panama canal transit tour

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Zthe complete panama canal (jan-april 2024).

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Our Distinctive A+R Style

• So many great experiences await... Transiting the Canal, meeting indigenous villagers in the rainforest, and touring the historic capital are just three.
• Marvel at the huge ships and freighters as you cruise the Canal all the way from sea to sea.
• Immerse in history and culture with our expert guide – from Casco Antiguo’s World Heritage architecture to the Colonial forts of Portobelo.
• Learn about America’s involvement with the Canal, from its construction to the vital role our military played in its protection.
• Venture by dugout canoe to vist an Emberá village – and learn the ways of one of Panama’s most unique indigenous groups.
• Dine at a traditional countryside restaurant popular with families for its farm-to-table fare.
• With 8 nights lodging; 17 meals with wine at dinner; comprehensive sightseeing; full Canal transit; rainforest excursions; all transfers; and all gratuities except for your trip leader.

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Welcome to Panama City

The Bristol - Panama City, Panama

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the 5-star Bristol Hotel . After checking in, the balance of this day is at leisure to relax, enjoy and explore as you wish.

History of the Panama Canal

After breakfast, a full day of guided exploration begins at the Miraflores Locks where you can marvel at the site of ships and freighters entering the Panama Canal. A talk at the Panama Canal Authority delves into the dramatic history of the Canal. Afterwards, you can take some time to peruse exhibits that further explore the past, present and future of this engineering marvel. Then visit Memorial Hill, the only American cemetery in Latin America, and tour the historic Canal Administration Building; opened in 1914, its grand lobby is embellished with impressive murals that vividly tell the story of the Canal’s construction. Your sightseeing ends with a guided stroll along the charming cobblestone streets of Casco Antiguo c . Tracing its history to 1673 and filled with splendid Colonial architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is today one of Panama City’s liveliest districts, home to cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques. This evening, raise a glass of wine with your fellow travelers and enjoy a congenial welcome dinner.  Meals B+L+D

Through the Canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic

Gamboa Rainforest Resort - Canal Zone, Panama

Today’s complete transit of the Panama Canal begins from the Flamenco Marina. Enjoy the skyline view of the capital from the Bay of Panama before passing under the Bridge of the Americas to enter the Canal. Transiting through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks here on the Pacific side of the Canal will raise our sightseeing vessel nearly 90 feet in three distinct steps. From here, we’ll cruise through the Culebra Cut that was excavated to create this passage through the Continental Divide. Reaching the Atlantic side of the Canal, you’ll descend 85 feet through the Gatun Locks and continue to port where you’ll disembark. Then we’ll take you to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve where riverview balcony rooms have been reserved for our guests.  Meals B+L

Gatun Lake Nature Expedition

After breakfast, you’ll join our expert naturalist for a guided boat excursion on to the calm waters of Gatun Lake. Venturing close to some of Gatun’s many lush and uninhabited islands, you’ll have a chance to learn about this unique eco-system; created during the construction of the Canal, it’s the second largest artificial lake on the planet. With sharp-eyes, this enriching excursion offers a chance to observe some of the region’s indigenous species including exotic tropical birds, crocodiles, caimans, sloths, and families of capuchin, howler and white-face monkeys.   Back at Gamboa, you’ll visit the resort’s ecological exhibits. Native orchids, colorful butterflies and rare frogs are among the flora and fauna that you will see and learn about. At the Sloth Sanctuary, you’ll gain insight into the work being done by the Pan American Conservation Association to protect this amazing creature. After your guided touring, the balance of this day is at leisure for you to enjoy the pristine rainforest setting and amenities of our resort.  Meals B

Through the Forest to an Emberá Village

Today’s adventure begins with a scenic one hour drive to the edge of Gatun River where Emberá villagers will meet you with their dugout canoes. Traveling silently up the Gamboa River and deeper into the forest offers a chance to spot herons, egrets and ospreys. With a bit of luck and sharp eyes, you might also see toucans, otters and sloths. Stepping ashore in their village, you’ll have time to explore the community, with your guide on-hand to offer information and insight.   As you engage with the villagers, you’ll learn first-hand about their cultural traditions, cuisine and language – much of which can be traced to ancestors who migrated from Colombia’s Chocó region in the late 1700’s. Informal presentations will deepen your insight into their daily life, tribal history and enduring ways – from their shamanic rites to dance and music. After lunch with the villagers, you might join a tribal elder for a nature walk to learn about their medicinal use of indigenous rainforest plants. This evening, sit down to an à la carte dinner with wine at the Chagres River View Restaurant .  Meals B+L+D

Historic Portobelo + Our Pacific Resort

Westin Hotel - Playa Bonita, Panama

Bid goodbye to the rainforest and wind your way through the tropical forest alongside the Canal, where you’ll catch superb views of the Canal and its ship traffic.  Visit the Panama Canal Expansion Center where, from the Observation Deck 164 feet above ground, you’ll have an enthralling view of the recently-expanded Canal. Opened to traffic in 2016, this new waterway and third set of locks literally doubled the capacity of the Panama Canal, which can now accommodate massive ships up to 1,400 feet long and 180 feet wide. After a Caribbean lunch, you’ll explore Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its wealth of history and the ruins of Colonial-era fortifications, many with their ancient cannons still in battle-ready position. You’ll also visit the 17th-century Customs House and see the revered Cristo Negro statue which appeared mysteriously in Portobelo in the mid 1600’s. After sightseeing, we’ll take you to our deluxe Pacific beach resort where oceanview rooms have been reserved for A+R guests.  Meals B+L

The Many Facets of Panama City

A full day of guided exploration begins on the city’s efficient and modern Metro, a great way to experience daily life. Touring the Afro-Antillean Museum, you’ll find well-curated exhibits that tell the story of the nation’s West Indian community, including their historic role in building the Panama Railroad and Canal. Not far away, you’ll also visit El Carmen Church, built in Neo-Gothic style and revered as one of the city’s most beautiful churches. At the BioDiversity Museum, designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, you’ll learn how Panama’s vital role as a land bridge between North and South America has impacted biodiversity and human life on both Continents.   Then join city residents shopping at the lively fish market and visit with one of the vendors, pausing to sample some ceviche and local beer. For lunch, we’ll take you to a local restaurant where traditional Panamanian dishes are prepared and served with gastronomic flair. The day’s sightseeing ends with a tour through the archaeological ruins at Panama Viejo c . Founded in 1519, this was the earliest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Return to our deluxe Pacific resort in the late afternoon where the evening is free to enjoy and dine as you wish.  Meals B+L

