Gatun Lake, Panama

Gatun Lake is a large artificial lake situated in the Republic of Panama; it forms a major part of the Panama Canal, carrying ships for 33 km (20 miles) of their transit across the Isthmus of Panama.

The lake was created between 1907 and 1913 by the building of the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River. At the time it was created, Gatun Lake was the largest man-made lake in the world, and the dam was the largest earth dam.

With the creation of the lake many hilltops became islands. The biggest and best known of them is Barro Colorado Island, home of the world famous Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI).

Things to See and Do

* Aerial Tram
* Kayaking on the Chagres River
* MonkeyIsland Boat Tour
* Las Cruces Trail
* Pipeline Road Tour

General information

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Balboa, U.S. dollar (PAB, USD)
Language - Spanish
Land Area - 425 km2
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT minus five hours
International Country Telephone Code - +507

Port Location - Cruise ships dock at the Flamenco Island Marina, located on the Amador Causeway or at Cristobal, Colón.

Travel Links - There are different points of access to the Gatun Lake. Towards Gamboa the street leads from Panama City first along the Panama Canal and through the Gamboa Rainforest before crossing an old single-lane bridge. It is the only way in and out to Gamboa.

Another way to get to the Gatun Lake is from Colón, about 80 km from Panama City across the Isthmus. Just before arriving to Colón you turn left and follow the signs towards Gatun Lake.