The city was founded on July 14, 1540, by Juan de Ladrilleros through orders
from Pascual de Andagoya. At that time it was inhabited by the natives called
"The Buscaja Amerindians". The city was destroyed by Native Americans
before 1600; it was later rebuilt. Buenaventura thrived after the opening of
the Panama Canal in 1914; and in the 50's became a regular stop over for the
"International Jet Set". Today the city is crucial for sending raw
materials to nearby areas; this has brought prosperity and allowed recent new
development to occur
