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Reina Torres de Araúz Anthropological Museum

Reina Torres de Araúz Anthropological Museum (corner of Diana Moran Avenue (entrance to the urbanization Los Llanos de Curundu) with John Paul II Avenue and Curundu Street, Panama City) – this museum, a.k.a. MARTA, covers the country anthropological history, including an exhibit on the Barrilles culture (reputed to be the country’s earliest civilization). There is also an exhibit of pre-Columbian gold and other artifacts from Panama’s indigenous peoples. Admission: US$2.50 (adult), US$1 (students). Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Panama Canal Museum

Panama Canal Museum (San Felipe entre Calle 5ta y Calle 6ta, Panama City) — The Interoceanic Canal Museum of Panama, commonly known as the Canal Museum, is a public and non-profit museum located in Panama City. It is dedicated to preserve, research and display the testimonies of the history of the Panama Canal. Its headquarters is in a building located in Independence Square, in the old quarter of the city, in the township of San Felipe. The idea for the new museum was conceived in 1996, when the board that oversees its activities decided to rehabilitate the building where it was housed, which dates to 1874. It reopened on September 9, 1997, in honor of the Universal Conference of the Canal.

The museum has ten permanent exhibit halls that present the facts of the history of the inter-oceanic route across the isthmus and the construction of the Panama Canal. It also shows the evolution of canal activities and how it passed into Panamanian hands upon passage of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. Additionally, the museum stands out for the numerous temporary exhibitions it puts on display each year, on diverse topics in the fields of culture, architecture, history and environmental conservation.

Admission: $2.00 (adult), $.75 (children 4-12 years). Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed on Mondays and national holidays.

Pacific Queen / Panama Canal Tour

Pacific Queen / Panama Canal Tour – See & crossing the Panama Canal is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in the country. A tour of the Canal is the best way to learn about its history and how this marvel of engineering functions.

On your ride on the Pacific Queen vessel, you will have the opportunity to see the Canal operations from up close, allowing you to enjoy all the action to the max. You can watch the work of the tug boats and feel the sensation of rising and lowering inside the different levels of locks as you cross from sea to sea.

Crossing the Panama Canal yourself and simply being told about it are two totally different things; you have to go yourself and experience the trip. To feel the breeze of the bay on your face and to sniff the fresh scent of nature are priceless. On your trip, you will pass through the narrowest point in the Panama Canal, the famous Snake Cut, also known as the Gaillard Cut. It spans only 152m, a width that is approximately the length of one and a half soccer fields.

Partial Transit Tour (4-5 hours): $135 (adult), $85 (children)
Full Transit Tour (8-9 hours): $180 (adult), $95 (children)

For more details, call: 507-226-8917 / 507-270-4288 or browse through PMA Tours’ website: www.pmatours.net/pacific_queen/

Old Panama

Old Panama (Ruins) (Cathedral Tower, Panama City) — In 1671 the city was attacked by the English pirate Henry Morgan, with the intention of looting the city. For security measures, for both the population and its property, the General Captain of the mainland, Don Juan Perez de Guzman, ordered the city to evacuate and blow up the gunpowder deposits, which caused a massive fire that completely destroyed the city.

The ruins of the old city that still remain, including the cathedral tower, are now a tourist attraction known as the historical monument collection of Old Panama, recognized as world heritage. Panama City was rebuilt in 1673 at a new location 2 km west-southwest of the original city, on the slopes of Ancon Hill, currently known as the Old Town of the city.

Museum of Natural Sciences

Museum of Natural Sciences (Avenida Cuba and Calles 29 and 30, Panama City) – given that much of the country of Panama is covered in jungle with a rich biohistory, this is a modest museum, consisting of 4 rooms displaying some stuffed animals and geological specimens. Such animals include a jaguar, a harpy eagle, a howler & spider monkeys, and a large iguana. Admission: US$1 (adult), US$.25 cents (students). Hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Museum of the History of Panama

Museum of the History of Panama (Palacio Municipal Planta Baja, Old Town) – located in aPalacio Municipal (built in 1910, and housing mainly government offices), this is a modest museum that contains artifacts from the country’s history, going back to the Spanish colonial period. Some of the more interesting items are from the days when Panama became independent from Colombia during the turn of the 20th century. Admission: US$1 (adult), US$.25 cents (children). Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tel.: +507-501-4128.

Miraflores Visitors Center

Miraflores Visitors Center (Panama City) – located just outside of Panama City, on the east side of the Miraflores Locks, the Miraflores Visitor Center is the ideal place to observe the Canal operations. From large balconies, visitors can watch as the lock gates are opened and closed for ships to start or complete their journey through the Canal.

Admission (exhibitions & observation decks): $3 (adult), $1.50 (seniors), $2 (students & minors between 5 and 17 years), Free for minors under 5 years old.
Free admission for all (for ground terrace, snack bar, restaurant & gift shop entry). Hours: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. Call for more details: (507) 276-8449.