Bridge of the Americas (Puente de las Americas)

There’s no pedestrian walkway across the Bridge of the Americas, but tours generally stop at an observation area on the western side called Mirador de las Américas. Don’t miss its Chinese pagoda honoring the long history of Chinese-Panamanians. It’s a great place for photographing the bridge but also offers an excellent vantage on the massive vessels cruising in and out of the Panama Canal. Boat tours of the canal that begin at Marina Flamenco sail under the bridge for a truly spectacular view.

• Late-afternoon light is best for photographing the Bridge of the Americas.

• Boat lovers shouldn’t miss this spot, as the Panama Canal draws shipping and leisure traffic from around the globe.

• There’s more than one bridge across the Panama Canal. For an alternative view, check out the newer Centennial Bridge that crosses the Culebra Cut.

Many travelers visit the Bridge of the Americas as part of a guided tour of Panama City or the Panama Canal. If you have your own vehicle, you’ll find secure parking, souvenir stands, and snacks at the Mirador de las Americas observation area on the bridge’s western end.

Bridge of the Americas and the adjacent observation area are open 24 hours. Avoid peak Panama City traffic between 7–9am and 4–6pm if possible, as the Pan-American Highway crossing the bridge often sees heavy congestion. It’s worth glancing at the tide table, too, as it’s fun to see big ships slip just below the bridge when high tide shrinks its clearance to 201 feet (61 meters).

The 51-mile (82-kilometer) Panama Canal is a modern wonder completed in 1914, one that transformed global trade and travel by linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. See the canal’s impressive lock system at Miraflores Locks near Panama City or the Atlantic side’s Agua Clara Locks. Miraflores Visitor Center has the most to see—including exhibition halls, films, and observation decks—and is a key stop on many Panama Canal tours.