A Day in the Countryside

Another genuine experience of daily Panamanian life is yours this morning as you step aboard one of the region’s Diablos Rojos – buses that have been custom painted with colorful, often narrative murals. It’s a popular and fun way to get around! Then we’ll take you into the lofty hills of Altos de Campana National Park. Founded in 1966 as Panama’s first national park, it’s only an hour’s drive from the capital; but for all of its natural beauty and appeal, it remains relatively unknown by most travelers and even among some Panamanians. Surrounded by cool rolling mountains that descend to the Pacific Ocean, you’ll travel all the way to one of the Park’s highest points for sweeping views of the Canal Basin and Chame Point with its groves of mangrove forest. Altos de Campana is home to a variety of exotic birds like the orange-bellied trogon and white-tailed hawk, making this Park a great destination for bird watchers.   At a nearby orchid farm, you’ll learn about their cultivation of these delicate plants and sample some of the tropical fruits that are also grown here. For lunch we’ll take you to a popular local fonda ; these typical countryside restaurants are known for their fine farm-to-table Panamanian food – and chilled local beer! Back at the Westin resort, you’ll have time to relax or even go for a swim before freshening up for this evening’s Farewell Dinner. Enjoy the fine cuisine of our 5-star resort and toast your fellow travelers with a glass of wine.  Meals B+L+D

Adios, Playa Bonita

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward flight.  Meals B

Extend Your Trip

Travel on to costa rica.

5 Day Extension from $2,199

Discover Costa Rica’s natural wonders on our unique post-Panama adventure. We include terrific hotels, all on-tour transportation, and guided expeditions in small congenial groups.

We include your flight to San Jose, Costa Rica

After breakfast, at the Westin Playa Bonita Resort , you’ll be escorted to the airport in Panama City for your included flight to Costa Rica. On arrival in San Jose, a scenic transfer takes you into the heart of the picturesque Central Highlands where you’ll check in to the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel . A+R guests enjoy Deluxe Casita accommodations with a fireplace, garden porch or terrace, and free high-speed Internet. With our expert naturalist, this evening’s Cloud Forest Night Tour offers a unique opportunity to observe, hear, and learn about the nocturnal side of this mountain eco-system.  Meals B

The Cloud Forest by Day + Arenal

The unique and precious biosphere of the mountain cloud forest comprises less than 5% of the world’s remaining forests and woodlands, but its diversity of flora and fauna is remarkable. Setting out after breakfast, this morning’s Cloud Forest Tour will take you into the 2,000-acre Los Angeles Cloud Forest Private Biological Reserve. Designed to complement last night’s expedition, this morning’s expertly guided tour reveals other facets of this amazing eco-system. After the tour, you’ll check out from the hotel for the scenic drive to Arenal. With Costa Rica’s largest network of naturally-flowing hot springs, the 900 lush acres of Tabacon are the backdrop for your 3-night stay at the outstanding Tabacon Grand Thermal Resort & Spa .  Meals B

Sights + Flavors of the Countryside

After breakfast, our unique Farm-to-Table Tour offers a rare opportunity to spend time on an organic farm. The experience begins with a sampling of the farm’s fresh tropical fruits and a cup of Costa Rican coffee. After an introduction to the history and operation of the farm, you’ll set out into the fields with our engaging guide to see the large variety of fruits, vegetables and spices that are cultivated here. Depending upon the season, you might be invited to join in the planting or harvesting of the many crops which include peanuts, cacao, turmeric and cinnamon. A tour of the greenhouse and a walk to see the farm’s resident sloth family is followed by a delicious farm-to-table luncheon prepared by the team of local chefs. Back at the Tabacon Resort , your afternoon and evening are free to enjoy the lush landscaped grounds and private geo-thermal springs of our 5-star resort.  Meals B+L

Pena Blancas River Float

With our experienced river guide to paddle and guide your raft down a gently flowing stretch of the Peñas Blancas, this 4-hour adventure is perfect for travelers who want to relax and enjoy the experience. The scenery is breathtaking and riverbanks are home to diverse wildlife like Howler monkeys, river otters, crocodiles and a variety of tropical birds including osprey, heron and kingfisher. After lunch, we’ll drive you back to the  Tabacon Resort  where the rest of your late afternoon and evening are at leisure to enjoy the resort’s amenities and geo-thermal hot springs.  Meals B+L

Depart Costa Rica

After breakfast, we’ll take you back to the airport in San Jose.  Meals B

Pay-In-Full

Family + friends.

Every A+R Journey is carefully crafted with more than 7 decades of expertise helping our guests to experience the world in a more authentic and caring way. Choose from more than 105 Original Journeys With Never More than 16 Guests or book your tour as a Completely Private Experience – whether it’s just the two of you, a small group of friends, or your entire family.

About Your Journey… Panama

Similar trips.

Our Private Week in Costa Rica

Our original itinerary takes you across Costa Rica from the Caribbean to the Pacific! And with a choice of excursions - and your own private guides and vehicles - you can tailor this vacation to your interests, style and comfort… It’s perfect for couples, families and friends!

Costa Rica Mountains to Sea

With never more than 16 guests, our activity-filled itinerary takes you from the forested mountains of Arenal and Monteverde to the pristine shores of the Pacific. And every step of the way, our expert Trip Leader, Jorge Leiton, will immerse you more deeply in the flora, fauna and unique eco-systems of his native land.

Panama 011 (507) 6679-3444 |   [email protected]

Panama Canal Full Transit

On board • across the isthmus • bilingual • lunch and beverages.

