Visitors have the option to explore the visitor centers on their own or join guided tours offered by various independent tour companies. For those seeking outdoor adventures away from the crowds, Soberania, Camino de Cruces, and Chagres national parks provide hiking trails along the canal basin. Travelers can reach the trailheads by taking a taxi or driving to the parks.
Another option is to embark on a boat and experience the canal firsthand. Boat tours come in two main options: one departing from Panama City on the Pacific side or Colon on the Atlantic, following the canal’s route; and the other exploring Gatún Lake, a significant part of the canal situated in the middle of its 50-mile stretch. Boat tours on Gatún Lake typically depart from Gamboa Marina, a lush jungle town filled with wildlife like capybaras, sloths, monkeys, and crocodiles.
Gatún Lake, created by damming the Chagres River, was once the world’s largest man-made lake. Boat tours on Gatún Lake offer tourists the chance to sightsee, sail, fish, and observe wildlife while marveling at the passing cargo ships. Additionally, hundreds of cruise ships navigate through the canal annually. Private boats such as sailboats, speedboats, or yachts can also traverse the canal at a considerable cost.
Furthermore, tour companies provide helicopter and airplane tours for a bird’s-eye view of the canal’s operations. For those unable to visit Panama, the ACP live streams activities at five sets of locks, showcasing the canal’s continuous operations. To delve deeper into the canal’s history and global significance, tourists can visit The Canal Museum in Casco Viejo, the old town of Panama City, known for its museums, coffee shops, and lively rooftop bars.
The history of the canal traces back to Spanish explorers in the 16th century, envisioning a route through Central America to connect the oceans. US interest heightened during the Gold Rush in the 1800s, leading to French engineers initiating construction efforts in 1881. Despite ambitious plans, the French attempts failed due to numerous challenges. The United States acquired the canal rights from the French in the early 1900s, which eventually led to the separation of Panama from Colombia and the establishment of the Republic of Panama in 1903.
Assistance with Panamanian independence led to the signing of the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty in 1903 between Panama and the United States. This treaty granted the US control over a 50-mile-long, 10-mile-wide strip of land known as the Canal Zone in exchange for building the canal in perpetuity. The construction of the Panama Canal was a monumental project that came at a significant human and financial cost. Approximately 5,600 individuals, including many construction workers from the West Indies, lost their lives during the US construction, making it one of the most expensive construction projects in American history at the time, costing around $375 million.
Completed in 1914, the grand opening ceremony of the canal was canceled due to the outbreak of World War I, and the first vessel passage was a subdued event. Although underutilized during the war, the canal later played a crucial role in Allied efforts during World War II. The United States also utilized land in Panama for various military activities, including training astronauts and conducting tests of chemical weapons as part of the San Jose Project.
Disputes over the interpretation of the 1903 treaty and sovereignty in the Canal Zone created tension between the US and Panama throughout the 20th century. The relationship deteriorated further due to disagreements over canal control and the unequal treatment of Panamanians compared to American workers, leading to diplomatic strains and incidents of violence.
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter negotiated the transfer of the canal to Panamanian control, which was finalized on New Year’s Eve 1999. Despite initial concerns about Panama’s ability to manage the canal, the waterway thrived under domestic control, with significant improvements in income, safety, and expansion projects.
Today, the majority of the canal’s workforce is Panamanian, demonstrating the country’s capacity to successfully operate and develop the waterway. However, recent challenges such as severe droughts have raised concerns about the canal’s sustainability and global trade impact. President José Raúl Mulino reaffirmed Panama’s sovereignty over the canal in response to claims by President Trump to “take back” the waterway, emphasizing the country’s commitment to maintaining control and independence over this vital international passageway.
### Panama’s Efforts to Address Drought Threatening the Panama Canal
In recent years, the Panama Canal has been facing a significant challenge due to low water levels caused by drought. This vital waterway, crucial for global trade and transportation, has not been spared from the impacts of climate change. However, amidst these challenges, hope flickers on the horizon as the Panamanian government launches initiatives to tackle the issue head-on.
Since 2007, when expansion efforts first began, Panama has been diligently working to find solutions to ensure the sustainability and functionality of the canal. A key focus has been the creation of a new lake to bolster water supply not only for the canal’s operations but also for Panama’s drinking water needs. Additionally, substantial investments have been made in water recycling projects to maximize the efficient use of this precious resource.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the government has implemented measures such as restricting daily transits when necessary and optimizing the canal’s schedule to conserve water. These proactive steps underscore Panama’s commitment to safeguarding this critical artery of global commerce.
In a recent statement released by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) in November 2023, the ongoing search for sustainable, long-term solutions was emphasized. While acknowledging the complexity of the water challenge, the ACP reiterated Panama’s unwavering dedication to securing the canal’s future for generations to come.
Panamanians, deeply connected to the canal’s significance, express optimism despite the hurdles. According to Rios, a local resident, “The Panama Canal and the government are strategically navigating this situation to ensure the canal’s continued operation. Our collective efforts are not driven by personal gain but by a sense of responsibility to the world.”
For Panamanians, the canal stands as a symbol of national pride with global implications. The country’s motto, “pro mundi beneficio” — meaning “for the benefit of the world” — epitomizes the canal’s role in facilitating global trade and fostering international connections.
As Panama forges ahead in its quest to overcome the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity, the world watches closely. The Panama Canal’s resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to human ingenuity and determination in preserving our planet’s shared resources.
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