On our three-day Panama visit, my wife and I packed our schedule full of adventures. We wanted to see the Miraflores Locks but didn’t have time for a half-day tour. So, we decided to visit the locks on our own.
Timing Is Everything
With only two hours before our cooking class, we ordered an Uber around 9:15 AM. This gave us thirty minutes before the first IMAX movie at the Miraflores Visitor Center. Our Uber arrived promptly, and we made it to Miraflores with a few minutes to spare.
Ticket Time
We bought our tickets at the office, spending about $17 per person. This included the IMAX movie, which was about to start. Showtimes are:
- 8:45 am
- 11:00 am
- 12:15 pm
- 1:30 pm
- 2:45 pm
- 4:00 pm
- 5:15 pm
IMAX Experience
We showed our tickets and ascended two sets of escalators to the IMAX theater. To our surprise, it was a nearly full theater with a concession stand offering popcorn and more. I would estimate that 2/3rds of the 500 seats were occupied. We grabbed our 3D glasses and found our seats just as the film began.
A Journey Through History
Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the forty-five-minute film provided an excellent narrative on the history of the canal. It also shared cultural insights into the local area. After the movie, we exited through the gift shop before heading up to the viewing platforms.
Lock Views and Rainy Skies
We arrived at a time when no ships were scheduled to pass through the locks. We knew this from the schedule but had no other option due to our packed itinerary. Although we’d seen locks before, these were still impressive.
Staying Dry and Snapping Photos
Despite the light rain, we got a great vantage point of the locks. The platforms are covered, keeping us dry. We snapped some photos and checked the view from both platforms before heading out.
Coffee and Cooking Class
Next up was Geisha Coffee at Sisu followed by a Panamanian cooking class. Our visit to Miraflores Locks was brief but memorable.
Cost Breakdown
We spent about $20 on Uber and $35 on two tickets, totaling around $27 per person. This was significantly cheaper than many formal tours. We also enjoyed the flexibility of doing things on our own schedule.
Conclusion
At $17 per person, the Miraflores Locks seem a bit pricey. However, half the price is for the IMAX 3D movie, which is worth it. The rest is for viewing platforms. On a busy day, crowds might make it hard to see or take photos. Still, this is a must-see as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Despite the cost, it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss.
Overview of our three-day trip to Panama!