Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases in Panama City, Panama
Panama City, Panama

Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases

Outty Ranking 63 4.8 · 14 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $100
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Outty Ranking

63/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases worth booking?

Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases is a 4-hour experience in Panama City, Panama, from $100 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
63 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (14)
Duration
4 hours
From
$100 per person

The former Canal Zone tour starts from your hotel and takes you to the Miraflores Locks, where we will spend an hour. You can visit the exhibition room between the observation decks to learn about the history and see the boats pass through the second-largest locks in the Panama Canal. After that, we will head to the former base of Clayton, which dates back to 1919 and housed more than 20,000 people, including civilians and soldiers. Then, we will drive to Corozal, an old town in the Canal Zone, where we can visit the American military cemetery and the train station, which was the first transoceanic railway in the world. After that, we will travel to the first American airfield in Albrook, where we will learn more about the history of the place. Finally, we will visit the old town of Balboa, where we can see the Panama Canal Administration Building, and end the tour at the Amador Causeway.

What you get

    About this experience

    The former Canal Zone tour starts from your hotel and takes you to the Miraflores Locks, where we will spend an hour. You can visit the exhibition room between the observation decks to learn about the history and see the boats pass through the second-largest locks in the Panama Canal. After that, we will head to the former base of Clayton, which dates back to 1919 and housed more than 20,000 people, including civilians and soldiers. Then, we will drive to Corozal, an old town in the Canal Zone, where we can visit the American military cemetery and the train station, which was the first transoceanic railway in the world. After that, we will travel to the first American airfield in Albrook, where we will learn more about the history of the place. Finally, we will visit the old town of Balboa, where we can see the Panama Canal Administration Building, and end the tour at the Amador Causeway.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Bottled water
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Miraflores Visitor Center entry to be paid on site to the canal staff

    What you'll see and do

    1. Museo del Canal Interoceanico de Panama

      We begin this tour by traveling through time going through everything that happened in the canal from the French to the conclusion of the canal by the Americans and all the nations that gave their contribution to this work that changed the maritime world since then.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Panama Canal

      The former base of Clayton date from 1919 and housed more than 20 thousand people, civilians, and soldiers, after we drive to Corozal an old town in the canal zone where we find the American military cemetery following the train station the first interoceanic railway in the world after traveling to the first American air force station in Panama Albrook where we will remember much of the history of the area and finally the old town of balboa where we find the Panama canal administration building and finally the Amador causeway

      60 minutes here

    3. Miraflores Visitor Center

      The Miraflores locks where we will be for an hour where you can see the exhibition rooms after ascending to the fourth floor to see the boats passing through the second largest locks in the Panama canal.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. Corozal American Cemetery and Memorial

      let's honor the fallen soldiers

      15 minutes here

    5. Avenida Balboa

      the Zone's administrative capital, as well as the location of the harbor and the main high school on the Pacific side

      10 minutes here

    6. Panama Canal Administration Building

      The Panama Canal Administration Building was inaugurated on July 15, 1914 as a landmark for Panamanian history. This veritable legacy from the past is an important part of Canal history.

      30 minutes here

    7. Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador)

      Fort Amador and Fort Grant ( current Amador Causeway) were former United States Army bases constructed to safeguard the southern end of the Panama Canal at Panama Bay in the Pacific. Amador was the main on-land site, located below the Bridge of the Americas. Grant comprised a series of islands situated just offshore.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Solo traveler

      This option is created for solo travelers Pickup included

    • Private and exclusive Combo

      Private : An exclusive and customize experience Pickup included

    • Former Panama Canal zone tour (military bases, museums and more)

      Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Panamanian Aventures

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Miraflores Visitor Center entry 17.22 dollars per person Must be paid to the on-site to the staff
    • Canal Museum 15 dollars entry Must be paid on site to the staff

    Photos

    Current Clayton Panama Canal Zone, Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases in Panama CityPanama canal museum, Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases in Panama CityBalboa's former elementary school, Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases in Panama CityCorozal American cemetery, Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases in Panama CityPanama skyline View from the amador causeway, Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases in Panama CityLas Americas Bridge The oldest and most famous bridge in Panama was built where the ferry departed, which for many years was the communication...

