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The Panama Canal does more than link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Between a unique environment shaped by the canal, two coasts mere hours apart, and a history that combines indigenous, American and European influences, Panama’s unique mixture reaches its fullest expression around the Canal itself, but also makes itself known throughout the country. The watchword is diversity. Panama probably contains the most densely packed variety of environments, people, and visual attractions in the world. There are few places where you can visit two oceans in a day without ever getting on a plane. Here are five things that make Panama and the Panama Canal an unforgettable travel destination.

Miraflores Locks: The Miraflores Locks are the defining feature of the Panama Canal. They are used to raise and lower massive ships in transit from one ocean to the other. The locks are so essential to global shipping that vessels are built to fit the locks’ dimensions almost exactly – these are called the Panamax class. It really is amazing to watch titanic vessels clear the locks with extreme precision, leaving just a few inches of clearance on either side.

Fishing on Lake Gatun: Lake Gatun is an essential part of the canal system. It not only provides passage, but serves as a massive reservoir of water for lock operations. It’s a man-made wonder, dotted with islands that used to be hills, before damming and canal construction made the lake what it is today. But Gatun isn’t just pretty; it has some of the world’s finest fishing, including numerous peacock bass. It’s probably the only place in the world where you can fish at a lake while huge cruise ships drift by.

Fort San Lorenzo: Built in the late 16th Century, Fort San Lorenzo has a storied, bloody history. The fort was built by the Spanish, raided by Sir Francis Drake, captured by Henry Morgan in his bloody sack of Old Panama and used by the Spanish again as a fort and a prison, before finally falling to ruins. A tour of the area is practically mandatory, because you’d be hard-pressed to walk along the same trails as so many famous – and infamous – historical figures.

The Gamboa Rainforest: Gamboa used to be a bustling town, built up in the titanic effort to build the Panama Canal. Now it’s chiefly known for its nature resort, where tourists can explore the Panamanian rainforest from canopy level by aerial tram. The dense rainforest is filled with toucans, howler monkeys and hundreds of other species. This is one of the most practical opportunities to explore the rainforest ecology available.

Panama City: Begin or end your trip with Panama City, one of the most exciting cultural centers in the Americas. This unique cultural blend is very friendly to Americans – in fact, many Americans retire here. The US dollar is accepted currency and there’s always something to do by day or night. It’s not all about urban fun, however; visit the Metropolitan Park to see tapir, puma, alligators and other tropical species just minutes away.

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