Top Culture Spots in Panama Province

Check the schedule for the ship crossings beforehand to plan your visit. They happen at specific times, and it’s so cool to see the locks in action. I missed one because of poor timing.

Definitely try to arrive by 9 AM. The crowds start rolling in later, and you'll get a clearer view of the canal operation. I wish I'd gone earlier myself!

If you're on a budget consider packing a lunch and eating at one of the picnic areas nearby. Eating at the café was nice but prices added up a bit much for my taste!

Don’t miss the movie at the visitor center! It's super informative and sets the mood for your visit. Grab a snack at the café while you're there, it’s got decent prices!

Grab a snack or light lunch at the cafe there. The views with your coffee are awesome, and it’s nice to refuel before heading back into the ruins. I think it helped me enjoy the rest of my visit more.

Definitely wear comfortable shoes! The site is larger than I expected, and there’s a lot to walk around. I regretted wearing flip-flops because my feet started hurting halfway through.

Plan your visit for early morning, like around 9 AM. It was super quiet then, which made it easier to take photos and enjoy the atmosphere without the crowds. I went around noon, and it felt packed!

I recommend grabbing some local food from the nearby stalls before the show; the street food is awesome and it saves time rather than waiting for a restaurant to serve you.

My advice is to arrive around 30 minutes before the show starts. It gives you enough time to find your seat and soak in the atmosphere. Plus if you want snacks you'll have time to grab those too!