The Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is the most famous canal in the world and is around 50 miles long. It stretches across the narrowest point of Panama so that ships and boats can cross between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans without having to travel around the whole of South America.
It is considered one of the world’s engineering wonders, and was built by American engineers between 1904 and 1914. It was one of the most difficult engineering projects that has ever taken place and is Panama’s most famous area, which many people flock to see when visiting the country.
Panama City is around four miles to the north of The Panama Canal, where it enters the Pacific Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean end of the canal is close to the Bosque de Proteccion (a protected forest), and the small town of Chagres. Also towards the northern end, by the Atlantic Ocean is the Gatun Lake which the canal passes through.
There are three locks on the canal which are extremely large and allow even huge cruise ships and cargo ships to pass through. Many ships now are built so that they can pass through The Panama Canal, and taking cruises that pass through this world famous canal are becoming more popular.
While passing along The Panama Canal, you will see many natural wonders and a lot of the natural beauty of Panama. There are few towns along the banks of the canal, only some small towns and villages, and the centre of the canal is surrounded by forests and lakes.