Caribbean West

Travel Guide

#Panama #Canal Gatun locks Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado. Gatun locks By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut (Channel open on the rocks and snake-shaped 12.6 km long), the Centenial Bridge and we arrive at Pedro Miguel Locks, which has only one camera. Here we descend 9 meters to the Miraflores Lake. Small lake and soon we arrived at Miraflores Locks. They are composed of 2 cameras that descend us to the level of the Pacific. These locks have the highest gates because of the differences between Pacific tides. Through these locks we reach the Pacific. We still cross under the bridge of the Americas, which is part of the Pan American Highway, which connects southern South America with Alaska in North America. The whole crossing lasted around 9 hours. During the crossing the ships are aided by pairs of locomotives. Depending on the size of the ship, up to 8 locomotives can be used. The water that fills the cameras comes from Gatun Lake and 197 million liters of water are used for each crossing. That is why conservation of the tropical forest around the lake is of paramount importance. The maximum allowable dimensions for ships is 32.31 m wide, 294.13 m long and 12.04 m draft.
#Panama #Canal Gatun locks Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado. Gatun locks By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut (Channel open on the rocks and snake-shaped 12.6 km long), the Centenial Bridge and we arrive at Pedro Miguel Locks, which has only one camera. Here we descend 9 meters to the Miraflores Lake. Small lake and soon we arrived at Miraflores Locks. They are composed of 2 cameras that descend us to the level of the Pacific. These locks have the highest gates because of the differences between Pacific tides. Through these locks we reach the Pacific. We still cross under the bridge of the Americas, which is part of the Pan American Highway, which connects southern South America with Alaska in North America. The whole crossing lasted around 9 hours. During the crossing the ships are aided by pairs of locomotives. Depending on the size of the ship, up to 8 locomotives can be used. The water that fills the cameras comes from Gatun Lake and 197 million liters of water are used for each crossing. That is why conservation of the tropical forest around the lake is of paramount importance. The maximum allowable dimensions for ships is 32.31 m wide, 294.13 m long and 12.04 m draft.
#Panama #Canal Gatun locks Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado. Gatun locks By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut (Channel open on the rocks and snake-shaped 12.6 km long), the Centenial Bridge and we arrive at Pedro Miguel Locks, which has only one camera. Here we descend 9 meters to the Miraflores Lake. Small lake and soon we arrived at Miraflores Locks. They are composed of 2 cameras that descend us to the level of the Pacific. These locks have the highest gates because of the differences between Pacific tides. Through these locks we reach the Pacific. We still cross under the bridge of the Americas, which is part of the Pan American Highway, which connects southern South America with Alaska in North America. The whole crossing lasted around 9 hours. During the crossing the ships are aided by pairs of locomotives. Depending on the size of the ship, up to 8 locomotives can be used. The water that fills the cameras comes from Gatun Lake and 197 million liters of water are used for each crossing. That is why conservation of the tropical forest around the lake is of paramount importance. The maximum allowable dimensions for ships is 32.31 m wide, 294.13 m long and 12.04 m draft.
#Panama #Canal Próximo da entrada do Canal do Panamá, lado do Atlântico Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado. Approaching Panama Canal - Atlantic side By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut (Channel open on the rocks and snake-shaped 12.6 km long), the Centenial Bridge and we arrive at Pedro Miguel Locks, which has only one camera. Here we descend 9 meters to the Miraflores Lake. Small lake and soon we arrived at Miraflores Locks. They are composed of 2 cameras that descend us to the level of the Pacific. These locks have the highest gates because of the differences between Pacific tides. Through these locks we reach the Pacific. We still cross under the bridge of the Americas, which is part of the Pan American Highway, which connects southern South America with Alaska in North America. The whole crossing lasted around 9 hours. During the crossing the ships are aided by pairs of locomotives. Depending on the size of the ship, up to 8 locomotives can be used. The water that fills the cameras comes from Gatun Lake and 197 million liters of water are used for each crossing. That is why conservation of the tropical forest around the lake is of paramount importance. The maximum allowable dimensions for ships is 32.31 m wide, 294.13 m long and 12.04 m draft.
#Panama #Canal Gatun locks Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado. Gatun locks By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut (Channel open on the rocks and snake-shaped 12.6 km long), the Centenial Bridge and we arrive at Pedro Miguel Locks, which has only one camera. Here we descend 9 meters to the Miraflores Lake. Small lake and soon we arrived at Miraflores Locks. They are composed of 2 cameras that descend us to the level of the Pacific. These locks have the highest gates because of the differences between Pacific tides. Through these locks we reach the Pacific. We still cross under the bridge of the Americas, which is part of the Pan American Highway, which connects southern South America with Alaska in North America. The whole crossing lasted around 9 hours. During the crossing the ships are aided by pairs of locomotives. Depending on the size of the ship, up to 8 locomotives can be used. The water that fills the cameras comes from Gatun Lake and 197 million liters of water are used for each crossing. That is why conservation of the tropical forest around the lake is of paramount importance. The maximum allowable dimensions for ships is 32.31 m wide, 294.13 m long and 12.04 m draft.

