Panama Canal Tours, Vacations & Travel Packages
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.
Panama Travel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Panama vacations.
Learn about the history and culture of Panama, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Panama's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips and visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Panama for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Panama tours today!
Extend Your Trip
After your Panama Tour, why not consider another of Goway's Latin America tours. These include a large selection of other exciting countries in Central and South America. We offer Chile vacation packages and Easter Island tours, Ecuador vacation packages which include Galapagos cruises, Peru vacation packages which include Machu Picchu tours and Brazil tours including Iguassu Falls tours among many others.
Panama Canal
4 Trips Available
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Panama Signature: Panama City, Boquete & Bocas del Toro
DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: See the best of Panama on this unforgettable adventure from Panama City to the beaches of Bocas del Toro. Explore the city’s historic quarters, tour the Panama Canal, venture through the rainforest, trace the coffeemaking process in the highlands, and enjoy several days on a picturesque Caribbean island.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,239
- Trip Type:
- Private Experiences
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Essence of Panama
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the essence of Panama on this tailor-made journey from the heart of Panama City to the dazzling white-sand beaches of Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean Sea. Along the way, you’ll tour the Panama Canal, explore rainforests and cloud forests, and learn about coffee in the western highlands.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,199
- Trip Type:
- Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Panama Less Travelled
FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Experience the contrasts of Panama in this fantastic week-long adventure. This program allows you to combine tours to historical areas, a visit to a tropical rainforest, and of course an exploration of the famous Panama Canal.- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,037
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Bucket List Travel Ideas, Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Historic Panama Stopover
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: This city is a delightful combination of the historic and the ultra modern. Explore the center of Panama City with restored colonial houses, interesting museums, cathedrals and plazas.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 582
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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