Latin America

Framed by an arch of the Church of St. Francis of Asissi, modern Panama City seems to rise from tranquil Panama Bay. The church, in Casco Antiguo, was built in the late 1600s, and has suffered several devastating fires.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

A vendor snoozes at the Balboa arts and crafts market, a popular venue for souvenir shoppers.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

A young Panamanian spectator of Panama City’s annual parade of the Thousand Polleras along Calle Cincuenta.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

A Kuna woman presents a signature of her culture.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

Popular Panamanian singer/accordionist Osvaldo Ayala performs at Bingo 90, a casino in the heart of Panama City.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

The Panamanian town of Portobelo, from the Church of the Black Christ.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

At Panama City’s Parade of the Thousand Polleras.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

The Panama City skyline is a backdrop to fishermen sailing from Casco Viejo in the city’s old quarter.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

Chico, one of many colorful characters populating Casco Viejo in Panama City, is a living landmark. He has sold “raspado,” or flavored shaved ice, for nearly 50 years from a corner across from the Municipal Palace.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

A view of Panama City’s growing skyline from atop the Saint Francis of Asissi church tower.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

Newly renovated apartment buildings rejuvenate the Casco Viejo neighborhood of Panama City’s old quarter. The community’s 13 churches date from the turn of the last century, and are open to visitors.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

A Kuna woman from the San Blas islands on Panama’s Caribbean side.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

The Miraflores restaurant in Panama City overlooks the Panama Canal.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

Vintage records in Salsipuedes, a narrow street near Casco Viejo. Here, you can buy or sell anything, and have your palm read in between transactions.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

El Diablito Sucio, or the dirty devil, is a popular figure during carnival season.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)

Los Tres onstage in Santiago. Chile’s acclaimed rock band recently reunited after a six-year hiatus.  (Enrique Siqués / for the Times)

The skyscrapers of Santiago’s commercial district rise against the Andes.  (Enrique Siqués / for the Times)

Players — and a few spectators — are engrossed in chess matches near the cathedral in Santiago, Chile.  (Enrique Siqués / for the Times)

Liguria Manuel Montt restaurant, in Santiago’s Providencia district, is a favorite among members of the rock band Los Tres.  (Enrique Siqués / for the Times)

In the heart of Panama City’s gastronomic district of Calle Uruguay, intimate clubs like “La Bodeguita” shine at night. They attract dancers to the beat of salsa and reggaeton.  (Beatrice de Gea / LAT)