Where to stay in Caribbean West

Punta Caracol Lodge, Colon Island, Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Bocas del Toro Province, Panama, Central America, America

Punta Caracol

While Punta Caracol isn't home to many top sights, Tortuga Beach and Starfish Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Punta Caracol
Starfish Beach, Colon Island, Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Bocas del Toro Province, Panama, Central America, America

Saigon

While Saigon might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Tortuga Beach and Playa El Istmito.

Saigon
Beautiful aerial view of the Beautiful aerial view of the Panama Channel on the Sunset

Barrio Sur

If you're spending some time in Barrio Sur, Colon Free Zone and Colon 2000 are top sights worth seeing.

Barrio Sur
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El Tropezón

El Tropezón might not have many top sights, but Boquete Library and Municipal Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

El Tropezón
#Panama #Canal Gatun locks Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado. Gatun locks By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut

Cristobal

Travelers enjoy Cristobal for its churches and seaside views. Consider checking out Limon Bay while you're in the area.

Cristobal
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Brisas de Alto Boquete

While Brisas de Alto Boquete isn't home to many top sights, Boquete Library and Municipal Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Brisas de Alto Boquete
Radisson Colon 2,000 Hotel & Casino

Radisson Colon 2,000 Hotel & Casino

4 out of 5
Paseo Gorgas, Calle 13 Colon Colon
The price is P6,343 per night from Mar 13 to Mar 14
P6,343
P6,978 total
Mar 13 - Mar 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Colon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (873 reviews)
r.

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2026

Radisson Colon 2,000 Hotel & Casino
Cosmic Crab Resort

Cosmic Crab Resort

3 out of 5
Carenero Island Trail Bocas del Toro Bocas del Toro
The price is P4,138 per night from Mar 21 to Mar 22
P4,138
P4,551 total
Mar 21 - Mar 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Bocas del Toro. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Bolivar Park and Bocas del Toro Ferry ...
8/10 Very Good! (132 reviews)
Room was in fairly good condition. Staff did not appear to be happy!

Reviewed on Feb 18, 2026

Cosmic Crab Resort
SAND DIAMOND HOTEL

SAND DIAMOND HOTEL

3 out of 5
Millennium Plaza, Av A. Waked Colon Colon
The price is P6,925 per night from Mar 5 to Mar 6
P6,925
P7,618 total
Mar 5 - Mar 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Colon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Colon Free Zone and Colón Art and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (235 reviews)
Great staff. The only problem was they didn't have wash clothes

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2026

SAND DIAMOND HOTEL
See all 573 properties in Caribbean West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villa Alejandro

Villa Alejandro

3.5 out of 5
Calle 1a Sur Boquete Provincia de Chiriquí
Stay at this villa in Boquete. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Municipal ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (141 reviews)
Room was in good condition but the internet was out the entire 4 nights we were there

Reviewed on Feb 28, 2026

Villa Alejandro
El Cielo by Villa Alejandro

El Cielo by Villa Alejandro

3.5 out of 5
C. 4a Sur Boquete Provincia de Chiriquí
Stay at this apartment in Boquete. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Municipal Park and Boquete Library are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (101 reviews)
Modern amenities in spotless apartment with everything you might need during your stay. Everything was beautiful and new

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2026

El Cielo by Villa Alejandro
Cabañas Naturaleza

Cabañas Naturaleza

3 out of 5
Big Creek Bocas del Toro Provincia de Bocas del Toro
Stay at this cabin in Bocas del Toro. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and surfing/body boarding on site. Popular attractions Tortuga Beach and Paunch Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
The Cabañas Naturaleza are a great place to stay. The owner is very responsive to any inquiries that we made. The location is 4km from town but there were a few restaurants within walking distance and taxis drive by on a regular basis, if you would like to go to town. The cabins themselves are very ...

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026

Cabañas Naturaleza
See all properties in Caribbean West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Public gardens in the town of Boquete, Chiriqui province, Panama - stock photo

Municipal Park

Explore the great outdoors at Municipal Park, a lovely green space in Boquete. Discover the area's mountain views and coffeehouses.

Municipal Park
día soleado de verano en la isla playa blanca en Colon Panama en centro America con tomas aereas

Blanca Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Blanca Beach during your travels in Portobelo? While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Blanca Beach
Panama Boquete San Juan Bautista Church

Church of San Juan Bautista

Church of San Juan Bautista is just one of the places to see in Boquete, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the area's mountain views and seek out the hiking trails.

Church of San Juan Bautista

Starfish Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Starfish Beach during your travels in Boca del Drago? While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Starfish Beach

Colon Free Zone

During your trip to Colon, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Colon Free Zone.

Colon Free Zone

Colon 2000

During your visit to Colon, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Colon 2000. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Colon 2000
Sunrise with a view at Volcán Barú in Panama

Boquete

ISLA COLON BOCAS DEL TORO

Bocas del Toro

Beautiful walk on this tiny island.

Carenero Island

Cerro Punta Panamá

Cerro Punta