Fifty miles long, the awesome Panama Canal takes ships eight hours to transverse (and often costs them toll fees of over $100,000). A system of locks and manmade lakes rely on gravitational forces to lift the giant boats over the Panama isthmus -- ships rise as high as 85 feet over sea level -- and set them down again on the other side. The French began construction of the canal after their successful completion of Egypt's Suez Canal, but yellow fever, other diseases, and the difficulty of excavating rock from the middle of the jungle caused them to abandon the project. American President Theodore Roosevelt then took over the project through controversial political maneuvering, and the canal was finally opened under American control in 1914. Ownership passed back to the Panamanians in 1999, and in their hands the canal has consistently exceeded all previous traffic, revenue, and safety records.

Visit Panama’s newest museum dedicated to biodiversity, designed by distinguished architect Frank Gehry.

Punta Culebra Nature Center (PCNC) is a non-profit initiative of STRI that relies on the support of the Smithsonian Foundation of Panama and international entities. It offers visitors an open-air museum focusing mainly on marine science and education, conservation and interpretation of marine coastal environments. More than 700,000 students and visitors have visited PCNC since it opened in 1996, and hundreds of schools have taken part in its educational program.

Lake Gatun is situated in the heart of the Isthmus of Panama. It was constructed between 1910-14 to make the Panama Canal possible. From the lake's shore you will board a fast panga style boat for a voyage of discovery. Navigate ancient routes that crossed the isthmus long before the lake’s creation. Huge ships can be seen transiting across the ocean, the canal is a water bridge that links the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Go past the rainforest to a scenic region of the lake and witness firsthand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just a few of the animals that you can view in their native surroundings.

Welcome to Gamboa Rainforest, a tropical ecosystem and home to the first official sloth sanctuary in Panama. Learn about the starkly different sloths and the conservation program in place to protect these unique mammals. See the protected Frog Pond containing two species of poisonous frogs and the Butterfly Garden, with more than 15 species of butterflies while learning about their life cycle and the flora that feeds them.

“La Granja” or “The Farm” offers a huge variety of agricultural and adventure activities. Try your hand at composting or learn about the farm’s thriving animal population. End on an adventurous note with a ziplining tour and kayaking Gatun Lake.

Pineapples are Panama's second most exported product, only behind bananas. Visit a working plantation and learn about the process from sowing to harvest and the export process.

La India Dormida, or the Sleeping Indian Maiden, is known to reflect the silhouette of a sleeping maiden when seen from afar. Hike to the top of the mountain for breathtaking views of El Valle and the surrounding area.

Sail down the Chagres River to meet the community of an Embera indigenous village nestled within the lush tropical rainforest of the protected Chagres National Park.

Sail on traditional piragua canoe-style boats down the Rio Chagres through the lush Chagres National Park.

Follow your local guide on this easy 30-minute hike through the Chagres National Park. This tropical rainforest is teeming with natural beauty, stunning vistas, abundant tropical flora and wildlife. With over 900 endemic plant species, 100 mammals and 400 bird species, scientists are still working on identifying and naming them. Enjoy a dip in the waterfall at the end of your hike.

You will be warmly greeted by members of the Emberá community as you approach the shores of the Rio Chagres and discover a village nestled within the national park. Enjoy lunch spending time with the indigenous Emberá community and learn about their culture, traditions and crafts.