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Ruins of Panamá Viejo

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

Panamá Viejo contains the archaeological remains of the original Panama City, founded on August 15, 1519, by Pedro Arias Dávila. As the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas, it served as a vital strategic base for the conquest of the Inca Empire and the transshipment of Peruvian gold and silver. The city flourished as a major administrative and religious center for over 150 years until it was brutally attacked and destroyed by the English privateer Henry Morgan on January 28, 1671. Today, visitors can walk through the haunting ruins of the cathedral, various convents, and the town hall. The iconic tower of the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is the site's most recognizable landmark, standing as a testament to its former glory. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, Panamá Viejo is complemented by a modern on-site museum detailing its colonial history. The ruins provide a unique window into the early Spanish colonial ambitions in the New World.

Location: Panama
Top sights: Panamá Viejo · Henry Morgan's Panama expedition · Parque Lefevre
Nearby: Balboa (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	28	28	28	27	27	27	27	27	27	27
Rain mm	20	9	18	107	245	253	204	220	245	260	248	108

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The ruins of Panamá Viejo are an archaeological site that can be visited for an entrance fee. The grounds are extensive and mostly accessible outdoors.

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Typical hours

The site typically opens in the morning at 8:30 AM and closes in the afternoon around 4:30 PM. Holiday hours may vary.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the site - the ruins and views of the Panama City skyline are fantastic. A tripod is useful for long exposures at sunrise.

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Time needed

Allow at least one and a half to two hours for a walk-through. If you also visit the on-site museum, add another 30 minutes.

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Combine with

Combine the ruins visit with the nearby Plaza Mayor Museum and the Biomuseo in the city. The old town Casco Viejo is also a good addition.

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Getting there

The ruins are located in eastern Panama City, about 15 minutes by car from Casco Viejo. Buses and taxis run regularly; organized tours are common.

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Insider tip

Bring sun protection and water as there is little shade on the site. Early morning is the best time for pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors.

Geography

Coordinates

9.00690, -79.48830

Facts

The city was officially founded on August 15, 1519.
Panamá Viejo had an estimated population of 10,000 before its destruction.
Henry Morgan's attack took place on January 28, 1671.
The cathedral tower stands 30 meters tall and was restored in 2006.
It was the very first European city established on the Pacific Ocean.
UNESCO designated the ruins as a World Heritage site in 1997.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Franciscan Convent Ruins (Panamá Viejo)<1 km · NExplore →

Panama Beverage Industry1 km · SExplore →

Estadio Rommel Fernández2 km · NExplore →

Torre Interbank3 km · SExplore →

Panama Thermal Power Plant3 km · WExplore →

Estadio Rod Carew4 km · SExplore →

Punta Culebra Nature Center4 km · SWExplore →

Juan Diaz Industrial Zone4 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Ruins of Panamá Viejo (3)

Panamá Viejo📍 landmark

Ruins of the first Spanish city on the Pacific coast of the Americas, archaeological site in Panama City.

Henry Morgan's Panama expedition📍 landmark

Campaign by Welsh privateer Henry Morgan in 1671, resulting in the destruction of Panama City.

Parque Lefevre📍 landmark

Neighborhood in Panama City, known for residential areas and the namesake park.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When are the ruins open?

The site is generally open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

How much time should one plan for?

Plan for about 2 to 3 hours for a relaxed visit.

Are there entrance fees?

Yes, admission requires a fee which includes access to the museum.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?

Parts of the site are accessible, but it is difficult due to uneven ground.

Is photography allowed?

Yes, personal photography is allowed on the grounds.

Ruins of Panamá Viejo: where is it located?

Ruins of Panamá Viejo is located in Panama.

Ruins of Panamá Viejo: what is there to see?

Highlights include Panamá Viejo, Henry Morgan's Panama expedition, Parque Lefevre.

Ruins of Panamá Viejo: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Ruins of Panamá Viejo: why is it worth visiting?

Panamá Viejo contains the archaeological remains of the original Panama City, founded on August 15, 1519, by Pedro Arias Dávila.

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