View the gargantuan ships that make their way through the Miraflores Locks’ chambers and visit exhibitions, which include historical objects of Canal operations, interactive modules, video presentations, and models of the Panama Canal. Four exhibition halls, organized by themes, constitute the heart of the Miraflores Visitor Center: Hall One portrays the background, technological innovations, and sanitary initiatives that went hand in hand with the construction of the Canal. Hall Two emphasizes the importance of water, conservation of the environment, protection of the Canal watershed, the diversity of fauna and flora and sustainable management. Hall Three depicts in an entertaining manner how the Canal operates and offers a navigation simulator through one of the lock culverts. Hall Four provides information on the importance of the Canal to world trade and identifies the main commodities and types of vessels that transit the waterway. Continuing with your tour, you will stop for photos at the Administration Building in the former Canal Zone area. In December, 1999, administration of the canal was returned to Panama and the PCZ went silent. Today, it is very much intact and is a fascinating sight, not to be missed.

Notes:

Depending on canal scheduling, you may or may not actually see vessels in the lock chambers. This tour is only available on sailings with late evening departures. Due to the very hot climate of Panama, buses have tinted windows to avoid the heat of the day. The same buses are used in the evening, so the tinting precludes clear viewing from inside the bus.