Discover the Panama Canal with GoTravelDaily

Panama Canal trips feature prominently on many budget travel itineraries. The nation of Panama is filled with attractions that may be equally or more enjoyable than this iconic waterway. Nevertheless, the curiosity surrounding this engineering marvel cannot be dismissed.

Travelers often include a visit to the canal either as part of a cruise or during a trip to Panama’s bustling capital city. Below are three budget-friendly options for experiencing the Panama Canal.

Option #1: Visit the Miraflores Locks

For those with limited time in Panama City, visiting the Miraflores visitor center is a convenient and inexpensive choice. The center, located approximately 20 minutes via cab from downtown, can be accessed for about $20 USD round trip. Keep in mind that taxis in Panama typically operate without meters, so it is advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand.

When you arrive at the visitor center, opt for a full-visit ticket at a cost of $8 USD per person. This ticket grants access to both the observation deck, offering a view of the locks, and a multi-floor museum detailing the canal’s history and functionality. The orientation movie is not to be missed, and it is best to catch it early on during your visit. Inquire about the last showing in your language if you arrive later in the day, as not all screenings may be available in English.

From the observation deck, you can witness massive cargo ships ascend or descend 45 feet in about ten minutes. Here, Pacific-bound vessels are lowered while those heading towards the Caribbean rise.

In 2006, Panamanians voted to enhance the canal’s capacity, and this significant project was completed in 2016.

Option #2: Partial Transit and Rain Forest Tour

Experience scenic boat trips that traverse the section between the Pacific and Gatun Lake (Lago Gatún in Spanish). This vast artificial lake, created during the canal’s construction, is enveloped in rainforests teeming with diverse wildlife. These excursions are typically available for under $150 per day, with one provider being PanamaCanalBoatTour.com.

Cab rides from Panama City to Gamboa Rainforest Resort cost roughly $40 USD. Located alongside the canal on the Panama City side of Gatun Lake, the resort offers a range of day trips priced between $15 and $50 per person. For instance, if you venture to the higher end of that range, opportunities such as kayaking the Panama Canal await. However, keep in mind that tours may be canceled if there are insufficient participants.

Option #3: Full Transit

If crossing the complete length of the canal interests you, be aware that military and cargo ships have priority. This busy waterway sees continual operations at its locks, often requiring tour boats to wait for larger vessels to pass. The shortest time for this 50-mile journey typically spans about eight hours.

Regarding cost, expect to pay around $300 USD or more for this adventure; however, with some research, more affordable options can often be found. Visit PanamaCanalCruise.com to explore alternatives.

Another option is offered by Ancon Expeditions, which facilitates a partial transit tour, including two locks, followed by a return via motor coach at approximately $200 per person. Additionally, consider taking the Trans-Isthmian train between Colon on the Caribbean side and the Pacific shore. This upscale train takes inspiration from luxury trains of yesteryear and costs about $25 each way for adults.

Finally, it is often beneficial to ask your hotel clerk or concierge for tour recommendations or for a cab driver available for hire throughout the day. Consequently, this can lead to a more cost-effective and enriching experience.