Miraflores Locks
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A man-made wonder and a feat of engineering. The movie in the IMAX here, narrated by Morgan Freeman, is everything you need to know about the Panama Canal and worth the price of admission. As of 2024 it is $18US to get in the gate. The Visitors Centre here is top class, with the restaurants, museum and cinema. Also there are great viewing spots of the locks and incoming ships. With the enormous size of the ships, it is a slow process, but seriously impressive to see, if you appreciate the scale and ingenuity of this operation. Around 10,000 people work here and approximately 30 ships pass though here per day. Total transit for a ship from the Pacific to the Caribbean Sea is 10 hours and vice versa. When I was flying to Panama from Costa Rica, I got an amazing view from my window of all the huge cargo ships in the Pacific awaiting their turn to pass through - the view reminded me of the English Channel during the storming of Normandy in World War 2. The canal voyage is so precise, all ship captains cede control to Panamanian specialists. Each lock is 8 stories high, based on a 15th century Leonardo Da Vinci design. When a ship is in a chamber millions of gallons of water rushes in to raise the level to the same depth as on the other side of the next lock. This is all done by gravity and there is not a single water pump in the Panama Canal, which I found pretty mad. This water can lift a 70,000 ton ship in 10 minutes. The whole system is also powered from the same dam that made the canal possible. This canal was a long time coming, that many thought was an impossible dream to link these 2 major oceans. The Spanish conquistadors surveyed a possible canal nearly 500 years ago but met impenetrable jungle and walked away after they couldn't cut a way through. Then French engineers who built the Suez canal resurrected the idea and tried for 9 years to dig a trench a mile wide and 350 feet deep, through a mountain range of solid rock. More than 20,000 died of sickness and exhaustion. They didn't know it at the time but it was mosquitos causing yellow fever and malaria. In the end, they gave up the dream as they did not have the means to dig through the Western Mountains or tame the turbulent Chagres River. When Panama became independent from Colombia in 1903, the Americans expressed an intention to succeed where the French failed. American Engineer John Stevens decided to use The Chagres River to their advantage by damming it and creating a lake with multiple locks, of a magnitude never seen before. This would enable a lot less digging of the Western Mountains than the French had to do, but his work could not commence until the workers were protected from the dangers the tropics brought. The Americans launched a huge eradication program of the 2 kinds of mosquitos that caused the diseases, and the region was free from yellow fever and malaria 2 years later. The canal was opened to shipping in 1914, but it's thunder was stolen as World War 1 started on the exact same day. The Americans (Jimmy Carter) handed over control of the canal to Panama outright in 1977. It was feared they would not be able to handle it, but it has been running like clockwork ever since, and they have even overseen a major expansion to the capacity of the canal after the turn of the century. Panama is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited because of the rainforests, beaches and wildlife, but you would still be missing out if you ignored this modern marvel.
Alan Egan
00
Very chaotic and disorganized, they need to totally revamp the tourist experience. We arrived shortly after 2 pm (because the boats don't go through in the morning to 2 pm) and there was chaos and confusion. The entrance area had makeshift lines without any structure to them. Groups of people were bypassing the line, walking through the line, leaving the line to go elsewhere, etc. Once you got through the outdoor waiting area to get inside, you go to pay $10+7 for an entrance ticket and IMAX movie. Then you go up some escalators to wait in more lines. (We went on a mid weekday to hopefully avoid longer weekend lines.) Once you get through the lines to view the Canal and boats, you see crowds of people already filled up the seating, the staircases, etc so it's hard to view anything. And yes, people line up the staircases leaving little room to safely walk up and down. Rain can also be an issue, so wet staircases full of people jockeying for position to see the boats is a major safety hazard. Anyways, if you're lucky to see the Canal, you might also see groups of random tourists who somehow got access to the dock area (assume with some special tour group, don't know how one gets that). The IMAX movie was a good watch, as it told the story about how the Canal got built. Again, you will wait in another line, and if you get shuffled to the end of the line after leaving the Canal viewing area, you won't be able to purchase any popcorn/drinks/etc because you'll just walk right past that all. They are missing out on sales from those people who were told to stand in line (which is outside the theater area) then walk directly into the theater. My suggestion would be to revamp the whole tourist experience, add more elevated seating and viewing, fix the line issues, move the tour group people away from the regular people who have paid and waited in lines (so our pictures aren't obstructed and annoyed we didn't get a similar experience). So many things could make this a better experience for tourists, a total overhaul would be wonderful.
balooko31
00
