05 Panama/Costa Rica: Going back to the past...

"My goal is to run out of pages in my passport. A change of latitude would help my attitude..."

(Goodbye Panama, Hola Costa Rica)

Day 05: 23/06/25 (Monday)
Activity: Panama City Tour
Flight: AV642 PTY 1330/SAL 1345 (Avianca)
Route: Panama City, Panama - San Jose, Costa Rica
Hotel: Cultura Plaza Hotel San Jose, Costa Rica

By 8:00 a.m., we were already at the hotel restaurant, though the wait for a simple breakfast felt unusually long. Outside, our ever-punctual guide, Mr. Ruben, was waiting patiently. With our flight to San José scheduled for 1:30 p.m., we had just enough time to enjoy a half-day tour of Panama City before heading to the airport.

(Waiting patiently for our breakfast)

(Costa Rican coffee and a plate of tropical fruits)

(Hard boiled eggs, salad and toasted bread)

Our first stop was the Jama Mosque of Panama City. Though closed at that hour, the quiet building stood as a reminder of the city’s diversity. Known locally as Jama Mezquita, it is the oldest mosque in both Panama and Central America, built in 1980 and inaugurated in 1982. With space for up to 500 worshippers, it remains an important cultural and spiritual home for the Muslim community here.

(Jame' Mosque of Panama City)

(Islamic Foundation of Panama)

(A centre for Islamic community)

From there, we made our way to Casco Viejo - also called Casco Antiguo or the Old Quarter. This historic heart of Panama City is an enchanting mix of Spanish colonial, French, and Neoclassical architecture. Colorful facades with wrought-iron balconies line cobblestone streets, while rooftop terraces overlook the ocean and the modern skyline beyond. No wonder UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1997.

(A world Heritage Site)

(The historic, soulful old town)

(A mixed of restored neoclassical buildings)

(Romantic wrought iron balconies)

(A narrow colourful walking street)

(Diablicos Restaurant in the old quarters)

(The Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria la Antigua, one of the century old churches)

(A display of expensive classic Panama hats)

(The skyline of Panama City)

(Souvenirs from the street vendors)

(The cheaper version of the Panama hats)

We drove to the famous Panama Sign. This vibrant “PANAMÁ” sign is a colorful public art installation and popular photo spot located near Flamenco Marina on Isla Flamenco, part of the Amador Causeway in Panama City. It is designed to offer iconic, picture-perfect views of the city skyline and the bay scenic waterfront backdrop.

(A striking and colourful landmark of Panama)

(The Flamenco Marina, along the Cinta Costera)

(Stunning view of the Pacific Ocean)

(Monument to the 22,000 workers killed)

(The historic handshake between USA/Panama leaders)

(The vibrant coloured of Panama Bio-Museum)

Not far away was the Mirador de las Américas, a small yet striking observation park perched on the western end of the Bridge of the Americas. From here, we could see the bridge itself spanning the Pacific entrance of the canal, ships gliding below, Balboa Harbour, and the green rise of Cerro Ancón. The site is also home to the Chinese Memorial Gateway, its red-roofed pagoda entrance and marble monument honoring over 150 years of the Chinese community in Panama—guarded by proud stone lions.

(The Chinese Memorable Gateway)

(Monument of 150 years of Chinese presence)

(A view of Miraflores locks)

Crossing the Bridge of the Americas on our way to the airport felt like a fitting farewell. This vital link of the Pan-American Highway has long symbolized Panama’s role as a bridge between continents and oceans.

(The Bridge of the Americas)

(Crossing the Panama Canal)

We arrived at Tocumen International Airport with just enough time to check in. The short one-hour flight passed quickly. I dozed off and awoke as we landed in San José, Costa Rica around 1:45 p.m. local time. Rain greeted us, along with the familiar chaos of heavy traffic, as our driver navigated us into the city center.

(Boarding pass to San Jose, Costa Rica)

(On board of the Avianca Airlines)

(Welcome to Costa Rica)

(Mr Sloth, Costa Rica's mascot)

Our hotel, Cultura Plaza, is perfectly located in the heart of San José’s cultural district. Set on Calle 5 and Avenida 0, it faces the historic Cine Variedades and is just a short walk from the National Theatre, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the Jade Museum, and the lively Central Artisan Market. The location felt ideal for immersing ourselves in the city’s history and atmosphere.

(In the taxi to the hotel in San Jose)

(Cultura Plaza Hotel, San Jose)

(Our hotel centrally located in the city)

(Waiting for our room key)

After checking in, our stomachs reminded us that it was long past lunchtime. We took a short walk to Café Al-Masri, a small, family-run Egyptian restaurant tucked away in Barrio Amón, one of San José’s historic neighborhoods. The warm hospitality of the chef, who personally prepares traditional dishes, added to the charm. Plates of flavorful Egyptian food and sweet Arabic desserts were a comforting welcome after a day of travel.

Though the rain still lingered outside, San José already felt inviting - a city with layers of culture waiting to be explored.

(Cafe àl-Masri, an Egyptian restaurant)

(Beef kebab and rice for our late lunch/early dinner)

👈04 Panama: Embera Indigenous Village Experience...

       06: Costa Rica: Bites and Sights City Tour...👉