Traveling by train in Panama

An engineering marvel that changed the course of history, the Panama Canal revolutionized global trade, allowing goods to be shipped from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast in just three weeks. Built over 100 years ago, the canal was a feat of human ingenuity and labor, creating a vital waterway that transformed commerce and economy in Central America. But what about the less-known transportation system that predates the famous canal?

The Panama Canal Railway, the first train to run from ocean to ocean, was once a crucial link between the Atlantic and the Pacific. Despite losing its significance when the U.S. opened up a route between the coasts, the railway remains an important part of Panama’s history, used for both freight and passenger transportation. With its rich cultural significance, the railway offers a unique view of the country’s past and present, including a chance to visit the Kuna, an indigenous people with a unique way of life. Explore the fascinating story of the Panama Canal Railway and the role it played in shaping the country’s past and present in this riveting documentary.