How to get to the Panama Canal
Headed to Panama City? A visit to the Panama Canal is a must - and it's super easy to do! Read on for all the details:
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Where to go
One of the most popular places to view the Panama Canal is at the Miraflores Locks. It's one of three lock systems in the canal, and features a visitor's center complete with museum, IMAX theatre, cafe, and - most importantly - a viewing deck to catch all the action.
Here's a brief synopsis as to how it works: there are two lanes within the lock. Ships are pulled down one of the lanes via tugs. Then, using the other lane as a drainage system, the ships are either lowered or raised approximately 50 feet so they can pass through the lock.
The gates open, and voila - on to the Pacific or Atlantic the ship goes.
It takes vessels between 8-10 hours to transit the entirety of the Panama Canal - and a fee averaging $300k-400k!
Tickets to enter the Miraflores Visitor's Center cost $20. Allow at least 2 hours to walk through the museum and spend some time on the viewing deck. The center is open daily from 9AM-5PM.
How to get there
The Miraflores Visitor's Center is located about 25 minutes outside of Panama City.
Probably the easiest and most inexpensive way to get there is to hop in a rideshare or cab. I visited Panama City on a work trip, and my crew split an Uber together from our hotel, which cost around $20 total roundtrip.
You can also purchase a Hop On Hop Off bus pass, or partake in a Panama Canal tour.
Why you should go
Let's just put it this way: the Panama Canal is a feat of sheer engineering magic. Not to mention, it's an indispensable component of international trade. I couldn't get over how awe-inspiring it was in person, and anyone who has the opportunity to experience it should not pass it up.
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