Visit the Panama Canal: Everything You Need to Know

Mar 10

Woman in blue top and striped shorts overlooks a ship passing through the Panama Canal's Miraflores Locks, surrounded by green hills.

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The Panama Canal, often referred to as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Modern World," is not only a breathtaking sight but also a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. If you’re planning to visit Panama, a trip to this iconic waterway should be at the top of your list. In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating history of the Panama Canal, tips for getting around, and some helpful advice for making the most of your visit.

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Visiting the Panama Canal

Red cargo ship navigating a canal lock surrounded by lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky. Small buildings dot the landscape.

The History of the Panama Canal: A Tale of Triumph and Tragedy

The Panama Canal’s story begins long before it became the engineering marvel it is today. The idea of connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through a canal in Panama dates back to the early 1500s when the Spanish first considered it. However, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that serious construction began under the leadership of Ferdinand de Lesseps, a French engineer famous for his work on the Suez Canal.

De Lesseps believed that the Panama Canal would be as achievable as the Suez Canal, but he underestimated the challenges posed by Panama's tropical climate. Unlike the dry, arid conditions of the Isthmus of Suez, Panama was a lush tropical jungle, plagued with heavy rains, humidity, and tropical diseases like malaria and yellow fever. These conditions caused a high mortality rate among the workers, and the project eventually failed due to lack of financial support and management challenges.

In the early 1900s, the United States took over the project, securing a deal with Panama to finish the canal. Under the leadership of engineer John Frank Stevens, the U.S. introduced a solution to one of the major challenges: controlling flooding from the Chagres River. Stevens proposed building a high-level canal with locks and a dam, ultimately leading to the completion of the Panama Canal in 1914.

Despite the technological success of the canal, the construction process was fraught with hardship. The workers, particularly the West Indian laborers, faced hazardous working conditions, exposure to tropical diseases, and racial discrimination. The promise of financial prosperity was often unfulfilled, and many workers suffered.

To learn more about the contributions and struggles of West Indian workers, resources such as "In Celebration of 100 Years of the Panama Canal: West Indian Canal Employee Records" and "Black History Month 2017: Blogs Related to the Panama Canal" provide insightful accounts of their experiences.

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View from a bus with trees and buildings in the background. A blue sign reads "Welcome to the Panama Canal." A white truck is on the road.

Getting Around: How to Visit the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is located just a short distance from Panama City, making it easily accessible for visitors. The most popular stop is the Miraflores Visitor Center, which is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Panama City. At Miraflores, you can watch ships as they pass through the locks and explore the visitor center, which offers informative exhibits about the canal's history and engineering.

Miraflores Visitor Center

The Miraflores Visitor Center is the perfect place to begin your canal experience. You can watch ships navigate the locks, explore the exhibits, and even view a documentary about the canal’s construction in the IMAX Theater. I opted to watch the film at the IMAX Theater, which cost around $10 and was about 45 minutes long. It was a great way to get a deeper understanding of the canal's history and the challenges faced during its construction.

After the movie, I had lunch at the Miraflores Restaurant, which offers a stunning view of the canal. While the food wasn’t great and was a bit pricey, the experience of sitting so close to the canal and watching the ships go by was absolutely worth it.

Agua Clara Locks

For a different perspective, you can also visit the Agua Clara Locks, located about an hour’s drive from Panama City, near Colón City on the Atlantic side of the canal. The Agua Clara Locks are less crowded than Miraflores and offer another unique opportunity to observe ships passing through the locks and learn about the canal's operations.

Transportation Tips

Getting around Panama to visit the canal is relatively easy.
- You can take an Uber from Panama City to the Miraflores Visitor Center, which is a convenient and affordable option.
- Alternatively, if you prefer a more guided experience, consider taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. This allows you to explore the city and its attractions at your own pace, including the Panama Canal.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

Plan Ahead: The Panama Canal is a popular tourist attraction, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit ahead of time, especially if you want to watch ships pass through the locks. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and get the best viewing spots.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Panama’s tropical climate can be hot and humid, so dress accordingly. Light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes are essential for walking around the visitor centers and exploring the area.
Bring Sunscreen and Water: The sun can be intense, especially when you're outside watching the canal in action, so make sure to bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Consider a Tour: If you want a more in-depth experience, consider booking a guided tour. A knowledgeable guide can provide valuable insight into the canal's history, construction, and current operations.
Check for Events and Exhibits: Depending on when you visit, there may be special exhibits or events at the visitor centers. It’s worth checking the Panama Canal’s official website to see if there are any temporary exhibitions or shows during your trip.

Miraflores Locks at Panama Canal with red-roofed building, green landscape, and blue sky. "Canal de Panamá" text visible. Calm atmosphere.

Conclusion: A Must-See Destination

The Panama Canal is more than just an engineering feat—it’s a powerful symbol of human determination and the ability to overcome immense challenges. Whether you're fascinated by history, engineering, or simply the beauty of watching massive ships navigate through the locks, a visit to the Panama Canal is an unforgettable experience.

With its rich history, stunning views, and easy accessibility from Panama City, the Panama Canal is undoubtedly a must-see destination on any trip to Panama. Don’t forget to take in the breathtaking sights and learn about the incredible journey this iconic waterway took to become a modern marvel.