Take to the Panama Canal on a cheap cruise
Wednesday, 24, Feb 2010 12:00
Panama is a popular holiday destination for those curious about the part of the Americas where north meets south.
With the famous Panama Canal being one of the most visited attractions in the region, it is therefore fair to say that stepping onboard cruises from UK ports to the republic will likely make for an unforgettable holiday.
The canal itself is a sight to behold - measuring 80 km long, this stretch of water links the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific.
Between 13,000 and 14,000 vessels sail along the Panama Canal every year, making it a particularly bustling waterway.
The history of the canal itself is an interesting one - there were several attempts to build it starting in the 16th century and, after thousands of deaths, it was finally opened in 1914.
You will likely appreciate the scale of the work involved when you experience the cruise ship being raised and lowered at each of the massive locks along the Panama Canal.
For those embarking on cruises along the canal, there is much to see and do.
Panama itself is a fascinating place with a rich history. It was the Spanish who first noted the potential of the region to link the two oceans back in the 16th century, but today, the republic's culture is very much something of a melting pot.
A variety of ethnic groups are represented in Panama, giving rise to some wonderful food, colourful festivals and intriguing arts scene.
Some of the culinary specialities in the area include arroz con pollo - rice chicken - and sancocho de gallina, which is a type of chicken soup.
Top attractions in Panama include the Afro-Antillean Museum in Calidonia and the Camino de Cruces National Park, which forms part of the route that Spanish settlers used to ferry pre-Columbian gold treasures from Peru and Chile to Europe.
Sun worshippers might want to head to the various stretches of sand that lie on the Panama coastline, including El Agallito Beach in Herrera, El Uverito Beach in Los Santos and Juan Hombron's Beach in Cocle.
Other diversions include trips to the mountainous regions of Panama for nature walks, bird watching and other activities and religious tourism in the form of visits to the various churches around the republic.
Some of the cheapest cruises can be had by booking either well in advance or at the last minute.