Visit Miraflores Locks and Casco Antiguo

Exploring the engineering marvels and historic charm of Panama City is a must-do for any visitor. At the Miraflores Locks, you’ll witness the incredible feat of the Panama Canal as massive ships ascend and descend an 85-foot rise. The interactive exhibits at the Visitor Center shed light on the canal’s inner workings, leaving you in awe of this remarkable feat of human ingenuity. Just a short distance away, the colonial district of Casco Antiguo enchants with its vibrant culture, artisanal shops, and stunning architecture. This private tour promises a personalized experience that delves deeper into Panama’s past and present, captivating the senses at every turn.

Key Points

• Explore the engineering marvel of Miraflores Locks, where ships transition between sea levels and witness the canal’s expansion.
• Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center to learn about the canal’s construction through interactive exhibits and scale models.
• Discover the cultural heritage of Casco Antiguo, Panama City’s historic district, with its colonial architecture and vibrant local cuisine.
• Enjoy a personalized 3-hour private tour with a driver and guide, including hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Understand the significance of the Panama Canal through this immersive tour experience showcasing both historical and modern aspects of the city.

Tour Overview

The tour offers visitors a chance to explore two of Panama City’s most renowned landmarks – the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal and the historic Casco Antiguo neighborhood.

It’s a 3-hour private tour with a driver and guide, including hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations. Guests will witness the impressive Miraflores Locks, where ships transition between sea level and Gatun Lake, 85 feet above.

They’ll also explore the Miraflores Visitor Center, learning about the canal’s construction and operation through exhibits and scale models.

The tour also includes parts of Old Town and Albrook Mall, providing a well-rounded experience of Panama City’s history and modern development.

Highlights of the Tour

Miraflores Locks serve as the centerpiece of this tour, offering visitors a chance to witness the impressive 85-foot (26-meter) elevation change as ships transition from the Pacific Ocean to Gatun Lake. Travelers will also explore the expansive Miraflores Visitor Center, which features interactive exhibits and scale models detailing the canal’s construction and operations. The tour further includes a visit to the historic Casco Antiguo district, allowing participants to enjoy Panama City’s rich cultural heritage. Throughout the experience, a private driver and guide will provide comprehensive commentary, ensuring an informative and engaging journey.

Highlights	Details
Miraflores Locks	Witness ships traversing the tallest locks on the Panama Canal
Miraflores Visitor Center	Explore interactive exhibits and scale models
Casco Antiguo	Discover Panama City’s historic old town district
Private Tour	Enjoy personalized commentary from a driver and guide

Visiting Miraflores Locks

One can hardly visit Panama without experiencing the sheer magnitude of the Miraflores Locks.

As part of the tour, visitors can witness the locks in action, where ships transition between sea level and Gatun Lake, 85 feet (26 meters) above. This engineering marvel, completed as part of the canal’s expansion in 2016, now accommodates the larger ‘New Panamax’ vessels.

Exploring the Miraflores Visitor Center provides an opportunity to learn about the canal’s construction and operation through informative exhibits and scale models.

The private tour offers a comprehensive experience, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the engineering feat that’s the Panama Canal.

Exploring Casco Antiguo

Casco Antiguo, Panama City’s historic district, captivates visitors with its striking colonial architecture and vibrant cultural atmosphere.

Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, admiring the colorful buildings, plazas, and churches that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Explore Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, one of the district’s iconic landmarks, and sample local cuisine at charming restaurants and cafes.

Discover the artisanal shops showcasing Panamanian handicrafts and artwork.

Soak in the lively energy as you stroll past lively street performers and musicians.

Casco Antiguo offers a glimpse into Panama’s rich history and heritage, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler to the country.

Tour Duration and Inclusions

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and includes a private driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off from select Panama City resorts, and admission to the Miraflores Visitor Center.

Visitors can watch ships transition between sea level and Gatun Lake, 85 feet (26 meters) above, as they pass through the locks – the tallest on the Panama Canal.

The tour also provides an opportunity to witness the recent canal expansion, which doubled capacity for "New Panamax" ships.

Travelers will explore exhibits and scale models at the Visitor Center to learn about the canal’s construction and operation.

Pickup times are approximately 30-15 minutes prior to the tour’s start.

Booking and Pricing Details

The tour is priced from $59.75 per person. Admission tickets aren’t included in the tour price.

Travelers have the option to reserve now and pay later. Confirmation is received at the time of booking. A current valid passport is required to participate in the tour.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

However, some past travelers have reported issues with ticket acceptance and additional costs. It’s recommended to consider alternative booking methods or direct taxi services to avoid any unexpected fees.

Important Considerations

Not wheelchair accessible, this tour may not be suitable for travelers with heart problems or serious medical conditions. However, most travelers can participate in the private tour.

Pickup for the tour typically commences 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Only your group will be part of this experience, ensuring a personalized excursion.

It’s important to note that a current valid passport is required to join the tour.

While there have been some mixed reviews, the tour generally provides an opportunity to explore the Miraflores Locks and Casco Antiguo, with the chance to witness the impressive canal expansion completed in 2016.

Recap

This tour offers a captivating blend of Panama’s engineering marvels and historical charm. Visitors can witness the impressive Miraflores Locks and explore the colonial beauty of Casco Antiguo, gaining insights into the country’s rich heritage. With a personalized experience and convenient inclusions, this tour provides a memorable and comprehensive exploration of Panama City’s most iconic landmarks.