The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering and a crucial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, draws tourists from around the world. Beyond the canal itself, the surrounding areas offer a variety of attractions, from historic landmarks and natural parks to cultural sites and vibrant city experiences. Here’s a detailed list of must-visit tourist attractions around the Panama Canal:

 

 

1. Miraflores Locks Visitor Center

• The Miraflores Locks, the closest set of locks to Panama City, offers an immersive experience into the workings of the Panama Canal. The Miraflores Visitor Center includes a museum with interactive exhibits on the canal’s history, biodiversity, and engineering feats. A large viewing platform allows visitors to watch ships transit the locks, with informative commentary available. For a more in-depth experience, the center has a 3D movie theater and a restaurant with panoramic views of the canal.

2. Gatun Locks

• The Gatun Locks, near the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal, are the canal’s largest and most dramatic locks. The Gatun Visitor Center provides viewing platforms for watching the lock operations and ship transits. Nearby, Gatun Dam showcases another engineering marvel, serving as the primary reservoir and control for the canal’s water levels. The area is especially popular for observing the engineering behind large vessels navigating narrow lock spaces.

3. Agua Clara Visitor Center

• Located near Colon on the Atlantic side, the Agua Clara Visitor Center offers views of the Panama Canal Expansion project, including the massive new locks created to accommodate larger “Neo-Panamax” vessels. The center provides viewing platforms overlooking the locks and Lake Gatun, and it features exhibits on the environmental efforts surrounding the canal. This center is a great choice for those wanting to learn about the modern updates to this historic waterway.

4. Amador Causeway

• The Amador Causeway is a scenic roadway that connects four small islands near the Pacific entrance of the canal. Built with material excavated during the canal’s construction, it offers stunning views of the Panama City skyline, the canal, and incoming ships. The causeway is lined with restaurants, bike paths, and recreational areas, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Biomuseo, a museum designed by architect Frank Gehry, is located along the causeway and offers exhibits on Panama’s biodiversity and role as a land bridge between continents.

5. Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)

• Casco Viejo is Panama City’s historic district and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This colonial-era neighborhood features narrow streets, charming plazas, and beautifully restored buildings. Visitors can explore historic sites like the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Palacio de las Garzas (the Presidential Palace), and the Church of San José, known for its golden altar. Casco Viejo is also a vibrant area filled with cafes, rooftop bars, art galleries, and boutique shops.

6. Panama Canal Railway

• The Panama Canal Railway offers a scenic journey along the canal from Panama City to Colon on the Atlantic side. This historic railway, originally completed in 1855, provides a unique perspective on the canal, passing through lush rainforests, alongside Lake Gatun, and over the Chagres River. The train features luxurious vintage cars, and the ride takes just over an hour each way, making it a unique and scenic day trip.

7. Gamboa Rainforest

• The Gamboa Rainforest is located along the Panama Canal and is home to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, which offers various eco-tourism activities. Visitors can take an Aerial Tram to explore the rainforest canopy, enjoy boat tours on Gatun Lake, and spot wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds. The Gamboa Wildlife Rescue Center rehabilitates local species and provides an educational experience about Panama’s biodiversity.

8. Soberanía National Park

• Located near the Panama Canal, Soberanía National Park is a lush rainforest known for its diverse wildlife and birdwatching opportunities. The Pipeline Road within the park is a world-famous birdwatching trail, home to over 500 bird species, including toucans, parrots, and harpy eagles. The park also has hiking trails, guided nature tours, and a chance to see other wildlife like monkeys, coatis, and butterflies.

9. Monkey Island

• Monkey Island, located in Gatun Lake, is a popular eco-tourism destination where visitors can observe monkeys in their natural habitat. Boat tours from the Gamboa area take guests through canals and rivers to reach the island, where monkeys, including capuchins, howlers, and tamarins, often approach boats. The tours provide a close-up view of Panama’s rainforest ecosystem and its inhabitants.

