Your Different Options For Panama Canal Travel

Your Different Options For Panama Canal Travel

by Serena Price

Since humans learned to construct things, they've come up with amazing engineering feats. Many of these, including Machu Picchu and the Pyramids in Egypt, are now merely tourist attractions. One of the most incredible constructions, however, still performs its original function. The fact that Panama Canal travel has become a reason for many people to visit Central America is really a bonus.

The Canal is located in the Central American country of Panama, hence the name. It stretches from Balboa just west of the country's capital to Colon, almost 50 miles away on the other side of the isthmus that joins North and South America. Before it was completed in 1914, ships traveling between the west coast of the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean had to sail via Cape Horn and the journey took months. Now they can get from the Pacific to the Caribbean in no more than a day.

At its southern end, the Canal is at sea level. Ships travel inland to the Miraflores Locks. Here the lock system lifts them about 55 feet higher and they sail further along the Lago de Miraflores. At the Pedro Miguel Locks they're raised another 30 feet or so and sail on through the Gaillard Cut and across the Lago Gatun. At the Gatun Locks they're brought down to sea level again after which they sail to the Caribbean.

The best way to see the system in action is from the deck or the bridge of a ship or boat. Some cruise ships offer packages that include this crossing but you can also charter a yacht. In the capital you'll find tour companies that will take you on a boat tour, usually only through the Miraflores Locks. However, they sometimes offer the full crossing too.

If your budget doesn't allow for a cruise package, you can try finding an on-board job. With a cruise liner this will usually be a contract for several months but there are many different positions available. For something short term, consider offering your services as line-handler on a yacht. Yachts that have to do the crossing often require line-handlers only for the day and your remuneration is the opportunity to join them for the voyage.

Another way to see the locks in action is from the sidelines. Take the bus to the town of Gamboa and for much of the way you'll have the Canal to your left. For a closer look, ask a taxi to take you from the capital city to the Miraflores Locks. If you're in Colon, go to the Gatun Locks instead.

A way to see not only the country's most famous attraction but also its jungle interior is to take the train. The railway line goes alongside the Canal and there is one passenger train per day making the trip. It takes an hour or so.

The best time for <A href="http://panamacanal.com">Panama Canal travel</A> really depends on how you plan to travel. If you want to take a cruise ship, you'll have to wait for cruise season. From December to April the weather's best because it's dry season but in rainy season there are fewer travelers and prices are lower.



If you are looking for a great source for <a href="http://panamacanal.com">Panama Canal travel</a> click this link. To let Panama Jones be your guide to discovery for this one of a kind destination, see us on the Web today at http://panamacanal.com.

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