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.
Panama
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Panama
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.
Costa Rica
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!
Panama
We Went from Coast to Highlands
I have used Anywhere 3 times now. There is room for improvement but I would recommend.
Panama
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.
Panama
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.
Panama
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.
Panama
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.
Panama
Experiences in Panama Canal
Explore hand-picked Panama Canal tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Panama City
Panama Canal Full Transit Tour
Tour
Panama City
Full Day Panama City and Canal Tour
Tour
Panama City
Panama Canal Full Transit
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Panama City
Full Day City and Canal Tour
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Panama City
Jungle Canal Day Tour
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Gamboa
Gatun Lake Expedition
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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
Boat tours, kayaking, and ziplining all launch directly from the grounds of Gamboa Rainforest Reserve. Set beside a lake in Colon, the 166-room hotel sits in Panama's natural interior while keeping canal landmarks within easy driving distance.
Holiday Inn at Panama Canal
Miraflores Locks sit ten minutes by car from Holiday Inn at Panama Canal, a 137-room hotel built in a rural pocket of Panama City, Panama. The setting keeps the property close to the waterway while separating it from the central urban core.
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
Three minutes on foot from Via Espana, Crowne Plaza Panama holds 149 rooms in the urban center of Panama City, Panama. The hotel sits near local casinos, major commercial avenues, and waterfront parks.
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
Guests at Intercontinental Miramar Panama can step from the grounds directly onto the Cinta Costera promenade. The 186-room hotel sits centrally in Panama City, Panama, placing coastal pathways and urban avenues side by side.
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
Stepping outside Le Meridien brings the waterfront promenade of Cinta Costera into view 0.2 kilometers away. The 111-room hotel sits just off Avenida Balboa in Panama City, Panama, within a short walk of Uruguay Street and Calle 50. The property operates on a card-only basis and does not take cash.
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.
