Panama Canal travel has grown into a mini-tourist industry all by itself. Many people come to the country just for this one attraction. It's not only because they get to soak in the tropical climate and beaches, and certainly not just because it's part of a luxury cruise itinerary. Rather, the main draw seems to be the chance to experience something unique and grand. It's an adventure that takes people from one ocean to another.
There's no denying the historic nature or importance of this canal, which cuts through the Isthmus of Panama to link the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic. Before it was built, ships had to sail 9,000 miles around South America's tip. Starting from 1914, the voyage from the Atlantic to the Caribbean Sea, into the canal and then out into the Pacific was reduced to a mere eight hour run.
It is no doubt an engineering marvel. But what made it such a big deal was the fact that it modified the earth's natural system of landmass and water linkages. This project fueled massive development on the West Coast of the U. S. And other regions that have a Pacific coast. One such development was the growth of cruise liners setting off from U. S. Ports on the Atlantic coast taking passengers past Caribbean ports and through to the Pacific side very quickly.
Travelers not on a cruise who want to see the canal in person will have to fly in and land at Tocumen Int'l Airport. Visa formalities may differ based on nationality. However, all visitors seeking a tourist visa do need a passport and a return ticket, along with sufficient traveler's checks or cash, and a tourist card. This $5 card is waived for U. S. Citizens who are on cruise ships and intend to stay onboard while the ship is docked.
Travelers already in the country who just want to get an up-close look at the canal should head for the Miraflores Visitor Center in Panama City. The observation decks offer sweeping views of the huge ships as they arrive at the locks and are guided towards the ocean. The visitor center has all the usual tourist facilities, including a restaurant, gift shop and an exhibition space.
One of the best day trips in the area is a day spent exploring Gatun Lake and its surroundings. This is a gigantic artificial lake that was created to feed the locks with the water required to raise and lower ships. These day trippers get to ride on motor boats out on the lake and poke around in the tropical jungle that surrounds the lake. The giant ships compete for visitors' attention with crocodiles, monkeys, exotic birds and iguanas.
A luxury cruise in these parts is definitely an experience not to be missed, but it does not come cheap and requires plenty of time. Every major cruise company has huge ships that can carry passengers and crew members numbering in the thousands . Some are dedicated to offering a complete transit on the canal from one ocean to the other, while other cruises may include partial transits as part of a larger Caribbean cruise itinerary.
Panama Canal travel has so many facets that it's very hard to make the most of it without assistance from a professional tour company. Apart from the canal journey, Gatun Lake and Panama City, there are many other attractions and destinations within easy reach. Take some time out for a cruise and it becomes even more memorable, with stops at dozens of ports on the Atlantic as well as Pacific coasts.
There's no denying the historic nature or importance of this canal, which cuts through the Isthmus of Panama to link the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic. Before it was built, ships had to sail 9,000 miles around South America's tip. Starting from 1914, the voyage from the Atlantic to the Caribbean Sea, into the canal and then out into the Pacific was reduced to a mere eight hour run.
It is no doubt an engineering marvel. But what made it such a big deal was the fact that it modified the earth's natural system of landmass and water linkages. This project fueled massive development on the West Coast of the U. S. And other regions that have a Pacific coast. One such development was the growth of cruise liners setting off from U. S. Ports on the Atlantic coast taking passengers past Caribbean ports and through to the Pacific side very quickly.
Travelers not on a cruise who want to see the canal in person will have to fly in and land at Tocumen Int'l Airport. Visa formalities may differ based on nationality. However, all visitors seeking a tourist visa do need a passport and a return ticket, along with sufficient traveler's checks or cash, and a tourist card. This $5 card is waived for U. S. Citizens who are on cruise ships and intend to stay onboard while the ship is docked.
Travelers already in the country who just want to get an up-close look at the canal should head for the Miraflores Visitor Center in Panama City. The observation decks offer sweeping views of the huge ships as they arrive at the locks and are guided towards the ocean. The visitor center has all the usual tourist facilities, including a restaurant, gift shop and an exhibition space.
One of the best day trips in the area is a day spent exploring Gatun Lake and its surroundings. This is a gigantic artificial lake that was created to feed the locks with the water required to raise and lower ships. These day trippers get to ride on motor boats out on the lake and poke around in the tropical jungle that surrounds the lake. The giant ships compete for visitors' attention with crocodiles, monkeys, exotic birds and iguanas.
A luxury cruise in these parts is definitely an experience not to be missed, but it does not come cheap and requires plenty of time. Every major cruise company has huge ships that can carry passengers and crew members numbering in the thousands . Some are dedicated to offering a complete transit on the canal from one ocean to the other, while other cruises may include partial transits as part of a larger Caribbean cruise itinerary.
Panama Canal travel has so many facets that it's very hard to make the most of it without assistance from a professional tour company. Apart from the canal journey, Gatun Lake and Panama City, there are many other attractions and destinations within easy reach. Take some time out for a cruise and it becomes even more memorable, with stops at dozens of ports on the Atlantic as well as Pacific coasts.
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Unknown - Monday, August 5, 2013
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