April 9th, 2011 
Admin Work began on the canal in 1904 and although fraught with many set- backs was completed in 1914. At 48 miles long it was of the largest and difficult engineering projects ever under taken. Today up to 14,702 vessels per year pass through the canal making it the busiest shipping canals in the world.
Colon is one of the most important ports in the Caribbean, and the world’s second largest duty-free port. From Colon you can visit the Chagres National Park with a territory of over 129,000 hectares. Home to an amazing bird sanctuary with over 500 species including the Harpy Eagle. Chagres is also home to other endangered species such as jaguars, anteaters and mantled howler monkeys. The largest locks on the Panama Canal are only a short distance from colon; here you can witness firsthand the rising and lowering of the ships as they pass through the locks. You can also take a train along a picturesque route to the Gatun locks and then on to Gatun Lake, which is a great place for kayaking, swimming and snorkelling.
Puntarenas was one of the last places in Costa Rica to embrace tourism so much of Puntarenas is unspoilt, and retains much of its old world charm. Travelling to the outer regions of the city you will find the Manuel Antonio National park and the Canara Biological Reserve. Travel across the Golfo de Nicoyo to the nearby Cacos Island and just a short trip south to the beautiful Jaco Beach. Charter a boat to the uninhabited island of Tortunga Island, with its immaculate white sands and palms trees this had to be the epitome of a tropical paradise.
The port of Cristobal is at the entrance of Limon bay which leads to the eastern side of the Panama Canal. From Cristobal pier visit the Flea Market with local crafts made by the local tribes that live in Panama. Here you will find amazing wood carvings, and the most exquisite shell and silver jewellery. The Cuna Indians are famous for make Molas, which are fabric designs of various colours weaved together to create multi-coloured pictures. Finally take the Gamboa Ariel Tram, a 60 minute journey through the tops of the rain forest canopy, a truly unforgettable experience.
Fuerte Amador is located at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal and lies just southwest of Panama City, which provides the perfect location for further exploring the city itself. From Fuerte Amador you can travel to the Miraflores locks which afford the most marvellous views of the Panama Canal, there is also a museum here full of fascinating artefacts and history on the construction of the canal. Visit the old town where the streets are still lined with colonial houses or the Yacht Club where boats depart daily to nearby Isla Taboga. Finally make time to visit Gamboa’s Resort Monkey Island, where you can roam the Gamboa rainforest and view monkeys in their natural habitat.
Cartagena still retains much of its original colonial charm, with narrow streets and flower filled courtyards. Cartagena is a beautiful city to walk around and take in some of its marvellous architecture. Cartagena’s cathedral with its fortress like appearance was completed in 1602 and was partially demolished by Sir Francis Drake’s cannons. Las Bovedas were originally military dungeons but are now home to some great boutiques and restaurants. Visit Castillo de san Felipe de Barajas a large fortress with a system of tunnels that were used to facilitate supply and evacuation. If you’re looking for some great cuisine and more shopping head to Bocagrande and El Laguito Cartagena’s newest area. Here you will find the renowned night clubs and bars where dancing goes onto dawn.
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