Gatun Lake, Artificial lake in Colón, Panama
Gatun Lake extends across 430 square kilometers of Panama, containing multiple forested islands and serving as a central section of the Panama Canal system.
The formation of the lake began in 1907 through the construction of Gatun Dam, which transformed the Chagres River valley into a substantial water reservoir.
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island conducts extensive studies of tropical ecosystems, contributing to scientific understanding since 1923.
Visitors can participate in fishing activities throughout the lake, with peacock bass being particularly abundant in these fresh waters.
The lake maintains water levels between 25 and 26.5 meters above sea level, enabling ships to transit through the Panama Canal's lock system.
Location: Panama
Inception: 1907
Elevation above the sea: 26 m
Part of: Panama Canal
Address: Gatun Lake, Panama
GPS coordinates: 9.20000,-79.90000
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:34
Panama features a variety of photographic settings, from the colonial district of Casco Viejo to the fine sandy beaches of the San Blas Islands. Panama City combines historic heritage and modern architecture, including Frank Gehry's Biomuseo and the Miraflores locks that showcase canal engineering. Walks such as Cinta Costera or Amador Causeway offer views over the bay and the city skyline. Beyond the city, the country reveals rich and accessible nature. The Baru volcano rises over 3400 meters in Chiriquí province, while the Bocas del Toro archipelago hosts secluded beaches with turquoise waters. Tropical forests, marine reserves, and mountain trails complete this landscape diversity, making Panama a full photographic destination between the Atlantic and Pacific.
Panama City combines Spanish colonial architecture with modern urban design. Visitors can explore 16th-century ruins at Panama Viejo, walk through Casco Viejo's historic streets, and discover tropical forests at Metropolitan National Park. The city features waterfront boulevards, cultural venues, and architectural landmarks like the Frank Gehry-designed Biodiversity Museum. Urban parks and traditional markets complement the historical sites, while Ancon Hill provides city views.
Chagres and Fort San Lorenzo
17.7 km
Atlantic Bridge
11.7 km
Fort San Lorenzo
17.7 km
Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Colón
17.9 km
Atlantic Entrance Range Middle Lighthouse
9.4 km
Gatún Northbound Rear Lighthouse
8.4 km
Estatua Cristóbal Colón
18.3 km
Casa Wilcox
17.6 km
Estadio Roberto Mariano Bula
17.4 km
Parque Sucre
18 km
Iglesia de la Medalla Milagrosa
18.2 km
Edificio Multifamiliar Las Cuatro Potencias: Chagres, Donoso, Santa Isabel y Portobelo
17.3 km
Edificio Riviera (Colón)
18.2 km
Gatun Locks
8.4 km
Parque 5 de noviembre
17.8 km
Escuela Abel Bravo
17.4 km
Avenida Roosevelt
17.7 km
Antiguo Edificio de la Gobernación de Colón
17.8 km
Paseo Lesseps y su entorno
18.2 km
Escuela República de Bolivia
17.3 km
Escuela Porfirio Meléndez
17.3 km
Hospital Amador Guerrero
17.6 km
Edificio de oficinas de la compañía del Ferrocarril
18 km
Casa Aminta Meléndez
18.2 km
Escuela Pablo Arosemena
18.2 km
Edificio de Administración de Cristóbal
17.1 km
Paseo Gorgas y su entorno
17.9 km
Castillo de San Lorenzo el Real de Chagres
17 kmReviews
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