Description
Start the Historic Train, Fort and Canal Tour historic train tour by boarding the famous Panama Canal Railway, a “transcontinental” railroad. Constructed from 1850 to 1855 by the United States to help passenger and freight traffic from the East of the United States to California after the Gold Rush. This train helped build the Panama Canal and its original route was changed once the Lake Gatun was made.
The Panama Canal Railway runs for 47.6 miles (76.60 kilometers) from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It departs from Balboa in Panama City going to Colon in a scenic journey that goes alongside the Panama Canal and lush rain forests for an hour.
A guide will await for you once you reach Colon to the canal part of the Historic Train, Fort and Canal Tour. The next stop is the Panama Canal Expansion Visitor Center at Agua Clara Locks. This is the only place where you can see the bigger sets of locks that were completed in 2016. Ships that pass through here are massive! The Agua Clara Visitor Center also has a short video and incredible views of Lake Gatun and beyond in the Caribbean Sea.
Cross the newest bridge over the Panama Canal which is called the Atlantic Bridge as you head into Chagres National Park. Here you will visit the fort part of the Historic Train, Fort and Canal Tour. The Fort of San Lorenzo shares a UNESCO world heritage designation with the Fort of Portobelo. This fort was built at the end of the 16th century to guard the mouth of the Chagres River. Learn about the history of the Spanish conquistadores, pirates, shipwrecks and gold!
It is possible to see several species of birds, lizards and butterflies, as well as sloths, monkeys and anteaters in the area. After the Fort of San Lorenzo there is a stop at the marina in Fort Sherman for lunch which is not included. The driver will take you back to your hotel in Panama City.
Includes:
- Transportation
- Bilingual Guide
- Entrance Fees
Does not include:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Available: Mondays and Fridays.
Time: 9 hours.
What to bring? comfortable clothes, walking shoes, rain jacket or waterproof bag (green season), sunscreen, hat, ID, cash, water bottle and camera.
Important information: the Historic Train, Fort and Canal Tour runs on Mondays and Fridays. Please inquire for other dates before booking. A minimum of three people are necessary for conducting this tour. Children pay the same rate as adults. Infants under two years are free of cost. This tour does not include a breakfast stop so make sure to eat early in your hotel or to bring a breakfast box.
Panama Canal Railway does not run on weekends or holidays. THE RAILWAY IS CURRENTLY NOT OPERATING “due to Covid” as of 2023 and there is not an estimated reopening date. This tour is currently offered at a discounted rate subtracting the cost of the railway ticket.