Panama City is a port of call on Panama Canal itineraries for AMA Waterways, Oceania, and Regent sailings that run nearly year-round, with select departures aboard Lindblad Expeditions.
Panama City rises where the Pacific meets a canal that reshaped global trade, its glass towers standing in contrast to the cobbled lanes of Casco Viejo, the restored colonial quarter of plazas, balconied facades, and waterfront ruins. Nearby, the Miraflores Locks offer a close view of ships transiting between oceans, a spectacle that remains central to the region's identity and economy.
Beyond the city, Chagres National Park protects rainforest and the watershed that feeds the canal, home to howler monkeys, toucans, and dense tropical growth along the Chagres River. Full-day excursions typically combine a canal transit or lock visit with time in this protected wilderness, pairing engineering history with natural scenery. Casco Viejo's historic core sits within easy reach of the port, making it a practical first stop for travelers wanting to explore on foot before venturing farther afield.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Panama City.
Watch a Canal Transit at Miraflores
See massive ships rise and fall through the locks from the visitor center's viewing decks, just a short drive from port. Time visits around scheduled transits for the best action.
Wander Casco Viejo on Foot
Stroll cobbled streets past restored plazas, balconied facades, and waterfront ruins in the historic quarter. Easily walkable in a few hours, it pairs well with a coffee stop or rooftop view.
Explore Chagres National Park
Venture into rainforest along the Chagres River to spot howler monkeys and toucans while learning how this watershed sustains the canal itself. Best done as part of a full-day excursion combined with canal sights.
