Local area

The Panama Canal is 50 miles wide. It was cut through one of the lowest and narrowest saddles of the long, mountainous Isthmus that joins the North and South Americans continents. The Canal runs form northwest to southeast with the Atlantic entrance 33.5 north and 27 miles west of the Pacific entrance. The air distance between the two entrances is 43 miles. It requires about 8 to 10 hours of an average ship to transit the Canal.

The Bridge of the Americas crosses the Pacific approach to the Panama Canal at Balboa, near Panama City. It was built between 1959 and 1962 by the United States. the bridge is an impressive sight, and a good view can be obtained from the Balboa Yacht Club, where many small boats tie up before or after transiting the canal. Throughout the day and night numerous vessels pass under the bridge, either entering or departing from the Panama Canal.

Casco Antiguo, also known as Casco Viejo or San Felipe, is the historic district of Panama City. Completed and settled in 1673, it was built following the near-total destruction of the original Panamá city, Panamá Viejo in 1671, when the latter was attacked by pirates. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997.