• Panama Canal transit cruises
• On board guide
• Lunch & beverages
• Gateway: Panama City Panama

The vessel will then transit through the first set of locks, the Miraflores Locks, where it will ascend 18 meters in two distinct steps. Next, the Pacific Queen will enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel Locks from Miraflores Locks. The vessel will transit through Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel ascends 9 meters in one step.

After exiting Pedro Miguel locks, the Pacific Queen will travel through the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. In this area you will also be able to observe the work in process for the Panama Canal expansion project.

 You will enjoy a trip through Gatun Lake, which was formed by erecting the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River. During your transit through Gatun Lake you will pass the Smithsonian Research Station at Barro Colorado. You will also experience the Gatun Locks, which are the only set of locks in the Atlantic sector. In Gatun Locks, the vessel will be lowered a total of 26 meters in three distinct chambers. Upon arriving at Colon, you will disembark at Pier 6, where transportation back to Panama City will be provided.  We should get back to Panama City around 7:30 - 8:00pm.

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ? Bilingual guide/narrator, full lunch, soft drinks and water (all you can drink). transportation by bus in the way back. 

It does not include hotel pick up or drop off.   It interested on it we would happy to quote you on it. Coastway Amador  is about 20-30 minutes from most Panama City hotels in downtown and we advise to procure a taxi ride with hotel concierge from the day before your trip.

WHO CAN GO ? Everyone. Minors must travel with a responsible adult.

WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG ? Sun protection and confortable clothing.  

WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT ? Travel light and avoic carrying what you wont use.

-  This is not an exclusive trip.  You will be one more person in a small boat that could take around 200 persons.

- *** Given itinerary is temptative and subjected to final decision of the Panama Canal Authority which can change it (earlier or later, usually up to a couple of hours).  If that happens we will notify you by email as soon as we get notice of a change so PLEASE check your email.

Year-round Panama Canal transit cruises

The best way to experience the canal is onboard a cruise. During your transit, you will have the unique opportunity to see the Canal up close in operation. 

Website about The Panama Canal Panama

Destinations

• Panama Canal
• Guna Yala - San Blas Archipelago
• Pearl Islands Archipelago
• Mamey Island

Deals & Offers

• Group Discount
• Panama whale watching
• Panama Canal Partial Transit
• Central American Tours
• Overseas Adventure Travel
• Overseas Family Vacation

Complete Transit of the Panama Canal

• Destinations
• Panama City
• Things to do

Get ready to experience the Panama Canal as few travelers do. On this tour, you’ll travel through the entire Panama Canal, including its locks and lakes.

The complete transit of the Panama Canal goes from the Pacific to the Atlantic side of the canal. After boarding the ship, you’ll travel towards the Miraflores Locks. These locks will raise your ship 60 feet (18 m) in two steps. The boat then continues on through Miraflores Lake, an artificial body of fresh water, before reaching the Pedro Miguel Locks. Here your boat is again raised through the locks, although this time it’s only 30 feet (9 m) and in one step.

After passing through the Pedro Miguel locks, you will pass under the Centennial Bridge, which crosses the Panama Canal. The bridge was built in 2004 to help supplement the overcrowded Bridge of the Americas.

Next you will make your way through the Gaillard Cut. Although only 8.5 miles (14 km) in length, the Gaillard Cut is carved through the Continental Divide. Its creation was an enormous task, requiring over 9 million kilos of dynamite, 6,000 workers, and six years to complete. The Gaillard Cut connects the Pacific side of the Panama Canal with Lake Gatún and the Atlantic side.

Your boat will then enter Lake Gatún. During the three-hour passage through Lake Gatún, you’ll pass Gamboa and see interesting floating equipment like the floating cranes “Herman the German” and “Hercules.” You’ll also see the jungle and have opportunities to spot wildlife along the shore.

After passing Lake Gatún, you’ll go through the Gatún Locks. These are the final and largest locks in the Panama Canal. They raise your ship 85 feet (26 m) in three steps and are a little more than 1 mile (1.5 km) in length.

On this tour, you’ll experience the Panama Canal in a way that most travelers never do. You’ll enjoy up-close looks at barges, cruise ships, locks and more.

This tour only runs once per month. It leaves at 6:00 a.m. The duration of the tour depends on where you're staying. If you're staying in Panama City, this tour lasts around 8 hours; if you're staying in Gamboa, it lasts around 8.5 hours; and if you're staying in Playa Bonita, it lasts around 8.5 hours.

Attraction Visited

The Panama Canal is one of the world’s most impressive engineering feats. The canal extends 80 kilometers (50 mi) from Panama City on the Pacific Ocean to Colón on the Caribbean Sea. It’s built at one of the lowest and narrowest points in Panama, and runs right through the Continental Divide. More than 14,000 ships pass through the canal annually, carrying some 300 million tons of cargo. As such, the Panama Canal is one of the largest generators of income for Panama—in 2011, the canal generated $800 million, some two percent of the country’s GDP.

Read more: Panama Canal

What to Bring

comfortable clothing and shoes, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, camera, binoculars and sunscreen.

What's included

transportation, bilingual guide, Panama Canal transit with all fees, lunch, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Transportation

Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.

Traveler Comments

Definitely worth seeing. Unless you experience it on the boat you won't really fully understand the amazing engineering of the canal. However the 12 hour ride was really, really long! Should come up with entertainment, wifi or something that could keep people occupied for those many hours. Also should offer food for sale while we wait for lunch and dessert. I know this part was unavoidable but we had to meet at 4:30 am which was really early

Similar things to do

This tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal provides travelers with an excellent look at some of the area’s best attractions.

This full-day tour brings visitors to some of the most interesting places around Panama City. You’ll visit Casco Viejo, the Miraflores Locks, the Causeway, and the Biodiversity Museum.

During this tour of the Panama Canal, tour participants will experience three of the of the canal’s most famous features – the Gaillard Cut, the Pedro Miguel Locks, and the Miraflores Locks.

More things to do →

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12 best Panama Canal cruises for a bucket-list trip

A Panama Canal transit is a rite of passage for many cruise lovers. Experiencing this marvel of early 20th-century engineering appeals to those with a wide array of interests, from history and politics to colonial architecture and wildlife spotting. Built by the U.S. government between 1903 and 1914, this 50-mile waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans revolutionized shipping by creating an expedited route for the transit of cargo and, ultimately, cruise ship passengers.