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Small groups

    3 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    14 verified traveler reviews for Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    12
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    chichainglijo · July 2026

    Tour

    The tour was amazing. The guide was awesome. I went on a private tour because even though I was the only one who signed up, they didn’t cancel the tour, which is really nice of them

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Old Canal Zone Tour and that your guide made the experience special. We’re also happy we could provide the private tour as planned, even with just one guest. Thank you for choosing Panamanian Adventures! We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Panama.

    via Tripadvisor

    Lisa_G · May 2026

    Private tour of Panama City

    The driver & guide picked us up at our hotel, they were both friendly and accommodating. We got a personalized tour of the Canal Zone, the old military bases and we got to see the Mormon Temple (stunning grounds) and the American Veteran’s Cemetery. This tour was worth every dollar spent on it. I learned a lot about the local plants, animals and birds. The history that our guide gave us about the county was wonderful because it was personal. Loved the tour. Jaun & Alex were amazing and we would tour with them again!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words about this great experience and for choosing Panamanian Adventures as your go-to tour company in Panama! We truly appreciate your support!

    via Viator

    NESTOR_E · April 2026

    Revisiting the Canal Zone and seeing breathtaking Amador Causeway

    This is a great tour if you’re fortunate to visit the Miraflores Canal Visitors Center on a time during an actual “transit” of a ship through the canal as we did. (Buy your ticket beforehand online to save time) Also, don’t expect to see the Canal Museum on a Sunday or Monday as it’s closed those days. Having spent time in the military at Albrook and Howard AFB in the 90’s it was eye-opening to see the Albrook and Ft. Clayton area now, but unfortunately the former Howard AFB was too far away from everything else to fit within the 5-hour tour constraints. We did get to drive around the beautiful Amador Causeway and take a picture by a Panama sign. Our guide Professor Araminta very engaging and full of first hand knowledge of the area which lent to an incredible intimate experience . Our driver Rigo was just as engaging and stopped by the roadside to point out a sloth for another Kodak moment by the Causeway. Overall, despite not getting to the Canal Museum nor the former Howard AFB, it was an excellent private tour as we were able to catch a transit of a ship through the canal. We just wish the tour could have accommodated more time for the Sunday morning crowds, especially to get into a long line to see the superlative IMAX movie about the Canal at the Miraflores Visitors Center. I fully appreciate that Viator was able to offer a tour that did appeal to those whom are interested in the former US bases and past presence in Panama. Thanks

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing such a detailed and thoughtful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your private tour and were fortunate enough to witness a ship transiting the Panama Canal. That certainly makes for a memorable experience! We’re also glad that Professor Araminta and Rigo added their personal knowledge, engaging personalities, and special moments along the way—including spotting the sloth on the Amador Causeway. We appreciate your understanding regarding the time limitations and the museum’s Sunday closure. Your feedback about allowing more time for busy Sunday crowds and additional stops is very valuable. Thank you for choosing Panamanian Adventures and for recognizing the unique experiences we strive to provide. We hope to welcome you back to Panama for another memorable adventure!

    via Viator

    gaomm · March 2026

    What a great tour and tour guide

    This was an exceptional tour of the Panama Canal Zone. Jorge was our guide, and he managed to show us a number of places from my early life in the Canal Zone. I lived there about 75 years ago, so Jorge’s skill as a tour guide and sleuth were put to the test. He excelled. We also got to see the sites and learn a lot. This tour is highly recommended.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words about this great experience and for choosing Panamanian Adventures as your go-to tour company in Panama! We truly appreciate your support!

    via Tripadvisor

    Tiffany_B · February 2026

    Great tour

    This tour gave a helpful overview of the canal's and canal zone's history and its role in Panama's economic, political and social history

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re glad to hear that the tour provided you with a helpful overview of the Panama Canal and Canal Zone, as well as their important role in Panama’s economic, political, and social history. We appreciate you choosing Panamanian Adventures and hope to welcome you back to Panama for another enriching experience!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $100 to $155
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Panamanian Aventures, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.1.

    See everything Panamanian Aventures runs

    Why this scores 63

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
    Review evidence (18% weight)39
    Booking momentum (14% weight)31
    Value for money (12% weight)56
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)57
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Panama City.

    How much does Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases cost?

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    Prices start at $100 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Panama City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases take?

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    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Panama City is not rushed.

    Is Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 14 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Panama City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases?

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    Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Panama City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Panama City and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Panama City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Panama City?

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    On Outty we rank every Panama City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tour to a waterfall and Embera village with lunch included, Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks, Half day of Panama city and canal tour: shared and private. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Panama City?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Panama City?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases?

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    Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Miraflores Visitor Center entry to be paid on site to the canal staff. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 164 listed pickup locations in and around Panama City. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases?

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    Across 14 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases?

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    There are 3 options to choose from, including Solo traveler, Private and exclusive Combo, Former Panama Canal zone tour (military bases, museums and more). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Old Canal zone tour: Miraflores Locks and former military bases.

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