Panama Canal travel has grown into a mini-tourist industry all by itself. Many people come to the country just for this one attraction. It's not only because they get to soak in the tropical climate and beaches, and certainly not just because it's part of a luxury cruise itinerary. Rather, the main draw seems to be the chance to experience something unique and grand. It's an adventure that takes people from one ocean to another.
The historic nature of the project is undeniable, given that it allows ships to hop across from the Atlantic to the Pacific over the Isthmus of Panama. Prior to 1914, ships had to take a 9,000-mile circuitous route around South America to get from one ocean to the other. After the canal was built, it takes the same ships only eight hours to barrel through the middle via the Caribbean Sea.
It is no doubt an engineering marvel. But what made it such a big deal was the fact that it modified the earth's natural system of landmass and water linkages. This project fueled massive development on the West Coast of the U. S. And other regions that have a Pacific coast. One such development was the growth of cruise liners setting off from U. S. Ports on the Atlantic coast taking passengers past Caribbean ports and through to the Pacific side very quickly.
Travelers not on a cruise who want to see the canal in person will have to fly in and land at Tocumen Int'l Airport. Visa formalities may differ based on nationality. However, all visitors seeking a tourist visa do need a passport and a return ticket, along with sufficient traveler's checks or cash, and a tourist card. This $5 card is waived for U. S. Citizens who are on cruise ships and intend to stay onboard while the ship is docked.
The Miraflores Visitor Center located in Panama City is the best way for people already inside the country to take a closer look at the canal. It has observation decks that allow people to watch giant ships being guided through the locks. It also has a nice restaurant, an exhibition hall and a gift shop.
Some tours also take people out on Gatun Lake for day trips. This manmade lake feeds the locks with the millions of gallons of water needed to raise and lower massive ships. Visitors are taken out on motor boats to explore the lake and the lush tropical jungle around it. Apart from the gigantic ocean liners, people get to see everything from exotic birds and monkeys to iguanas and crocodiles.
A luxury cruise in these parts is definitely an experience not to be missed, but it does not come cheap and requires plenty of time. Every major cruise company has huge ships that can carry passengers and crew members numbering in the thousands . Some are dedicated to offering a complete transit on the canal from one ocean to the other, while other cruises may include partial transits as part of a larger Caribbean cruise itinerary.
There are so many aspects to Panama Canal travel that it is almost impossible without some planning and the expertise of a capable tour company. The journey through the canal and explorations of Gatun Lake and Panama City are just the core parts of the trip. There is so much more to see and do in the vicinity. Factor in a cruise with stops at dozens of Atlantic and Pacific ports, and it makes for an unbeatable holiday.
The historic nature of the project is undeniable, given that it allows ships to hop across from the Atlantic to the Pacific over the Isthmus of Panama. Prior to 1914, ships had to take a 9,000-mile circuitous route around South America to get from one ocean to the other. After the canal was built, it takes the same ships only eight hours to barrel through the middle via the Caribbean Sea.
It is no doubt an engineering marvel. But what made it such a big deal was the fact that it modified the earth's natural system of landmass and water linkages. This project fueled massive development on the West Coast of the U. S. And other regions that have a Pacific coast. One such development was the growth of cruise liners setting off from U. S. Ports on the Atlantic coast taking passengers past Caribbean ports and through to the Pacific side very quickly.
Travelers not on a cruise who want to see the canal in person will have to fly in and land at Tocumen Int'l Airport. Visa formalities may differ based on nationality. However, all visitors seeking a tourist visa do need a passport and a return ticket, along with sufficient traveler's checks or cash, and a tourist card. This $5 card is waived for U. S. Citizens who are on cruise ships and intend to stay onboard while the ship is docked.
The Miraflores Visitor Center located in Panama City is the best way for people already inside the country to take a closer look at the canal. It has observation decks that allow people to watch giant ships being guided through the locks. It also has a nice restaurant, an exhibition hall and a gift shop.
Some tours also take people out on Gatun Lake for day trips. This manmade lake feeds the locks with the millions of gallons of water needed to raise and lower massive ships. Visitors are taken out on motor boats to explore the lake and the lush tropical jungle around it. Apart from the gigantic ocean liners, people get to see everything from exotic birds and monkeys to iguanas and crocodiles.
A luxury cruise in these parts is definitely an experience not to be missed, but it does not come cheap and requires plenty of time. Every major cruise company has huge ships that can carry passengers and crew members numbering in the thousands . Some are dedicated to offering a complete transit on the canal from one ocean to the other, while other cruises may include partial transits as part of a larger Caribbean cruise itinerary.
There are so many aspects to Panama Canal travel that it is almost impossible without some planning and the expertise of a capable tour company. The journey through the canal and explorations of Gatun Lake and Panama City are just the core parts of the trip. There is so much more to see and do in the vicinity. Factor in a cruise with stops at dozens of Atlantic and Pacific ports, and it makes for an unbeatable holiday.
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