Panama City
The museum of anthropology and contemporary art houses is one of the finest pre-Columbian collections in the country.
The fast flowing Rio Guayas grand waterfront promenade is dotted with parks and monuments. The hilltop district of Santa Ana, settled in the 1500s retains its cobblestone streets and colourful buildings. The climb to it up more than 400 steps winds past galleries to a hilltop fort with breezy views over the metropolis.
Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Casco Viejo is the historic heart of Panama City, known for its colonial architecture, narrow streets, churches, plazas, and vibrant cultural scene. It’s home to restaurants, bars, boutique hotels, and art galleries.
Panama Viejo (Old Panama)
The ruins of the original Panama City founded in 1519 and destroyed by pirates in the 17th century. You can explore the archaeological site, which includes the remains of churches, convents, and a cathedral.
Biomuseo (Biomuseum)
Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, this museum explores Panama’s biodiversity and ecological importance through interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and outdoor gardens.
Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)
A scenic road and pedestrian path connecting Panama City with the islands of Naos, Perico, Culebra, and Flamenco in the Pacific Ocean. It offers views of the city skyline, marinas, and Panama Canal entrance.
Panama Canal Administration Building
Located in Balboa, this historic building houses the offices of the Panama Canal Authority. It features neoclassical architecture and is a notable landmark related to the canal’s administration and history.
Metropolitan Natural Park (Parque Natural Metropolitano)
A tropical rainforest park located within Panama City, offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and panoramic views of the city skyline and Panama Canal. It’s a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Panama City Skyline from Ancon Hill
Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancón) is the highest point in Panama City, offering panoramic views of the skyline, Panama Canal, and surrounding areas. It’s a popular spot for hiking and photography.
Panama Canal
This is one of the most fascinating places to experience in the world and has some of the best unspoilt scenery. It is a 50 mile ship canal that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most important routes in the world. There are locks at each end, and you rise 85 feet within a lock.
Ports of Call
The Panama Canal runs from Panama City on the Pacific coast through to Colon on the Atlantic coast, acting as a gateway between the world’s largest oceans. The Mexican Riviera side takes you to Puntarenas in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio Park and Acapulco famous for its white sandy beaches and Huatulco, home to some of the finest beaches.
Panama Canal Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre
Located near Panama City, this visitor centre offers panoramic views of the Miraflores Locks, where you can observe ships passing through the canal. There are informative exhibits about the canal’s history, engineering, and its impact on global trade.
Panama Canal Expansion Observation Centre (Agua Clara Visitor Centre)
Situated on the Atlantic side of the canal near Colón, this modern visitor centre provides views of the new Agua Clara Locks. It offers exhibits, a 3D movie, and a rooftop observation deck where you can watch ships navigate through the expanded canal.
Panama Canal Railway
This historic railway runs parallel to the Panama Canal, offering scenic rides between Panama City and Colón. It’s a unique way to experience the canal’s landscapes and history while traveling through lush rainforests and alongside the canal itself.
Gatun Lake
As part of the Panama Canal system, Gatun Lake is a vast artificial lake that serves as a crucial waterway for ships transiting the canal. Boat tours on Gatun Lake offer opportunities for wildlife spotting, including monkeys, birds, and crocodiles.
Bridge of the Americas
Spanning the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal near Panama City, this iconic bridge offers stunning views of ships entering and leaving the canal. It’s a popular spot for photography and observing maritime traffic.