What to See

PANAMA CANAL

An engineering marvel and one of the most significant waterways on earth, the Canal is one of Panama's most amazing sights. Eliminating the need to journey around Cape Horn, the Canal provided new opportunities for global trade and travel. But there's more to Panama than the canal. It's also a fantastic place full of natural attractions and water sports including snorkeling and deep-sea fishing. Experience Panama's multi-cultural heritage with a tour of an Embera Indian Village or take home some traditional arts, such as wood carvings and ceramics. One thing is for sure - once you've embraced Panama, you'll find it hard to leave.

It was an ocean connection that changed the world. The result? An engineering marvel bordered by beautiful, lush, tropical rain forests.

The canal is both an engineering marvel and one of the most significant waterways on earth. Stretching 50 miles from Panama City on the Pacific side to Colón on the Atlantic side, it provides passage for over 12,000 ocean-going vessels per year. Seeing your ship nudge its way through the narrow canal, with vast tracks of virgin jungle on both sides, is an unforgettable sight. Sure, it may take only a day to cruise the canal but the memory will last a lifetime.

While you're sailing through the Panama Canal, take time out to explore the beautiful surrounding area. A great way is a kayaking ecological tour through the islands that surround Gatun Lake. Rich in animal and plant life, these islands are home to 93 species of mammals, 366 species of birds and 1,368 species of vascular plants.

OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO

Explore Portobelo, the former emporium of the riches of the New World, once an important commercial depot and a paradise for pirates.

Take a tour of the Gatun Locks, once the most massive in the world and still an impressive sight today.

Go monkey-watching on a tour of the small islands dotting the Chagres River.