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Vasco Núñez de Balboa Statue
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Landmark
The Statue of Vasco Nuñez de Balboa is a heroic bronze figure located on the Avenida Balboa, commemorating the Spanish conquistador's sighting of the Pacific Ocean in 1513. Standing on a pedestal atop a globe, the statue depicts Balboa with a flag in one hand and a sword in the other, symbolically claiming the 'South Sea' for the Spanish Crown. The monument is more than just a statue; it is a symbol of Panama's geographical and historical destiny as a transit point for the world. It was a gift from King Alfonso XIII of Spain and has become a landmark of the city's waterfront. The site is a point of reflection on the colonial era and the moment that changed the global map.
- Location: Panama
- Top sights: Yacht Club Tower · Sky Residences · Santo Tomás metro station
- Nearby: Chilibre (9 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
Visiting
The Vasco Núñez de Balboa statue is outdoors and publicly accessible at all times. It stands in a busy location with no entry restrictions.
Typical hours
Being an outdoor statue, there are no opening hours; it can be viewed day and night. Best visibility is during daylight hours.
Photography
Photography is unrestricted and encouraged. Experiment with different angles to capture the statue against the city or sea backdrop.
Time needed
Visiting the statue takes just a few minutes as it stands in a public square. Allow 10-15 minutes for photos and enjoying the surroundings.
Combine with
The statue is near the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo. Combine with a visit to the Miraflores Locks visitor center.
Getting there
The statue is easily reachable on foot from central Panama City or by taxi. Public buses also run near the location.
Insider tip
Combine the visit with a drive along the Amador Causeway for panoramic skyline views. Read the inscription on the pedestal to learn about Balboa's discovery.
Geography
Facts
- Unveiled in 1924 as part of the celebrations for the city's history.
- Created by renowned Spanish sculptor Mariano Benlliure.
- Stands prominently on the 'Cinta Costera' waterfront promenade.
- Commemorates the 1513 discovery of the 'Mar del Sur'.
- The statue is made of high-quality bronze on a marble base.
- A gift from Spain to its former colony, Panama.
- One of the most iconic symbols of the Panamanian capital.
- Faces the Pacific Ocean, echoing Balboa's historical achievement.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Vasco Núñez de Balboa Statue (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who is depicted?
Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the explorer of the Pacific.
Where is the statue?
It is in a central location with a view of the sea.
Is it suitable for photos?
Yes, a very popular photo subject.
How long does a stop take?
About 10 minutes for photos is plenty.
Is the area safe?
Yes, usually very busy.
Vasco Núñez de Balboa Statue: where is it located?
Vasco Núñez de Balboa Statue is located in Panama.
Vasco Núñez de Balboa Statue: what is there to see?
Highlights include Yacht Club Tower, Sky Residences, Santo Tomás metro station.
Vasco Núñez de Balboa Statue: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Vasco Núñez de Balboa Statue: why is it worth visiting?
The Statue of Vasco Nuñez de Balboa is a heroic bronze figure located on the Avenida Balboa, commemorating the Spanish conquistador's sighting of the Pacific Ocean in 1513.
Explore with Plizio
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Nearby cities
Chilibre
A large district in the north of Panama City.
Las Garzas, Panama
A district in the east of Panama City, near Pacora.
Balboa
A historic district at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal.
San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)
A pristine archipelago of over 360 islands, managed by the indigenous Guna people, featuring postcard-perfect beaches.
History & landmarks
Panama Handicraft Center
A place for traditional Panamanian crafts.
Balboa Monument
A monument dedicated to the explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa.
Parque Urracá
A small but nice city park in Panama City.
Palacio de las Garzas
The official residence of the President of Panama.
National Theatre of Panama
The country's most important opera and theatre building.
Edificio Hatillo
A significant municipal government building.
Palacio Municipal
The City Hall of Panama City in Casco Viejo.
Iglesia de San José
A church in Casco Viejo, famous for its golden altar.
More places
Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
Former Jesuit church in the old town of Panama, Casco Viejo.
Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís
Historic Franciscan church in Casco Viejo, Panama City.
Museum of History of Panama
Documents the history of the country from colonialism to the present day.
Ruins of the Santo Domingo Convent
Remains of the Dominican convent in Casco Viejo, Panama City.
Arco Chato
A famous flat brick arch in the ruins of the Santo Domingo convent.
Plaza Francia
A square rich in history in Casco Viejo, dedicated to the French canal builders.
Interoceanic Canal Museum
Important museum in Casco Viejo about the history of the Panama Canal.
Las Bóvedas
Historic vaults on the city wall of Casco Viejo.