Panama's Casco Antiguo Restricts Tourist Buses to Protect Historic Streets

Panama City's historic Casco Antiguo district has implemented new restrictions, barring large tourist buses from entering the area as of July 1. The Casco Antiguo office announced the regulation, which prevents these vehicles from accessing the zone where they typically parked near the Quinto Centenario plaza. Buses are now prohibited from passing the seafood market roundabout.

As an alternative, tour operators must now find parking at the "area de las banderas," located opposite the Presidential Palace, or at the south entrance on the Cinta Costera, which offers approximately 200 parking spaces. Some tour guides noted that the measure formalizes a practice already in place, as maneuvering large buses through the narrow, historic streets of Casco Antiguo is extremely difficult. Traditionally, drivers would drop passengers at the Quinto Centenario plaza for them to walk, and then pick them up at a different location.

The Casco Antiguo office also reminded the public that a similar regulation already exists for trucks and heavy equipment, requiring them to obtain special permits for necessary entries due to their size and weight. The primary objectives behind this new restriction are to safeguard the structural integrity of the tourist zone, especially its cobblestone streets, and to prevent traffic congestion. Further details regarding the rationale behind this decision are expected to be provided by authorities during the week.