What to do in Colón

Activities, attractions and tours

Beautiful tropical scenery on the shores of Gatun Lake, a freshwater artificial lake to the south of Colón, Panama. It forms a major part of the Panama Canal
Beautiful tropical scenery on the shores of Gatun Lake, a freshwater artificial lake to the south of Colón, Panama. It forms a major part of the Panama Canal
#Panama #Canal Gatun locks Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado. Gatun locks By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut (Channel open on the rocks and snake-shaped 12.6 km long), the Centenial Bridge and we arrive at Pedro Miguel Locks, which has only one camera. Here we descend 9 meters to the Miraflores Lake. Small lake and soon we arrived at Miraflores Locks. They are composed of 2 cameras that descend us to the level of the Pacific. These locks have the highest gates because of the differences between Pacific tides. Through these locks we reach the Pacific. We still cross under the bridge of the Americas, which is part of the Pan American Highway, which connects southern South America with Alaska in North America. The whole crossing lasted around 9 hours. During the crossing the ships are aided by pairs of locomotives. Depending on the size of the ship, up to 8 locomotives can be used. The water that fills the cameras comes from Gatun Lake and 197 million liters of water are used for each crossing. That is why conservation of the tropical forest around the lake is of paramount importance. The maximum allowable dimensions for ships is 32.31 m wide, 294.13 m long and 12.04 m draft.
Although visiting a local community turned out to come very close to a scam in my eyes, I did enjoy meeting their toucan pets and even spotting these #colorful birds along Gatun River, in the wild. #LikeALocal
#Panama #Canal Gatun locks Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado. Gatun locks By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut (Channel open on the rocks and snake-shaped 12.6 km long), the Centenial Bridge and we arrive at Pedro Miguel Locks, which has only one camera. Here we descend 9 meters to the Miraflores Lake. Small lake and soon we arrived at Miraflores Locks. They are composed of 2 cameras that descend us to the level of the Pacific. These locks have the highest gates because of the differences between Pacific tides. Through these locks we reach the Pacific. We still cross under the bridge of the Americas, which is part of the Pan American Highway, which connects southern South America with Alaska in North America. The whole crossing lasted around 9 hours. During the crossing the ships are aided by pairs of locomotives. Depending on the size of the ship, up to 8 locomotives can be used. The water that fills the cameras comes from Gatun Lake and 197 million liters of water are used for each crossing. That is why conservation of the tropical forest around the lake is of paramount importance. The maximum allowable dimensions for ships is 32.31 m wide, 294.13 m long and 12.04 m draft.
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Most fun & popular experiences in Colón

Tours & day trips

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Visit San Blas Paradise: Day Tour to 4 Islands with Lunch & Drink

Visit San Blas Paradise: Day Tour to 4 Islands with Lunch & Drink

Activity duration is 14 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 58 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £77 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Monkey Watch and Gatun Lake Wildlife Safari Private Tour

Monkey Watch and Gatun Lake Wildlife Safari Private Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
7.4 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £77 per adult
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Cruises & boat tours

See all 17 activities
San Blas Islands Day Trip – 3 Islands, Snorkel & Lunch

San Blas Islands Day Trip – 3 Islands, Snorkel & Lunch

Activity duration is 6 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is £50 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

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Gatun Boat Tour, Sloth Sanctuary, Wildlife Exhibits + Buffet

Gatun Boat Tour, Sloth Sanctuary, Wildlife Exhibits + Buffet

Activity duration is 5 hours
6.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is £100 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities
San Blas Islands: 4-Island Day Tour with Lunch & Snorkelling

San Blas Islands: 4-Island Day Tour with Lunch & Snorkelling

Activity duration is 14 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 21 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £74 per adult
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What to do in Colón

Popular places to visit

día soleado de verano en la isla playa blanca en Colon Panama en centro America con tomas aereas

Blanca Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Blanca Beach during your travels in Portobelo? While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Blanca Beach
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Fort San Lorenzo

You can learn about the history of Colon when you stop by Fort San Lorenzo. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Fort San Lorenzo
Real Aduana customs house and defense walls of Fort Jeronimo in Portobelo village, Panama

Real Aduana de Portobelo

You can browse the exhibits at Real Aduana de Portobelo, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Portobelo. Stroll along the seaside or experience the area's festivals.

Real Aduana de Portobelo
The Iglesia de San Felipe

San Felipe Church

You can find out about the history of Portobelo with a trip to San Felipe Church. Stroll along the seaside or visit the churches while you're in the area.

San Felipe Church
Yes, another toucan picture! I can't help it - these birds and their colorful beaks fascinate me! www.panamaroadrunner.com

Safarick's Zoo

Why not meet the animals who live at Safarick's Zoo during your trip to Maria Chiquita? Wander the lakeside in this relaxing area.

Safarick's Zoo
UNESCO World Heritage Site Fort San Jeronimo located in Portobelo, Panama.

Fuerte San Jerónimo

Fuerte San Jerónimo is just one of the places to see in Portobelo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the area's festivals and churches.

Fuerte San Jerónimo
Aerial view of Portobelo village from the Peru Lookout Point in Portobelo, Panama.

Mirador Perú

You can find out about the history of Portobelo when you stop by Mirador Perú. Discover the area's festivals and churches.

Mirador Perú

Colon Free Zone

During your trip to Colon, you can do some window-shopping at Colon Free Zone.

Colon Free Zone

Colon 2000

During your visit to Colon, you can do some window-shopping at Colon 2000. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Colon 2000

Explore areas of Colón

Beautiful aerial view of the Beautiful aerial view of the Panama Channel on the Sunset

Barrio Sur

If you're spending some time in Barrio Sur, Colon Free Zone and Colon 2000 are top sights worth seeing.

Barrio Sur
#Panama #Canal Gatun locks Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado. Gatun locks By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut

Cristobal

Travellers enjoy Cristobal for its churches and seaside views. Consider checking out Limon Bay while you're in the area.

Cristobal
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Gatun

Gatun is well liked for its museums and monuments. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Gatun Locks and Canal Expansion Observation Center are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Gatun
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Coco Solo

If you're spending some time in Coco Solo, Colon Free Zone and Limon Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Coco Solo
Barcelona Christopher Columbus monument

Barrio Norte

If you're spending some time in Barrio Norte, Monument to Christopher Columbus and Limon Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Barrio Norte

 

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Day trip destinations from Colón

Panoramic view at the Downtown of Panama City - Panama

Panama City

Port de la Selva, nice small traditional village in Costa Brava.; Shutterstock ID 133621637; purchase_order: -; Order: -; client: -; job: -

Cativa