Bristol Panama

A New Window to the Canal

The Miraflores Visitors Center (CVM) is an expression of the permanent commitment of the Panama Canal Authority to strengthen the public’s knowledge of the Canal.

Located on the east side of the Miraflores Locks, the CVM allows the visitor to observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters and learn first hand about the various operations of the Panama Canal, the history of its construction, its participation in the world markets, and the importance of its watershed.

The center features an ample, fully equipped theater, three observation terraces, two snack bars, a restaurant with panoramic view, a gift shop, and a hall for special events. Most areas are available for rent.

Four exhibition halls constitute the heart of the CVM. The exhibitions include historic pieces, interactive modules, video presentations, models of the Panama Canal, and objects used in Canal operations.

The History Hall portrays the background, technological innovations, and sanitary initiatives that went hand in hand with the construction of the Canal. This exhibition hall honors the hundreds of men and women who made this achievement possible.

The Hall of Water: Source of Life emphasizes the importance of water, conservation of the environment and biodiversity, protection of the Canal Watershed, and the ACP’s commitment to the sustainable management of this resource and the interoceanic region.

The Canal in Action depicts in an amusing manner how the Canal operates and allows us the experience of being inside a navigation simulator and one of the lock culverts. A virtual ocean-to-ocean transit is also made possible through the use of a topographical model. This exhibition showcases Canal improvement, modernization, and maintenance projects.

The Canal in the World provides information on the importance of the Canal to world trade; describes the trade routes it serves; and identifies its main users, the various types of vessels that transit the waterway, and the commodities they carry. In addition, it presents an overview of studies conducted in order to guarantee the future competitiveness of the Canal and the benefits to the Republic of Panama.

Travel back in time to Panama's Old Quarter

In 1671, after the Pirate Henry Morgan attacked, looted and destroyed the Old City, Panama Viejo. Its residents and settlers, desperate for a safer and easier location to defend themselves against future seige, decided on what is now Casco Viejo (The Old Quarter).

This unique walled city, consisting of 16th & 17th Century Spanish Colonial Architecture, is a gem which was unknown to most of the outside world until 2003 when UNESCO named Casco Viejo a World Heritage Site.

Today, Casco Viejo (aka. Casco Antiguo, San Felipe or El Casco) is a vibrant community consisting of a sharp contrast of old and new, local and foreign. The buildings are in various stages or redevelopment and renovation, with a strictly enforced standard of Historical Authenticity. There is tremendous culture and a feeling which is unique only to this neighborhood in Panama.

Essentially, Casco Viejo is a melting pot of many cultures converging in one place which is truly unlike any other! Casco Viejo is also home to the Presidential Palace (Palacia de la Garzas - or Heron's Palace), named for the resident Heron's which live in the courtyard of the Moorish inspired palace. The plazas of Casco Viejo, such as Plaza de Catedral, Plaza Bolivar, Plaza de Francia, Plaza Herrera and others, are social meeting places for residents and visitors alike. There are restaurants (some of the best in the city in fact), cafes, boutiques, shops, beautiful buildings surrounding the plazas and immaculately manicured gardens. As you stroll through the old streets from one plaza to the next, you'll meet vendors selling everything from Empenadas and Enchilladas to flavored shaved ice called "raspao" (shaved by hand and only set you back 35 cents!) to cool you down from the heat.

Shop Until You Drop!

Panama City has a very diverse market of shops and warehouses distributed throughout the country but the most important concentrated in Panama City.

All internationally recognized credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, AMEX) are recognized in Panama. Also the U.S. dollar circulates freely, known in Panama as the Balboa. Albrook Mall The mall has 100.000 m2 of retail on two floors, with spectacular areas of entertainment for the whole family. It has almost all kinds of stores, cinemas, ice skating rink among many other facilities. It is roofed with central air conditioning and parking lot.

Multiplaza Pacific Mall With over 200 shops, 5 star hotel, more than 2000 car parks, cinemas, large food court and other facilities. This Shopping Mall has the best international and national brands. It also has soccer fields with artificial grass thatched, like all the mall's roof and has central air conditioning.

Multicentro Mall It has casino, cinema, food court and a variety of national and international stores. It's roof and central air conditioning, parking spaces have in the basement of the Mall also has an international franchise restaurant Hard Rock Cafe. There are several places to buy local handmade crafts and arts. Markets and stores that carry items made by Panamanian indigenous tribes and small interior towns.

Colon Free Zone as an area different from the usual shopping malls in the city, which is a mini city full of warehouses and wholesale items for bulk purchase. Some items can be purchased as individual items as well.

Discover Panama City

Located at the mouth of the Panama Canal on the Pacific Ocean lies one of the world's best kept secrets...Panama City. A sought after destination for tourists, with incredible history, spectacular nearby beaches, endless outdoor adventure activities, and a nightlife worthy of any well-known party city, Panama City is a unique option for the discerning traveller looking to get the most from a vacation experience.

When visiting Panama City, the canal is the first thing one will want to see, and for good reason. For the best views, take tours up the Canal to see the amazing views and witness how it operates. Nearby jungle tours are also available through Panama City, where you can observe some of the world’s most exotic wildlife.

Panama City also offers some of the richest culture and history in the world, one can spend months visiting all the interesting villages and taking part in some unique experiences. Visit nearby coffee farms, mingle with natives in their villages while sampling some of their homemade goods, or take some historical tours of the city to check out places like Casco Viejo, or the Old Panama ruins.

Caribbean Cultural Escape to San Blas

From Spanish conquistadors to gold rush adventurers. On the Trans-Isthmian Route one may experience a most interesting historical journey in Panama. Traverse Panama from South to North by road, exploring the forts and ruins at San Lorenzo and Portobelo. This allows the experience of touching two oceans in one day.