Colon is a city of Panama and a gateway to the Caribbean. It's the main port of entry historically characterized by welcoming different cultures. The Colon Province borders the San Blas region in the west of Panama. Unparalleled beaches and lush tropical scenery lie near the Panama Canal's Atlantic entrance. The Eastern terminus of the Panama Canal is primarily a commercial port on the Caribbean Sea. Moreover, don't forget to pack your swimsuits and beachwear for some white sandy beaches with clear water.
Explore the natural splendor and historical gems of Colon, a small Caribbean province in Panama, from the comfort of your cruise ship. Also, go through these highlights.
Native American tribes heavily populate the northern corner of Panama. Hundreds of Emberá people live in the surrounding countryside in thatched-roof huts, riding dugout canoes and weaving traditional baskets. Pre-Columbian life in Panama can be glimpsed in an Emberá village. In modern-day Colón, there are large populations of West Indians, Arabs, and South Asians. The city retains a wide range of cultural traditions imported from Spain. From ceremonial masks and woodcarvings to delicious cuisine, African and Native American influences enrich its music, art, and traditions. Men wear tiny woven hats and dark pants during public holidays, while women wear colorful pollera dresses.
Many fortifications were once built near Portobelo, one of Spain's sleepy towns. The largest fort on the bay is San Jerónimo. When Panama won independence from the Spanish in 1821, its 18 cannons still pointed into the water. The coral walls of Fort Santiago provide another glimpse into the city's defenses. The Real Aduana de Portobelo, the port's customs house where pilfered gold was stored before being shipped back to the king, is a must-see while you're in Portobelo. Before leaving, visit the Church of San Félipe, the last structure Spain built in Panama. Several miracles have been reported to have been performed by its venerated Black Christ statue.
The cuisine of Panama combines Spanish, African, and Native American influences. In addition to maize, rice, wheat, plantains, meat, and seafood, tropical fruits, vegetables, and native herbs are prominent on the table. Arrecifes, a modest eatery in Colón's gated port area, serves Caribbean seafood with peppers, onions, and tomatoes stewed in criollo sauce. Visit El Palenque at the Casa Congo if you are visiting Fort San Jerónimo. The restaurant's fish and plantain dishes are best-enjoyed al fresco on the bay. Arrecifes, a modest eatery in Colón's gated port area, serves Caribbean seafood with peppers, onions, and tomatoes stewed in criollo sauce. Visit El Palenque at the Casa Congo if you are visiting Fort San Jerónimo. The restaurant's fish and plantain dishes are best-enjoyed al fresco on the bay.
Consider visiting the Panama Canal while on a cruise to Colón, Panama. You can also drive to the city's largest metropolitan area, Panama City. Get a taste of Panama's past in Casco Viejo, the historical quarter, and sample some of the best restaurants in the area. As a small city in Panama, Colón is not as glamorous as other big cities. Still, it's in the perfect location for excursions into the nearby rainforests, national parks such as Soberania National Park, and historical sites such as the ruins of San Lorenzo. This collection of favorite local spots, touristic spots, and hidden gems in Colón are some of the public favorites.
Explore the Achiote Road and surrounding area to discover a stunning array of birds. As you walk along, keep your eyes peeled; the site is home to over 300 species of birds, including trogons, toucans, and flycatchers.
Portobelo National Park is an excellent attraction for families, an idyllic park with lush terrain and beautiful sands. The site contains several Spanish forts listed as UNESCO world heritage sites. It has been rumored that Christopher, buried in a lead coffin offshore, visited these waters as well as Sir Francis Drake.
Panama City's historic district, Casa Viejo, means "old section" in Spanish and is about an hour and a half away from Colon. It has become an increasingly popular destination for cruisers, featuring Spanish-Colonial streets, tucked-away cafes, and restaurants. You can catch octopus, mahi-mahi, shrimp, tuna, and more at the local fish market. Furthermore, to learn more about the construction and history of the canal, stop by the Panama Canal Museum, located in a building dating back to 1874.
Zona Libra is Colon's biggest duty-free market, with over 1,600 shops. This is the largest duty-free market in the world, where you can grab anything from goods and wares to all types of things for every shopper. This massive shopping area helped kickstart the economy of parts of Colon during a bitter recession. If your cruise stops at the Colon for less time, consider hopping here and getting lost among the plentiful shopping options at Zona Libra.
Colon 2000 terminal is famous for shopping and restaurants. There are ample restaurants and small cafés for tourists offering local cuisines and other stuff. Another area that is famous for the local craft is nearCristobal Port. Both the locations are about three miles apart and take around 10 minutes in taxis.
The busiest tourist season in Colon, Panama, is in June, followed by March and July. The best time to swim in Colon is from January through April, with perfect temperatures and scarce rainfall. If you want to enjoy hot-weather activities in Colón, you should go there from late December to late March, based on your beach and pool scores. From late winter to early summer, the Panama weather on the Caribbean coast is drier. In contrast, from early summer to late fall, it is wetter. Tropical storms in the Caribbean cause damp weather in thesecond half. During this time, the Caribbean and Central America experience heavier rainfall. Panama rarely experiences hurricanes but instead experiences high rainfall spikes. The average high temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 degrees Celsius year-round.