Panama Canal itineraries are offered by almost every cruise line. Thanks to a 2016 canal expansion project, a third set of locks can now accommodate larger vessels. It's possible to cruise the Panama Canal on ships of all sizes (from 148 guests to more than 3,000) on itineraries that range from a week in the sun to a six-month world cruise.

Some ships sail a full transit of the canal, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, or vice versa. These one-way journeys between Miami or Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles or San Diego, visits ports in Central America, South America, Mexico and California.

Others sail only a partial transit, entering the locks from the Atlantic and cruising into Lake Gatun before turning around and exiting again. These itineraries, sailing round-trip from Florida ports, combine the canal experience with island-hopping in the Caribbean.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The array of options means that a Panama Canal cruise experience is possible even if you're short on time or have a limited budget — and chances are high that your favorite cruise line offers one or more itineraries. Most sailings attract couples, typically retirees, but if the timing is right a Panama Canal cruise can also be a great multi-generational experience.

Here are a dozen of the best Panama Canal cruises to consider.

Holland America's 14- to 16-day Panama Canal cruises

Holland America offers a variety of Panama Canal cruises , but the most popular itineraries span 14 to 16 days. They offer a full transit between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, or vice versa, and are offered on multiple ships, including Zaandam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Volendam. These sailings call on Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Who should go: Holland America ships sailing a full transit are popular with retired couples who appreciate the cruise line's consistency and good value. All four ships accommodate between 1,432 and 2,106 passengers and offer signature onboard experiences that include the Greenhouse Spa and the BBC Earth in Concert multimedia performance. The larger Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam feature additional specialty dining options, such as Tamarind and Nami Sushi, as well as B.B. King's Blues Club, Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' 16-night Los Angeles to Miami cruise

Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, debuts in November 2023 and its first two Panama Canal itineraries in early 2024 are already waitlisted. For those planning ahead, the 16-night Miami to Los Angeles (Dec. 13-29, 2024) and 16-night Los Angeles to Miami (Jan. 8-23, 2025) transits offer luxurious all-inclusive pampering, plus port calls in Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Corinto, Nicaragua; Panama City, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; and George Town, Grand Cayman.

Who should go: This itinerary can be a wonderful splurge for a couple seeking to celebrate a milestone anniversary or birthday in a memorable way on a luxurious new ship. Prices start at a hefty $10,399 per person for a spacious balcony suite, but they also include airfare, transfers, gratuities, dining and beverages, Wi-Fi and shore excursions — meaning you'll hardly have any other vacation expenses.

Related: The 8 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Celebrity Cruises' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean cruise

For a Panama Canal experience that begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Cruises ' 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean itinerary is a great option. There's plenty of time to plan ahead for the Dec. 2, 2024 cruise or the half-dozen almost identical sailings that follow through March 2025. All sailings are aboard the new 3,260-guest Celebrity Beyond and visit Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendjik, Bonaire; and George Town, Grand Cayman (Willemstad, Curacao replaces Grand Cayman on some 2025 sailings).

Who should go: Celebrity Beyond and its Edge-series sister ships appeal to Millennials, Gen Xers and young-at-heart Boomers who appreciate innovative design, entertainment and dining options. The ships are geared toward couples or groups of friends, but families with older teens might also enjoy the onboard vibe. There are no splash pools or waterslides for younger kids, although calls on three Caribbean islands offer aquatic fun.

Windstar Cruises' 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruise

To explore the Panama Canal region in a relaxed manner aboard an intimate motorized sailing yacht, check out Windstar Cruises' 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal itinerary aboard the 148-guest Wind Star. Bookable on more than two dozen dates in 2023, 2024 and 2025, the itinerary takes guests from Colon, Panama to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica (or vice versa). The ship will transit the canal and visit Panama City and Isla Parida in Panama, plus Golfo Dolce and Quepos (for Manuel Antonio National Park) in Costa Rica.

Who should go: Fans of small-ship cruising who enjoy a casual onboard ambiance, are interested in nature and wildlife and wish to sample the regional flavors of Central America should consider a Windstar cruise . All accommodations are in snug yet well-designed staterooms with windows, but no balconies. Wind Star is a cozy and social four-deck ship featuring a pool and pool bar, a lounge and two restaurants.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

Silversea's 31-day New York to Lima cruise

Silversea Cruises ' indulgent 31-day New York to Lima sailing aboard its newest ship, 728-guest Silver Nova features a Panama Canal transit in the middle of the trip. The one-way itinerary departs New York City in November and visits Bermuda and multiple sunny Caribbean islands — Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Barth's, St. Kitts, Antigua, Martinique, St. Lucia, Barbados, Bequia, Grenada, Curacao and Aruba — and Cartagena, Colombia before transiting the canal to call on ports in Ecuador (Manta) and Peru (Salaverry and Lima).

Who should go: Silversea's clientele is mostly mature couples with a luxury mindset and an appreciation for elevated dining with a strong regional focus. They also appreciate the cruise line's all-inclusive ease. A month-long itinerary such as this is likely to attract retirees seeking an extended warm-weather escape.

Related: The 10 best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea

Carnival Cruise Line's 8-day Panama Canal cruise from Tampa

Experiencing the Panama Canal doesn't have to be time-consuming or budget-busting. Carnival Cruise Line 's 8-day Panama Canal from Tampa itinerary offers a round-trip, partial-transit sailing aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride with port calls in Limon, Costa Rica and George Town, Grand Cayman—beginning at under $900 per person.

With four pools (including an adults-only aft Serenity Pool), a WaterWorks aqua park, Camp Ocean kids club and seven restaurants, the ship offers enough diversions for sea-day fun, even at half the size of Carnival's newest megaships.

Who should go: Carnival's action-packed ships and affordable cruise fares appeal to families, friends and couples of all ages who enjoy a lively onboard ambiance and casual complimentary dining options (including a Guy Fieri burger venue).

