1. The Panama Canal is an artificial waterway that cuts through the narrowest part of the Isthmus of Panama, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The idea of building the canal dates back centuries, but it was not until the late 1800s that the project was undertaken. Construction began in 1904, and the canal was officially opened for traffic in 1914. The engineering feat of building the canal involved overcoming many challenges, including disease, difficult terrain, and political obstacles. Today, the Panama Canal is a major shipping route, with millions of tons of cargo passing through each year.
2. The Panama Canal is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is a visitor center and museum at Miraflores Locks in Panama City, which is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:15 pm). The visitor center can be reached at +507 276-8325.
3. There are several options for experiencing the Panama Canal. The Miraflores Visitor Center offers a variety of tours and experiences, including a 90-minute canal transit boat tour, a train tour, and a museum tour. Tickets can be purchased online or at the visitor center. Prices range from $15 for general admission to $130 for the full canal transit boat tour. Transportation to the visitor center is available by taxi, bus, or shuttle service.
