The Panama Canal—one of the world’s most famous engineering marvels—is only a short trip outside of downtown Panamá. Here’s all you need to know during your visit.
Before You Go
The exhibition halls are currently under renovation. Before, they were a great way to pass the time while you wait for a ship to arrive. Now you have to be mindful of the arrival times otherwise you’ll be in for a whole lot of waiting.
Call the visitor’s center at +507 276-8427 and ask for the approximate time of the day’s arriving ships. (The staff member who picks up your call may speak only Spanish, so do not hesitate to ask for help from the front desk of your hotel.)
Getting Here
The easiest way to get to the Miraflores Visitor’s Center (where the canal is located) is to hail an Uber. From my hotel in El Cangrejo, the 20-minute trip cost $15. Taxis are another option but they charge based on the destination, not by what the meter says. This means if the driver feels like charging you $50 for the trip, and you didn’t know any better, be prepared. (Taxis can also pick up passengers en route to your destination.)
The only public transportation option is the bus, but because it takes a minimum of two transfers and 60 minutes, it’s not recommended.
Finally, most tours for Panamá City include a stop at the visitor’s center, so there’s no need to make a separate trip.
Hours and Fees
The visitor’s center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For non-residents, it’s $17. You get access to the viewing area. You can also watch a 45-minute IMAX movie showing the history of the Panamá Canal and the locks, narrated by the fabulous Morgan Freeman.
Imax Canal de Panama
Playing almost every two hours, this 45-minute documentary recounts the history of the Panamá Canal, from unsuccessful, early attempts at diverting the water to the engineering marvel that it is today.
Morgan Freeman narrates this well-produced film (you can buy a DVD at the gift shop), and is a great way to pass the time especially if you get to the visitor’s center at a time when there are no passing ships.
The Viewing Platform
There are three levels in the viewing area. The third floor offers the best views, since you’re able to view the locks as they drain and fill the passageway with water. It takes about an hour for the entire process to happen. During my visit, it went from scorching hot to a heavy downpour, all within a two-hour timeframe. Bienvenidos a Panamá indeed.
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