Overview
Take a trip to Panama Canal on your Panama Vacation
The world-famous Panama Canal which has to be seen on a Panama vacation is synonymous with the country and connects the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean. Upon its completion, it allowed Panama to become a hub for international trade and helped it to grow into one of the richest countries in Central America.
The need for such a canal stemmed from the discovery of gold in California creating interest in crossing between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. A railroad was constructed, however, a route by water would allow faster passage. The initial construction of the canal was started by the French in 1881. Unfortunately, due to engineering problems coupled with many deaths as a result of malaria and yellow fever, the French had to cease construction.
Spanning 77 km (48 mi) long, the Panama Canal accommodates on average 14,000 ships annually, seeing over 200 million tons of cargo pass through. The traffic in the canal represents approximately 5% of the world’s shipping. While shipping has changed immensely since the canal’s inception back in 1914, it remains incredibly important to world trade.
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Panamanian Balboa (PAB)What do the experts say?
U.S. dollars are used interchangeably with Panamanian balboas (at a 1:1 rate). There’s no need to exchange currency if you’re carrying U.S. cash.
Many assume Panama is just about the canal. In reality, it’s also a paradise for beaches, highlands, and indigenous culture — from Caribbean islands like the San Blas to the coffee region of Boquete.
Panama has more bird species than the United States and Canada combined — over 1,000. For birdwatchers, it’s one of the richest destinations in the world.
A visit to an Emberá indigenous village along the Chagres River is a cultural highlight — arriving by dugout canoe, sharing traditional food, and learning about their way of life in the rainforest.
Globetrotters should ensure they visit Isla Coiba, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once a penal colony, today it’s one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Americas, often compared to the Galápagos for its marine biodiversity.
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