Excursion Panama canal: the eighth wonder of the world tour at Colon

The image conjured by Panama is generally that of the spectacular Canal, considered by many as one of the eighth wonder of the world, and rightly so. The Panama Canal cuts through one of the narrowest saddles of the Isthmus of Panama approximately 80 kilometers long, joining North and South America with the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, bisecting the Continental Divide. Briefly, the canal has been described as "the land divided, the world united."

Today you have a unique opportunity to traverse the famous canal aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned motor coach and travel from Atlantic to Pacific on a similar route once used by the Spanish Conquistadors and the 49ers seeking a short cut in search of Gold in the West.

Transfer from the pier 75 minutes to your first stop at Miraflores Locks, taking this opportunity to pause and view the gargantuan ships that make their way through the Panama Canal. Visit the four exhibition halls, organized by themes that constitute the heart of the Miraflores Visitors Center.

Continuing with tour, visit the Panama Canal Expansion, the largest project at the Canal since its original construction. The expansion created a new lane of traffic along the Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, doubling the waterway's capacity.

Learn more about this major undertaking by visiting the New Observation Center of the Canal Expansion.

The new Observation Center of the Canal Expansion, located in Colon, Panama, is a park-style concept based on open platforms and roofed terraces, built in an area of four hectares. With this structure 400 visitors can simultaneously enjoy this new center, learn about the construction of the new locks of the Panama Canal in the Atlantic. From here you can also see the majestic Gatun Lake, where ships continue their transit through the waterway.

The return route takes you past the former Panama Canal Zone, where the military installations of the American administration are a gentle reminder of the strategic importance of the area. Today, the former Zone is very much intact and is like a photographic image of what the days of the American Administration once were.

Return to the ship filled with new knowledge and an awareness of the history of this important part of the world.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Panama Canal, sailing the canal, Miraflores Locks, Miraflores Visitors Center, New Observation Center of the Canal Expansion, Panama Canal Zone

Note

Please note: There is moderate, mostly optional walking on this tour, making it suitable for those with limited mobility. Casual clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunhat and sun protection are recommended. Depending on canal scheduling, you may or may not actually see vessels in the lock chambers. Tour sequence may vary.