Since humans learned to construct things, they've come up with amazing engineering feats. Many of these, including Machu Picchu and the Pyramids in Egypt, are now merely tourist attractions. One of the most incredible constructions, however, still performs its original function. The fact that Panama Canal travel has become a reason for many people to visit Central America is really a bonus.
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.
There are three sets of locks that help ships to pass through. A ship sailing from Balboa starts out at sea level until it reaches the Miraflores Locks, where it is raised. Then it sails across the Lago de Miraflores to the Pedro Miguel Locks, which raise it further. Now it continues on through a stretch known as the Gaillard Cut and across the man-made Lago Gatun. The last set of locks it will encounter are the Gatun Locks which will take it back down to sea level for the final stretch.
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.
If your budget doesn't allow for a cruise package, you can try finding an on-board job. With a cruise liner this will usually be a contract for several months but there are many different positions available. For something short term, consider offering your services as line-handler on a yacht. Yachts that have to do the crossing often require line-handlers only for the day and your remuneration is the opportunity to join them for the voyage.
For a good view of ships going through the locks, travel to one of the locks by taxi. The most popular option is to go to the Miraflores Locks from the capital. A budget alternative is to take the bus from the capital to Gamboa, since you'll have the Canal in view for a large part of the journey.
A way to see not only the country's most famous attraction but also its jungle interior is to take the train. The railway line goes alongside the Canal and there is one passenger train per day making the trip. It takes an hour or so.
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.
There are three sets of locks that help ships to pass through. A ship sailing from Balboa starts out at sea level until it reaches the Miraflores Locks, where it is raised. Then it sails across the Lago de Miraflores to the Pedro Miguel Locks, which raise it further. Now it continues on through a stretch known as the Gaillard Cut and across the man-made Lago Gatun. The last set of locks it will encounter are the Gatun Locks which will take it back down to sea level for the final stretch.
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.
If your budget doesn't allow for a cruise package, you can try finding an on-board job. With a cruise liner this will usually be a contract for several months but there are many different positions available. For something short term, consider offering your services as line-handler on a yacht. Yachts that have to do the crossing often require line-handlers only for the day and your remuneration is the opportunity to join them for the voyage.
For a good view of ships going through the locks, travel to one of the locks by taxi. The most popular option is to go to the Miraflores Locks from the capital. A budget alternative is to take the bus from the capital to Gamboa, since you'll have the Canal in view for a large part of the journey.
A way to see not only the country's most famous attraction but also its jungle interior is to take the train. The railway line goes alongside the Canal and there is one passenger train per day making the trip. It takes an hour or so.
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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