Panama Canal © Panama Canal Authority

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