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Seabourn's 21-day Caribbean & Panama Canal Passage

For a one-way Panama Canal transit that visits six countries (Aruba, Curacao, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico) and offers six relaxing and luxurious days at sea, consider Seabourn 's 21-day Caribbean & Panama Canal Passage . The 450-guest Seabourn Sojourn will sail from Miami to Los Angeles in December.

Calls on Golfito and Puntarenas in Costa Rica offer access to eco-adventure. Visits to Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala and Puerto Chiapas and Huatulco in Mexico feature excursions focused on pre-Spanish-colonial culture, coffee cultivation and more, while a call on Cabo San Lucas offers whale-watching, deep-sea fishing or tequila tasting opportunities.

Who should go: Work-from-anywhere entrepreneurs and retirees who enjoy the luxury and refinement of small-ship cruising will enjoy this three-week Panama Canal transit. Seabourn Sojourn pampers its guests with attentive service, elevated cuisine and all-ocean-facing suites featuring walk-in closets and spacious marble bathrooms. Seabourn's all-inclusive cruise fares also cover gratuities and complimentary wines and spirits.

Princess Cruises' 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruise

While Princess Cruises does offer several longer ocean-to-ocean Panama Canal itineraries — including two in 2023 that transit via the historic locks — its popular 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean cruises conveniently sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on more than a dozen dates in 2023 and 2024.

What's more, you can choose from among three ships: 3,140-guest Caribbean Princess or 3,080-guest Ruby Princess and Emerald Princess. In addition to the partial transit, these sailings call on Jamaica and Grand Cayman in the Caribbean, as well as Cartagena, Columbia; Limon, Costa Rica; and Colon, Panama.

Who should go: Couples who enjoy a ship with a more traditional vibe and families with kids who are content to participate in interactive learning activities and nature-based adventure (vs waterslides) will enjoy this cruise. Princess ships are known for their Movies Under the Stars screenings, multiple pools, specialty dining options such as Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and The Salty Dog Gastropub, and Crooners piano bar.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess Cruises ship

Norwegian Cruise Line's 17-day South America: Peru, Colombia & Chile cruise

There's no "Panama Canal" in this itinerary's name, but Norwegian Cruise Line 's 17-day South America: Peru, Colombia & Chile cruise in January 2024 does a full canal transit (and spends a day in Panama City) as it sails from Miami to Santiago, Chile. The 1,936-guest Norwegian Sun sails to historic Santa Marta and Cartagena in Colombia; Manta, Ecuador; Trujillo, Lima and Pisco in Peru; and Arica and Coquimbo in Chile, before disembarkation in Santiago.

Who should go: Couples and friends interested in experiencing not just a Panama Canal transit but some of the top coastal experiences along the Pacific Coast of South America should choose this itinerary. Norwegian Sun is an older, smaller vessel that was refurbished in 2018 and features a top deck more conducive to sunning than thrill rides. The ship also has a surprising number of restaurants for its size: two main dining rooms, a buffet restaurant, a sports bar and an outdoor grill on a complimentary basis, plus eight specialty dining venues (including Mexican, Italian, French, Japanese and a steakhouse) for an added fee.

Oceania's 16-day Miami to Los Angeles cruise

Following its May debut, Oceania Cruises ' 1,200-guest Vista — the first new-build ship in Oceania's fleet in more than a decade — will offer back-to-back 16-day Miami to Los Angeles and Los Angeles to Miami itineraries in October and November. Both sailings visit six countries with port calls that include George Town, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Corinto, Nicaragua; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. (The second sailing visits San Diego instead of Ensenada.)

Who should go: Oceania's newest ship offers a great compromise between a small and medium-size vessel and is ideal for those seeking a premium cruise experience with casual sophistication. Older couples especially will appreciate the ship's elegant stateroom decor in soft hues of wheat and seagrass, mix of grand and intimate spaces and wide array of dining options (including two new venues, Ember for inventive American cuisine and Aquamar Kitchen for wellness-focused breakfast, lunch and dinner). A more immersive mixology program features curated cocktail menus, indulgent pairing experiences and specialty beverage carts.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on an Oceania Cruises ship

Cunard's 29-day Alaska & Panama Canal cruise

Talk about packing for all kinds of weather! Cunard's 29-day Alaska & Panama Canal sailing aboard 2,081-passenger Queen Elizabeth begins in Vancouver on Aug. 7 and explores Alaska for more than a week (visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park and Sitka). Then the ship heads back south along the U.S. Pacific Coast (stopping in Victoria, Vancouver, San Francisco and Los Angeles) before heading to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Only then will it transit the Panama Canal. The ship makes one Atlantic stop in Aruba before passengers disembark in Fort Lauderdale.

Who should go: British cruise line Cunard appeals mainly to older travelers who savor the line's formal traditions. This cruise is for you if you enjoy afternoon tea, dressing up for dinner, gala evenings and dancing to big-band orchestras. The particular itinerary appeals to retirees who wish to visit a variety of cruise regions in one singular itinerary.

Viking's 180-day World Voyage

For the ultimate cruise indulgence, Viking's 180-day World Voyage I includes a Panama Canal transit (on Christmas Day, no less) as 930-passenger Viking Sky cruises from Fort Lauderdale to New York City (Dec. 19, 2024–June 17, 2025). This round-the-world cruise will visit 37 countries as guests enjoy Viking Sky's modern Scandinavian interior decor, soothing LivNordic Spa, two pools (including one with a retractable roof) and six onboard restaurants. Pricing includes airfare, gratuities and complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner.

Who should go: With cruise fares that start at $79,995 per person, this six-month adventure at sea requires a luxury budget. Viking 's base clientele is mostly retired or close-to-retirement-age professionals who enjoy the cruise line's focus on educational enrichment (via onboard lectures) and serene ambiance (there's no casino and the nighttime vibe is on the quiet side).

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Panama Canal Transit Tour

Panama canal | full or partial transit.

Should you do the Panama Canal transit tour while you are in Panama? The answer is most definitely yes, but do you take the full or partial transit route?

Sailing through this impressive, world-famous feat of engineering can be programmed into a day spent in the capital of Panama but only if that day happens to fall on a weekend (obviously we can plan it that way if this experience is on your bucket list). The partial transit is far more popular and is often run while the full transit has quite limited dates due to lower demand.

The full transit tour takes you from the Pacific to the Atlantic, or vice versa, during a full day aboard which, adding the transfers to and from the ports, means 10 – 12 hours are spent on the excursion. The bragging rights that go with the full transit are clear, traveling the 80km along the canal and crossing the continental divide between the two oceans is a notable travelogue to have under your belt. But is it really that much better as an experience?

The partial transit takes around 6 hours when you factor in the transfers, checking-in, boarding and disembarking. For this description let’s assume you take the Northbound route, from Panama City to Gamboa. The first thing to note, whether you choose the partial or full transit is that you don’t know exactly what time the tour starts until the day before, for reasons we explain below. You will be given a range of time, let’s say 6 am to 7 am, for when check-in could be required but that could change to be earlier or later depending on canal traffic.

The tourist ships take advantage of the space a cargo ship leaves in the lock in order to rise and fall at the same time. Using the lock for a relatively small tourist ship, displacing some 5000 tonnes or so, would not be possible due to the immense cost of each filling or emptying of tens of thousands of gallons of water. Tickets for such a service would cost thousands of dollars per person, instead of around 130. 

The super large vessels, which can weigh over 150,000 tonnes, don’t leave much room in the lock, so the tourist ships have to find space behind the 60 to 70,000-ton cargo ships that leave perhaps 250 metres of space. This means they have to vary the times when they can enter the locks but this also means that you always get up-close-and-personal with these gigantic seafarers.  

After you leave the port at the end of the causeway near Panama City you navigate toward the canal entrance, passing many ships moored up and waiting for their time slot to enter. There are some superb views of the city skyline and then under the impressive Puente de las Americas bridge. Then comes the Miraflores lock complex which is the lock that non-cruise tourists always visit, where there is an observation platform for the general public. These visitors are now watching you along with the huge ship you are shadowing!

It takes a long time to get the cargo ship into its position ahead of you, you see how the powerful tug boats manoeuvre the ships into place and escort them the whole way. In each lock, the ships are hooked up to little locomotives with cables and these guide the ship forward. You will see the huge gates closing and opening and see how fast the locks fill or empty as enormous volumes of water are pumped around. The whole process is fascinating.

On the partial transit, you will pass through two lock systems (Miraflores and Pedro Miguel) and navigate the lake in between, plus you will sail through the Gaillard Cut crossing the continental divide. There are ships coming southbound all the time so you will pass other vessels as you can see in our photos, some of them are absolutely massive and they must be tricky to navigate in a relatively narrow channel.

The tourist boats are well equipped and comfortable enough for the day out, with a simple breakfast and a box lunch provided for the partial transit. For the full transit, there are extra snacks in the afternoon. The partial transit ends at the port town of Gamboa which is about halfway between the two oceans, and upon arrival, you board buses for the 45-minute drive back to the port where you started. From there you get shuttled back to your hotels.

So is the partial Transit better?

In our opinion, yes! If you are not obsessed with having the bragging rights from the full transit, ocean to ocean, then the partial transit is more than enough and a great experience. You go through two lock complexes, navigate the lake and the channel, see lots of huge cargo ships and witness how the Panama Canal works close up. Plus it is cheaper and excursions run on many more dates, it’s definitely the way to go.

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Panama Canal Transit Tour

Panama is famous for it´s canal and rightly so- it is considered one of the engineering marvels of the world and of the 7th Wonders of the Modern World. 

See for yourself how the Panama Canal works as you transit the Miraflores Locks, one of three locks used along the canal. The construction of the canal was one of the largest and most complex engineering projects ever undertken at the time and it made an enormous impact on shipping in the region. 

Tour Overview

Partial Transit Tour  4-5 hours

Southbound Partial Transit Tour can have a check-in time between 9:30 and 11:00am

Northbound Partial Transit Tour can have a check-in time between 6:30 and 7:30am

Full Transit Tour   8-9 hours

Full Transit Tour can have a check-in time between 6:30 and 7:30am

*The Panama Canal Tour time are subject to possible changes according to the operating conditions of the Panama Canal Authorities. Check in times will be confirmed the day before the tour.

*Transport to and from Panama City and Flamenco marina, where the tour begins, is not included in the tour price but can be arranged for $50 (1 or 2 people)

Tour descriptions

Partial Transit Southbound ( 4-5  hours)

Tour starts at the Flamenco Resort and Marina. Passengers board motor coaches for a 45 minute ride to the town of Gamboa where the Panama Canal Dredging Division is located. Once in Gamboa, passengers board the Pacific Queen to start the water portion of the tour. We enter the canal at the north end of the Gailard cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. The Pacific Queen will travel the Cut’s 13.7 kilometers on the way to Pedro Miguel Locks. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. In this area you will also be able to observe the work in process for the Panama Canal expansion project.Before reaching the Pedro Miguel Locks at the southern end of the Cut, you will be able to view the new Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal. Next, the Pacific Queen will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is lowered 9 meters in one step. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks, the latter being the final set of locks before reaching the Pacific Ocean. At Miraflores Locks the vessel is lowered 18 meters in two distinct steps.

Once in the Pacific Ocean the vessel will sail to the beautiful Flamenco Marina where passengers disembark. On the way to Flamenco, you will pass under the Bridge of the Americas, and later, you will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline.

Partial Transit Northbound (4-5 hours)

Tour starts at Flamenco Marina. You will board the Pacific Queen and set sail towards the entrance of Panama Canal on the Pacific Ocean. Take a moment to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline before you pass under the Bridge of the Americas.

The Pacific Queen will enter the Miraflores Locks and it will be raised 18 meters above sea level in two distinct steps. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Miraflores from Pedro Miguel Locks. Next, the Pacific Queen will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is the second set of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is raised 9 meters in one step. After exiting the Pedro Miguel Locks, you will be able to view the new Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal.

You will then enter the north end of the Gailard Cut where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Gailard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. The Pacific Queen will travel the Cut’s 13.7 kilometers on the way to Gamboa Dredging Division. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. In this area you will also be able to observe the work in process for the Panama Canal expansion project.

