Colon is a seaport that lies near the entrance to the Panama Canal on the Atlantic side. Colon City is the capital of the Colon Province and it is the second largest city in the Republic of Panama after Panama City. The city boomed after the construction of the Panama Canal and now holds a population of more than two hundred thousand. The rainforests, beaches, and coral reefs of Colon are very inviting and will assure you a pleasant experience.
While visiting Colon, you may come across mugging precautions, advising you not to walk around on foot. However, you must not let it stop you from appreciating the rich history and culture. Make sure to book a tourist guide and a cab. You will find taxis at the bus terminals and you can get anywhere in the city for less than $2 USD. Colon serves as the gateway to the Caribbean. Rather than staying in Colon, you can take a trip around the city before embarking on the rest of your stay. You can get to Colon through a train or bus ride from Panama City. Boats are frequently ferried to Colon from Cartagena.
History
Colon is a place seeped through with history. During the Spanish colonization, it was the center of trade and commerce. Thousands of slaves from Africa were imported here to be sold to other Spanish colonies. You can find two groups of Africans in the province; the first are the ones who were brought in as slaves and melted into society with mixed African and Spanish blood, and second are the immigrant Africans from the West Indies and the Caribbean who moved in during the construction of the canal. This is why most of the local cultures have an African reflection.
Panama Canal Railway
The construction of this railway led to the formation of the Colon Province. Before this, the lands were uninhabited. If you are getting to Colon from Panama City, then make sure you catch the train as you would not want to miss the splendid sights along the way. Just a single glance outside your window will keep your eyes glued as you cross the lush green rainforests, lakes, lighthouses, and life in the canal.
Agua Clara Visitor Centre
This observation center is located on the Atlantic side of Colon City and offers an unmatched view of the Panama Canal and its expansion. There is a projection room where you can learn about the history and facts of the canal and its construction. The center also has two cafés that offer fast and tasty food, and a gift shop for you to take home souvenirs.
Gatun Locks
A visit to the Gatun Locks in the Panama Canal will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable places you’ve ever been. You will be overwhelmed and amazed by the massive vessels that pass through the locks. The total length of the structure is around 3 km. Each chamber in the locks is huge enough to accommodate the Titanic and still leave room! You can watch the ships being lifted and witness life in the canal. This experience is one of a kind and is highly recommended for everyone who visits Panama.
Gatun Dam
Gatun Dam was once the world’s largest earthen dam and was created to form Gatun Lake from the River Chagres. The structure is massive and when the spillway is open, you can watch the water gushing through. The power generated by the dam is used for the operation of the canal.
Portobelo
One of the darkest and secretive places of the past, Portobelo was once home to some of the greatest treasures of the world. The city was named by the world famous explorer, Christopher Columbus, in 1502; ‘Portobelo’ means ‘beautiful harbor’. Peruvian and oriental gold from the east were hidden among its fortresses only to become the ultimate target for the Pirates of the Caribbean. Make sure to take a local guide along to unravel the mysteries of this ancient colonial capital. The city was war-torn and attacked repeatedly as it was once a famous port to export silver.
Fort San Lorenzo, Portobelo
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this fort holds secrets that are centuries old and is situated at the Portobelo district. It was built by the Spanish in 1595 to protect their trade from the pirates and provide watch over the Caribbean. The fort is perched majestically on a clifftop overlooking the Chagres River. The fort has a long history of being repeatedly ambushed and rebuilt. Despite all of this, the stone walls and archways stand strong today.
When you visit the fort, you will find it very peaceful and quiet with just the sounds of water and your footsteps echoing as you walk along. You will find yourself transported back centuries ago and able to imagine the days of the Spanish and the pirates. If you are a lover of history, then this place is a must-visit.
Cristo Negro
Cristo Negro, or Black Christ as popularly known, is a black wooden statue of Jesus Christ that sits in a small Roman Catholic church in Portobelo. Legend says that the statue washed up on the shores and was found by local fishermen. You can hear different ideas on the origin of the statue from the locals and they are sure to interest you. The statue is venerated by all the people of Panama, who often make pilgrimages to visit it. It is also believed that visiting here results in miracles. The grandest occasion of this church is celebrated on October 21, known as the Festival of the Black Christ.
Isla Grande
For the perfect day outing, visit Isla Grande, a small island off the coast of Portobelo. You can simply stretch your legs on the sandy white beaches while soaking in the picturesque palm settings and relax. The island offers a quick and refreshing getaway for locals and tourists. If you are up for an adventure, then make sure to exploit the calm, clear waters by snorkeling.
Stay
The New Washington Hotel and Melia Panama Canal are the most preferred stays in Colon. They offer all the basic amenities, including buffet meals. However, you can always choose the familiar and welcoming Radisson, which offers the best facilities of any stay in Colon.
Shopping In Colon City
The Zona Libre is a mall and is a popular shopping destination for locals and tourists as the products are duty-free. After Hong Kong, it is the largest free trade market in the world. A major drawback is that most shops sell items in bulk and not for individuals.
However, most tourists do not know about Colon 2000, a seaport that holds a shopping complex with duty-free shops. You can have a fulfilling shopping experience as your seller will match your bargaining price most of the time. There are around fifty shops with a wide range of perfumes, handicrafts, souvenirs, and luxury products to choose from.
What’s Nearby?
