Top Things to do in Colon
The 5 Best Tours in Colon, Colon Province
About 50 miles northwest of Panama City, Colón is home to the northern gateway of the Panama Canal as well as Afro-Caribbean descendants of those workers who helped build the canal in the early 20th century. Colón’s greatest claim to fame—and the main reason visitors come here—is the Colón Free Zone, a massive shopping showroom where wholesalers, retailers and the general public shop. You’ll also find Colón 2000, a cruise-ship port with restaurants, a supermarket, and shops selling duty-free merchandise. The most scenic way to travel here is by way of the restored Panama Canal Railway, featuring elegant, wood-paneled and carpeted rail cars (based on 19th century designs) that takes you on a hour-long journey through the rainforest to Colón.
Restaurants in Colon
1. Chagres River Kayak Expedition From Panama City
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Paddle these last twelve kilometers of the Chagres River on its way to the Caribbean Ocean in one of best Panama kayak adventure. In this circuit you will see some of main Panama Canal components such as the the Gatun Locks (not a visitor center), the Gatun Dam. You will also see Panama nature and wildlife at the wilderness Reserve of Forth San Lorenzo. And then, when we reach the Ocean we will visit one of Panama ruins attractions, Forth San Lorenzo. This fortress was built by Spaniard Conquistadores to seal this route from pirate incursions searching to attack Panama City located by the Pacific Ocean.
Inclusions: Lunch, Snacks, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Cari G
Going through the Bayano Caves was an amazing experience. Our guide was delightful, he arrived on time, was very knowledgable, and even pulled over once so we could look at some monkeys in a tree. This tour stopped at a wonderful family cabin where we left some of our things while in the cave and have a wonderful fish lunch after. The cave itself was really interesting and beautiful, though nowhere is more beautiful than the canyon on the other side. Nobody else was signed up for the tour yesterday, so it ended up being a private tour for my husband and I, which was really nice. Note - this tour is not for everyone. It requires a fair bit of physical fitness and a little bravery. You need to be able to navigate over invisible rocks underwater, do a small amount of rock climbing, and you may have to swim a bit. It is worth it, but if you have any mobility issues at all, this likely isn't your best activity.
2. Colon Shore Excursion: Panama City and Canal Private Tour
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 5 reviews
This shore excursion is a full day from the Colon (Cristobal) Cruise Port to explore Panama City and the canal. Enjoy exciting views from the viewing platforms, learn more about the canal at the museum and visit one of the most interesting cities in Central America.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Port pickup and drop-off, Private tour
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Linda G
Wonderful guide - really made us feel special - shared wonderful information! After already going through the Panama Canal on our cruise ship, it was wonderful to learn more about the new and old canals and plans for the future. Enjoyed driving through all different parts of the city and enjoyed a lovely lunch at a local restaurant. Guide was professional and friendly. Thank you!
3. Colon Panama: Embera Indians and Miraflores Locks
Every wondered what it felt like to be a an Embera Indian this adventure is more than a tour it will transport you into their lives. Dating right back to when Columbus came to the Americas, this day includes the Miraflores Visitor Centre, a center whose exhibitions focus on the famous Panama Canal.
Inclusions: A sandwich, fruit, and water is included., Miraflores Locks visitor centre, Embera Indian village, Snacks
Exclusions: Food and drinks unless stated
4. Colon Panama: Aerial Tram and Miraflores Locks
This tour offers an amazing day combo tour of our famous aerial trams that ascend 280 feet above the white-faced capuchin monkeys, with the forest Miraflores Visitor Centre showing the famous Panama Canal. A sandwich, fruit, and water are included.
Inclusions: Guided tram ride, A sandwich, fruit, and water is included., Miraflores Locks visitor centre, Snacks
Exclusions: Food and drinks unless stated
5. Transfer Port of Colón- Panama City or Int. Airport.
We are a company registered with the tourism authority of Panama, which provides the service guarantee. All our vehicles have the regulations required by law.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Wifi
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Travel615369A
Pick up was on time and our driver, Dorian, was very courteous. However, the driver was not a tour guide. He pointed out buildings but did not offer details about history, culture or politics of the places or regions that we were “touring”. The driver remained quiet for much of the ride and could not answer many of our questions. As we were the only 2 people on the “tour” and had been to Casco Viego on the day prior, he was flexible when we requested to see the Panama Canal IMAX movie (45 min) instead of the 45 minute visit to Casco Viego. He next drove us to the Duty Free store at the end of the Amador Causeway followed by the Artisan Market. At that point he told us it was the final stop of the “tour”. We realized that he had not shown us the Metro station. He seemed totally unaware that it was even advertised to be one of the “tour” stops. Disappointingly, we assessed this to be little more than reliable transportation. I welcome Trip Advisor to contact me.
