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Lakes of Panama

Panama
Lakes of Panama

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Panama has a few lakes that travelers can visit, the most notable of which are Lake Gatún and Lake Bayano. Lake Gatún is an artificial lake that forms an integral, 21-mile (33-km) section of the Panama Canal. It’s the largest body of water in Panama and has islands that boast a diverse range of plants and animals. Visiting this lake while exploring the Panama Canal is a top activity of this region. Lake Bayano is located in the western Darién. This artificial lake sees few visitors but has good opportunities for exploring caves and going bird watching.

Destinations

Panama highlights: Lakes of Panama

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Lagunas de Volcan

Lagunas de Volcan

The Lagunas de Volcán are two wetland lakes set outside the town of Volcán in Panama’s western highlands. The wetlands are protected and, at almost 4,000 feet (1,200 m), the highest in Panama.
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Lake Bayano

Lake Bayano

Lake Bayano is a large artificial lake in the western Darién. The spooky (but beautiful) caves that lie along one side of the lake are the principal attraction for most visitors.
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Lake Gatun

Lake Gatun

Lake Gatún is an artificial lake in Panama. Set to the south of Colón, this 163 square mile(422 square kilometer) lake is the largest body of water in Panama. In fact, when Lake Gatún was first created it was the largest man-made lake in the world. The lake forms an integral, 21-mile (33-km) section of the Panama Canal—ships that transit the canal pass through it en route to the Atlantic Ocean.
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