Panama Canal Zone Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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#Panama #Canal Gatun locks Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado. Gatun locks By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut (Channel open on the rocks and snake-shaped 12.6 km long), the Centenial Bridge and we arrive at Pedro Miguel Locks, which has only one camera. Here we descend 9 meters to the Miraflores Lake. Small lake and soon we arrived at Miraflores Locks. They are composed of 2 cameras that descend us to the level of the Pacific. These locks have the highest gates because of the differences between Pacific tides. Through these locks we reach the Pacific. We still cross under the bridge of the Americas, which is part of the Pan American Highway, which connects southern South America with Alaska in North America. The whole crossing lasted around 9 hours. During the crossing the ships are aided by pairs of locomotives. Depending on the size of the ship, up to 8 locomotives can be used. The water that fills the cameras comes from Gatun Lake and 197 million liters of water are used for each crossing. That is why conservation of the tropical forest around the lake is of paramount importance. The maximum allowable dimensions for ships is 32.31 m wide, 294.13 m long and 12.04 m draft.

Where to stay in Panama Canal Zone

The buses of Panama.

Balboa

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Balboa. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Albrook Shopping Mall and Flag of Cerro Ancón are a few top places to visit.

Balboa
#Panama #Canal Gatun locks Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado. Gatun locks By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut

Cristobal

Travellers enjoy Cristobal for its churches and seaside views. Consider checking out Limon Bay while you're in the area.

Cristobal
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Barrio Sur

If you're spending some time in Barrio Sur, Colon Free Zone and Colon 2000 are top sights worth seeing.

Barrio Sur
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Coco Solo

If you're spending some time in Coco Solo, Colon Free Zone and Limon Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Coco Solo
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Gatun

Gatun is well liked for its museums and monuments. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Canal Expansion Observation Center and Gatun Locks are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Gatun
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Barrio Norte

If you're spending some time in Barrio Norte, Limon Bay and Monument to Christopher Columbus are top sights worth seeing.

Barrio Norte
Marriott Panama Hotel

Marriott Panama Hotel

4 out of 5
Roosevelt Ave., Allbrook Mall Panama City Panama
The price is AU$263 per night from 31 Jan to 1 Feb
AU$263
31 Jan - 1 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Panama City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Marriott Panama Hotel
Radisson Hotel Panama Canal

Radisson Hotel Panama Canal

4.5 out of 5
Amador Avenue & Van Hook Street Panama City Panama
The price is AU$115 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
AU$115
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Panama City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Great people really nice and helpful!!

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026

Radisson Hotel Panama Canal
Mahogany Suites

Mahogany Suites

2 out of 5
El Tucan Street Rousseau Panamá
The price is AU$212 per night from 23 Jan to 24 Jan
AU$212
23 Jan - 24 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf hotel in Arraijan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a golf course and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Albrook Shopping Mall and Amador Causeway are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Room was spotless, front gate staff was really nice, loved the tiny gym on the main floor.

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025

Mahogany Suites
See all 1,782 properties in Panama Canal Zone
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
La Palma Aparta Suite

La Palma Aparta Suite

2.5 out of 5
Amador Downtown Panama City Panamá Province
Stay at this apartment in Panama City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Albrook Shopping Mall and Amador Causeway are located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (3 reviews)
The hotel appears to be just starting operations and is still very incomplete. It is currently under construction. - Facilities and location: The hotel is located in a safe area where you can walk around. However, it is next to a boulevard full of bars, all competing to play the loudest music. Only ...

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

La Palma Aparta Suite
Tropical House with Historic Charm, WiFi, Private Bathrooms and Workspaces

Tropical House with Historic Charm, WiFi, Private Bathrooms and Workspaces

2 out of 5
Panamá Provincia de Panamá
Stay at this holiday home in Panama City. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and air conditioning. Popular attractions Albrook Shopping Mall and Cinta Costera ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Family Celebration!
We had a wonderful stay at the classic home in Ancon. Lot’s of room to spread out and convenient location to attend a milestone birthday party in the city. Would definitely recommend for a family gathering and the host was very attentive!

Reviewed on 9 July 2025

Tropical House with Historic Charm, WiFi, Private Bathrooms and Workspaces
Panama View House – A Hilltop Retreat with Stunning Canal Views

Panama View House – A Hilltop Retreat with Stunning Canal Views

Panama City Panamá Province
Stay at this holiday home in Panama City. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Albrook Shopping Mall and Amador Causeway are located ...
Panama View House – A Hilltop Retreat with Stunning Canal Views
See all properties in Panama Canal Zone
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Bridge of the Americas, Panama Canal,

Bridge of the Americas

5/5(1 review)

You can learn about the history of Arraijan when you stop by Bridge of the Americas. Amble around this vibrant area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Bridge of the Americas
Nice view of the Las Americas Bridge from Cerro Ancon Hill. Best place to admire the Panama Canal, Panama City Skyline and see the nature. #LifeAtExpedia

Ancon Hill

Explore the great outdoors at Ancon Hill, a lovely green space in Ancon. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this culturally rich area.

Ancon Hill

Albrook Shopping Mall

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home with a trip to Albrook Shopping Mall, a favourite shopping spot in Ancon. Amble around this vibrant area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Albrook Shopping Mall

Colon Free Zone

During your trip to Colon, you can do some window-shopping at Colon Free Zone.

Colon Free Zone

Colon 2000

During your visit to Colon, you can do some window-shopping at Colon 2000. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Colon 2000

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Explore the great outdoors at Gamboa Rainforest Resort, a lovely green space in Gamboa. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Cities near Panama Canal Zone

Panoramic view at the Downtown of Panama City - Panama

Panama City

Adobe

Colon

Port de la Selva, nice small traditional village in Costa Brava.; Shutterstock ID 133621637; purchase_order: -; Order: -; client: -; job: -

Cativa