A Brief History Of Omar Torrijos

Omar Torrijos was the dictator of Panama who negotiated the Panama Canal Treaties with the United States, which ultimately led to Panama’s control of the world-famous canal on December 31, 1999.

Torrijos led Panama for a decade, from 1968 to 1978, under his dictatorship. He was one of very few Latin American leaders to visit Fidel Castro in Cuba.

Though corruption and drug trafficking increased, positive results of his ruling included the expansion of social services, the suppression of leftist labor agitators, and Panamanians of African descent filling more prominent government roles.

With the transfer of the Panama Canal and Canal Zone to Panamanian sovereignty as his main objective, Torrijos achieved his goal. On September 7, 1977, he and United States President Jimmy Carter signed two treaties to officially initiate the gradual transfer of power.

Born Februrary 13, 1929 as Omar Torrijos Herrera in Santiago de Veragua, Panama, he attended a military school in El Salvador. He also studied military-related subjects in the United States and Venezuela.

In 1952, Torrijos was commissioned second lieutenant in the National Guard of Panama, the country’s sole military force. In 1966, he became lieutenant colonel, then colonel in 1968. In October of 1968, Torrijos participated in a coup by the National Guard, overthrowing President Arnulfo Arias. At this time, Torrijos emerged as leader of the new military, obtaining the title, Chief of Government and Supreme Leader of the Panamanian Revolution. Torrijos became brigadier general in 1969.

Upon the election in October 1978, Torrijos declined to run again for another term of presidency. He kept command of the National Guard.

On July 31, 1981, Torrijos was making a military inspection tour when he died in an airplane crash in the jungle of Penonome, Panama. He was 52 years old.

In 2004, Torrijos’ son Martin was elected president of Panama.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.