Celebrate History on a Panama Canal Sailing

Posted - February 3, 2020

This 51-mile passage through Central America is a fascinating eight- to 10-hour journey during which ship passengers have the opportunity to view magnificent Gatun Lake and explore the diverse cultures of Central America, South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Expert narration will enlighten you as your ship passes through the locks, and you'll dine on authentic Panamanian cuisine.

Long considered the center of the Americas, Panama boasts a diverse mix of native culture and ecotourism. More than 30 percent of its land is protected by 15 national parks, five forest preserves, and 10 wildlife refuges. As a land bridge from North America to South America, Panama is teeming with wildlife from both continents, including more than 900 species of birds and 200 species of mammals. Its coastline, more than 1,000 miles, is a water lover’s paradise.

Ecotourism begins right on the outskirts of Panama City with the large tropical rainforest reserve called Parque Metropolitano. Along the five trails of this enormous park you will find a diversity of tropical wildlife, including toucans, parakeets, orioles, trogons, sloth, agoutis and Titi monkeys.

Panama City, the capital of Panama, is both historic and cosmopolitan; a curious blend of old Spain and modern America. The Old City is filled with churches, plazas and palaces. At the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, you can spend hours watching cruise ships and freighters moving through the Panama Canal.

Beyond Panama, one of the most anticipated ports of call on this cruise is Puntarenas, Costa Rica, which occupies a unique position, lying between two oceans and two continents. On both coasts, tropical rainforests rise to the mountains of the interior, many of which soar over 13,000 feet above sea level. In the west, a seemingly endless succession of sand beaches forms the nation’s Pacific Coast. Excursions in Costa Rica include Poas Volcano National Park, Corobici River and La Paz waterfalls.

Both Holland America Line and Princess Cruises offer a variety of Panama Canal sailings. Ask your AAA Northampton County travel counselor about this unique and exciting destination.