Private behind the scenes Panama Canal Miraflores Visitor Centre & Casco Antiguo Tour
Go behind the scenes with a private tour of the historic Miraflores Locks and Visitor’s Centre to learn more about the magnificent Panama Canal, before enjoying a guided tour of Panama City’s colonial district, the UNESCO-listed Casco Antiguo.
Area
Panama City
Type
Art & Architecture
History
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
First opened in 1914, the Panama Canal is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World and is an incredible example of engineering genius. Locks at either end of the canal lift and lower the ships onto the 82km waterway which incorporates the artificially created Lake Gatun, cutting through the heart of Central America. The canal takes around 8-10-hours to navigate and connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, allowing ships to avoid the longer and more dangerous journey around Cape Horn.
This experience provides an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the Miraflores Visitor Centre, accompanied by a representative from the Panama Canal Authority. Along with an audio-guide, there is also an IMAX documentary explaining the history and building of the canal, along with the chance to see the ships navigate the locks and waterway. Arranged as a private visit, you will have access to areas not usually seen by the public, including canal platforms and control cabins.
After enjoying one of the world’s most sophisticated modern structures, you will head back into Panama City for a tour of the capital’s more historic attractions with a tour of Casco Antiguo. Also known as Casco Viejo, this UNESCO-listed district is full of colonial charms, with narrow cobblestone streets, welcoming plazas, impressive churches and some of the city’s most popular bars and restaurants.
The tour lasts 4-hours and includes transportation to and from city hotels, an English-speaking guide, private tour of Miraflores Visitor Centre and entrance fees. Suitable for all over 12 years, please wear flat closed-toe footwear such as trainers, comfortable clothing, hat, and sunscreen. We would also recommend bringing a water bottle. In the event of rain, certain elements of the Miraflores tour may be off limits.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourUltimate Panama & Costa Rica
Immerse yourself in the landscapes, wildlife, culture, and adventure activities of both Panama & Costa Rica on this fully guided and comprehensive 17-night tour. Combining sightseeing opportunities with rainforest, cloud forest and volcanic hikes, spectacular views across the treetop canopy travelling along misty hanging bridges, thrilling ziplines, and leisurely aerial trams, unique bird and wildlife safaris, and luxurious desert island living, this tour offers a lifetime of lasting memories.
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View TourExtraordinary Panama
Combine Panama’s urban delights, indigenous culture, natural beauty, bird, and wildlife with a chance to relax on a private island idyll on the country’s Caribbean coastline. This guided tour is a superb introduction to the country, offering a range of diverse and enriching activities including cloud forest hiking, hot spring bathing, birding, wildlife spotting, a private behind the scenes tour of the iconic Panama Canal, time with the Emberá Quera community, and some beachside relaxation.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationHotel La Compania
A lovingly restored product of international designers, architects and historians, this fabulous hotel reflects the building’s long and interesting heritage. Akin to staying in a living museum, enjoy warm hospitality, grand design, and exceptional dining.
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View AccommodationAmarla Boutique Hotel
Boasting 1920’s architecture, the adults-only boutique hotel with eight guest rooms, is perfectly placed to explore the historic heart of Panama. An oasis of calm and steeped in history, it’s a beautiful space to retreat after your day of explorations.
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View AccommodationSofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Immerse yourself in the contemporary design and glamour of this sophisticated waterfront oasis with a fascinating cultural history and heritage, exquisite levels of service, destination dining options, upscale accommodation, infinity pool and spa.
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View AccommodationAmerican Trade Hotel
In the heart of the historic Casco Viejo, the American Trade is a stylish boutique bolthole. Decor transports guests to the glamour of the 1920s, with hand-painted tiles, polished dark floors and shady courtyards. A small rooftop pool adds to the allure.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceBoquete Cloud Forest waterfall hike
Enjoy a hike through the cloud forest around the edge of Volcan Baru National Park, through ridges and valleys, to beautiful waterfalls, where you will enjoy a picnic lunch and can bathe in the falls. You should also see a wealth of bird life.
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View ExperienceGamboa Wildlife Expedition
Take a once-in-a-lifetime boat trip on the Panama Canal alongside the mighty ships as they navigate this incredible triumph of engineering, while enjoying the opportunity to scout for the bird, marine and wildlife of the lake and surrounding rainforest.
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View ExperiencePartial Transit of the Panama Canal
Tropical birds circle overhead and the sound of the rainforest’s wildlife breaks the quiet calm as you make your way along this fantastic canal and engineering marvel. Navigating the Panama Canal is truly unforgettable.
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View ExperiencePrivate Panama Canal Agua Clara Visitor’s Centre & City Tour
Immerse yourself in Panama City’s major attractions on a full day tour exploring the incredible Panama Canal, one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, along with both a guided rainforest hike and tour of the capital’s UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo district.
Call us on 020 8682 5430 to start planning