Balboa

Balboa is a district of Panama City, located at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal in South America.

Balboa was founded by the United States during the construction of the Panama Canal.

Sightseeing highlights include the Administration Building, Ancon Hill, the Goethals Memorial and two handmade-craft markets.

Avenida Balboa has pedestrian and bike paths, sports courts and benches to rest and take in the views of the bay and islands.

Panama City is only 10km northwest of Balboa. Panama City has the only Rainforest in the world within the city limits of a metropolis. The Metropolitan National Park is around a 15-30 minute drive from the city.

Casco Viejo, Panama City's Historical Sector is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Authentic souvenirs made by one of Panama's seven living Indian tribes make good gifts. The most popular being "molas," intricate reverse appliqué embroidery, also hand-woven baskets and tagua nut sculptures.

Popular dishes include Sancocho (chicken and vegetable stew), Empanadas (corn or flour pastries filled with meat, potatoes and/or cheese) and Carimanola (fried yucca roll stuffed with meat and boiled eggs). Fresh seafood and tropical fruits such as mango and coconut are also eaten.

Balboa is located at the first lock on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal. Cruise ships dock at the main port in Balboa Harbour, which is around 10km away from Panama’s capital, Panama City.