Colonial Panama, Miraflores Locks & Scenic Drive

6.5 hours | Panama Canal Partial Transit | PC1-115
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$ 119.95
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Points of Interest

  • Panama Viejo / Casco Viejo
  • Canal Locks
Shopping Opportunities, Includes snack, Moderate activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Board your air-conditioned transportation and travel approximately 90 minutes across the isthmus to the colonial area of Panama City. Head up the coastline to El Casco Antiguo and learn about the piracy that is part of this area's history. Casco Antiguo displays a mix of architectural styles, which in turn reflect the cultural diversity of the country. Caribbean, Republican, Art Deco, French and Colonial architecture mix in this historic area.

Most of Panama City´s main monuments are located in Casco Antiguo. During your walk you will see The Presidential Palace, The National Theater (inside visit is not included), and Plaza Bolivar.

On a leisurely 45 minute walk, appreciate the many changes of the city by viewing its unique architecture, influenced by a wonderful blend of French, Spanish and Italian styles. An extra 30 minutes of free time will be provided to further explore on your own in Casco Antiguo.

Enjoy a light snack, as you proceed to the Miraflores Locks Observation Center to view a documentary on the history of the locks. You will also have the opportunity for a close up view of the passing ships and functioning of the locks from the top floor of the center. The Miraflores Locks are part of the engineering marvel that makes up the Panama Canal.

The lock gates at Miraflores are the tallest of the three due to the extreme tidal variation that takes place in the Pacific Ocean; the tidal variation on the Atlantic coast is by far less. Depending on the size of each vessel, one can see anywhere from 1 to 3 vessels make the transit simultaneously. From the minute the vessels enters the locks, it takes approximately 10 minutes for the process to be completed. The water enters and leaves the locks by means of gravity only, as there are no pumps or other man made devices that assist in this process.

Board your transportation and pass the former Canal Zone where the former American military installations are a reminder of the area's strategic importance. A shopping stop for arts and crafts is scheduled at Fort Amador.

Special Notes:

Ship sightings at the Miraflores Locks Observation Center are not guaranteed. At Palaza Quinto Centenario there are approximately 12 steps; a ramp is also available. Walking at Casco Antiguo is on cobble stone. Some waiting time could be expected. Tour sequence may vary. A light snack is provided.

The Panama Canal Authority assigns specific time slots for the transit of a vessel through the locks. The ship will anchor in a designated area and will wait for instructions. Once clearance is transmitted to the ship, procedures begin to bring ship's tour passengers ashore. Therefore, tour departure times may vary and will be announced onboard. The return time of the ship to Colon or Cristobal may also be delayed due to transit through the locks. We recommend that you are prepared for any potential of delay in the ship's arrival to Colon or Cristobal and plan accordingly by bringing any needed medication or essential items on tour.

Depending on the voyage and itinerary guests will be dropped off in either Colon or Cristobal.

Child Price:

12 & under reduced

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart pier to Fort Amador for shopping and use of the facilities

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
44
Travel time:
01:30
Time at site:
00:30
Free time at site:
30
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
100
Steps:
12
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes

Arrive at Casco Antiguo for a 45 minutes walk

Transport type:
Walking
Transport Capacity:
44
Travel time:
00:15
Time at site:
00:45
Inside visit:
No
Walking distance:
1000
Steps:
12
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No

Free time at Casco Antiguo

Transport type:
Walking
Free time at site:
30
Inside visit:
No
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes

Inside visit at Miraflores Locks

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
44
Travel time:
00:45
Time at site:
00:45
Free time at site:
30
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
Yes
Walking distance:
500
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes

Re-board bus and return to the ship

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
44
Travel time:
01:30
Inside visit:
No
Air conditioned:
Yes
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes