Specials Trip Finder Brochures Menu

Panama Canal Tours, Vacations & Travel Packages


  • The famous Panama Canal is a great experience on your Panama vacation
  • Panama Canal Tours
  • Panama Canal vacations
  • Panama Canal Trip
  • One of Panama's iconic landmarks, the Panama Canal is a great photo opportunity on your Panama tour

The world-famous Panama Canal which has to be seen on a Panama vacation is synonymous with the country and connects the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean.  Upon its completion, it allowed Panama to become a hub for international trade and helped it to grow into one of the richest countries in Central America.

The need for such a canal stemmed from the discovery of gold in California creating interest in crossing between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. A railroad was constructed, however, a route by water would allow faster passage. The initial construction of the canal was started by the French in 1881. Unfortunately, due to engineering problems coupled with many deaths as a result of malaria and yellow fever, the French had to cease construction. 

The United States later continued the project finishing it in 1914. One of the most complex engineering projects ever undertaken, the Panama Canal eventually proved a success allowing ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in half the time. Full control of the canal was given to the government of Panama in 1999.

Spanning 77 km (48 mi) long, the Panama Canal accommodates on average 14,000 ships annually, seeing over 200 million tons of cargo pass through. The traffic in the canal represents approximately 5% of the world’s shipping. While shipping has changed immensely since the canal’s inception back in 1914, it remains incredibly important to world trade.

 


Panama Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Panama vacations.

Learn about the history and culture of Panama, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Panama's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips and visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Panama for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Panama tours today!

 

Extend Your Trip

After your Panama Tour, why not consider another of Goway's Latin America tours. These include a large selection of other exciting countries in Central and South America. We offer Chile vacation packages and Easter Island toursEcuador vacation packages which include Galapagos cruises, Peru vacation packages which include Machu Picchu tours and Brazil tours including Iguassu Falls tours among many others.

 

Read More

Panama Canal

  • Discover Panama: Panama City & Santa Clara

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Embark on a 7-day Panama vacation full of engineering marvels, aerial tram journeys over Panamanian rainforests, and sunny white-sand beaches. Begin your adventure in the heart of Panama City, exploring the iconic Panama Canal and make your way to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, Gatun Lake, and Playa Santa Clara.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 2,448
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Beach & Island Escapes, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Panama See Trip Details
  • Panama Signature: Panama City, Boquete & Bocas del Toro

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: See the best of Panama on this unforgettable adventure from Panama City to the beaches of Bocas del Toro. Explore the city’s historic quarters, tour the Panama Canal, venture through the rainforest, trace the coffeemaking process in the highlands, and enjoy several days on a picturesque Caribbean island.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,959
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences
    Panama See Trip Details
  • Highlights of Panama City

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Enjoy 6-days exploring the rich history, natural beauty, and gastronomic culture of Panama City. Embark on private guided tours of UNESCO-listed Panamá Viejo, the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake, the province of Colon, Fort San Lorenzo, and San Lorenzo National Park for an immersive discovery of Panama's capital.
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ On Request
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences
    Panama See Trip Details
  • Essence of Panama: Panama City, the Highlands & the Caribbean

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the essence of Panama on this tailor-made journey from the heart of Panama City to the dazzling white-sand beaches of Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean Sea. Along the way, you’ll tour the Panama Canal, explore rainforests and cloud forests, and learn about coffee in the western highlands.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,149
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Panama See Trip Details
  • Skyline & Sand: Panama City & Bocas del Toro

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Embark on an immersive 8-day natural and gastronomic Panama vacation. Float through the Panama Canal to the lush rainforest islands of Gatun Lake and the Miraflores Locks before a delicious Panama cooking lesson. Continue in the beautiful coastal city of Bocas del Toro and explore the famous Red Frog Beach, Dolphin Bay, Isla Colon, and Coral Cay.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ On Request
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences
    Panama See Trip Details
Trip Finder

What our travelers say

Goway Toolkit


Need help planning your holiday? Our toolkit is a great place to get started.