In April 2025, the new Gatún Lookout was inaugurated, becoming part of the tourist circuit of the Agua Clara Visitor Center, located on the Atlantic coast of the country. This lookout is situated on the west bank of the Canal, 16 kilometers from the Agua Clara Visitor Center. It has a capacity for 400 people and covers an area of 525 m².
Visitors can access the lookout daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., either via transportation from the Agua Clara Visitor Center or by driving directly along the road toward the Costa Abajo and Escobal communities.
From this new vantage point, visitors can observe vessels transiting through the historic Gatún Locks, complementing the experience at the Agua Clara Visitor Center, where the operations of the neopanamax locks—opened in 2016—can be seen.
With this initiative, the Panama Canal expands its educational and tourist offerings, allowing visitors to learn more about the operations, history, and future of the Canal by observing both sets of locks: the century-old panamax locks from 1914 and the modern neopanamax locks.
Additionally, with a single ticket, visitors can explore both the Agua Clara and Gatún locks, significantly enriching the tourist experience on the Atlantic side of the country and strengthening the connection between the public and one of the world’s most important engineering marvels.
Located just 50 minutes from Panama City, Soberanía National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Along the famous Pipeline Road, more than 400 species have been recorded, making this park a prime spot for birdwatching.
During your walk, keep your eyes open for species such as the antshrike, the fasciated antwren, or the yellow-green tyrannulet. On the Plantation Trail, a 4 km path, you may also encounter the foliage-gleaner, the twisted-winged antbird, and many other fascinating birds.
Very close to these trails are two infrastructures specially designed for birdwatching enthusiasts: The Panama Rainforest Discovery Center Tower and the Canopy Tower. From these viewpoints, you can elevate your experience and observe nests and bird families from the treetops.
Thanks to its biodiversity, Panama is home to over 1,000 bird species — including migratory and endemic ones — among them the majestic harpy eagle, the national bird of the country. This richness makes Panama a key destination for bird tourism, an activity that promotes sustainable tourism, generates employment in rural areas, and supports nature conservation.
Ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers, this tour offers a memorable adventure in the lush Panamanian jungle, positioning Panama as one of the best places in the world for birdwatching.
Bocas del Mar is a boutique hotel located in Boca Chica, in the province of Chiriquí, just 50 minutes from David Airport. Situated in the Gulf of Chiriquí—one of Panama’s top destinations for whale watching—it offers a prime location to witness the migration of majestic humpback whales, which travel north from the southern hemisphere to the warmer waters of the Pacific to mate and give birth.
The hotel features 20 contemporary-style bungalows equipped with modern amenities. All rooms have floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that offer stunning views of the sea and the lush gardens of the property.
Among its facilities are two outdoor swimming pools and a charming bar and restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offers an international menu focused on fresh, locally caught seafood.
Bocas del Mar is the ideal destination for those seeking relaxation, nature, and a unique seaside experience.
POIN is the perfect place to discover Panama, blending history, tradition, and modernity in a fun and unique way. This tourist attraction offers the best 360° panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the stunning skyline of Panama City from an open-air glass platform located 500 feet above sea level.
At POIN, you can enjoy thrilling adventure tours such as climbing, ziplining, swinging, The Edge, and the skydeck. Additionally, the museum and virtual tour with augmented reality provide an interactive way to learn about the city’s history and surroundings through digital exhibits.
To complete the experience, there’s the culinary tour “Flavors of My Homeland by POIN,” where you can savor authentic Panamanian cuisine while taking in the views. POIN is also known as the best “selfie spot” in Panama City.
From the observation platform, you can admire iconic landmarks such as the Old Quarter (Casco Antiguo), the skyscrapers, and the Panama Canal. POIN is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a unique and comprehensive experience in Panama’s capital.
