Panama City & Panama Canal Tour: Full Day

You start your city tour by experiencing the Panama Canal visitors’ center at Miraflores Locks where large ships can be seen transiting the canal. A presentation by the Panama Canal Authority on the history of the Panama Canal will be provided. Marvel at the workings of this feat of human engineering and enjoy the different exhibition halls. Continue with a drive through the former Panama Canal Zone, including the town of Balboa and the old US Amador Army Base. You will then visit the Biodiversity Museum, designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. As a Smithsonian Affiliate museum, the Biodiversity Museum serves as a gateway to new information about the biodiversity and natural history of the Isthmus of Panama. Scientific experts from both the Smithsonian Institute and the University of Panama oversee the contents of the museum and aim at teaching visitors about eco-awareness, conservation and Panama’s extraordinary natural treasures in various unique exhibition galleries. Did you know that the Isthmus of Panama has more bird, mammal, reptile and plant species than the US and Canada together in just 75,990 Km2 (approx. 29,000 square miles)? In fact, 3 million years ago, the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama changed both the climate and the biodiversity in the planet and played a key role in the creation of the world we know today. After having lunch at a Panamanian restaurant enjoy a historical walking tour in Casco Viejo (the old city compound), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Casco Viejo is home to the Presidential Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Theater, the French Plaza and several other iconic landmarks that offer testament to the city’s rich history, culture and heritage. From the top of old city’s wall enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean dotted with local fishing boats near the port and massive ships lined up waiting to cross the Panama Canal as well as the impressive skyline of modern Panama City. Drop off at your hotel mid-late afternoon.