Day 2. Panama La Vieja/Miraflores Locks.

Visiting the Ruins and the Canal.

First full day in Panama. 

Enjoy your buffet breakfast at the Pacific Grill Restaurant. Shorts, T-shirts, sunblock, sneakers, hat and definitely cameras suggested for today.

This morning you will visit some of the most important touristic sites in the City of Panama.

Meet your Motorcoach driver this morning and arrive to the Museum of Panama La Vieja after a short drive. At the Museum you will be introduced to the beginnings of the conquest, the history of the natives, the pirates, the discoveries, and of those who founded the basement of modern Panama.

There is a small store on the first level where you can find some good books.
After a visit to the museum, drive to the ruins of Panama La Vieja.

Founded in 1519 by Pedro Arias Dávila, the city became a starting point for various expeditions that initiated the conquest of Perú. In 1610, the city reached a population of 5000, with 500 houses convents and chapels, a Cathedral and a hospital. On 21 February 1644, a fire destroyed 83 religious buildings, including the cathedral. On 28 January 1671, the  city was attacked by the pirate Henry Morgan. Learn about the fascinating history of Panama.

After visiting the Ruins, drive to the Panama Canal for lunch, right at Miraflores Locks.

The bus will take Avenida Balboa, where you will pass many of the modern buildings in the area, and some historic sites , among them, Gamboa, the statue of Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, Ancon Hill, the City of Knowledge (former US base Fort Clayton),and after passing the Dry Canal you will arrive to the Panama Canal.

 Miraflores Locks.

The Canal consists of 3 sets of artificial locks. Today you will visit Miraflores locks where you will have time to visit the museum. This is modern visitor center where you will have a full view of the Miraflores locks operation. At Miraflores locks, vessels are lifted, or lowered, allowing them to transit to or from the Pacific Ocean. Ships cross below the Bridge of the  Américas which connects North and South America.

With Caravan Tours, you will have the unique opportunity for a perfect view of Miraflores operation from your own private balcony. Enjoy lunch, while waiting for ships on transit through the Canal.

The passing of vessels across the Canal is a very dynamic operation. the average time it takes a vessel to navigate the canal, including waiting time, is a key measure of efficiency; and it has oscillated between 20 and 30 hours. Not seeing ships transiting is rare, but it could happen. You will spend approximately 3 hours at the site which will give you better chances for a good visit.

A souvenir shop in the base level sells related merchandise, there is also a theater were you can watch a movie about the history and future of the canal and a very interesting museum.

After an exciting day, head back to your Hotel to relax the rest of the afternoon.

Right across from the hotel there is a large shopping mall. On the second level you will find a couple ATMs and a grocery store. Visiting the mall could be quite interesting, since a lot of locals, specially families visit there. Having a cup of coffee at one of the shops could be a fun experience.

There is also a Fedex office to the right of the hotel where you can send postcards.

Enjoy dinner at the Pacific Grill restaurant and be ready for a surprise!