Thinking of visiting one the seven modern wonders of the world? A visit to Panama is not complete without seeing the Panama Canal for yourself!
Your Guide to Visiting the Panama Canal
Your Guide to Visiting the Panama Canal – Highlights
- The number one attraction on every visitors list of things to do in Panama. A trip to Panama City is not complete without visiting the Panama Canal. The easiest way to experience the Panama Canal is by car via the Miraflores Locks (pictured below) and you can watch the ships traverse by.
- Vessels pass through the canal through a system of locks, which lower or elevate their sea level. It takes about 10 minutes for the locks to fill up with water so you can view the process with your own eyes. From one end to the other typically takes a ship about 9 hours.
- This is an architectural wonder of the world, stretching 82 km long connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The canal allows for ships to pass through without having to go all the way around the south tip of South America.
- Approximately 1 million vessels pass through each year. To learn more visit the Canal Museum at Cisco Antigua while you are there. At the museum there is also a small cinema where you can watch a 15 minute film about the construction of the Panama Canal.
- One in a life time experience to witness international trade and supply chain happening in real time in front of your eyes.
Your Guide to Visiting the Panama Canal – Things to Note
- You can simply hire a car or take a taxi (at a cost of around 12 USD) and visit the Canal directly. There are dedicated tours and museums you can visit as well.
- It costs 20 USD per person to enter to visit the Miraflores locks.
- The locks are open to visitors during normal business hours from 8am to 5pm.
Your Guide to Visiting the Panama Canal – Photos
