entire family with five separate pools just steps from the beach. They also offer a wide variety of activities, from our exciting high-course rope park to tennis and golf, a 24-hour fitness center, and an on-site spa. There is an array of restaurants, from a swim-up pool bar to Japanese sushi and teppanyaki restaurant. A fun adventure for those wanting to splurge and explore a bit nearby the wedding venue resort.
Altieri Specialty Coffee
If you've ever wanted to see coffee plants up close, and you end up over at Boquete Tree Trek, Altieri is right at the end of the mountain. They sell coffee beans as well as lattes, cappuccinos, frappes, etc and you can sit by the coffee plants and enjoy the day.
Boquete Tree Trek Mountain Resort
Boquete Tree Trek offers many things including a zipline tour that Sheryn has done two times! They've now expanded to rum tours, coffee tours, bee tours, bird tours, and much more. They also have a cute set up on the top of the mountain where you can stay or just go up to eat. Food is delicious and they have many wines to choose from as well. Beware the one way road up and down the mountain as cars end up stuck on the sides when the land is very wet. The car coming up the mountain typically gets the right of way. If you do get stuck, the actual place should be able to pull your car out and people coming up and down will offer to help you.
Cerro Punta
This is definitely a spot to drive to on the country side if you're feeling up to it! Lots of local foods, pastries, desserts, and fresh produce up on the mountain. Beautiful views for sure!
Volcán
Panama has an inactive volcano with plenty of food and adventure surrounding it on the country side. There's plenty of tours, coffee, food, resorts, hotels around the area and opportunities for pictures!