You will disembark at the Gamboa Dredging Division where you will board motor coaches for a 45 minute ride back to the Flamenco Marina.

Full Transit (8-9 hours)

Tour departs from the Flamenco Marina and you will travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean on the same day. Once in the Pacific Ocean, you will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline before passing under the Bridge of the Americas. The vessel will then transit through the first set of locks, the Miraflores Locks, where it will ascend 18 meters in two distinct steps. Next, the Pacific Queen will enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel Locks from Miraflores Locks. The vessel will transit through Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel ascends 9 meters in one step. After exiting Pedro Miguel locks, the Pacific Queen will travel through the Gaillard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. In this area you will also be able to observe the work in process for the Panama Canal expansion project. You will enjoy a trip through Gatun Lake, which was formed by erecting the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River. During your transit through Gatun Lake you will pass the Smithsonian Research Station at Barro Colorado. You will also experience the Gatun Locks, which are the only set of locks in the Atlantic sector. In Gatun Locks, the vessel will be lowered a total of 26 meters in three distinct chambers. Upon arriving at Colon, you will disembark at Colon 2000, where transportation back to Panama City will be provided .

• Bilingual guide/narrator(Spanish and English)
• Soft drinks and water (all your can drink)
• Snacks for the afternoon (Full Transit only)

Not Included

• Transport to and from Flamenco marina where the tour starts

You will then enter the south end of the Gailard Cut where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. The Gailard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. The Pacific Queen will travel the Cut's 13.7 kilometers on the way to Gamboa Dredging Division. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides.

You will disembark at the Gamboa Dredging Division where you will board motor coaches for a 45-minute ride back to the Flamenco Marina.

Our tour starts at the Flamenco Resort and Marina. Passengers board motor coaches for a 45-minute ride to the town of Gamboa where the Panama Canal Dredging Division is located. Once in Gamboa, passengers board the Pacific Queen to start the water portion of the tour. The Panama Canal partial transit tour begins at the north end of the Gailard cut, where the Chagres River flows into the canal. The Gaillard Cut (also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the Canal is full of history and geological value. The Pacific Queen will travel the Cut's 13.7 kilometers on the way to Pedro Miguel Locks. As you transit the Cut you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides.

Before reaching the Pedro Miguel Locks at the southern end of the Cut, you will be able to view the Centennial Bridge which crosses over the Canal. Next, the Pacific Queen will enter Pedro Miguel Locks, which is one of the two sets of locks on the Pacific side, and here the vessel is lowered 9 meters in one step. You will then enter Miraflores Lake, which is a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Pedro Miguel from Miraflores Locks, the latter being the final set of locks before reaching the Pacific Ocean. At Miraflores Locks the vessel is lowered 18 meters in two distinct steps.

Once in the Pacific Ocean the vessel will sail to the beautiful Flamenco Marina where passengers disembark. On the way to Flamenco, you will pass under the Bridge of the Americas, and later, you will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City's splendorous skyline.

Check-in time:

The Panama Canal Tour departure times are subject to possible changes according to the operating conditions established by the Panama Canal Authority. Please contact us the day before your tour to re-confirm the check in time.

• The Northbound Partial Canal tours have a check in time approximately between 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.
• The Southbound Partial Canal tours  have a check in time approximately between 9:00 a.m.  – 10:00 a.m.

If you have a scheduled transfer with us, please note that we will arrange to pick you up at least one hour before the designated check in time.

What’s included

The Panama Canal partial transit tour includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (from selected hotels)
• Buffet Lunch
• Served sodas and waters
• Bilingual guide

CHILDREN (3-12)

What to bring

• Comfortable clothes and shoes
• Umbrella or raincoat and
• Money for souvenirs.

Book your tour now!

Do I need a visa to visit or work in Panama?

Dec 5, 2023 • 4 min read

From different visa types to extending your stay, here's what you need to know about Panama's entry requirements © Tyler Stableford / Getty Images

Panama is the perfect vacation destination for adventure lovers, culture and history buffs, and, naturally, beach bums – its biodiversity, rich coastlines and unfathomable islands  have to be seen to be believed.

The great news is that citizens from over 100 countries can enter Panama and enjoy its treasures without a visa. Here’s everything you need to know about the entry requirements for Panama.

Not everyone needs a visa to visit Panama

As part of the visa waiver program, Panamanian visas are not required for visitors who hold a valid passport from the US , Canada , Australia , Singapore , South Korea , Japan , and most European countries.

Citizens from visa-waiver nations can stay in Panama for a maximum of 90 days. This was reduced from six consecutive months after a policy amendment in October 2021 (only citizens of Canada and the United States are exempt from this and can still stay as tourists for 180 days).

The duration you are given will be at the discretion of your customs agent, but you can usually stay for up to 30 days.

To qualify for this tourist stamp upon entry, you must have a passport that’s valid for at least six months (with several blank, unused pages) and proof of economic solvency of no less than US$500. This can be cash, traveler's cheques, recent bank or major credit card statements and evidence of an exit flight.

Panama is notoriously strict about travelers having proof of onward travel – you might not be allowed to board a flight to Panama without this. You will also need to make sure you adhere to any sanitary measures in place by the Ministry of Health of Panama ( MINSA ) at the time of travel.

What if I do need a visa to visit Panama?

There are two Panama visa types for tourists who require one: stamped visas and authorized visas.

Citizens of Cameroon , China , the  Republic of Congo , the  Dominican Republic , Ghana , India , Malawi , and Zimbabwe are among those required to have a stamped visa. This can be obtained by applying at your closest Panamanian consulate or embassy, and travelers will normally be able to stay for 30 days at a time.

A more restrictive permit and an authorized visa are needed for citizens of many Middle Eastern countries and some African and Asian countries. This includes travelers from Afghanistan , Bangladesh , Benin , Egypt , Haiti , Indonesia , Lebanon , Nigeria , Suriname , Syria  and Tunisia .

Applicants for authorized visas will need a letter from a local Panamanian sponsor who can provide a recent utility bill, a bank statement, a completed Panama visa application form, a valid passport and two passport photographs.

