Miraflores Locks Restaurant is an extraordinary gastronomic experience that you cannot miss if you are visiting the Panama Canal. Last night I went with my family to celebrate my brother’s graduation party; he got his Master Degree, yeah!  We made reservations to dine at 8pm and we arrive just in time to enjoy an outdoor culinary experience that really rocked the boat.  Our table was located right outside on the deck with an impressive view of the Locks at night.  The restaurant offered a grand display of mix cuisines from North and South American dishes, Caribbean flavor and even some Italian and Japanese influences.  All this amazing flavors combined under the magnificent buffet party that was our dinner.

The main course included beef, fish and chicken in exotic flavorful sauces, pasta dishes, delicious rice, and desserts.  As an entry, I have ceviche that was delightful, and for my main course I was ecstatic with my selection of Corvina with mushrooms and huacaina sauce and a side of pasta.  We were very lucky to enjoy the passing of 8 ships while we were enjoying of our graduation party. Chef Stephane Dias is a great acquisition for the Miraflores Restaurant and our whole dining experience was even better from the magnificent view of the Miraflores Locks.

So, if you are wondering what to do for Christmas celebration and New Year’s Eve party, I’ll recommend you to check out this restaurant.  You need to make reservations if you want to dine here.  The price for the buffet runs at $21, the drinks are not included but they are very affordable.

Miraflores is the name given to one of the three sets of locks that complete the Panama Canal.  In this leg of the journey through the canal, vessels are lifted or lowered in three stages that allow them to transit to or from the Pacific Ocean into the port of Balboa.

Miraflores Visitors Center was open December 18, 2003.  Since then, it has become the place with the best view of the operations of the Miraflores Locks.  You can perfectly see how the locks open and close to let the water filled up or drained out the chambers that make possible this step to go to or from de Pacific Ocean. The Panama Canal is a channel that uses fresh water for operations, from which 26.7 million gallons of fresh water are necessary to operate the locks.

Depending on the size of the vessels the visitor can experience watching the transit of two to three vessels, or even more if they have simultaneous transit.  This transit, from the moment the vessel enters the canal to the end of the passing, takes only ten minutes to be completed.  

Miraflores Visitor Center is a 4 story building and is divided in four different rooms: The History Hall, The Hall of Water: Source of Life, The Canal in Action, and the Canal in the World.  The center features a theater, three observation decks, two snack bars, a restaurant, a gift shop, and a hall for special events. 

The Panama Canal is one of the best examples of modern engineering.  In spite of the predictions that in Panamanian hands the Canal would decay, today the Canal is in works of extension that will allow a 40% increment of the marine transit, allowing ships with bigger dimensions than the Panamax to be able to navigate through the Canal.

The Amador Causeway has a spectacular view of Panama City.  It is an upcoming entertainment nightlife spot. The Amador Causeway is located at the southern entrance of the Panama Canal.  The causeway consists of a roadway and walking pathway stretching from the mainland which connects to four small islands:  Naos, Culebra, Perico, and Flamenco.  This pathway was built with the rock removed from the construction of the Canal, exactly 18 millions yards of solid rock extracted from the Snake Cut.

Historically, Amador causeway was a preferred point of the Spanish galleons to cast anchor when they came to the city with their coffers full with Inca gold.

Today, the Amador causeway is an ideal place for those who want to enjoy the view of the entrance of the Canal, the city skyline, Balboa Yacht Club; or if they just want to sit and relax watching the ships while they cruse the waters of Panama Bay and pass under the Bridge of the Americas.

During the day you can enjoy outdoor activities like walking, jogging, and biking.  You can rent a single bike or a family bike or even skates.  There is also a small shopping center at the end of the causeway where you can get some souvenirs.  The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is located at Naos Island and is the largest of STRI’s marine laboratories in the world.  It provides the opportunity for comparative studies between the Tropical Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Oceans. 

The Amador Causeway has many restaurants which mostly has a beach view. Seafood is the main dish in these restaurants, but you can also enjoy great Italian and American food or a simple hamburger.  Alberto’s is a nice Italian restaurant where you can sit and enjoy the view of the Yacht Club.  Friday’s is just around if what you wish for is some ribs and fries.

Small night life spots can be found one right next to the other.  For those with more grown up taste Cafe Barko is ideal to enjoy the sea breeze and sushi.  Play is a very trendy nightspot featuring a lounge decor.  The Wine Bar is especially for the wine lovers and connoisseurs, house music will keep the atmosphere enjoyable.  Pencas Restaurant serves very good food. If what you are looking for is a more informal place, La Marina is the best for you.  It has pool tables, live music, food and a patio area. 

Panama City is the crown jewel of Latin America. With the notorious Panama Canal, masterpiece of modern engineering, and the diversity of exotic ethnic groups, Panama is a destination that you would never forget.

For the adventurous traveler, there are different activities that will keep your heart pumping with excitement. From rainforest walks, caves exploration, dancing in night clubs to different day tours in and around Panama City. And of course, you can’t forget visiting the Panama Canal and the Panama Canal Museum. There are different tours that include partial or total cruising of the Canal.

Panama has a very festive culture. From the religious festivities to the more pagan, there is always a party going on. Panama Carnival is the most important and wildest party of the Panamanian calendar. Four days of constant dancing, drinking, and partying where the people lose their inhibitions and wild girls are everywhere. You will find people from all over the world that comes to this Mardi Grass that has nothing to envy Rio.

Night life in Panama City can be described as a big wild and crazy party. From dance clubs, bars and “chivas parranderas” to the most exclusive gentleman’s clubs. This show clubs have a very selective group of girls in Panama, who are always ready to have a good time or give you a lap dance. It can even be arranged to have an escort girl in Panama City who can guide you to the most exotic places while you are enjoying your stay in Panama.

No matter what you chose to do while in Panama make sure you can get the most out of your trip.