For Spring Break 2024, the Fargason and Lockless family set off on an unforgettable adventure to Panama, a destination that perfectly blended history, culture, and outdoor exploration.

Their journey began in Panama City, where they stayed in the heart of Casco Viejo, the city’s charming old town. Filled with colorful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and lively music drifting through the squares, Casco Viejo was the perfect introduction to Panama’s warmth and culture. The kids especially loved strolling through the plaza with ice cream in hand, shopping for souvenirs, and soaking in the vibrant street life.

No trip to Panama would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Panama Canal. The families headed to the Miraflores Visitor Center to watch the canal in action, an engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. From the viewing platform, they watched massive ships, including a cruise liner, pass through the locks. The group was fascinated to learn that the locks operate entirely by gravity and impressed by how quickly vessels move through the system. The IMAX film and exhibits made the complex engineering easy to understand and appreciate.

The adventure continued at Parque Natural Metropolitano, a lush national park and animal refuge right in the middle of the city. Surrounded by tropical forest, they spotted exotic birds, coatis, howler and capuchin monkeys, turtles, and even armies of leafcutter ants, a true urban jungle experience!

After exploring Panama City, the group hopped on a short flight to Bocas del Toro, a laid-back island paradise. With turquoise water, soft white sand, and a lively, colorful town, Bocas was a dream come true. They spent their days snorkeling among nurse sharks and starfish, watching playful dolphins, and relaxing on remote beaches accessible only by boat. Their island-hopping adventure through Isla Bastimentos National Park was a highlight, a perfect blend of beauty and adventure.

Next, they traveled inland to El Valle de Antón, a mountain village nestled in the caldera of an extinct volcano. The cooler air and lush green hills offered a refreshing contrast to the beach. The families hiked the famous La India Dormida trail for breathtaking valley views and explored a forest of “square trees,” a rare natural phenomenon that only occurs in this unique ecosystem.

On their final day, they returned to Panama City to visit the ruins of the original old town, Panama Viejo. They learned that the Casco Viejo, where they had stayed earlier, was actually rebuilt after the original city was destroyed by the infamous Captain Morgan in 1671. Walking among the ancient ruins and climbing the old bell tower offered sweeping views of the modern city and the Pacific Ocean, a memorable end to their trip.

After eight days of exploration, history, and discovery, they returned home with a deep appreciation for Panama’s beauty and spirit. They hope to return one day and highly recommend this trip to neighbors.