Fees and requirements vary according to the embassy you visit, and it’s a longer process than obtaining a stamped visa as approval is needed from the Panamanian National Directory for Migration (NDM).

Early applications (at least 90 days before intended travel) are encouraged and you shouldn't finalize travel bookings until the visa is authorized.

You may need a visa if you're transiting through Panama

Citizens of visa-waiver nations don't need a visa to transit through Panama if they won't be leaving the airport. Cruise tourists passing through the Panama Canal don’t need visas either.

Changes to Panama's transit policy came into effect in June 2023 and citizens from countries including Afghanistan, Cabo Verde, Ghana and Sri Lanka now require a visa to transit through the country. Check the full list of countries affected on the Panama Embassy website before booking your travel.

It's possible to extend a tourist visa in Panama

If you have been given a tourist stamp or visa valid for less than 90 days, you can apply for an extension while in the country called prórroga de turista . Before your term expires, you must visit the immigration office in Tumba Muerto, Panama City . 

Be sure to wear long-sleeved clothes (and long pants for men) when you go as you will be turned away if your clothing is deemed unsuitable. Visa extension applications aren’t straightforward and it is not always clear which nationals are eligible.

Panama has a new digital nomad visa

To help stimulate the economy after a sharp tourism decline during the pandemic, Panama introduced the Short Stay as a Remote Worker Visa program (Visa de Corta Estancia Como Trabajador Remoto) for location-independent workers with proven income from outside Panama. This is one of the newest Panama visa types introduced by executive decree in May 2021.

If you’re employed, self-employed or own a foreign company and earn at least US$36,000 a year, you can apply to stay for up to nine months with the possibility of a one-time extension for an additional nine months (up to 18 months in total). 

Other requirements include medical insurance covering your full stay in Panama and an affidavit of non-acceptance of any employment in the Panamanian territory. A fee of US$250 will be required for the National Immigration Service. 

International immigration attorneys Fragomen state that applicants will need to apply for the remote worker visa while in Panama after entering on a regular tourist visa. For further assistance, consult with a Panamanian law firm .

Does Panama have any vaccine entry requirements?

If you’re traveling to Panama from Brazil, you must be vaccinated against yellow fever and show proof during check-in. The only exemption to this requirement is if you hold a certificate of contraindication on medical grounds. 

This article was first published Apr 30, 2022 and updated Dec 5, 2023.

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Things to Do in Castropignano, Italy - Castropignano Attractions

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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Castello d'Evoli

2. Torre Campanaria

3. chiesa madre.

4. Grotta di San Michele

5. chiesa di santa maria delle grazie, 6. centro storico, 7. chiesa di san salvatore, 8. chiesa di santa maria della pieta, 9. cappella di santa lucia.

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Panama Elects New President Pledging to Shut Down Migrant Trail

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(Bloomberg) -- Panama elected investor favorite Jose Raul Mulino as its new president drawing voters with his pledge to revive the once-stellar economy, crack down on drug cartels and shut down migration routes to the US.

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Mulino ran as the substitute for fugitive former leader Ricardo Martinelli , who was banned from participating and sought asylum in the Nicaraguan embassy after a court upheld a conviction for money laundering.

With 94% of votes tallied on Sunday, Mulino, a 64-year-old lawyer, had 34% of the vote, to 25% for his nearest rival Ricardo Lombana. The electoral authority declared Mulino the winner, and the other main candidates all conceded.

“We’ll promote a government that’s pro-investment, and pro-private enterprise,” Mulino told supporters in his victory speech.

He will take office on July 1, replacing President Laurentino Cortizo, who was not eligible for reelection. Early results for congress indicated a fragmented legislature.

The nation has been battered by unrest, credit rating downgrades, low water levels in the Panama canal and the closing of a major copper mine. During the campaign, Mulino said he would use public works projects and incentives for foreign investors to target nominal economic growth of 7%.

For much of this century, Panama had the top performing economy in Latin America, but it will grow just 2.5% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Investors are focused on whether Mulino will find a way to reopen First Quantum Minerals Ltd’s $10 billion copper mine. Following months of violent protests, the supreme court ruled in December that a contract for the mine violated the constitution, and ordered it shut. The project represented 5% of gross domestic product, and was a large source of tax revenue and exports.

In his concession speech, Lombana warned Mulino against attempting to renegotiate the mine contract, warning that this would bring people into the streets.

Fitch cut the country to junk in March citing large fiscal deficits aggravated by the loss of the copper revenue. S&P and Moody’s still rate the country one notch above junk, but the once market-darling risks further downgrades if the next government doesn’t pursue tax and pension reforms and seek to reopen the mine, according to local economist Rene Quevedo.

Read more: A $10 Billion Copper Mine Is Now Sitting Idle in the Jungle

Mulino will also need to weigh environmental concerns and community protests as the country seeks new sources of water for the Panama canal after a severe drought this year forced it to restrict transits through the waterway.

Panama’s debt already trades as though it were junk, and investors demand about 40 extra basis points to hold Panama compared to the average risk premium for BB-rated sovereign securities, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. data.

US Election

Mulino’s policies could potentially have an impact on the US presidential election in November, at which migration is one of voters’ main concerns.

Read more: 10,000 Migrant Crossings a Day Upend US Presidential Election

He’s said he’ll shut the trails through the dense jungle region between Colombia and Panama. More than half a million migrants, mostly Venezuelan, passed through this route last year, making Panama one of the most important transit countries for people hoping to reach the US.

He also promised a “full-frontal assault” on drug trafficking. Mulino served as security minister during Martinelli’s administration from 2009-2014. A court upheld a money laundering conviction against Martinelli this year and barred him from running for president.

(Adds quote from Mulino’s victory speech in fourth paragraph)

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©2024 Bloomberg L.P.

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10 Mother's Day gifts from Oprah's Favorite Things list that will arrive in time — starting at $25

Surprise Mom with gifts approved and used by Oprah herself.

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Russian National Ballet Show with Dinner

Private Borsch and Beef Stroganoff Cooking Class

Private Moscow City Tour and Scenic River Cruise

Private Traditional Russian Home-Cooking Experience