Throughout history, humans have come up with incredible marvels of engineering. They include the Roman roads and aqueducts, the Egyptian pyramids, cities like Machu Picchu and the tall skyscrapers that dominate the skyline of many a city. Many of these sites now only function as tourist attractions but there's one that is still used for its original purpose. With the different options for Panama Canal travel you can admire this construction and experience it in action.
The Panama Canal is the main source of income for the eponymous country. On the Caribbean side it starts at Colon and then it ends at Balboa, near the capital on the Pacific coast. It covers a distance of less than 50 miles, much less than the route around Cape Horn that ships used to have to take if they wanted to travel between the Caribbean and the Pacific before the engineering marvel was completed in 1914.
At its southern end, the Canal is at sea level. Ships travel inland to the Miraflores Locks. Here the lock system lifts them about 55 feet higher and they sail further along the Lago de Miraflores. At the Pedro Miguel Locks they're raised another 30 feet or so and sail on through the Gaillard Cut and across the Lago Gatun. At the Gatun Locks they're brought down to sea level again after which they sail to the Caribbean.
An unforgettable experience is to be on board a ship as it passes through the locks. Try to find a cruise liner that will make the crossing. Otherwise, charter a smaller yacht or go with a tour company that offers packages that will let you sail from Balboa through the Miraflores Locks. Some tours continue on to Colon.
Crossings are expensive and if you're traveling on a tight budget, there is always the option of finding employment on a boat and letting the owner carry the costs. Cruise liners often have vacancies for various jobs. If you don't want to commit to a long contract, ask around in Panama City to find a position as line-handler only for the crossing. Usually this doesn't pay well if at all but you'll have a unique experience.
You can also see the locks in action from the shores. Take a taxi from Panama City to the Miraflores Locks or from Colon to the Gatun Locks. Another option is to travel by bus to Gamboa but and watch from the bus window.
Once a day there is a passenger train that travels along the Canal between Panama City and Colon as well. The journey takes about an hour. You'll be treated to views not only of the engineering marvel but also of the rainforest-covered landscape.
The most popular season for Panama Canal travel is the dry season, between December and April. This usually corresponds with cruise season too. If you'd like to save money and avoid crowds of tourists, the rainy season is a good option too. Everything is cheaper then and it usually doesn't rain until the afternoon. The only real drawback of traveling during this time is the uncomfortably high humidity levels.
The Panama Canal is the main source of income for the eponymous country. On the Caribbean side it starts at Colon and then it ends at Balboa, near the capital on the Pacific coast. It covers a distance of less than 50 miles, much less than the route around Cape Horn that ships used to have to take if they wanted to travel between the Caribbean and the Pacific before the engineering marvel was completed in 1914.
At its southern end, the Canal is at sea level. Ships travel inland to the Miraflores Locks. Here the lock system lifts them about 55 feet higher and they sail further along the Lago de Miraflores. At the Pedro Miguel Locks they're raised another 30 feet or so and sail on through the Gaillard Cut and across the Lago Gatun. At the Gatun Locks they're brought down to sea level again after which they sail to the Caribbean.
An unforgettable experience is to be on board a ship as it passes through the locks. Try to find a cruise liner that will make the crossing. Otherwise, charter a smaller yacht or go with a tour company that offers packages that will let you sail from Balboa through the Miraflores Locks. Some tours continue on to Colon.
Crossings are expensive and if you're traveling on a tight budget, there is always the option of finding employment on a boat and letting the owner carry the costs. Cruise liners often have vacancies for various jobs. If you don't want to commit to a long contract, ask around in Panama City to find a position as line-handler only for the crossing. Usually this doesn't pay well if at all but you'll have a unique experience.
You can also see the locks in action from the shores. Take a taxi from Panama City to the Miraflores Locks or from Colon to the Gatun Locks. Another option is to travel by bus to Gamboa but and watch from the bus window.
Once a day there is a passenger train that travels along the Canal between Panama City and Colon as well. The journey takes about an hour. You'll be treated to views not only of the engineering marvel but also of the rainforest-covered landscape.
The most popular season for Panama Canal travel is the dry season, between December and April. This usually corresponds with cruise season too. If you'd like to save money and avoid crowds of tourists, the rainy season is a good option too. Everything is cheaper then and it usually doesn't rain until the afternoon. The only real drawback of traveling during this time is the uncomfortably high humidity levels.
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