Panama Canal Zone

Travel Guide

Bridge of the Americas (Puente de las Americas). Once known as Thatcher Ferry Bridge, near an industrial shipping zone in Panama close to the the Panama Canal.
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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
Beautiful aerial view of the Beautiful aerial view of the Panama Channel on the Sunset

Barrio Sur

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

Barrio Sur
#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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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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Coco Solo

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

Coco Solo
Barcelona Christopher Columbus monument

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 HK$1,389 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
HK$1,389
HK$1,528 total
10 Apr - 11 Apr
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! (1,012 reviews)
Hotel/Conference Center adjacent to a very large Shopping Mall and to the National Bus Terminal. Across the highway from the main Panama Domestic Airport. Not the most attractive environment. Hotel was clean and had limited choice dining options on site or within the Mall. Transport was by taxi or ...

Reviewed on 25 Mar 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 HK$669 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
HK$669
HK$736 total
19 Apr - 20 Apr
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Restaurant closed too early.. but overall, it was good

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Radisson Hotel Panama Canal
Hotel Riu Plaza Panama

Hotel Riu Plaza Panama

5 out of 5
Calle 50, Urb. Marbella Panama City Panama
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$1,243 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
HK$1,243
HK$1,367 total
26 Apr - 27 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Panama City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,149 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Panama
See all 1,711 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

3 out of 5
Amador Downtown Panama City Panamá Province
Stay at this apartment in Panama City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Amador Causeway and Cinta Costera are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (7 reviews)
Me encantó muy organizado, muy limpio, las personas que trabajan en este hotel son muy amables volvería sin duda muchas gracias

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

La Palma Aparta Suite
Luxury Beachfront Condo in Playa Bonita, Panama City's best accommodation option

Luxury Beachfront Condo in Playa Bonita, Panama City's best accommodation option

Panama City Panama
Stay at this beach condo in Veracruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Amador Causeway and Albrook Shopping Mall are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (48 reviews)
We are two couples that loved our stay! We felt immediately at home in the tasteful, bright, spacious unit. Very functional kitchen perfect for our needs. We loved sitting on the balcony with the beautiful view of the beach and mountains. The host provided excellent communication and helpful information ...

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Luxury Beachfront Condo in Playa Bonita, Panama City's best accommodation option
Oasis with pool near panama canal

Oasis with pool near panama canal

Panamá Provincia de Panamá
Stay at this holiday home in Panama City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Albrook Shopping Mall and Via Espana are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
We were all comfortable. Plenty of space. Only problem is location doesn't show up correctly on Uber so delivering food was a minor issue.

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Oasis with pool near panama canal
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

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 vibrant 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 culturally rich 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

Miraflores Locks

Learn about the local history of Ancon when you spend time at Miraflores Locks. Visit the shops and casinos in this vibrant area.

Miraflores Locks
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Panama City

Traditional dances of the state of Veracruz Mexico, typical clothes.

Veracruz