While Panama is known best for its coffee plantations, its capital is also a popular tourist destination. Visitors come for the Panama Canal, and stay for many other reasons. North and South America meet in Panama City, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans join there as well.
If you visit Panama, you will not only get a chance to interact with nature, but you will also get to learn about Panamanian culture and enjoy the dishes.
Miraflores Locks
If you plan to visit Panama City, Miraflores Locks should be at the top of your list. The Panama Canal has three locks, one of which is known as Miraflores. These locks are separated by a small lake, Pedro Miguel Locks.
Here, ships are lowered or lifted using the Miraflores Locks, 54 feet in two stages, making it possible for them to enter and leave the port of Balboa, which is found in the Pacific Ocean. Vessels then cross under the bridge that joins North America and South America.
In 2005, a schedule was introduced; ships traveling from the Pacific Ocean towards the Atlantic Ocean do so from 06:00 to 15:15. Ships traveling in the opposite direction do so from 15:45 to 23:00. The rest of the time, people are allowed to travel in both directions. There is a visitor’s center where tourists get to watch how the Miraflores locks operate. People use binoculars to get a clear view of the Pedro Miguel Locks.
Since 2016, the entry fee for adults has been $15, with lower rates for senior citizens and children. Residents in Panama pay $3 per person to enter. It takes around 30 minutes to view a transit operation.
Bridge of the Americas
The Bridge of the Americas, also called the Puente de las Americas, was originally known as the Thatcher Ferry Bridge. It is a vast road bridge found in Panama City and runs from the entrance of the Panama Canal all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
The construction of this breathtaking structure came to completion in 1962. It was the first non-swinging bridge to connect South and North America. Later, a similar one, the Centennial Bridge, followed in 2004.
Soberanía National Park
If you are a bird lover, you are definitely going to love Soberanía National Park. It is located close to the banks of the Panama Canal in Colón and Panamá provinces, around 25 kilometres from Panama City. Inside the park runs the Chagres River.
This national park was established in 1980 and is comprised of 55,000 acres. It is home to over 525 bird species. Pipeline Road runs through the park for 17.5 kilometers, passing through secondary and old-growth forests. This road is one of the best areas in the Americas to watch tropical birds, with over 400 different species. Around 105 species of mammal also live there.
You can combine your visit to Soberanía National Park with a visit to the Las Cruces Trail since the two are adjacent to each other. The Spanish used this ancient road to transport gold in the 16th century. Old stones that formerly marked the trail’s original path can still be found along parts of the trail.
Ancon Hill
Ancon Hill is 199 meters (653 feet) high and is close to the township of Ancón that overlooks Panama City. This area was used for the Panama Canal’s administration. The United States governed it as part of the Panama Canal Zone until 1977 when it was returned to Panama.
The area, which was largely undeveloped previously, is now protected. The highest point in Panama City is found on this hill. It takes roughly 30 minutes to get to the top of the summit. This relatively undeveloped jungle features an otherwise urban environment, and wildlife, nevertheless, lives shut off from other forest areas. On Ancon Hill, you can easily sight white-nosed coatis, Geoffroy’s tamarins, nine-banded armadillos, and deer.
Gatún Lake
Gatún Lake is a large, manmade freshwater lake located south of Colón. It is an important section of the Panama Canal that delivers ships over the Isthmus of Panama for 33 kilometers. The lake was formed between 1907 and 1913, around the same time the Gatun Dam was built across the Chagres River.
This lake is located in the Chagres River Valley. During its formation, the Chagres River was widened and deepened. Gatún Lake is an important section of the Panama Canal since it connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The lake allows vessels to travel both ways.
When it was created, Gatún Lake was the world’s largest manmade lake. The impenetrable rainforest surrounding Gatún Lake has escaped human interference to a large extent.
Angling is one of the most popular recreational activities on Gatun Lake. Around 1967, non-native peacock bass were introduced to the lake. Since then, they’ve grown to become the most famous angling game fish.
Monkey Island
Monkey Island is one of the most interesting places to visit in Panama. It is located on Gatún Lake in Panama and is home to four different monkey species. These include the white-faced capuchin, mantled howler, lemurine owl, and Geoffroy’s tamarin. Crocodiles, sloths, toucans, iguanas, and numerous exotic birds also live there.
As you travel through Gatún Lake, the center of the Panama Canal, you’ll be awestruck by the massive ships. Make sure to carry your smartphone and camera to capture the picturesque scenery.
Amador Causeway
This causeway was named after the first Panamanian President, Manuel Amador Guerrero. Also known as Calzada de Amador, it was initially just a strip of tarmac that connected Flamenco, Perico, and Naos to the capital. However, the Amador Causeway is currently one of the most famous roads as it leads to islands with a huge number of attractions and irresistible activities.
Some of the activities you can engage in off the Amador Causeway include watching the setting sun, shopping along the promenade, dining outside under the skyline, and taking a beach break, among others.
Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is also known as San Felipe. It is the hub of the ancient city, known for its busy restaurants and nightlife scene. The streets are decorated with rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, world-famous restaurants, and elaborate murals.
There, you can taste a variety of coffee, get yourself a Panama hat, shop for molas, relish a cup of ceviche, enjoy a rooftop sunset, etc.
Biomuseo
Biomuseo is a museum, the main focus of which is the natural history of Panama. Its isthmus was constructed relatively recently in geologic time, significantly impacting the ecosystem of the Western Hemisphere.
Biomuseo is located along the Amador Causeway. It was designed by the popular architect Frank Gehry. The museum opened on October 2nd, 2014.
Biomuseo celebrates Panama’s natural and cultural past, with a focus on the role of humans in the 21st century. Its galleries depict how the rise of Panama’s isthmus transformed the world.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for an extraordinary place to spend quality time with family and friends, you should definitely try Panama. There you will be sure to have the time of your life.