Colon Port
Overview:
Poised as the next big cruise embarkation port, Colon, at the
north Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal, is a sprawling
industrial city within close proximity to beautiful jungle
landscape and the wonders of the Canal. Of course, the most popular
sites from Colon are the nearby Panama Canal itself including the
impressive raising and lowering of ships in the Gatun Locks,
including one's own, and the immense man made Gatun Lake.
Colon is attractive to cruise ships in part because of the new
Colon 2000 cruise terminal allowing berths for several large ships
and more than 2,500 passengers at once. The terminal offers a
variety of shops but is a bit removed from the centre of downtown
Colon. Some cruise ships dock at Cristobal Pier which has its own
shopping terminal.
Contact:
Tel: 507 447 3197
Email: info@colon2000.com
Website: www.colon2000.com
Address: There is a tourist office at the Colon cruise terminal
building.
Transport:
Tour groups often ride the train from Colon to the visit the
Gatun Locks which is the most beautiful route. Taxies can be hired
from Colon 2000 and Cristobal with pre-set fares although they are
more expensive than the local bus which is less safe but cheaper
for longer excursions.
Attractions:
The largest locks in the Canal are a short distance from Colon
and offer great opportunities to see both the rising and lowering
ships as well as the mechanics behind the operation. A bit farther
into the canal is the Gatun Lake which can be fun to explore in
smaller boats and kayaks or use for water activities like
snorkelling and swimming. Many activities in Gatun lake can be
arranged from Colon 2000 Terminal or from Cristobal.
Restaurants:
- Restaurante Concolon - contemporary Latin cuisine.
Best dish: Seafood soup
Shopping:
The Colon Free Zone is the world's largest free trade zone.
There are a number of shopping malls that vary in selection and
price, but consumer electronics, clothing and cosmetics are usually
good buys. You can find local handcrafted items and popular Panama
souvenirs such as carved tagua nuts and cocobolo, and woven
palm-fiber baskets at local artesania markets.
Best buy: Duty free luxury goods
Excursions:
- Visit Panama City
- Explore Portobelo
- Take a Chagras River trip
