Facts and Figures
Located in Central America in Panama, Gatun Lake is a large artificial lake. Most of the famous Panama Canal is covered by this lake. Like most artificial lakes, Gatun Lake was also created by a dam. Gatun Dam back was built from 1907 to 1913. This lake is a part of a beautiful valley of the Chagres River. The location was ideal for creating this lake, according to geography, because of the hills surrounding the valley.
Gatun Lak covers 425 square km, and is 26 m above sea level. It stores around 5.2 cubic km of water. This lake brought a lot of attention to several hilltops and islands. For example, there is the famous Barro Colorado Island where the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is found.
Barro Colorado is one of the islands that got its identity from Gatun Lake. This lake was created for practical reasons; it was never intended to be a tourist attraction. It serves as a water passage between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, allowing transit between the two. Furthermore, many important discoveries related to plants and animals originated here.
Top Attractions of Gatun Lake
Pesca - Arenosa
Tourists will love it here, given the number of activities offered. You can spend your time on a boat tour, explore the whole place or even participating in water sports. If you love adventurous sports, you are bound to enjoy the place a lot. There is no lack of outdoor activities here. Plan a long weekend and go on tours, especially nature and wildlife ones. The place is known for its rare species of animals. This place is for those who love fishing as well.
Primate Refuge and Sanctuary of Panama
This place is known for fulfilling three goals: conservation, education, and research. It is both a sanctuary and a refuge. This place conserves pet monkeys that were abandoned by people, and also monkeys that were involved in and confiscated because of illegal trading. The monkeys are taken in into this new habitat, an island built just for monkeys. Come and discover the history when you visit Monkey Island.
Monkey Island
The island is home to rescued monkeys. The white-faced monkeys found here are actually the inspiration for the name of the island. Initially, there were a lot of monkeys here as well, making it the perfect monkey sanctuary and habitat. You can easily spend 2–3 hours of your day here, looking at not only the monkeys, but at all the mesmerizing greenery.
Boat Tour
You can explore the rich beauty and history of Lake Gatun on a boat tour. The wildlife around the lake is incredible, be it crocodiles or monkeys – you will enjoy it all. A paid boat tour usually comes with lunch, after which you are free to go fishing or take a dip in the water. It is the perfect place and activity for a family and the time spent will be worth it.
Where To Stay?
Melia Panama Canal
This hotel is situated right on the banks of Gatun. Here you will get wonderful views and lovely weather all in one spot. This is one of the top-rated places in the city, recommended by travelers. Also, it is a very short distance to the main city so you have that option to explore as well. And food is never a problem because the hotel offers different types of cuisine and regional specialties as well. This is the perfect place to celebrate your special day or vacation.
Jungle Land Panama Floating Lodge
Rated five out of five on almost every site, this is one of the top hotels in the city. Do not worry about traveling alone and getting lost because they will take you anywhere you want. They offer many outdoor activities and will make your stay a special one. The place is surrounded by forest so you can explore the wildlife too
Conclusion
Gatun Lake has the perfect combination of history, great food, wildlife, and a lovely atmosphere. This artificial lake will provide you with a great experience of adventure and exploration. Its rich history is waiting for your questions and the food is ready for you anytime as well. This place is the perfect setting. Panama is a lovely country and Gatun Lake is one of the best parts about it.
What’s Nearby?
