Panama Canal, Colon

The Panama Canal, an engineering marvel and a pivotal conduit for international maritime trade, slices through the Isthmus of Panama in the vibrant city of Colon. This 50-mile (80-kilometer) waterway revolutionized global shipping by providing a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, foregoing the lengthy and treacherous journey around South America's Cape Horn.

Constructed between 1904 and 1914, the canal is an extraordinary testament to human ingenuity and perseverance, overcoming immense challenges posed by the environment and disease. It operates through a system of locks, which lift ships up to the level of Gatun Lake, 85 feet (26 meters) above sea level, before lowering them back down to the ocean on the other side. These locks are massive structures, each of which is essential in maintaining the canal's functionality.

The Panama Canal is not only a vital artery for global commerce, with over 14,000 vessels traversing the canal each year, but it also stands as a significant tourist attraction. Visitors are drawn to its impressive locks, particularly the Miraflores and Gatun Locks, to witness the awe-inspiring sight of massive ships inching their way through the narrow canal.

Aside from observing the canal in operation, tourists can explore the Panama Canal Museum in the nearby historic district of Casco Viejo in Panama City, which details the canal's history and its impact on world trade. Moreover, the surrounding area of the canal offers lush rainforests, rich in biodiversity, providing opportunities for ecotourism and wildlife viewing.

The canal has undergone expansions, most notably the Panama Canal Expansion Project, which was completed in 2016. This expansion added a new lane of traffic with the construction of the New Locks, allowing for the passage of larger ships, known as New Panamax vessels.