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Not only one of the world's most important shipping connections, but also the very reason for which the modern country of Panama was created, the canal is probably the single most iconic thing to visit in Panama. There are different ways to explore the canal: the easiest but pricey way from Panama City is to visit the Miraflores Visitor Center/Miraflores Locks. In addition, it is also possible to book a luxury train ride along the canal, or a boat ride on the canal.
The Panama Canal is an artificial 82-kilometer (51-mile) waterway in Panama that connects the Caribbean Sea in the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. It cuts across the narrowest point of the Isthmus of Panama and is a conduit for maritime trade between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Locks at each end lift ships up to Gatun Lake, an artificial fresh water lake 26 meters (85 ft) above sea level, created by damming the Chagres River and Lake Alajuela to reduce the amount of excavation work required for the canal. Locks then lower the ships at the other end. The original locks are 33.5 meters (110 ft) wide and allow the passage of Panamax ships. A third, wider lane of locks was constructed between September 2007 and May 2016. The expanded waterway began commercial operation on 26 June 2016. The new locks allow for the transit of larger, Neopanamax ships. An average of 200,000,000 litres of fresh water is used in a single passing of a ship. The canal is threatened by low water levels during droughts.
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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.
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.
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.
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.