If you are planning a trip to Panama City for the express purpose of viewing the Panama Canal, you will certainly want to pick up a copy of NOVA: A Man, a Plan, a Canal.

This DVD has been touted as the best of the NOVA series.

Not only is it an educational experience, but it offers a history of the building of the Panama Canal as well as rare footage and photographs and is narrated by the author, David McCullough.

This DVD will afford you the opportunity to get an unprecedented look at the Canal’s 30-year construction and wondrous present-day operation. Meet the persevering pioneers whose vision and determination overcame tremendous physical-and fiscal-obstacles.

It also reveals why France abandoned the project after ten years and 20,000 deaths.

Work alongside the builders who turned a fantastic dream into a fascinating reality. See immense steam shovels carve the earth. View the amazing “water elevators” that lift huge vessels 85 feet. Watch high-speed photography capture a lock passage.

Those who have purchased this DVD have touted its magnificent detail. Not only does it explain the engineering aspects, but it tells the story of the people who made this happen through endurance and great hardship.

A teacher commented that he used this film for many years in his history classes. It is based on the book by David McCullough titled, “The Path Between the Seas.”

It is narrated by the author and has footage of the actual building of the canal. The companion book is also very useful. It has many photographs and shows the entire construction effort.

After viewing this DVD, your family will become more excited about planning your trip to Panama City. This is an educational experience for your children, and one they will remember for a lifetime.

And you are a fan of NOVA on PBS, you will certainly want to have this DVD as part of your collection.

NOVA: A Man, a Plan, a Canal – Panama

Days 6 to 8 – Panama Canal

There is something very moving, for children and adults, about seeing the Panama Canal for the first time.  The enormity of this engineering marvel boggles the mind.  The vast jungle that had to be divided, the massive locks, and the forty ships that pass through the canal every day, make for an unique testament to man’s achievement and how we are still so dependent on sea power for our needs.

You will learn about the history and also get to see:

* Miraflores Locks-it is a mile long, and is part of a lock system that takes ships from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific and back again.  After watching a ship go through the locks, like a series of stepping stones because the waters are at different levels, be sure to go to the museum.

* See how the Embera Tribe lives. 

Explore their native dances and traditional artwork during your time in the village.  These friendly indigenous people will also go over how and why they moved to their current village on the Chagras River.

* Voyage across Gutan Lake in the Panama Canal, passing gigantic cargo and passenger ships.  Children are never disappointed with how immense some of these vessels really are.  Many dwarf everything in sight!

And of course you’ll see plenty of wildlife too – iguanas, crocodiles and peacocks just to name a few.

Day 9 – Depart Panama City for Home

Panama City has everything you could hope for in a modern capital city. Enjoy a bit of the nightlife, museums and culture before heading home.

This is sure to be a memorable, educational, and fun trip for the entire family.  Take plenty of pictures for the family scrapbook.

A great vacation and one that is educational and fun as well is a trip to Panama City, where you and your family will see firsthand the Panama Canal.  Let’s take a look at a typical itinerary.

Day 1 – Arrive Panama City

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where your Panama family vacation begins.

Days 2 and 3 – Chiriqui Highlands

Cloud forests, volcanic peaks and coffee plantations create the remarkable landscape of the Chiriquí Highlands.  Along with the natural beauty, there is plenty of fun to be had here too.  Enjoy these family tours:

* White water rafting trip down the Esti River.  It is beginner-friendly and a great opportunity to get a glimpse of the tropical surroundings, including cormorant kingfisher birds, otters, tropical trees and orchids. The water is nice and warm too!

* Take the Zipline Canopy Tour, where you will wind your way through a course in La Amistad International Park.  The excitement of gliding from platform to platform high in the rainforest canopy is indescribable.  You will see birds, monkeys, and all sorts of thrilling natural sights.

Days 4 and 5 – Bocas Del Toro Archipelago

Bocas is a scattering of seven islands off the northwest coast of Panama and there is a unique relaxed ambience throughout the region.  Your family excursion to Bastimentos Island to snorkel and explore the wildlife rich rainforest will make for an unforgettable day.

Also not to be missed are:

* Hiking in the Bastimentos National Marine Park, where you will find white-faced titi monkeys, sloths and red poison dart frogs (that aren’t poisonous at all).  Bring your sneakers and get those cameras ready!  It’s a beautiful hike.

* Coral reefs and mangrove isles for some snorkeling.  There is a large variety and an abundance of fish here. Keep an eye out for sea horses, barracuda, and clown fish.