The Panama Canal is known as the 8th wonder of the world. It is approximately 80 kilometers

long between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. During our visit to this engineering marvel, we

will get the chance to see the Canal gates of Miraflores Locks. The locks function as water lifts:

they raise ships from sea level (the Pacific or the Atlantic) to the level of Gatun Lake (26 meters

above sea level); ships then sail the channel through the Continental Divide.

On January, 2004, The Panama Canal Authority inaugurated the Miraflores Visitors Center

(MVC) as their new expression of the permanent commitment of the Panama Canal Authority to

strengthen the public’s knowledge of the Canal.

located on the East side of the Miraflores Locks. The exhibitions 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 MVC. The following is a

brief description of each exhibition hall:

Exhibition Hall 1: Canal History. It portrays the background,

technological innovations, and sanitary initiatives that went hand in

hand with the construction of the Canal. This exhibition hall honors the

hundreds of men and women who made this achievement possible.

Exhibition Hall 2: Water: Source of Life. It emphasizes the importance

of water, conservation of the environment, protection of the Canal

Watershed, and the diversity of fauna and flora. It underscores the

ACP’s commitment to the sustainable management of this resource and

the interoceanic region.

Exhibition Hall 3: The Canal in Action. This exhibition hall depicts in an amusing manner how

the Canal operates and allows us the experience of being inside a navigation simulator and one of

the lock culverts. This exhibition showcases Canal improvement, modernization, and maintenance

projects.

Exhibition Hall 4: The Canal of the World. This hall provides information on the importance of

the Canal to world trade, describes the trade routes it serves and the main commodities, identifies

its main users, and allows visitors to get acquainted with the different types of vessels that transit

the waterway. In addition, it presents some of the criteria studied to guarantee the future

competitiveness of the Canal and benefits to the Republic of Panama.

The Center also features a 182-seat theater and state-of-the-art technology, three observation

terraces, two snack bars, and a restaurant with panoramic views, a gift shop, and a hall for special

events. Most areas are available for rent.

All enclosed areas are centrally air-conditioned and the new building boasts an Intelligent

Building Management System that regulates the building’s temperature, humidity, lighting, and

alarm system. The facility, formerly known as the Miraflores Visitors Pavillion, has been

integrated into the new MVC, making it possible for visitors to see a full vessel lockage.

OPT MIRAFLORES LOCKS TOUR (ALONE)

PLAYA

* Deluxe Transportation from the hotel,

* Bilingual professional Guide per transport

* Entrance Fee of the Miraflores Visitor's Center

* One bottle of water for every participant

* Dont includes government tax

Panama City is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and beautiful city, Capital of the Republic of Panama,

and located at the Pacific side of the American Continent. Built in 1519 by Pedro Arias Davila,

a Spanish Governor, it has been considered as on of the most important cities of the Americas.

During this tour, participants will have the opportunity to visit the most interesting places of the

city, like:

Casco Antiguo: The oldest sector of modern Panama City, founded in 1673, it is known as the

Casco Viejo. This beautiful little area has several attractions that tourist shouldn’t miss and can

easily cover in a walking tour of a few hours. A monument to the French entrepreneurs who

began the Panama Canal stands at the bayside end of the Casco Viejo.

There is also an adjacent art museum in the converted strong house, known as Las Bovedas,

once used for storing gold. Other points of interest are the famed flat arch or Santo Domingo

Church, the beautiful gold- plated altar of the San Jose Church, the Panama Canal Museum, the

National Theater, the National Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and other numerous colonial

churches and monuments.

Participants will have the opportunity to do a walking tour at the Casco Viejo section, walking

by monuments such as the Plaza Bolivar, the San Francisco de Asis Church, Bolivar Palace and

the National Theater; “Las Bovedas Promenade”, with one of the most spectacular views of

Panama City.

OPT HALF DAY CITY TOUR AND MIRAFLORES LOCKS

PLAYA

BONITA

* Deluxe Transportation from the hotel,

* Bilingual professional Guide per transport

* Entrance Fee of the Miraflores Visitor's Center

* One bottle of water for every participant

* Dont includes government tax