Panama City: Miraflores Locks and Casco Viejo Tour

Casco Viejo, Panama, Panama

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ADDRESS Casco Viejo, Panama Directions

Discover the Miraflores Locks, a wonder of modern architecture, and the charming old town district of Panama City on a guided tour.

Panama Canal and Casco Viejo Day Tour

This guided tour in Panama City suits travelers interested in the Panama Canal, local history, and shopping at a duty-free zone.

Highlights

  • Discover how ships navigate the Panama Canal locks
  • Explore the architecture and artisan market of Casco Viejo
  • Shop tax-free at Calzada de Amador duty-free zone

Description

Your tour begins with hotel pickup in Panama City and a visit to the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal. Learn how ships rise and descend 16 meters to pass through this engineering feat. Explore four exhibitions at the Miraflores Visitors Center that explain the canal’s global importance, biodiversity, and operation.

Next, travel to Calzada de Amador, a causeway built by the United States to protect the canal’s navigable path. Here, enjoy free time to shop at the duty-free zone.

Continue to the artisan market in Casco Viejo, known for its diverse architectural heritage. The tour concludes at the statue of Vasco Núñez de Balboa, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, before returning to your hotel in Panama City.

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation
  • English-speaking guide

Excludes

  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees to the Miraflores Visitor Center

Cancellation Policy

Full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour.

Booking Tips

Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection. The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April. Book in advance to secure your spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes a visit to the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal with access to the Visitors Center exhibitions, a walk through the historic Casco Viejo district, and shopping at the duty-free zone at Calzada de Amador.

Ships rise and descend approximately 16 meters through a series of lock chambers that adjust the water level, allowing vessels to cross between the Pacific Ocean and Gatun Lake.

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Panama City; the exact pickup location will be confirmed at booking.

Yes, the Miraflores Visitors Center features four exhibitions that include informative videos and displays about the canal's operation and history.

Yes, Casco Viejo’s compact layout allows for a comfortable walking tour to admire its architecture and historical sites.

Yes, the tour includes time to shop at the duty-free zone located along Calzada de Amador.

To see ships passing through the locks, visit during mid-morning or early afternoon, but check the website for current visitor center hours and ship schedules.

Yes, the tour is family-friendly and educational, with exhibitions that explain the canal's history and function in an engaging way.

The Miraflores Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible, and parts of Casco Viejo have uneven streets; it is best to check in advance for specific accessibility needs.

Advance booking is recommended to secure your spot and confirm hotel pickup details.

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