DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Palace of the Herons

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
—°3
Palace of the Herons (Panama)

Weather…

The Palacio de las Garzas functions as the official residence and office of the President of Panama, located in the historic Casco Viejo district of Panama City. Originally constructed in 1673 as the residence for the Spanish governor, the building has served various purposes including a customs house before its designation as the presidential palace. In 1922, President Belisario Porras commissioned an extensive renovation that added Moorish and Andalusian architectural details, particularly visible in the central courtyard. The palace earned its name, the Palace of the Herons, from the African herons brought from the Darién province in 1922 which still inhabit the courtyard today. Key interior spaces include the Yellow Room, used for official diplomatic ceremonies, and the Tamarind Room, decorated with native wood. As a primary symbol of Panamanian sovereignty, the palace stands as one of the oldest and most significant government buildings in the country, overlooking the Pacific entrance of the canal.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272728282827272727272727
Rain mm20918107245253204220245260248108

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Palace of the Herons is the official residence of the President of Panama and is not open to the public. However, you can admire the impressive façade and the main entrance, with the famous herons on the lawn, from the outside.
🕒
Typical hours
As a residence, there are no visiting hours for tourists. The exterior can be seen 24/7, but it is best to visit during the day when the herons are on the lawn and the light is optimal for photos.
📷
Photography
Photography of the exterior façade is allowed at any time, even with flash. Be careful not to disturb the security staff and photograph from a respectful distance - the herons are best captured with a telephoto lens.
⏱️
Time needed
Visiting the exterior area usually takes 10-15 minutes to see the façade and the herons. If you also explore the adjacent square and surrounding buildings in Casco Antiguo, allow 30 minutes.
➕
Combine with
The palace is directly on Plaza de la Independencia in Casco Antiguo. Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby cathedral, Bolívar Palace, and Paseo de Las Bóvedas - all within a five-minute walk.
🧭
Getting there
The Palace of the Herons is on Plaza de la Independencia, in the heart of Casco Antiguo. You can easily reach it on foot from most old town attractions; by taxi, it's best to get off at the edge of the square.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the palace in the late afternoon when the herons are often active and the golden light beautifully illuminates the façade. Watch for the white herons roaming freely on the lawn - they are the symbol of the palace.

Geography

Coordinates
8.95350, -79.53330

Facts

  • The original structure was completed in 1673 following the destruction of Old Panama.
  • The iconic herons were first introduced to the courtyard in 1922 from the Darién.
  • Major renovations in 1922 were led by President Belisario Porras to modernize the site.
  • The Yellow Room serves as the primary hall for official state functions and ceremonies.
  • Interior murals were painted by the celebrated Panamanian artist Roberto Lewis.
  • The building once functioned as a customs house during the 18th century.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bolivar PalaceBolivar Palace<1 km · SExplore →
Cinta Costera PlaygroundCinta Costera Playground2 km · NExplore →
Ancón HillAncón Hill2 km · SExplore →
Estadio Rod CarewEstadio Rod Carew2 km · NEExplore →
National Zoo of PanamaNational Zoo of Panama3 km · SEExplore →
Bridge of the AmericasBridge of the Americas3 km · SExplore →
Torre Las AméricasTorre Las Américas4 km · NExplore →
Taboga Wildlife RefugeTaboga Wildlife Refuge4 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Palace of the Herons (3)

Palacio de las Garzas📍 landmark

The official residence of the President of Panama in the old town.

Casco Viejo, Panama📍 landmark

The old town of Panama City features colonial architecture and narrow streets.

Archdiocese of Panamá📍 landmark

The Catholic archdiocesan seat in Panama City, overseeing the region.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can one visit the palace?
No, it is the official residence of the president and not open to the public.
Why is it called the 'Palace of the Herons'?
The name comes from the herons kept in the courtyard.
Can I take photos from the outside?
Yes, photos from the street are allowed.
Where exactly is the palace located?
It is located in the historic district of Casco Viejo.
Is it safe to walk there at night?
Yes, the neighborhood is well-secured at night by police presence.
Palace of the Herons: where is it located?
Palace of the Herons is located in Panama.
Palace of the Herons: what is there to see?
Highlights include Palacio de las Garzas, Casco Viejo, Panama, Archdiocese of Panamá.
Palace of the Herons: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Palace of the Herons: why is it worth visiting?
The Palacio de las Garzas functions as the official residence and office of the President of Panama, located in the historic Casco Viejo district of Panama City.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
More places in Panama →

More places

San Francisco de Asís Church — Palace of the Herons (Panama)
San Francisco de Asís Church
This church is known for its stunning architecture and its location on Bolivar Plaza.
Bolivar Plaza (Panama City) — Palace of the Herons (Panama)
Bolivar Plaza (Panama City)
Bolivar Plaza is dedicated to Simon Bolivar, who convened the Amphictyonic Congress here.
Bolivar Palace — Palace of the Herons (Panama)
Bolivar Palace
Bolivar Palace houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the hall where the 1826 Amphictyonic Congress was held.
San Felipe Neri Church — Palace of the Herons (Panama)
San Felipe Neri Church
San Felipe Neri Church is one of the oldest churches in Casco Viejo.
Independence Plaza — Palace of the Herons (Panama)
Independence Plaza
Independence Plaza, also known as Plaza Mayor, is the site where Panama's independence from Colombia was declared in 1903.
San José Church (Golden Altar) — Palace of the Herons (Panama)
San José Church (Golden Altar)
San José Church is famous for its massive Baroque altar covered in gold leaf.
National Theatre of Panama — Palace of the Herons (Panama)
National Theatre of Panama
The National Theatre is an architectural gem in neoclassical style.
Paseo de Las Bóvedas — Palace of the Herons (Panama)
Paseo de Las Bóvedas
Paseo de Las Bóvedas is a promenade atop the old city wall.