Will Camino de Cruces become a National Monument?

Camino del Cruces a colonial cobblestone road dating back to 1530 is seeking national protection. These historical roads were used to transport gold. silver and precious stones to Portobello, where they would be transported to Spain.

In the 1849 gold rush, the roads were used by prospectors to reach Panama and to get ships to the California goldfields.

In an effort to preserve the piece of Panamanian history,  Technicians of the National Institute of Culture (INAC) have carried out a topographic survey with an aim to use the information to deem the path a national historical monument. 

While the route currently has Panama’s municipal protection, which was approved in In November 2017, by the Council INAC aims to gain the route of cultural and environmental interest, national protection and recognition. 

The Municipal declaration was made in the face of construction threats and tree felling. 

The route of the Camino de Cruces begins in Panama City with the cobblestone path to the town of Venta de Cruces on the banks of the Chagres River. The route continues traveling with boats down the river to its mouth at the Fort of San Lorenzo in Chagres.

The road was made of stones, with a width of eight feet (twice the width of the Camino Real) and with larger master stones at the edges.