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

4/5(1 area review)

Though Punta Caracol may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Tortuga Beach and Starfish Beach.

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

Saigon

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Saigon and surrounding area, you can visit 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
#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

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

Cristobal
Default Image

Brisas de Alto Boquete

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

Brisas de Alto Boquete
Default Image

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
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 €108 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
€108
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Colon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (866 reviews)
Great location to shop the duty free zone and catch a cruise ship.

Reviewed on 14 Feb 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 €66 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
€66
26 Feb - 27 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Bocas del Toro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a beach locale. Popular attractions Bolivar Park and Bocas del Toro Ferry Terminal ...
8/10 Very Good! (130 reviews)
Room was in fairly good condition. Staff did not appear to be happy!

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

Cosmic Crab Resort
SAND DIAMOND HOTEL

SAND DIAMOND HOTEL

3 out of 5
Millennium Plaza, Av A. Waked Colon Colon
The price is €110 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
€110
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Colon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Colon 2000 and Colon Free Zone are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (226 reviews)
good

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

SAND DIAMOND HOTEL
See all 574 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Municipal ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (139 reviews)
Property was very clean and in a great location. Room was very small and very limited towel use as there were only two and they weren’t replaced daily nor did they dry out in the humidity.

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

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 Wi-Fi, 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 5 Feb 2026

Cabañas Naturaleza
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 Wi-Fi, 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 13 Feb 2026

El Cielo by Villa Alejandro
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

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

Blanca Beach

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

Blanca Beach
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 cafes.

Municipal Park
0_1436R-311289

Fort San Lorenzo

You can learn about the history of Colon when you stop by Fort San Lorenzo. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Fort San Lorenzo
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 care-free 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 do some window-shopping at Colon Free Zone.

Colon Free Zone
Bocas del Toro Panama - landscape views looking towards Almirante

Almirante

#lifeatexpedia Beautiful Portobelo is full of history and culture. Located on the Caribbean coast it has a variety of world class attractions. The historic town of Portobelo is one of the most scenic spots in Panama. Set on a turquoise Caribbean bay, it was Spanish Empires' s trade epicenter in the 16th and 17th century. Don´t miss the Portobello Fortress and the Cristo Negro Church!

Mechi

Starfish beach in Panama, really lives up to its name, with hundreds of starfishes all over its white sand with blue/transparent water. If you ever go there please don't pick them up and be careful not to step on them #nature.

Boca del Drago

Welcomed by this beautiful rainbow along the short hike up the mountain to our hostel 🌈

Hornito