if you go to Panama, you have to visit Panama la Vieja, to compare how much the country gowed in the last 10 years, and traditions still in Panama la Vieja, I recommend to arrange a taxi tour for 15 dollars an hour

This is the part of the city that was completely destroyed by pirates in 1673. Much of the ruins are little more than rubble, but, they are working on restoring some of it, and had some good informational placards around most of the former building. Also a good viewing tower at the Cabildo.

This is an historic place that has been left to it's own resources by goverments more interested in maintaining popularity than solving peoples problems. At least right now, something is being done to preserve, whats left. I beleive you still can see people that use parts of the Spanish constructions as walls to their homes. This should stop. A visit to Panama, without The Canal, Panama Viejo, San Lorenzo and Portobello it's not complete. This places are not only part of the Panamenian history these are part of the Latin American history.

The Panamanian version of Petra. It is being restored by UNESCO. It was actually quite interesting to take in these ruins. You can climb the church steps to the top for incredible views. They are expanding the site to make it more tourists friendly. As it is though, it is worth about an hour.