10. Fort San Lorenzo

• A UNESCO World Heritage site, Fort San Lorenzo is a historic fort built by the Spanish in the 16th century to protect their ships from pirate attacks. The fort’s ruins overlook the Caribbean Sea and the mouth of the Chagres River. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into Panama’s colonial history, with crumbling stone walls, ancient cannons, and a scenic setting surrounded by lush rainforest.

11. Isla Taboga (Taboga Island)

• Just a short ferry ride from Panama City, Taboga Island is known as the “Island of Flowers” for its vibrant flora. The island has lovely beaches, including Playa Restinga, with clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Taboga’s charming town features narrow streets, a historic church dating back to 1524, and several hiking trails with panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands.

12. Ancon Hill

• Ancon Hill is one of the highest points in Panama City, offering panoramic views of the canal, the city skyline, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a popular hiking spot, taking visitors through a natural reserve where wildlife like sloths and toucans can be spotted. At the summit, the Panamanian flag flies proudly, and visitors are rewarded with stunning views over the capital and the canal.

13. Metropolitan Natural Park

• The Metropolitan Natural Park is the only tropical rainforest located within a city in Latin America, offering a lush green retreat just minutes from Panama City’s bustling streets. The park has several hiking trails where visitors can see wildlife like monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds. The Cerro Cedro Trail offers beautiful views of Panama City’s skyline, the canal, and the Pacific Ocean.

14. Chagres National Park

• Chagres National Park protects the Chagres River, which supplies water to the Panama Canal. The park is rich in biodiversity and offers activities like kayaking, hiking, and camping. A highlight is visiting the indigenous Emberá villages within the park, where visitors can learn about Emberá culture, traditional music, and handicrafts, offering an authentic cultural experience.

15. Causeway Islands (Islas Culebra)

• The four islands of the Amador Causeway—Flamenco, Naos, Perico, and Culebra—offer a relaxing escape with scenic views of Panama City and the canal. Each island has a unique character, with restaurants, cafes, and shops catering to tourists. Visitors can rent bikes or take a leisurely stroll along the causeway, enjoying views of the ocean and the entrance to the Panama Canal.

16. Portobelo

• Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Portobelo is a historic port town on Panama’s Caribbean coast. It was once one of Spain’s main ports in the Americas and is home to the Portobelo Fortifications and San Felipe Church, where the statue of the Black Christ is located. Visitors can explore the town’s colonial architecture, learn about its history, and enjoy nearby beaches.

17. Panama Viejo (Old Panama)

• Panama Viejo is the site of the original Spanish settlement founded in 1519, making it one of the oldest European settlements on the Pacific coast. The area was largely destroyed by pirates in 1671, but the remaining ruins provide a fascinating glimpse into Panama’s early colonial history. The Panama Viejo Archaeological Site includes the ruins of old churches, convents, and the bell tower, which visitors can climb for a view over the ancient city.

18. Colon Free Zone

• Located in the city of Colon, near the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal, the Colon Free Zone is the largest free-trade zone in the Americas and a major hub for international commerce. Shoppers looking for a unique experience can explore the massive complex, which offers a wide range of imported goods, from electronics to luxury items, at duty-free prices.

19. Isla Contadora (Pearl Islands)

• Isla Contadora, part of the Pearl Islands in the Pacific, is known for its white-sand beaches, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. The island is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and beach relaxation. It’s easily accessible from Panama City by ferry or plane, making it a perfect day or weekend getaway.

20. El Valle de Antón

• A bit farther from the canal, El Valle de Antón is a picturesque town located in the crater of an ancient volcano. Known for its cooler climate and lush surroundings, it offers activities like hiking, birdwatching, and exploring hot springs and waterfalls. The El Nispero Zoo and Botanical Garden and the Sunday Market are popular attractions in town.

The attractions surrounding the Panama Canal offer a unique blend of history, nature, and modern engineering, providing visitors with diverse experiences from urban adventures to tranquil natural escapes. Whether you’re exploring the rich biodiversity of nearby parks or marveling at the engineering wonder of the canal itself, the Panama Canal region is a must-visit destination.