️ A Captivating Technological Marvel, But Plan Wisely! 🌪️ Visiting this extraordinary technological marvel was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To fully grasp the sheer power and ingenuity behind the system, you must witness it firsthand. However, a word of caution - proper planning is essential to make the most of your visit. On the day of my visit, the sun was scorching hot, and the venue was bustling with crowds. It's important to be prepared for these conditions, so I recommend wearing comfortable clothes, bringing sunscreen, and staying hydrated throughout your visit. To avoid disappointment, I strongly advise checking the schedule and ensuring that you time your visit correctly. This technological marvel operates on a specific timetable, so it's crucial to be there at the right time to witness the system in action. Don't make the mistake of going there hoping to see the lock without prior knowledge of the schedule. Fortunately, you don't necessarily need a guided tour to enjoy this experience. Simply arrive at the venue and purchase your ticket to gain entry. The awe-inspiring technology and breathtaking views are more than enough to captivate you without the need for additional commentary. Despite the potential challenges, I can guarantee that the experience will be well worth it. Witnessing the engineering prowess and raw power of this technological marvel is an unforgettable moment that will leave you in awe. In summary, planning ahead is essential when visiting this technological wonder. Be aware of the schedule, dress appropriately for the weather, and come prepared. Without a doubt, this venue offers an experience that you won't want to miss! ⚙️🌪️ #TechnologicalMarvel #PowerfulEngineering #PlanAheadForSuccess
Nooran Ostadeian
00
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Miraflores in Panama, and it was an unforgettable experience. Situated alongside the iconic Panama Canal, Miraflores offers a unique blend of historical significance and modern marvels that left me thoroughly impressed. The Miraflores Visitor Center is impeccably designed, providing visitors with insightful exhibits that detail the history and engineering behind the Panama Canal. The interactive displays and informative videos made the learning experience engaging and accessible for all ages. One of the highlights was the observation deck, where I witnessed the awe-inspiring sight of massive ships navigating through the canal’s locks. The close-up view of the operations and the sheer scale of the vessels were truly mesmerizing. The knowledgeable staff on-site provided commentary, enhancing the understanding of the canal’s daily operations. The on-site restaurant offers a fantastic dining experience with a panoramic view of the canal. Enjoying a delicious meal while watching ships pass by was a unique and delightful experience. The menu featured a variety of local and international dishes, all prepared to perfection. In addition to the impressive infrastructure and scenic views, the hospitality at Miraflores was top-notch. The staff was friendly, accommodating, and eager to share their knowledge about the canal and its significance. Overall, my visit to Miraflores was an extraordinary journey through history and engineering. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Panama. Whether you’re a history buff, an engineering enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique experience, Miraflores will exceed your expectations.
Claudia Collier
00
What an honor to be able to see such a marvel in person! There's no way I could go to Panamá and not visit the historic Panama Canal - Miraflores Locks. It's important to note that there are two actual locks. There's a museum in La Ciudad Panamá but that doesn't provide the same in-person experience you get by witnessing the Locks open and close to incoming ships. Words just aren't enough to full describe what it's like knowing the importance of the Panamá Canal project, expansion, and necessity to the entire globe. One thing to note is that in order to beat the long lines, is it's best to arrive before noon. There was a lot of traffic on the way to the Miraflores Locks, due to construction of a new Metro rail line. When I visited early afternoon on a Saturday, we walked right to the ticket counter and entered with no wait. There are several viewing levels, a souvenir shop, and an IMAX theater (which I'm not sure if it was open). I also heard there was a cafe and maybe a restaurant, but I did not see them. I was so fascinated by the opening and closing of the Locks. Uber was only $5 back to the city. This was a MUST SEE and I'm SO glad I did. Que rico Panamá! 🇵🇦 😍 Side note: If you have a friendly Uber driver, on the way there, you may be able to stop and take pictures at Mirador de Las Americas which is a tribute from China and their 150+ years in the Americas.
Love Jones
00
Loved my visit. Wasn't expecting guides to be narrating what was happening, so that was really nice. The guy who started narrating was funny and spoke very clear in Spanish and English, and was funny. The girl who took over when the boat was through the 1st lock spoke much softer, so was difficult to hear and understand. Arrived around 8:40 and was told we just missed the first boat crossing and the next boat crossing would be around 9:30. There was a movie showing at 8:45 but by the time we got our tickets we decided to see it after. A lot of the staff kept telling everyone to watch the movie right then, even when it was already 8:50 and we might've missed the first 5 minutes. We went to the locks and read the information panels, then claimed a front row spot on the viewing platform at 9am. When the announcer said the boat was approaching, suddenly the platform was packed. So definitely claim your spot early if you want an unobstructed view! They also only had 2 boats in the morning that day, so people arriving after 10:30am would've had to wait until 2pm for the next one crossing the other way. So best to get there early! The movie was nice, but I think would've been better in 2D. The 3D was too fuzzy for me. Popcorn was good!
Maddi Petro
00
Nearby Attractions Of Miraflores Locks
Miraflores Visitor's Center
Esclusa Miraflores Canal De Panama
Miraflores IMAX 3D
Esclusas Miraflores

Miraflores Visitor's Center
4.6
(9.2K)
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Esclusa Miraflores Canal De Panama
4.7
(639)
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Miraflores IMAX 3D
4.1
(54)
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Esclusas Miraflores
4.6
(21)
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Nearby Restaurants Of Miraflores Locks
Cafeteria 40 & ocho

Cafeteria 40 & ocho
5.0
(7)
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Basic Info
Address
XCW5+J8H, Panama City, Panamá Oeste Province, Panama
Map
Phone
+507 276-8449
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Website
visitcanaldepanama.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(4.5K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
scenic
family friendly
accessibility
attractions: Miraflores Visitor's Center, Esclusa Miraflores Canal De Panama, Miraflores IMAX 3D, Esclusas Miraflores, restaurants: Cafeteria 40 & ocho

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