Miraflores Locks is one of the best places to understand how the Panama Canal works. On the Pacific side, visitors can watch ships being raised or lowered through the original lock system using freshwater from Gatun Lake and gravity alone. From the observation decks, guests see vessels pass just meters away while learning about canal operations through exhibits. The visit includes the IMAX Theater, featuring a high-definition film narrated by Morgan Freeman that explains the canal’s history, engineering, global importance, and the expansion with the new locks, creating a complete and engaging experience.

The former Clayton Military Base is a historic area that once served as a key U.S. Army installation in the Panama Canal Zone. Today, it has been transformed into a peaceful, green district known for its wide roads, tropical forest surroundings, and well-preserved military-era buildings. The area is now home to embassies, government offices, and Ciudad del Saber (City of Knowledge), an international hub for education, research, and innovation, offering a clear contrast between Panama’s canal-era history and its modern development.