Colon is a common port stop in cruises going down to the Caribbean. This vibrant Panama town has more than 200,000 inhabitants and a rich ethnic diversity, with Europeans, Asians and Arabs making up a sizable part of the community.
Although Colon has many interesting places to see and explore, chances are you will only be in town for a short time. Usually cruises stop in Colon for just a few hours — enough for a short excursion around town.
Panama Canal Railway
The Panama Canal Railway Company (panarail.com) is a transcontinental railway that runs from Colon to Panama City. the train has been in operation since 1855. The total travel time between the two cities is only one hour each way and you don’t need to get a reservation, so if have enough time, a ride is well worth it. The luxurious coaches have been restored and feature carpeted floors, wooden blinds, bathrooms, a bar and air conditioning. The train rides alongside the coast, offering unobstructed views of the ocean, mountains and bridges in its way.Fort San Lorenzo
Built during the 16th century, Fort San Lorenzo (sanlorenzo.org.pa) sits on a hill overlooking Rio Chagres. The fort is surrounded by a national park with plenty of walking trails and good spots for a picnic. The ruins are not in great condition, with some of the buildings slowly collapsing. Some of the cannons sit among tall grass and crumbling walls. No official guides are available to tour the grounds, but tourist offices in town have maps to help you find your way around the fort.The Galeta Marine Laboratory
The Galeta Island Marine Education Center was originally created as a marine environmental monitoring center, but is now open to visitors as well. The center specializes in the study of how oil spills affect the environment, especially the fringing coral reef that extends along the coast. Other studies focus on the Caribbean mangrove forest and exotic marine species in the area. Short-time visitors can take part in small conservation efforts, such as cleanups or walks, which usually last just a couple of hours. If you arrive on the right day and time, you could attend a media release or simply visit the educational center to learn more about the surrounding land and its flora and fauna.The Gamboa Aerial Tram Experience (EV, JO)
This fabulous tour begins with a scenic ride to the luxurious Gamboa Rainforest Resort. The resort is located in the 55,000 acre Soberania National Park which is adjacent to the Panama Canal and near the historic Chagres River. On the grounds of the resort, an aerial tram has been constructed, unlocking the secrets of the heavily populated rainforest canopy.Boarding your tram, you'll begin your ascent from the shadowy rainforest floor through the understory of vegetation and into the sun-drenched canopy. Here, you will have a bird's eye view of a thousand hues of green, interspersed with the fluorescent exclamation points of flowering trees. As you glide through the canopy, you'll sight the many animals that live high above the forest floor, such as Howler monkeys, sloths, coatimundi and capybara. Beautiful birds like the toucan, parrot and momot are also plentiful here, as are iguanas, frogs, butterflies and dragonflies.
After your tram ride, you may choose to climb the observation tower to enjoy a 360 degree, panoramic view of the Panama Canal, the Chagres River, and the surrounding tropical rainforest.
Before returning to the pier, you will have some free time at the resort to explore the many exhibits, which include a butterfly farm, aquarium, orchid garden and serpentarium. There is also the opportunity to do some shopping while you are here.
Please note: Comfortable walking shoes; light clothing; sun hat; sun glasses; sun screen; and insect repellant are strongly recommended. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Eco Cruise & Gatun New Locks (KE)
Your
excursion begins with a transfer to the Gatun Locks. Prior to the
construction of the Panama Canal, the vast jungle area that is now the
Gatun Lake was teeming with an overwhelming abundance of wildlife. As
the region was flooded to create the lake, animals took refuge in the
mountain peaks, which are now the many islands that dot the renowned
lake.
Boarding a touring vessel, you and your interpretive guide will slowly cruise the back channels, islands and bays that make up this unique ecosystem. Glide past lush rainforests to a secluded region of the lake and witness first-hand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just a few of the animals that you can view in their native surroundings. Cameras are a must as this is considered the world's premier location for viewing monkeys and other animals in the wild.
Either before or after your cruise on Gatun Lake, you will have the opportunity to visit the Gatun Locks, the largest and most important of the 3 sets of locks at the Panama Canal.
Rejoining your coach, you will transfer back to the pier where your tour concludes.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 1-hour of moderate walking/standing over mostly even surfaces. Due to the difficulty level of boarding the lake boat, the tour is not available to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. Comfortable flat shoes; light clothing; sun hat; sun glasses; sun screen; and insect repellant are strongly recommended. The order of the sites viewed or visited may vary. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Boarding a touring vessel, you and your interpretive guide will slowly cruise the back channels, islands and bays that make up this unique ecosystem. Glide past lush rainforests to a secluded region of the lake and witness first-hand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just a few of the animals that you can view in their native surroundings. Cameras are a must as this is considered the world's premier location for viewing monkeys and other animals in the wild.
Either before or after your cruise on Gatun Lake, you will have the opportunity to visit the Gatun Locks, the largest and most important of the 3 sets of locks at the Panama Canal.
Rejoining your coach, you will transfer back to the pier where your tour concludes.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 1-hour of moderate walking/standing over mostly even surfaces. Due to the difficulty level of boarding the lake boat, the tour is not available to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. Comfortable flat shoes; light clothing; sun hat; sun glasses; sun screen; and insect repellant are strongly recommended. The order of the sites viewed or visited may vary. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
