Step Back in Time with Panama Trails: A New Exclusive Experience Through The Historic Panama Canal Zone
The Old Panama Canal Zone, a five-mile strip on each side of the Panama Canal, was an unofficial U.S. territory from 1903 to 1979. The opening of the Panama Canal dramatically shortened international shipping routes, altering global markets forever.
Today, Panama Trails invites guests to explore the past and present of what used to be this influential area.
The Canal Zone Tour:
The Canal Zone tour in Panama is a fascinating journey that combines historical landmarks and cultural sites. It provides a comprehensive experience of Panama’s past and present, a perfect blend of sightseeing, learning, and indulging in the country’s vibrant history.
The tour itinerary includes visits to the Administration Building with the Frescoes Room, the American Cemetery at Corozal, and the former US Military Base.
“Guests are transported back in time to the architectural and historical marvels that tell the story of this iconic passageway. Our new experience offers exclusive access to a place that shaped the world, emphasizing the profound historical significance of the Old Panama Canal Zone.”
Tour Details:
The tour starts with a visit to the iconic Administration Building, once the nerve center of the Panama Canal operations. You will explore the grand architecture of the building and admire the stunning frescoes depicting the Canal Zone’s history. Learn about the significance of this building in the construction and administration of the Panama Canal.
Following the tour guide takes you to the solemn American Cemetery in Corozal, where you can pay tribute to the thousands of workers and soldiers who lost their lives during the construction of the Panama Canal. Walk through the meticulously maintained grounds and learn about the stories of sacrifice and dedication that lie beneath each headstone.
Then, you will visit the City of Knowledge, a vibrant hub of innovation and education located within the former US Clayton Military Base. Explore one of the emblematic buildings that now houses research institutions, universities, and cultural centers, showcasing Panama’s commitment to knowledge and progress.
Architectural Marvels of the Canal Zone
The architecture in the Canal Zone tells its own powerful story. Buildings like the Panama Canal Administration Building, designed with an “E” shape for optimal natural light, stand as monuments to early 20th-century innovation and elegance.
For example, inside the Panama Canal Administration Building is the breathtaking mural by New York artist William B. Van Ingen, renowned for his work on the Library of Congress murals. This masterpiece vividly captures the monumental construction of the Panama Canal through four pivotal scenes:
- The challenging excavation of the Culebra Cut
- The intricate construction of the Gatun Dam’s spillway
- The crafting of a sluice gate
- The assembly of the Miraflores Locks
Each brushstroke captures the immense labour, daring and dedication of the workforce whose efforts reshaped global trade.
A New, Unmatched Journey Through Time
As Panama Trails’s brand-new offering, we are enthusiastic about providing such a unique opportunity. “We’re bringing something unique to the table: an educational experience in one of the world’s most historically significant locations,” our Operations Manager, Gerardo Gonzalez, notes.
“This is an immersive experience into the heart of Panama’s history, tailored to the curiosity our guests expect.”
This half-day experience can be easily combined as a behind-the-scenes experience at the Miraflores Locks.
You can now see this new experience as part of our Panama City Portfolio of Experiences; download it here.
An Experience Packed with history, and personal discovery.
Contact us if your guests are eager to explore the Panama Canal Zone.
History Highlight: The Old Panama Canal Zone
The Old Panama Canal Zone, a five-mile strip on each side of the Panama Canal, was an unofficial U.S. territory from 1903 to 1979. Acquired through the Hay-Herrán Treaty with Colombia, the U.S. was granted rights to build and operate the canal, transforming international shipping by drastically reducing distances and reshaping global market access.
In exchange for these rights, Panama received $10 million upfront and an annuity of $250,000 starting nine years after the treaty. The U.S. construction and operation of the canal brought significant economic and strategic benefits but also led to tensions. Local officials, often referred to as “Zonians,” were criticized for their colonial attitudes and discriminatory practices against the Panamanian labor force.
The region remained under U.S. control until the Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977 initiated the process of transferring control back to Panama. This transition culminated on December 31, 1999, when Panama officially took over, marking the end of a significant chapter in both nations’ histories. This handover addressed longstanding disputes and symbolized a new era of autonomy and cooperation for Panama.
