I started to check if it is possible to squeeze in a quick tour of the Panama Canal.
Google gave a lot of choices on private tours and transfers to take from Tocumen International Airport to the Panama Canal. Another choice is to hire a taxi outside the airport. Whether one opt for private transfer or taxi, make sure to haggle!
It took a good hour and 15 minutes from when the plane landed and when we exited the airport. An hour to travel from the airport to the canal, with no traffic. We spent two hours around the visitor's area and witnessed two big ships pass by the canal. We headed back to the airport and again took an hour without traffic. All those added to 5 hours and 15 minutes. Plus the time at the airport before we fly to Brazil.
Panama City
The passing process was explained in a speaker. This ship, Meridian Ace delivered 500 Toyota cars in Europe and headed towards the Pacific Ocean then Japan.
Locks closing.
On its way to the Pacific Ocean.
This container ship arriving from the Atlantic Ocean.
The locks about to open.
The canal (1914) shortcut greatly reduced the time for the ships to travel between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken.
It was cool to witness to ships complete the passing. What a way to spend a layover!
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