Landmark
Gatun Dam
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Gatun Dam is a monumental earthen structure that impounds the Chagres River to form Gatun Lake, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world and a vital part of the Panama Canal system. Completed in 1913, the dam is about 2.3 kilometers long and 32 meters high, constructed from millions of cubic meters of earth and rock. Visitors can view the dam from nearby roads or boat tours on the lake, appreciating the sheer scale of this early 20th-century engineering marvel. The dam's spillway is particularly impressive during the rainy season when water cascades down.
Don't miss
- View the massive earthen dam and its spillway from the causeway.
- Take a boat tour on Gatun Lake to see the dam's full extent.
- Learn about the dam's construction at the nearby Panama Canal museum in Colón.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Gatun Dam
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inGatun Lake: Monkeys & Exotic Wildlife by the Canal4.8★ · 2,321 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$30 per personSee dates →
Most bookedPanama Canal & City Tour in Half Day: Old Town & City Views4.9★ · 1,825 travelers~5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$65 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleFull day Panama City Sightseeing & Canal Tour with Private Guide4.9★ · 96 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$120 per personSee dates →More attractions in Panama City