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Panama Travel Destinations

Panama travel destinations

Panama Canal Cruise highlights outline the best way to experience the real Panama Canal.  Take it from me,  I cruised through the canal dozens of times, as an Acupuncturist-at-Sea.  This engineering marvel is called One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.  Read on and learn about tips and what to expects while experiencing a Panama Canal Cruise.

Panama Canal History

This canal is a manmade waterway 82 km or 51 miles long, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.  As the name says, it goes through the isthmus of Panama, connecting Central and South America.  The canal finally opened in 1914, owned and run by the U.S.  However, in 1977, U.S. President Jimmy Carter and the Panamanian leader signed a treaty.  It turned the canal over to Panama by the end of the 20th century.

It’s important to understand the challenges faced more than a century ago.  Firstly, France began the project in 1881, attempting to recreate the engineering plans of the successful Suez Canal with no locks.  However, in Panama, they ran into varied elevations, torrential rains, mudslides and most tragically 5,600 deaths from the mosquito-spread Yellow Fever and Malaria.  The United States took over the project in 1904 and completed it a decade later.

    Panama Canal Locks
    CaribbeanPanama Travel Destinations

    Historic and Epic Panama Canal Cruise Highlights

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    The unique Panama Canal is known as One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.  As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I cruised through this engineering marvel dozens of times.  So, read on and learn about tips and what to expect from the Panama Canal Cruise highlights. 

    IMG_2293

    Panama Canal History

    The Panama Canal is a manmade waterway 82 km or 51 miles long, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.  As the name says, it goes through the isthmus of Panama, connecting Central and South America.  The canal finally opened in 1914, owned and managed by the U.S.  However, in 1977, U.S. President Jimmy Carter and the Panamanian leader signed a treaty, turning the canal over to Panama by the end of the 20th century. 

    To truly appreciate the engineering marvel that the canal is, it’s important to understand the challenges faced more than a century ago in constructing it.  Firstly, France began the project in 1881, attempting to recreate the engineering plans of the successful Suez Canal, with no locks.  However, in Panama, they ran into new obstacles, for example, varied elevations, torrential rains, mudslides and tragically more than 5,600 deaths from the mosquito-spread Yellow Fever and Malaria.  The United States took over the project in 1904 and completed it a decade later. 

    For the best history of the Panama Canal, I recommend reading The Path between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914 by David McCollough.

    Related: Ten Photos that will Inspire You to take a Suez Canal Cruise

    DSCF1926

    Panama Canal Landmarks

    The Panama Canal goes through a series of landmarks, for example, 12 locks, 2 artificial Lake a river and Continental Divide. Overall, it transit time is about 11.5 hours through the canal.  In contrast to a journey around South America, this is a dramatic improvement.  Furthermore, I later elaborate on the canal landmarks with photos. 

    Also, in the lock canals, Mules or Tow Trains steer large ships through the canal.  This prevents the ships from damaging the canals. 

    IMG_2361
    Iconic Centennial Bridge behind Me

    Panama Canal Cruise Highlights

    There are 3 cruise options through the Panama Canal.  Firstly, cruises go from the Caribbean side through the canal, halfway through locks to Gantun Lake and back to the Caribbean.  Secondly,  cruises go the entire canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.  And thirdly, cruises go the entire canal from the Pacific to Atlantic Ocean.   My favorite route is the second route, going the entire canal, from the Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean.  This route includes the grand finale of Panama City, which I find the best part of the whole canal journey.  Also, I saw several yachts and smaller boats going through the locks of the canal. 

    Outline of Canal Landmarks, from Atlantic to Pacific Ocean

    Firstly, one enters Limon Bay, a natural harbor for 5.5 mi (8.4 km).Channel 2 mi (3.2 km) to the Locks
    Gatun Locks – A 3 staged flight of locks lift ships to the Gatun Lake, at 87 ft (27 m) above sea level
    Gatun Lake – An artificial lake, taking the journey across 15 mi (24 km)
    Chagres River –  This runs about 5ÂĽ mi (8.5 km).
    Culebra Cut – goes nearly 8 miles (12.5 km) through the mountain ridge, crossing the Continental Divide and passes under the Centennial Bridge. (Below Photo)

     

    IMG_2371
    Calebra Cut and Centennial Bridge


    Pedro Miguel Lock – Almost a mile (1.5 km) single lock beginning the descent.
    Miraflores Lake – Another artificial lake taking another stretch about a mile (1.5 km) to 54 ft above sea level.
    Miraflores Locks – Two-staged Locks with a descent of 54 ft (16 m).
    Balboa Harbor
    Channel of approx. 8 mi (13 km) by Panama City and Gulf of Panama (Below Photo)
    Pass under the Bridge of Americas to Pacific Ocean

    Related: Top Panama City Attractions – Canal, Culture & Biodiversity

    IMG_3224
    Panama City and Geomuseo in Foreground
    Bridge of the Americas
    Bridge of Americas
    IMG_2327

    What I love most about cruising the Panama Canal

    The Panama Canal is fascinating on so many levels for its history and engineering breakthroughs.  However, my favorite experiences in the canal are seeing the workers on the ships and wild life.  Because while going through locks, you get up close and personal to colossal ships with their crew.  Often we all wave at each other, sending our smiles and navigational cheer.  It’s great fun sharing this iconic experience with strangers.  Also, I saw many forms of wildlife, such as, crocodiles, white herons and numerous other birdlife in this biodiversity hotspot. 

