Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is one of the world’s most impressive engineering feats. The canal extends 80 kilometers (50 mi) from Panama City on the Pacific Ocean to Colón on the Caribbean Sea. It’s built at one of the lowest and narrowest points in Panama, and runs right through the Continental Divide. More than 14,000 ships pass through the canal annually, carrying some 300 million tons of cargo. As such, the Panama Canal is one of the largest generators of income for Panama—in 2011, the canal generated $800 million, some two percent of the country’s GDP.
Completed by the U.S. in 1914, the Panama Canal consists of three sets of double locks. There are two on the Pacific side, and one on the Caribbean side.
The Miraflores Locks, on the Pacific side, are the ones most visited by travelers. They are just outside Panama City and very easy to reach. The Miraflores Locks form the entrance to the Panama Canal, linking the Pacific Ocean with the manmade Miraflores Lake. They raise and lower the ships 16.5 meters (54 ft.) in two steps. It’s incredible to watch a massive ship be loaded, lifted, and released from the locks.
The Miraflores Locks also have a large visitors center. The visitors center has observation decks, a restaurant, and a four-story museum. The museum covers everything from the failed French effort to the flora and fauna that thrive within the canal.
The Pedro Miguel Locks are a short, 10-minute drive from Miraflores. These locks raise and lower ships in one 9.5-meter (31 ft.) step and link Miraflores Lake to the Gaillard Cut. The locks aren’t open to the public, but you can see them from the highway. You can also get views of the Gaillard Cut, the spot where the canal runs through the Continental Divide. The Gaillard Cut runs 14 kilometers (8.5 mi) and took some 9 million kilos of dynamite, 6,000 workers, and six years to finish.
The third set of locks, the Gatún Locks, is set on the Caribbean side of Panama just west of Colón. These locks are massive. They raise ships 26 meters (85 ft.) – the same height that the two Pacific side locks do together – and stretch 1.5 kilometers (1 mi). The Gatún Locks are a farther drive from Panama City and are visited by much fewer visitors. There is, however, an observation platform that provides good views of the locks, Lake Gatún, and the Caribbean entrance to the canal.
Aside from visiting the locks, travelers can take a transit boat up the Panama Canal. The transits typically go through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks, as well as the Gaillard Cut. Transits are a great way to get an up-close, waterside look at the Panama Canal.
Panama Canal itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Panama Canal itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
A Spring Surf and Sun Getaway
Beautiful place. Everyone we interacted with was so helpful, kind, and patient. They made us feel at home.
A Birding Journey in The Tropics
Grab your binoculars and your guidebook! You're about to check a variety of beautiful birds off of your list in the rainforests and cloud forests of Panama.
Exploring Panama at The Pace of You
Take yourself on a grand getaway in paradise full of Caribbean cuisine, cultural exchanges, and exciting adventures. It’s as simple as booking this Signature Trip to Panama.
Canal, Beach, & Nature = Family Fun
This vacation, do a little of everything when you explore the city, forest, and beach on this awesome family getaway to Panama. Nature and knowledge await you.
Panama: A Soulmate's Journey
Reconnect with the person you love the most when you go on an amazing adventure –– from cosmopolitan cities, to cloud forests, and an island beach, see all of Panama.
Exploring Panama Together
This vacation, learn about the vibrant country of Panama as you explore its cities, forests, and even island beaches first hand. Go somewhere new –– together.
Our Pura Vida Journey
The trip was seamless and perfect. Our family of four had the most fantastic time in Costa Rica. The views from each place we stayed at were all beautiful and unique in their own way.
Our Adventure-Loving Trip
We have always lived by the beach, so we were more interested in the city, history, culture, food, and non-beach related outdoor activities for this trip. We were ready for adventure, and Boquete in Panama had it all!
We Went from Coast to Highlands
I have used Anywhere 3 times now. There is room for improvement but I would recommend.
No Joke. We Did it All!
We spent almost 23 days exploring all over — from Panama City to Isla Carenero, Boquete, Boca Chica, Santa Catalina...we did it all.
Family Road Trip and Island Adventure
Planning a family trip for twelve is not easy, but thanks to Anywhere.com, we got to experience the full flavor of Panama. Panama City is a wonderful destination, and we made some lasting memories.
City, Beach, and Mountain Road Trip
From Panama City, Playa Blanca, and Boquete, to El Valle de Anton, we experience all the different terrains of Panama. We had a great time and look forward to exploring more of Central America.
An Unforgettable City & Island Escape
Panama is a lovely country. We thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing pace and the beautiful environment of Isla Bastimentos. This tropical getaway is just what we needed in our busy schedule.
Experiences in Panama Canal
Explore hand-picked Panama Canal tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Panama Canal Full Transit Tour
Full Day Panama City and Canal Tour
Panama Canal Full Transit
Full Day City and Canal Tour
Jungle Canal Day Tour
Gatun Lake Expedition
Where to stay in Panama Canal
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Panama Canal accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Gamboa Rainforest Reserve
Nestled within Soberania National Park, the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve offers elegantly appointed rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the River Chagres. Each accommodation features a private balcony, flat‑screen TV, and a marble bathroom.
Holiday Inn Panama Canal
The Holiday Inn Panama Canal has an accessible location that allows travelers to enjoy all of Panama City. Its modern facilities and agreeable rooms make traveling easy.
The Saba Hotel
The Saba Hotel is a small, cheerful hotel in Panama City’s El Cangrejo neighborhood. The hotel has an upbeat aesthetic and comfortable accommodations.
Crowne Plaza Panama by IHG
Experience comfort and convenience in our freshly decorated rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities like flat‑screen TVs, coffee makers, and plush bedding. Indulge in our 24‑hour fitness center, outdoor pool, and business center with meeting facilities, catering to all your leisure and work needs during your stay.
Hampton by Hilton
Staying at Hampton by Hilton hotel you’ll get to be in the midst of busy downtown Panama City. This hotel offers a good spread of amenities in addition to clean, comfortable rooms.
Panama Marriott Hotel
The Panama Marriott Hotel is an elegant hotel in Panama City. Set within the financial district, this hotel has high-class rooms and wonderful facilities.
Wyndham Garden
Wyndham Garden is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Panama City. The hotel is polished and professional. Its ample amenities and convenient location make it perfect for both business and vacation travelers.
Bristol Panama
Bristol Panama is located in downtown Panama City. This modern hotel has comfortable rooms and awesome facilities, including a swimming pool, restaurant and spa.
Intercontinental Miramar Panama by IHG
The Intercontinental Miramar Panama blends luxury with convenience. Guests can unwind in the spa’s massage services, sauna, and a fitness center guided by certified instructors.
Radisson Panama Canal
Located near the entry of the Panama Canal, the Radisson Panama Canal is a comfortable hotel with unbeatable views. It has pleasant accommodations and a stellar location near the Causeway.
Le Meridien Panama
Le Meridien Panama, set overlooking Panama Bay, offers chic rooms equipped with flat‑screen TVs and sofas for a comfortable, stylish stay. Guests can unwind at the on‑site spa, which includes a hot tub, a range of treatments such as massages, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Las Clementinas
Las Clementinas is a small boutique hotel located in Panama City’s Casco Viejo neighborhood. Set within a beautifully restored apartment building from the 1930s, Las Clementinas has a classic European feel. The suites are spacious and come with a nice range of amenities.
Insider-led Panama Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Panama Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list, it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
