Canal History and Casco Walking Tour – SRCD

Miraflores Locks: The Panama Canal, known as the eighth wonder of the world, is a 50-mile (80-kilometer) maritime canal that connects the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is a crucial conduit for international maritime trade, representing one of the greatest engineering feats in history. The Miraflores Locks are one of three sets of locks that serve as water elevators to raise and lower ships from sea level to the water level of Lake Gatun, a total of 85 feet (26 meters). Ships navigate through the canal across the Central Cordillera. There is a visitor center in Miraflores where you will see four floors of exhibits, including historical artifacts, interactive modules, video presentations, and models of the Panama Canal. At the end, you can observe the day-to-day operations of the locks from the terraces of the visitor center.

Casco Antiguo: You will have the opportunity to firsthand experience a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the old town (Casco Antiguo). This is the second European settlement, founded in 1673 after Henry Morgan sacked the first city, now known as Panama Viejo. This new city was conceived in a grid pattern towards the four cardinal points and was characterized by the symmetry of its streets, earning it recognition as a model of a classical city. The tour concludes with a panoramic visit to the ‘Calzada de Amador,’ a group of three islands connected to the mainland by breakwaters of the Panama Canal. Due to its strategic location, the U.S. military used this area to defend the Panama Canal. Today, the street has transformed into a hub of restaurants, bars, and commercial areas.

The walking tour takes approximately 90 minutes, then you will be able to enjoy dinner at amazing restaurants of your choosing, offering a gourmet feast of Panamanian and international cuisine in a cozy ambiance.