//
The most visited place along the canal is the Miraflores Visitor Center at the Miraflores Locks. It consists of an air-conditioned museum, a movie theater, an expensive restaurant, a gift shop, and a viewing platform from where you can watch the ships pass through the locks. The Miraflores Locks are located along the old canal with its more than a hundred-year-old locks. It's still interesting to watch the ships, but if you want to see the new, expanded canal with the new locks and much bigger ships, you'd have to go to the Agua Clara Visitor Center in Colon (Panama), on the Caribbean side of the canal. Also, while it is nice to watch the ships from the viewing platform. The 3D movie with Morgan Freeman was excellent (2023). Panama Canal in 3D "A Land Divided a World United". The entire exhibition is 4 small rooms. If you decide to come here, make sure you'll see some ships during your visit; check the visitor center's website to see at which times the ships pass through the locks.
Miraflores is the name of one of the three locks that form part of the Panama Canal, and the name of the small lake that separates these locks from the Pedro Miguel Locks upstream. In the Miraflores locks, vessels are lifted 54 feet (16.5 m) in two stages, allowing them to transit to or from the Pacific Ocean port of Balboa in Panama City. Ships cross below the Bridge of the Americas, which connects North and South America.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Parque Natural Metropolitano
This park is a nature reserve very close to the city and offers well-maintained hiking paths and a small visitors center. One of the trails leads up a hill and from there, you have great views over the skyline of Panama City. Register and pay first at the visitors center, where there are also toilets and drinking water fountains to refill your bottles.
The second highest peak in the city. A few short easy trails and a viewpoint at the top looking over the city and to the Miraflores locks. Butterflies, turtles, and coatis are easy to see. Agoutis, sloths, and monkeys live there as well. Drinks available at the main entrance, bathrooms and both entrances.
Cerro Ancón or Ancon Hill is the tallest peak in Panama City. There is a fairly well-trafficked paved road heading to the summit that is used by local hikers, ambitious cyclists and a few tourists. It's only about a 15-minute walk from the trail head near Mi Pueblito. The summit has viewpoints looking out at Casco Viejo, the new town and the canal.
The pretty deserted museum (entrance free) on the slopes of Cerro Ancon showcases the different ethnicities of Panama. There are several artisans producing curios. The museum is across the highway from El Chorrillo neighborhood, which has experienced some crime targeting tourists in the past, so be mindful.
A museum dedicated to the history and advancement of human rights in Panama and around the world. Displays are all in Spanish but tours in English can be arranged in advance.
El Chorrillo represents the cultural richness of Panama and the social challenges faced by a marginalized urban community. The neighborhood maintains a strong community spirit. Its street culture, mural art, and passion for boxing and football are essential to its identity. Admire colorful urban murals, visit the Maracaná Stadium, or join a guided community tour to learn about the neighborhood’s history and local culture. Visit with local guides or in a group, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Some parts may not be safe for solo tourists.