The Panama Canal traverses the isthmus of Panama, connecting the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. From the Miraflores Locks near Panama City on the Pacific side of the isthmus, the canal crosses the rainforests of Panama province and passes through the Gaillard Cut and the Pedro Miguel Locks, into Lake Gatun, before joining the Caribbean Sea at the Gatun Locks near Colon. Take a partial or full transit of the renowned waterway and visit the Miraflores Locks which has a museum dedicated to the fascinating history of the canal and an observation centre, where one can see large tankers passing through.
The Soberania National Park, which extends into both Panama and Colon Provinces, is considered one of the best birding spots in the world, and is just an hour's drive from the capital city. . Travel by road from Panama City to the sleepy town of Gamboa, located on a sharp bend of the Chagres river, close to where it enters Lake Gatun and continue into the park to explore its lush rainforest, home to prolific birdlife as well as monkeys, sloths and iguanas.