The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is likely the coolest cruising lane a ship might ever pass through: a 48-mile (77.1 kilometers) aquatic highway linking the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) and the Pacific Ocean, snaking through intricate locks and shimmering lakes and surrounded by an environmental wonderland. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. There are locks at each end to lift ships up to Gatun Lake, an artificial lake created to reduce the amount of excavation work required for the canal, 26 metres (85 ft) above sea level. The current locks are 33.5 metres (110 ft) wide. A third, wider lane of locks is currently under construction and is due to open in 2016.

The Americans may have built the canal, but the concept, at least public stated, can be traced to the early 16th Century, when King Charles of Spain commissioned a survey for a shortcut through isthmus of Panama to speed ship traffic to and from Peru. While the Spanish shelved that plan, the relatively slim strip of land and its rich location between the Atlantic and Pacific worlds proved too strong a lure for a string of Europeans in their quest for quicker, safer trade routes.

France began work on the canal in 1881, but had to stop because of engineering problems and high mortality due to disease. The United States took over the project in 1904, and took a decade to complete the canal, which was officially opened on August 15, 1914. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, the Panama Canal shortcut greatly reduced the time for ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, enabling them to avoid the lengthy, hazardous Cape Horn route around the southernmost tip of South America via the Drake Passage or Strait of Magellan.

During construction, ownership of the territory that is now the Panama Canal was first Colombian, then French, and then American. The US continued to control the canal and surrounding Panama Canal Zone until the 1977. After a period of joint American–Panamanian control, the canal was taken over by the Panamanian government in 1999, and is now managed and operated by the Panama Canal Authority, a Panamanian government agency.

 

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Lying to the west and stretching for along two thirds of the country’s Pacific Coast, Puntarenas is the largest province in Costa Rica. Located approximately 75 miles west of the capital city of San Jose, this province’s main highlight is its rich natural beauty, mainly its tropical rain forests and beaches.

An important aspect of the provincial economy today is tourism. The country’s most popular beach resorts, Puntarenas (including Doña Ana and Barranca beaches), Jacó, and Manuel Antonio, are all found in this province, as are 14 national parks and reserves - more than in any other province.

With over 100,000 inhabitants, the city of Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya. As the country’s most important fishing port, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood, be it “camarones al ajillo” (shrimp scampi), “pescado entero” (a whole fried fish), or “ceviche de corvine”. 

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Puerto Quetzal is Guatemala’s largest Pacific Ocean port and also the gateway to some of the most fascinating and beautiful sightseeing in the country.

 Guatemala is from words in a native language, variously identified as "Quauhtemellan", "land of the eagle", or "Uhatzmalha", "mountain where water gushes". Hence, it is also translated as "land of eternal spring".

Guatemala has a rich and distinctive culture from the long mix of elements from Spain and the native Maya people. This diverse history and the natural beauty of the land have created a destination rich in interesting and scenic sites.

One of Guatemala's original commercial developments in the 19th century, coffee production is still of vital importance to the national economy.Guatemala's production of coffee is equally important in the global economy, as Guatemala is the world's third largest exporter of coffee.

After coffee, sugar is Guatemala's most profitable crop, Sugar has also shown promise as an expanding industry in Guatemala, particularly because it can be produced in raw form or processed within the country prior to export, augmenting its value.

Bananas, also remain one of Guatemala's top agricultural exports.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

With an average high temperature of 86 degrees, it’s a given that this lovely coastal resort, halfway down Mexico’s Pacific Coast, is ideal for outdoor pleasures. What was once dubbed “the friendliest city in the world” remains a charming tourist hub for travelers in search of good food, shopping, boating, fishing and the chance to do nothing but snooze on a sunny beach.

While signs point to settlers around current day Puerto Vallarta as early as 500 B.C., most of the area’s history remains hazy prior to the 1500’s. That’s when the Spanish (missionaries and the military) arrived, taking the Ameca Valley by force in 1524 from the natives and renaming it Banderas.

During the 1920’s, the current moniker, Puerto Vallarta, took hold. American artists, writers and expatriates arrived in droves during the 1950’s, but the resort really took off 20 years later with the advent of luxury hotels and bargain prices. 

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Baja was first sighted by Hernan Cortes’ pilot, Francisco de Ulloa, in 1537 – eighteen years after the conquest of the Aztec Empire. With no gold or silver and little agricultural potential, Baja’s discovery was of little worth until trade routes were established across the Pacific in the late 16th century.

The 1940’s and 50’s brought wealthy vacationers and sportsmen, drawn by the secluded luxury lodges lining the cliffs, and the massive game fish that teem in the swirl of surf where ocean meets sea. Sport fishing still remains one of the area’s chief draws, as popular as the perfect sandy beaches and the ever-growing waterfront resorts. With miles of pristine beaches, beautiful scenery, and gorgeous weather, it’s no wonder that Cabo is becoming a resort destination. 

San Diego, California

In the most distant southwest corner of the United States buzzes one of the most dynamic and vibrant seaport cities in the country. In addition to being home to a world-class zoo and aquarium, San Diego is a laid-back navy town that is the closest U.S. city to Mexico.

Great Mexican/American cuisine, Spanish-inspired architecture and what some consider the best weather in North America, make San Diego a destination unto itself. San Diego has always been a good place to live or visit, but in recent years, San Diego has become a model for city restoration and revitalization.