Panama Cruise on Star Pride from Colon (Panama)

Colon (Panama)

Colón, Panama, is the second largest city in Panama, at the Caribbean end of the Panama Canal. Colón is an important port, commercial center, and tourist destination. It was made a free trade zone in 1953 and is the worlds second largest duty-free port. The city was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad. Colón is the Spanish form of Columbus. Monuments Not to Miss: Christopher Columbus statue, Christ statue and Virgin Mary statue (both near the Seawall), Shell Monument, Aspinwall Monument, and Monument of the Students' Revolution.

Panama Canal

The interest of establishing a short route from the Atlantic to the Pacific seas started with the explorers of central america at the beginning od the XVI century. The conqueror of Mexico, Hernan Cortes, suggested the construction of a canal through the isthmus of Tehuantepec. During the years they made a few attempts and projects, but all were neglected or forgotten. Fernando de Lesseps, constructor of the Suez Canal started building it but for economical and political reasons the project failed. Finally the United States took over the company in charge. The construction of the Panama Canal was one of the biggest engineering projects of all times. It was calculated that it would be completed in ten years; although in the summer of 1914 before provisions, it started to work. The construction involved not only the excavation of approximately 143 million m3 of earth, but also the entire sanitation of the canal zone (that was infested of mosquitos that spreaded malaria and yellow fever). The sanitation was done by the medical department of the United States Army, which nearly completely eradicated the diseases. The final cost of the canal was 336 million dolars. Panama has the control of the canal and complete sovereignty of the calle Canal Zone, since the 31st of december 1999.

Manta, Quito (Ecuador)

Manta is a mid-sized city in Manabi Province, Ecuador. It is the second most populous city in the province. Its main economic activity is tuna fishing. Other economic activities include tourism and a chemical industry with products from cleaning supplies to oils and margarine. Manta possesses the largest seaport in Ecuador. Places to visit: the refurbished Playa Murciélago, is in the Malecón area; it features a scenic boardwalk, restaurants serving excellent seafood fresh out of the ocean, recreational sports, craft markets, bars and other places for fun and relaxation. The small town of Montecristi, with its colonial architecture, and well known for shopping the local crafts such as ceramics, wickerwork and Panama hats in a variety of shapes and colors.

Manta, Quito (Ecuador)

Manta is a mid-sized city in Manabi Province, Ecuador. It is the second most populous city in the province. Its main economic activity is tuna fishing. Other economic activities include tourism and a chemical industry with products from cleaning supplies to oils and margarine. Manta possesses the largest seaport in Ecuador. Places to visit: the refurbished Playa Murciélago, is in the Malecón area; it features a scenic boardwalk, restaurants serving excellent seafood fresh out of the ocean, recreational sports, craft markets, bars and other places for fun and relaxation. The small town of Montecristi, with its colonial architecture, and well known for shopping the local crafts such as ceramics, wickerwork and Panama hats in a variety of shapes and colors.

Guayaquil (Ecuador)

Guayaquil (Ecuador)

MACHALA

Trujillo, Honduras

Lima, Peru

Lima, Peru