Things to do in Paraiso

Activities, attractions and tours

Mamey Island near Portobelo, Panama. Private island that requires you take a boat ride past islands full of monkeys to visit it. The water is so clear here, but be careful of the riptides if you swim out too far. #waterlust
Mamey Island near Portobelo, Panama. Private island that requires you take a boat ride past islands full of monkeys to visit it. The water is so clear here, but be careful of the riptides if you swim out too far. #waterlust
#Panama #Canal 

Puente Centenario
Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado.

Puente Centenario
By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut (Channel open on the rocks and snake-shaped 12.6 km long), the Centenial Bridge and we arrive at Pedro Miguel Locks, which has only one camera. Here we descend 9 meters to the Miraflores Lake. Small lake and soon we arrived at Miraflores Locks. They are composed of 2 cameras that descend us to the level of the Pacific. These locks have the highest gates because of the differences between Pacific tides. Through these locks we reach the Pacific. We still cross under the bridge of the Americas, which is part of the Pan American Highway, which connects southern South America with Alaska in North America. The whole crossing lasted around 9 hours. During the crossing the ships are aided by pairs of locomotives. Depending on the size of the ship, up to 8 locomotives can be used. The water that fills the cameras comes from Gatun Lake and 197 million liters of water are used for each crossing. That is why conservation of the tropical forest around the lake is of paramount importance. The maximum allowable dimensions for ships is 32.31 m wide, 294.13 m long and 12.04 m draft.
The town of Portobelo, Panama

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What to do in Paraiso


Popular places to visit

Frequently asked questions

Is Paraiso worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor activities and history, there are many interesting things to do in Paraiso. Remember to discover the area's blend of unmissable attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Paraiso?
Cinta Costera and Veracruz Beach are two excellent places to kick-start your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the retail and dining options in Paraiso while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Paraiso?
Cinta Costera is one of the top tourist attractions in Paraiso and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Paraiso?
Three days in Paraiso is more than enough to visit the city's leading attractions. Many travellers stay for three days on average. Soberania National Park, Summit Botanical Gardens & Zoo and Miraflores Locks are among the most popular sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Panama City.
What are some activities to do in Paraiso with kids?
Planning what to do in Paraiso with kids has never been easier. Whether you're travelling with toddlers or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Paraiso for adults?
Calle 50 and National Bank House Museum are just two of the things to do in Paraiso. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Paraiso?
From enjoying parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Paraiso. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Pedro Miguel Locks is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.