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.
The United States later continued the project finishing it in 1914. One of the most complex engineering projects ever undertaken, the Panama Canal eventually proved a success allowing ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in half the time. Full control of the canal was given to the government of Panama in 1999.
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.
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.
At a Glance
Languages
SpanishCurrency
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.
The famous Panama Canal is a great experience o...
Panama Canal Tours
Panama Canal vacations
Panama Canal Trip
One of Panama's iconic landmarks, the Panama Ca...
Travel Stories
Get Inspired About Your Trip to Panama
Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.
With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
ExcellentBased on 5,242 ReviewsWe went on a highly customized comprehensive (though quick tour) of England and a bit of Scotland through Goway. Ingrid Aird did an amazing job of planning and arranging every detail with her deep experience, insight, thoughtfulness and creativity, tuning into the needs of each traveler; and she did so even though our decision to travel was rather spontaneous and last minute! Our family had the best time! We look forward to working with Ingrid and Goway again!Vilja BreilingWe used Goway to put together an itinerary for East Africa , and Zanzibar . Everything was great and went smoothly DawnI can't tell you enough how much I love to work with Callie. She is a life saver and I love how attentive she is. Every time I give her an itinerary for a client- she really knocks it out of the park with the proposal. If there are any issues- she is on it right away. Her work ethic is outstanding.Michelle LabarcaI had the pleasure of working with Amelia on a booking for a family of 4 to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. She executed everything perfectly, was attentive to needs and the family was over the top happy with their vacation. She was quick to answer questions and provide helpful feedback. Highly recommended!Jessie WilliamsWe were trying to navigate Swiss Travel Center to book a 10 day train trip through Switzerland. It was exactly what we wanted but navigating their site was extremely difficult for us. Goway Travel picked up on our plight and put us in contact with Jacqueline Fagooli, one of their agents. From there on everything was so smooth. Their efficiency, communication, and thoroughness were beyond our expectations. The trip was fabulous and kudos to Jacqueline and Goway for their help in making it so.Carolyn McCormackThe destination specialist I've worked with (Kim Rawlings) has provided exceptional service. She is very knowledgeable of her region and everything they have to offer. She is very prompt in her communication and follow-up. She listens and is very attentive to my client's needs and wants. Kim's personality makes one feel like they've known each other for years.
If GoWay had a customer service model, Kim is it.T. Jackson, Tribe Trek TravelWe had a wonderful and amazing two weeks in North-West Scotland. Shoutout to Jacqueline at Goway Toronto and the driver/guides with Rabbie's minibus tours (Stefan and Willie). Well-chosen hotels and no worries with dietary requirements; every detail was taken care of. Thank you!
Ben DaubeKatie was professional, extremely responsive, and very welcoming to work with! We appreciate the recommendations, thoughtful edits, and the expertise. Would definitely recommend Goway travel and working with their team.Parking.com CustomerSuch thoughtful and sincere communication with my advisor Katie! Even though the trip didn’t come into fruition as expected, she still remained committed to adjusting around our itinerary every step of the way. I’m very thankful for the opportunity she gave us as well as just general ideas for the trip.JennaWorking with Isabella on a families trip to Ireland! The itinerary was 2 weeks, self drive with many excursions and a family wedding in the middle of it all! She was amazing from start to finish! She answered every question my clients had! She gave the best recommendations! So many details and planning went into this amazing trip! If i could give 10 stars I would! She would call me to make sure everything looked great! Thank you Isabella at Goway! You are the BEST and made this so easy for everyone! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Christine Amling
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified