Panama City, a cultural melting pot nestled at the crossroads of two immense oceans and serving as the gateway to the legendary Panama Canal, has long been a beacon for travelers seeking a unique blend of history, culture, and modern convenience. In February 2020, just before the world came to a standstill, this dynamic metropolis was teeming with life. Read on to discover the allure of Panama City during this vibrant time.
February in Panama City is part of the dry season, which runs from mid-December to April. With clear skies, balmy breezes, and comfortable temperatures averaging around 28 degrees Celsius (82°F), it's the perfect month for exploring the outdoors. Visitors relish in pleasant weather, ideal for strolling along the Cinta Costera, a scenic waterfront promenade, or lounging on the sun-bathed decks of rooftop bars sipping local rum.
Travelers visiting in February are in for a treat, as the month is often marked by the country's spirited Carnaval celebrations. Although the festivities are more renowned in the towns of Las Tablas and Penonomé, Panama City bursts into life with vivid parades, colorful costumes, and infectious music. It's an opportunity to experience Panamanian culture at its most exuberant, as locals and tourists alike dance to the rhythms of salsa, reggaeton, and traditional tamborito.
Old meets new in Panama City, nowhere more so than at Casco Viejo, the city's historic district. Here, a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and centuries-old churches like the Metropolitan Cathedral beckon travelers. In 2020, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was more animated than ever, brimming with hip eateries, chic galleries, and boutique hotels. Yet, a short distance away, the bustling banking district and its towering skyline offered a stark contrast. Skyscrapers like the F&F Tower (locally known as El Tornillo) jut into the sky, emblematic of Panama's economic boom.
No visit to Panama City in February 2020 was complete without witnessing the marvel that is the Panama Canal. This engineering feat, which celebrated its 106 years of operations that year, continues to be a major shipping route for global commerce. At the Miraflores Locks, tourists could watch in awe as massive vessels traversed the narrow canal, a testament to human ingenuity.
Amidst the urban landscape, the Metropolitan Natural Park stood as a bastion of biodiversity - a tropical forest refuge within city limits. Visitors indulged in nature trails, spotting monkeys, sloths, and a myriad of bird species, all while enjoying a panoramic view of the city skyline. Even in the busy month of February, the park offered a peaceful escape to nature enthusiasts and weary travelers seeking solace amidst the greenery.
In retrospect, Panama City in February 2020 was a lively and warm destination, steeped in cultural richness and laden with the promise of adventure. Little did we know, the times to come would drastically change the landscape of travel, making these pre-pandemic memories even more precious and worth cherishing.
