Panama is most known around the world for its famous canal linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The 48 mile long canal was completed in 1914, and can be used by both private yachts and large commercial vessels. The canal consists of artificial lakes, channels and three sets of locks. A typical passage through the canal takes around 9 hours. However, the shortcut through the isthmus can shave about 8,000 miles off the 14,000 mile journey from New York to San Francisco, making it an integral conduit for international maritime trade.
In fact, the canal has also played an integral role in Panama’s independence from Colombia and development as a country. Although the concept of the Panama Canal dates back to the 17th century, the 77 km (48 mile) successful canal was not completed until 1914. The first attempt to build the canal (by the French) started in the 1880s and was enormously unsuccessful. After losing almost 22,000 workers to accidents, malaria, landslides and yellow fever, the French abandoned the project. Under the leadership of Theodore Roosevelt, the United States took over the building of the canal, first helping Panama secure independence from Colombia.
The Panama Canal was completed in 1914, and the United States took control over the canal and the surrounding Canal Zone. The canal and the strong American military and civilian presence in the Canal Zone, helped Panama’s economy develop and flourish. During and following WWII, American military and civilian presence increased in the Canal Zone. In fact, many famous Americans, including Republican Presidential Nominee John McCain, were born in the zone. However, the strong American presence fermented growing animosity among Panamanians and in 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed the Torrijos-Carter Treaty, which would give over the running of the canal to the Panama on December 31, 1999. Although the Panamanian controlled Autoridad del Canal de Panama took over the running of the canal from the United States in 1999, U.S. influence in the canal and in the old Canal Zone has remained high.
Though there are many vantage points of the canal in Panama City, there is a complete visitor’s center located at the Miraflores Locks, where you can watch ships travel up or down 8 meters in three stages and pass under the Bridge of the Americas, which connects North and South America. With a set of binoculars, visitors can also see the Pedro Miguel Locks. The visitor center also has four exhibition halls dedicated to the history and operation of the canal, a restaurant with a panoramic view, a gift shop and a fully equipped theater.
Admission
Non Resident Adults: US$8
Non-Resident Students and Minors: US$5
Children Under 5: Free
Hours
Open Monday-Sunday 9 am to 4:30 pm
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