Taboga

From Wikitravel

In 1515 a group of Spanish soldiers reached the island, killed, slaved and took substantial amounts of gold from the Indians living in this Island. This occurred only two years after Vasco Nuñes de Balboa had first been in Panama and before the first city of Panama was ever built. Now days this old city is called “Panama Viejo” or "Old Panama". After this event, a small colony of Spanish people decided to live on Taboga Island and had the island to them selves until 1949, when Panama freed its Indian slaves and a good number chose to make Taboga their home. While the Spanish colony inhabited the Island, Francisco Pizarro and his men used this island to hide the riches taken from Peru and other South American Countries.

Besides from all, Taboga Island is now days one of Panama ’s favorite escapes out of the city or weekend spots to bathe in is beautiful beach, ride Jet Ski’s, speed boats, fishing charters and even blast music. The Island has a charming village with a whitewashed church, a few narrow streets with a few restaurants, payphones, bakery, hotels and great views to Panama City from the top of the Island at approximately 300 meters.

• Panama, Calle, ☎ 263. 9am.  edit