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Visit the Panama Canal

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Panama City: Visit the Panama Canal

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Visit the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal opened in 1914, but as a feat of engineering it's no less impressive today than it was when it transformed intercontinental trade routes a century ago.

Allowing passage between the Pacific and the Caribbean, the canal cuts through the narrowest point of the Central American isthmus – a mere 77km that spares ships the 15,000km voyage around Cape Horn. Little wonder then that the Canal Zone, owned until 1999 by the US, not only made a monumental impact on the world economy but also became a meeting point for goods, people and ideas from all corners of the globe.

Whether it's the historical perspective, the extraordinary human achievement or simply the sheer spectacle of watching gargantuan cargo ships slide through the locks that interests you, you'll be surprised at what an astonishing experience it is to see the Panama Canal in action. We'll take you on a guided tour of Miraflores Locks, where you can see water levels rise and fall with remarkable efficiency and huge vessels squeeze through the channel with barely 60cm of clearance on either side. There's also an excellent visitors' centre presenting the history of the canal's construction and explaining its modern economic context.

Our holidays including Visit the Panama Canal

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Safari Voyager

Expedition cruise: Panama, the Canal and Costa Rica

Private journey

16 days from £7,560pp

Spot Wildlife in Coastal Rainforest

Signature Costa Rica and Panama: The Caribbean route

Private journey

14 days from £2,671pp

Panama Canal

Panama Canal: A Journey Between the Seas

Private journey

9 days from £4,607pp

Rural Colombia

Undiscovered Colombia, Providencia and Panama City

Private journey

18 days from £4,672pp

Other ideas

View all things to do nearby
Walking Tour of the Casco Viejo

Walking tour of the Casco Viejo

Trek the Camino Real

Trek the Panamanian Camino Real


Trek Las Cruces Trail

Trek Las Cruces Trail

Embera Indian

Meet the Embera indians of Chagres river

What our clients say

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent

A fascinating trip covering the entire length of the Panama Canal.

TF, Wakefield | June 2018 | 50 - 65 | Solo Traveller

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent

Mind Bogglingly Good!

KRL, Ripley | November 2017 | 65 and over | With Partner

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent

Excellent day with efficient transfers.

IB, Chesterfield | April 2017 | 65 and over | With Partner

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent

Brilliant if a long day.

MS, Twickenham | October 2016 | 50 - 65

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent

Although we booked for the full one day transit, we decided after a couple of hours to change to the half transit. The staff on the boat were very helpful in arranging this as were Ancon - much appreciated. A very interesting experience but a crowded, hot boat for a full day with a 2 hour transit back to the city was not for us as we wanted to see a bit more of the city on our last day.

EH, Edinburgh | November 2015 | 50 - 65 | With Partner

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent


If you go to Panama City and don't do at least a partial transit of the Canal, then you are seriously missing out. Yes, the Visitor Centre at Miraflores Locks is great, but nothing beats experiencing the physical process of one of man's greatest creations.

JMG London | March 2015 | 65 and over

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent


Experiencing the canal from both land and water side was brilint.  also gave me opportunity to take part in some of the Carnival preparations!

CS North walsham | February 2015 | 50 - 65 | Solo Traveller

Nandu: Peaks and plains of patagonia | Tour rating: Excellent


As a sailor, I was very keen to travel along the Canal and it certainly didn't disappoint.  The boat was good with commentary in English and Spanish, very comprehensive.  There was also the bonus of an included buffet lunch.  A great experience that I would thoroughly recommend.  Made the visit to the visitors centre much more interesting. Thanks for arranging this.

HK Lymington | October 2014 | 50 - 65 | With Friends

Tailor-made holiday

Speak to an expert Travel Consultant or send us your enquiry today.

Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for over 37 years.
We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.

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03098589426

97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.

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Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.
 

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British Travel Awards - Best Small Tour Operator to Central and South America 2012

Latin American Travel Association - Award for Customer Service 2012

Sunday Times Travel Magazine Awards - Best Specialist Tour Operator 2011

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