How to Properly Visit the Panama Canal from Panama City
When it comes to seeing the best tourist attraction in Panama, maximum people will instantly think of the globally popular Panama Canal. You can’t disbelieve it, because it is the top attraction of the nation and one of the
Seven Wonders of the Modern World. In case you are in Panama City and
want to know how to properly visit the Panama Canal, you must read
this guide.
Best Way of Visiting the Panama Canal
The best way of visiting the Panama Canal relies on what you are seeking.
If you are interested in the engineering behind it, you can happily explore
the Miraflores Locks and enjoy a cocktail for a few hours as you can watch
the ships go by. Some individuals would prefer encountering the wonder on
a firsthand basis and involve themselves by availing a Panama Canal cruise across the whole canal.
Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center
Going to the Miraflores Visitor Center is the most common way of visiting the Panama Canal. It is nearly a 20-minute drive from Panama City. You can watch the locks operate in action from a viewing deck of an interactive museum as large cruise ships and cargo pass through the locks. We suggest you visit it in the morning because the boats don’t go through between 10 am and 2 pm. The operating days are Monday to Sunday and hours are from 8 am to 6 pm with a $20 entrance fee.
Explore Panama Canal Museum in Casco Viejo
In Casco Viejo, there is another Panama Canal Museum. Although you don’t get to see the locks here, this museum offers a better description of the canal’s history than the one at the Miraflores Visitor Center. The most alluring part is the photo showcasing on the top floor that contains hundreds of ancient images of Casco Viejo. The operating days are Tuesday to Sunday and hours are from 9 am to 5 pm with a $10 entrance charge.
Enjoy Dinner At Atlantic & Pacific Co.
You can simply skip the museum and rather enjoy dinner at the canal. Book a table at the Atlantic & Pacific Co. restaurant at the Miraflores locks and ensure to sit on the balcony to see the boats. Make a booking at either 5 pm or after 8 pm to avoid weekday traffic. The entrance costs $20.
Fully or Partially Pass Through the Canal
By reserving a partial transit tour, you can pass through the canal locks. The duration of the tour is approx 6 hours and incorporates hotel pick-up and drop-off and soft drinks. You will be provided a guide who will describe the fun facts and operations of the canal.
Visit the Gatun Locks
In case you have a car you can visit the Gatun locks on Panama’s Colon side. This is the closest place to get to the canal without passing through it.
You can also go to the Agua Clara visitor center or enjoy an Ocean to Ocean canal tour. Which one is your preferred way to visit the Panama Canal from Panama City? Let us know!
Seven Wonders of the Modern World. In case you are in Panama City and
want to know how to properly visit the Panama Canal, you must read
this guide.
Best Way of Visiting the Panama Canal
The best way of visiting the Panama Canal relies on what you are seeking.
If you are interested in the engineering behind it, you can happily explore
the Miraflores Locks and enjoy a cocktail for a few hours as you can watch
the ships go by. Some individuals would prefer encountering the wonder on
a firsthand basis and involve themselves by availing a Panama Canal cruise across the whole canal.
Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center
Going to the Miraflores Visitor Center is the most common way of visiting the Panama Canal. It is nearly a 20-minute drive from Panama City. You can watch the locks operate in action from a viewing deck of an interactive museum as large cruise ships and cargo pass through the locks. We suggest you visit it in the morning because the boats don’t go through between 10 am and 2 pm. The operating days are Monday to Sunday and hours are from 8 am to 6 pm with a $20 entrance fee.
Explore Panama Canal Museum in Casco Viejo
In Casco Viejo, there is another Panama Canal Museum. Although you don’t get to see the locks here, this museum offers a better description of the canal’s history than the one at the Miraflores Visitor Center. The most alluring part is the photo showcasing on the top floor that contains hundreds of ancient images of Casco Viejo. The operating days are Tuesday to Sunday and hours are from 9 am to 5 pm with a $10 entrance charge.
Enjoy Dinner At Atlantic & Pacific Co.
You can simply skip the museum and rather enjoy dinner at the canal. Book a table at the Atlantic & Pacific Co. restaurant at the Miraflores locks and ensure to sit on the balcony to see the boats. Make a booking at either 5 pm or after 8 pm to avoid weekday traffic. The entrance costs $20.
Fully or Partially Pass Through the Canal
By reserving a partial transit tour, you can pass through the canal locks. The duration of the tour is approx 6 hours and incorporates hotel pick-up and drop-off and soft drinks. You will be provided a guide who will describe the fun facts and operations of the canal.
Visit the Gatun Locks
In case you have a car you can visit the Gatun locks on Panama’s Colon side. This is the closest place to get to the canal without passing through it.
You can also go to the Agua Clara visitor center or enjoy an Ocean to Ocean canal tour. Which one is your preferred way to visit the Panama Canal from Panama City? Let us know!