Introduction

If you are ever in Panama be sure to add this Sparked Travel Panama Canal breakdown to your itinerary! Follow along as we cover the significant history of this modern marvel and highlight the best tips for getting the most out of your Panama Canal experience. The Panama Canal was completed in the summer of 1914 and has been heralded as one of the greatest engineering accomplishments of the past century. With that being said, creating something as globally altering as this canal was, comes at a substantial struggle. Before the Panama Canal’s construction, creating a more accessible passageway between the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean was often discussed amongst leaders. A plausible route would instantly change how countries are connected and reshape the global economic state. France had originally started their own project in the late 1800’s but it ultimately failed after nine years due to funding issues, diseases, poor working conditions, and deaths. The United States quickly leapt into action bringing with them all of their force and power. At the time, Colombia controlled Panama and Colombia found the terms from the United States unsatisfactory. So, President Roosevelt sent U.S. war ships to the region and leveraged Panamanian independence in their favor. Panama declared their independence in 1903 and just 11 years later the Panama canal was completed.

Panama City

Sitting on the Pacific opening of the Panama Canal, you will find the country’s capital, Panama City. The capital is a modern and vibrant city, offering tons of experiences. The first stop on your city tour should be Panama City’s Casco Viejo, the historic city center. Visitors will find plenty of colonial style buildings as well as ruins of some of the first buildings built in this historic quarter. Within Casco Viejo you will also find the Plaza de Francia and the Panama Canal Museum both paying homage to the Panama Canal. The Museum covers the entire history of the Canal’s construction and actually served as the headquarters of both the French and American companies that worked to build this remarkable channel. The Plaza de Francia is a monument dedicated to the 22,000 workers that died during the construction of the canal. Apart from Casco Viejo, travelers should consider visiting Panama Viejo and Cinta Costera. Panama Viejo (UNESCO World Heritage site) is actually the remnants of the original Panama city which was founded in 1519 by Spanish conquistadors. Cinta Costera is an expansive city walkway that extends over four miles and offers beautiful views of the city line and the waters.

Miraflores

The Panama Canal has a total of 12 locks which help lift or lower ships so that they may navigate the Canal. The Miraflores lock is the closest to the Pacific ocean and the easiest to get to from Panama city. It is usually about a 15 minute uber from the downtown area or there is a local bus that can take passengers. Once you arrive, you will be directed to the Miraflores visitor center where you will pay the entrance fee and then ushered onward to experience this miraculous achievement. Here, you will find a museum educating visitors on the history of the Canal along with a short movie. Visitors will also have access to the terraces and observation decks which will allow travelers to see this modern spectacle. The Miraflores elevates ships to about 54 feet so that they may continue on their journey through Panama. Visiting the Panama Canal is a true eye opening experience. Whether you realize it or not the Panama Canal is certainly responsible for some of the things in your home with an estimated 270 billion goods crossing the canal each year. So be sure to take appreciation of this modern advancement and those that died making it possible. For any of those that have visited the Panama Canal, I would love to hear about your experience so be sure to leave a comment below!