A tour of the Agua Clara and Gatún Locks offers a fascinating look at the engineering of the Panama Canal, both in its original version and its most recent expansion.
Agua Clara Locks: The Modern Marvel
At the Agua Clara Visitor Center, located on the Atlantic side (near Colón), you’ll witness the magnitude of the Expanded Canal. These locks are larger and more modern, designed to accommodate the passage of larger vessels, known as Neo Panamax. From the observation decks, you’ll have a breathtaking panoramic view of these giant vessels being raised or lowered into the lock chambers—a water ballet of technology and precision. You can also learn about the canal’s operation through projections and exhibits.
Gatun Locks:
The original work, located a short distance from Agua Clara, are the Gatun Locks, part of the original Canal, opened in 1914. Here, you’ll see the lock system that has been operating for over a century, raising ships 26 meters above sea level to enter Gatun Lake. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the pioneering engineering that made the connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans possible.
This tour allows you to compare and contrast the original vision and the evolution of the Panama Canal, offering a comprehensive perspective on this feat of global engineering and its impact on global maritime trade.
What’s Included:
- Round-trip hotel transfers
- Visitor center entrance fees
- Bottled water
- Local guide
Schedule: 8:30am (Monday to Sunday)
Duration: 5 hours