El Canal de Panamá is one of the greatest works of engineering of the 20th century. Officially opened in 1914, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, allowing for safer passage for ships and reduced travel time. Given the strategic and commercial importance of the canal, its history is full of political intrigue and betrayals coupled with the tragic deaths of thousands of workers who labored day and night to make this ambitious plan a reality.

Click play to hear more about the long and fascinating journey to construct el Canal de Panamá.