Exploring Panama Canal in 1 Day Itinerary

• Visit Miraflores Locks - Starting the day with a visit to Miraflores Locks is a great way to understand and appreciate the engineering masterpiece of the Panama Canal. Watch the ships pass through the locks, and visit the museum where you can learn more about its history and construction. (9:00 am - 11:00 am)
• Explore Casco Viejo - This old town of Panama City is an incredible sight with colonial architecture, quaint streets, and plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants to wander through. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere, take photos in front of the colorful buildings and admire the views of the Panama skyline. (12:00 pm - 2:00 pm)
• Lunch at Mercado de Mariscos - A bustling seafood market, Mercado de Mariscos is a must-visit for lunch if you're in the area. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes such as ceviche or fried fish while taking in the lively market ambiance. (2:30 pm - 3:30 pm)
• Panama Canal Railway Tour - Take a ride on the Panama Canal Railway, which was constructed in the 19th century to transport gold from the California gold rush. The train ride offers breathtaking views of the Canal and passing through rainforests, beaches, and historic landmarks en route. Experience the cosmopolitan nature of Panama and enjoy the scenery on this hour-long ride. (4:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
• Watch Sunset from Ancon Hill - End your day with the best view of Panama City - Ancon Hill. It's a 15-minute walk to the top where you can take in the sunset and panoramic views of the skyline with the canal in the distance. (5:30 pm - 6:30 pm)

Time and Costs Estimates

• Miraflores Locks Tour (2 hours, $20)
• Casco Viejo Exploration (2 hours, Free)
• Mercado de Mariscos Lunch (1 hour, $10-15)
• Panama Canal Railway Tour (1 hour, $25)
• Ancon Hill Hike/Detour (1 hour, Free)
Total Estimated Costs: $70-80

Transportation

While exploring Panamá Canal in one day, it's best to bring comfortable shoes since some points of interest are within walking distance. Uber Taxis or local taxis are also available anytime, which costs approximately $15-20 for a 15-minute ride.

Useful tips

If you have more time, it's worth exploring other historic areas of the city, such as Panama Viejo or the Biomuseo. Meanwhile, if you have less time to go around, soaking up the canal's history and visiting the Miraflores Locks Museum is already a great experience.