The lakes are a marvel that must be conserved so that more and more of us can go to visit them. In the case of those that you will find in Panama, they are really spectacular, despite the fact that most of them are artificial. But they are full of tropical flora and fauna that will make you feel at home ... or even better, since pure air and nature itself could even help you to know yourself better.
Would you like to take a tour of the lakes of Panama? Don't worry, for now you won't have to leave your home, although you will probably want to buy a plane ticket after having seen them all.
Chiriquí Lagoon
We will start our way visiting the Chiriquí lagoon, which is one of the main attractions of the country. This lagoon is connected to the Bocas del Toro archipelago, just to the Southeast border of Costa Rica, and is divided into the Chiriquí lagoon to the east and the Almirante bay to the west. Right between the two we will find a peninsula, the island of Popa and Cayo de Agua.
Gatun Lake
We continue our journey contemplating the Gatun lake. This is an artificial lake located in the Panama Canal that was created between 1907 and 1913 due to the construction of the Gatún Dam, on the Chagres River. At that time it was the largest artificial lake in the world, and currently has an area of 435km2, standing at 26m above sea level.
Lake Alajuela
Without having to go very far from the place, we found another of the artificial lakes: that of Alajuela, which owes its name to a province of the sister republic of Costa Rica. It was also created on the Chagres River, by the Madden Dam.
San Carlos Lagoon
If you thought you had seen it all, the truth is that the San Carlos lagoon it will question your convictions. With an area of two hectares, it is completely surrounded by tropical flora Awesome. Furthermore, I am sure that if you have ever dreamed of virgin forests, when you go to this place you will know that that dream has come true.
Miraflores Lake
We finish our tour by going to Miraflores Lake, which is an artificial lake related to the Panama Canal, And it is only fifteen minutes from the capital! It is part of the Camino de Cruces National Park, and is vital for the towns of San Felipe, Curundú, Ancón, among others, since the Miraflores water treatment plant carries the much-needed liquid to these places.
Panama Climate
Do you feel like traveling there? If so, you probably want to know the weather in Panama, right? Because in order to enjoy these incredible places it is necessary to pack the appropriate clothing.
As well. Panama is a country that registers warm temperatures practically all the year. Now, you should know that there are two areas: one that is typically tropical, with average temperatures around 22ºC and where rainfall is abundant, as in Chiriquí for example; and another with a temperate climate in which it is somewhat cold, since the average temperature is 18ºC and, in the coldest months, it can drop to -3ºC, as in higher altitude regions.
So, to travel here it will be advisable to take summer clothes, but without forgetting a jacket, just in case. Oh and by the way, don't forget the raincoat.
Things you should know before traveling to Panama
Do you want to know more about Panama? Do not miss a detail of what I am going to tell you below:
It is safe?
This is a calm and generally safe country. In fact, it has come to be on the list of 5 least violent countries From the american continent. So there will be nothing to worry about.
Do you have to get vaccinated?
It is not required, but vaccination against yellow fever is advised. If you don't like needles very much, you can choose to take some mosquito repellants with you.
What currency do they use?
The local currency is American dollar, so it is suggested to exchange euros for dollars before traveling.
What should not be missing in your luggage suitcase
When we go to a new place we always have many doubts about what we can or cannot carry in the suitcase. If that is your case, here is a list of what you cannot leave at home:
- Photo camera: to capture the best landscapes and save your best moments.
- Passport and visa: Without them, we could not travel to Panama.
- Sunscreen: to sunbathe without having to worry about anything.
- Books, magazines, kindle: If you like to read, do not hesitate to take a book with you.
- Smartphones: stay in touch with the ones you love the most while you enjoy your vacation.
Have fun in the lakes of Panama 🙂.
The lake is the most important because it is in Panama
This time we are going to meet the most important lakes in Panama. Let's start the tour at Gatun Lake, an artificial lake that serves as a transit for ships that pass through the Panama Canal. The lake was created in 1913, and has an area of 425 square kilometers.
For its part, Lake Alhajuela is another artificial lake, which sits on the Chagres River, and is also related to the Panama Canal. Lake Alhajuela serves as a reservoir for the canal.