The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is without a doubt the most popular tourist destination in Panama. The Panama Canal, which stretches 77 kilometers (48 miles) between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, straddling the provinces of Panama and Colón, is a massive engineering feat and a triumph of human effort and sacrifice – a truly awe-inspiring sight and justifiably the country's most visited attraction. Furthermore, it is conveniently accessible from Panama City and may be easily explored on a day trip. It travels through beautiful forests and across a big artificial lake, making it one of a kind.

The four national parks of Soberana, Camino de Cruces, Chagres, and Portobelo, which were established to safeguard the Canal's watershed, also provide opportunities to walk along the partially cobbled vestiges of the old Camino de Cruces and the Camino Real. The most accessible of the four is Parque Nacional Soberana, which has some wonderful climbs and possibilities for tropical rainforest birdwatching, while Isla Barro Colorado – located in the midst of Canal – is home to the world-renowned Smithsonian Institute. Both have a high level of biodiversity and are accessible by day from the capital. Various Emberá settlements can be found on the outskirts of Lago Gatn and along the banks of the Ro Chagres, all of which welcome visitors.

Location: Panama