"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: San Jose Hotel Cultura Plaza, Costa Rica By 8.00 am we were already at the hotel restaurant for breakfast but it took so long for them to prepare a simple breakfast.
 |
| (Waiting patiently for our breakfast) |
 |
| (Costa Rican coffee and a plate of tropical fruits) |
 |
| (Hard boiled eggs, salad and toasted bread) |
Our tour guide Mr Ruben was already waiting for us patiently. Our flight to San Jose, Costa Rica is scheduled at 1.30 pm and we have ample time for a half day tour of Panama City before our departure. This morning we managed to cover a few interesting attractions in town.
 |
| (Jame' Mosque of Panama City) |
 |
| (Islamic Foundation of Panama) |
 |
| (A centre for Islamic community) |
Our first visit was the Jame' Mosque of Panama. The mosque was closed as it was not prayer time. Jama Mosque, also known as Jama Mezquita is the oldest mosque in Panama and Central America, located in Panama City. It was built beginning in 1980 and was inaugurated in 1982, serving as a spiritual and cultural centre for the Muslim community. The main prayer hall can accommodate up to 400–500 worshippers.
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Next stop was Casco Viejo also known as Casco Antiguo or the Old Quarter. It is the historic heart of Panama City, and one of the most culturally rich and atmospheric places in all of Panama. Built on a small peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the modern city skyline. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. A mix of Spanish colonial, French, and Neoclassical architecture with colorful buildings with wrought-iron balconies, cobblestone streets, and rooftop terraces.
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's designed to offer iconic, picture-perfect views of the city skyline and the bay scenic waterfront backdrop.
Next we made a stop at the Mirador de las Américas, a small but striking observation park located just on the western end of the Bridge of the Americas, in the Arraiján District of Panamá Oeste—about 5 km west of Panama City. The place offers sweeping views of the Bridge of the Americas, the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, Balboa Harbour, Cerro Ancón, and passing ships. The Chinese Memorial Gateway with red‑roofed pagoda entrance and marble monument honoring 150+ years of the Chinese community in Panama, adorned with guardian lion statue
On the way to the airport, we drove on the Bridge of the Americas, a vital and iconic road bridge in Panama: Spanning the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal at Balboa, near Panama City, it connects the eastern and western sides of the country, forming a critical link on the Pan‑American Highway.
We were at the Panama Tocuman International Airport just in time to check-in and board the plane. The one hour journey was spent napping.
Landed in San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport at 1.45 pm local time. We were met by a driver who sent us to our hotel which is located in the middle of town. It was raining and there was a massive traffic jam.
Cultura Plaza Hotel is situated on Calle 5 & Avenida 0, directly across from the historic Cine Variedades, just steps from the National Theatre, Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Jade Museum, and the Central Artisan Market . It is ranked as an excellent location ideal for exploring San José's cultural core.
After we checked-in the hotel, we walked a short distance to Cafe Al-Masri for a late lunch. Al Masri Cocina Egipcia is a small, authentic Egyptian café/restaurant located in Barrio Amón, a historic district in central San José. It is a family-owned by an Egyptian chef who prepares traditional dishes himself. It serves classic Egyptian dishes and Arabic desserts.
No comments:
Post a Comment