    IMG_2316
    Crocodile in Panama Canal

    Overall, Panama Canal Cruise Highlights

    I met countless people who make this journey to tick off their Bucket List.  It is a monumental site to see and experience.  Overall, my biggest advice before going is to do some homework first, so you can appreciate the history and all that has gone into One of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World. 

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    April 13, 2025 0 comments
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  • CaribbeanPanama Travel Destinations

    Spectacular Panama City Attractions – Canal, Culture & Biodiversity

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 10, 2025

    Panama City is one of the most unique cities in the world. Being on the Panama Canal and at a crossroads between North and South America, this city has lots to see …

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Hello, Hola, Namaste, Ni hao, Ciao and Bonjour! My name is Trudy and I have been traveling like everyday is my last, over the last 10 years. I've visited 105 countries and still counting! As an Acupuncturist and traveler, I love sharing my experiences and tips on travel and wellness. Feel free to join below my community for coupons and latest travel guides.

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On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans and second largest in the world. Saint Sava is the founder of the Serbian Orthodox church. The church’s construction lasted from 1935 to 1989. It became delayed by WW II and the Yugoslavian communism, that didn’t allow for building churches. 

Shaped like a Greek Cross, the facade consists of white marble and granite in a Neo-Byzantine style. Its dome is one of the largest in the world. The mosaics are spectacular, with the central mosaic in the dome depicting the Ascension of Jesus.

To learn more about Belgrade, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/belgrade-serbia-top-attractions-in-2-days/

#belgrade #serbia #serbiatourism #churchesofinstagram #templeofsaintsava #balkans #europetravels #easterneurope #belgradephoto #belgradeserbia #travelblogger #wanderlust
Just 15 minutes from Mostar is the Blagaj Dervish Just 15 minutes from Mostar is the Blagaj Dervish Monastery. It sits at the source of the Buna River which flows out of a cave beneath a canyon wall. The beautiful tekke (lodge) displays Ottoman Sufi architecture from the 15th century. 

The white building reflects on the turquoise river. Inside you’ll find a small mosque, guest rooms and mausoleums. Dervishes of the Sufi orders stayed here for spiritual retreats over the centuries. Today, it is open for tourist of all faiths to learn about this sacred site and the Sufi tradition. 

We explored the riverside and view of Blagaj from across the river. Also, with our shoes off, we enjoyed an indoor tour of the monastery. 

To learn more about Mostar, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mostar-tour-highlights/

#blagaj #dervish #monastery #mostar #bosniaandherzegovina #balkans #instatravelling #i̇nstatravel #easterneurope #europetravel #bosnia #traveladdict #retreat #wanderlust #solotraveling
Mostar is a gorgeous gem of the Balkans. Its uniqu Mostar is a gorgeous gem of the Balkans. Its unique blend of cultural diversity, riveting history and natural beauty offers an inspiring escape. I traveled solo in Mostar for 2 days, exploring the Old Town along with day trips. Mostar's main attraction is the bridge jumping tradition.

The iconic Stari Most is the symbol of Mostar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in Balkan Islamic architecture in the 16th century, its height is 24 m (78 ft 9 in). The bridge connects the two sides of the city divided by the Neretva River. During the Balkan War, the bridge was destroyed. However, it became rebuilt in 2004 with the stones from the original bridge. The bridge is steep and slippery with crowds often on it. So, wear good shoes and be aware when taking in its incredible views of the city and river.

The main attraction in Mostar is watching the tradition of locals jumping off the Stari Most into the river. This began in 1664 as a rite-of-passage for 16-year-old boys. Today, young men from the Mostar Diving Club take the plunge. Leading up to the plunge, assistants gather donations from the crowds.

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mostar-tour-highlights/

#mostar #mostarbridge #mostarbridgejump #mostarbosnia #bosniaandherzegovina #balkans #bridgejump #bridgejumping #instatravelling #instatravel #europetravels #easterneurope #wanderlusting #wanderlust #travelgirl #solotravel #travelblog #travelblogger #solotravel
After 3 days in Sarajevo, I wholeheartedly get why After 3 days in Sarajevo, I wholeheartedly get why National Geographic named it Top Destination for 2025. Here, east meets west with a fascinating blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences. However, wounds from the 90’s Bosnian War are still healing. Afterall, Sarajevo suffered the longest siege (almost 4 years) in modern warfare by the Bosnian Serbs. Thankfully, its citizens’ resilience prevailed otherwise.

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/sarajevo-travel-destination-highlights/

Photos:
Abandoned Olympic Bobsleigh Track
Sarajevo '84 Winter Olympics
Tunnel of Hope during Sarajevo Siege
Sarajevo Rose Memorial (Where more than 3 people died in Siege)
Eternal Flame Monument - Honoring WW II victims
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Old Bazaar

#sarajevo #sarajevobosnia #bosnia #bosniaandherzegovina🇧🇦 #bosniatravel #europetravels #balkans #europedestinations #solotraveler #solofemaletravel #wanderlusting #wanderlust #travelbloggers #nationalgeographictopdestination2025 #nationalgeographic #instatravel #europehistory
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in cen The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia’s mountainous karst area. It’s the largest national park in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is world-famous for its 16 turquoise, tufa lakes connected by 90 cascades and waterfalls. A confluence of many rivers and subterranean karst rivers created these lakes. 

Check out my blog/video:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/plitvice-lakes-planning-tips/

#waterfallsofinstagram #croatiatravel #croatia #waterfalls #waterfall #adventuretravel #wanderlust #europetravels #cascade #travelingram #naturelovers #naturegrams #traveladdict #solofemaletravel #solotraveler
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