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Things to do in Colón

Our most recommended things to do in Colón

Panama: Panama Canal, Colón Rainforest and San Lorenzo Fort

1. Panama: Panama Canal, Colón Rainforest and San Lorenzo Fort

Explore the Panamanian rainforest and walk in the footsteps of the Spanish settlers of the early 19th century. Learn the history of the pirates, visit the new lock system for tankers and cargo ships, and see various forest wildlife. Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in Panama City, and then journey by air-conditioned vehicle for approximately 1 hour as you make your way to Colón. First visit the Agua Clara Canal expansion to spend about 1 hour learning about the new canal system, built to support the passage of supertankers and large cargo ships as they pass along the Panama Canal. After the Canal visit, cross the new Atlantic bridge heading to the rainforest, and then get back to nature as you explore the ecological paradise by minibus. Discover the home of different species of mammals, reptiles and amphibious species. Observe the amazing wildlife in their natural habitat, and enjoy plenty of stops to take souvenir photos.  Next, go to the historic monument of San Lorenzo Fort, renowned for preventing attacks by the real pirates of the Caribbean for almost 75 years. Learn the history of the fort, now in ruins after the Spanish largely abandoned it in the mid 19th century. Later, continue the ride into the rainforest to find more animals, and as an option, you can take a 20-minute walk with a machete along a jungle trail to experience the rainforest like the Spaniards 500 years ago.

Colon: Agua Clara Locks & San Lorenzo Fort Private Tour

2. Colon: Agua Clara Locks & San Lorenzo Fort Private Tour

We will meet at Supermarket Super 99 near the Colon Home Port, about 700 meters away from the Gangway. We will start by visiting the amazing expanded Panama Canal Locks named Agua Clara: The center offers a breathtaking panoramic view that contrasts two particular scenarios that generate mixed feelings. We will drive along the coast and go over the largest bridge built in Panama with a stunning view of the mouth of the Caribbean sea. Our next stop is Gatun Lake which consists of three steps or pairs of chambers. The transit inside these locks is different from the Agua Clara. Time to pass by the Former Sherman US Fort, which complemented the defensive armament of Fort Randolph across Limon Bay. Stationed at Fort Sherman were two harbor defense battalions and one anti-aircraft gun battalion. We drive along the rainforest to finally reach the San Lorenzo fort, the 400-year-old Spanish ruins of San Lorenzo are a Unesco World Heritage Site. We will bring you back to the dock

Panama City: Small-Group Miraflores Locks and City Tour

3. Panama City: Small-Group Miraflores Locks and City Tour

Starting the day early will give you the chance to learn even more about the Panama Canal. Skip the traffic and arrive at the Miraflores Locks visitor center when it opens, so you can watch the action in peace. After the canal, head to Casco Viejo, the second city of Panama built in 1673. Walk around and enjoy the architecture and hear about its historical relevance.  Drive over the Bridge of the Americas for amazing views. Stop at the viewpoint to hear more about Panama City and its future. The Amador Causeway, Panama City's bustling boardwalk, is one of the most refreshing places in the city. End the tour with some recommendations for lunch and further exploration from your guide, leaving you with the tools to get the most out of your visit to this beautiful and modern city.

Panama: Chagres National Park & Embera Village Private Tour

4. Panama: Chagres National Park & Embera Village Private Tour

In Panama there are still several ethnic groups that still preserve their cultures and traditions, including their language, the Embera ethnic group is one of them, participate in this tour where you will admire the exuberance of the tropical forest, navigate the Chagres River in a canoe, enjoy a traditional lunch with seasonal fruit salad and you will learn a little about the tradition and culture of the Embera ethnic group, in short, it is an adventure tour, tradition and culture. Itinerary 08:00 am - pick up at the hotel 09:30 am - arriving at the local dock 09:45 am - boarding the canoe to navigate the Chagres river 10:15 am - dropping of the canoe to hike in the rainforest to go to the waterfall (depends on your physical condition) 11:15 am - back to the canoe 12:00 noon - lunch at the Embera village and speech given by one of the leaders of the community 12:45 - traditional Embera dance 13:15 - back to the canoe 14:00 - drop of at the hotel (times may vary due to the wheather and traffic)

From Panamá City: Panama Canal and Fort San Lorenzo Tour

5. From Panamá City: Panama Canal and Fort San Lorenzo Tour

After picking you up at your hotel, you will go to the Panama Canal Visitor Center located in Agua Clara. Watch the large vessels in the new locks of the Panama Canal, one of the most important engineering works worldwide. After you arrive at your destination, head to Fort San Lorenzo fortress, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Fort Portobelo. Explore the military fortress dating from the 1750s with your guide. An exemplar specimen of the defence system built by the Spanish Crown to protect its transatlantic trade, take yourself back in time with stories about the famous pirates and sea captains, such as Henry Morgan and Francis Drake. After your guided tour finished, relax on your return transfer back to Panamá City by vehicle, arriving back at your hotel in time for lunch.

Chagres River in Expedition Kayaks

6. Chagres River in Expedition Kayaks

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. To establish the Panama Canal waterway the Gatun Lake was created in 1913 by building Gatun Dam at the Chagres River before it reaches the Atlantic Ocean. It was once the world's biggest artificial lake. Every time a Ship crosses the canal toward the Pacific Ocean at the Miraflores Locks or toward the Atlantic Ocean at the Gatun Locks 52,000,000 gallons of fresh water are spilled from Gatun Lake. With the creation of Gatun Lake many mountain tops became islands. This offers endless channel possibilities to scout. In its shores covered by dense tropical forest you will find all kinds of tropical flora and fauna. This was deemed as an opportunity for research by the Smith Sonian Research Institute that operates the famous Research Station at Barro Colorado since 1946. ITINERARY Our tour begins by picking up guests at Panama City around 7:00 a.m. We will arrive to Panama Canal Gatun Dam, one hour and 30 minutes later to start kayaking around 9:30 a.m. To drive in and out this area, we will go across the Panama Canal by ferry in our vehicle while the third bridge that goes across the canal is being built. Before, the Old Gatun Locks where used to crossed vehicles working as a bridge when they were closed. However, due to consideration for the new set of Aguas Claras Locks this is no longer possible. We will start an exciting 3-4 hours tour paddling expedition kayaks through dense tropical forest all the way to the Caribbean Ocean where Spaniard Conquistadores built Forth San Lorenzo. Since the XVI century it has silently kept away the Caribbean pirates that used this waterway to take by surprise assault Panama City in the Pacific. The actual paddling time will depend on the participants conditions and skills, strength of wind, and river current. And we had done it as fast as in two hours or as long as 4 hours. We do will paddle as fast as the slowest kayak. After visiting Fort San Lorenzo we will head back toward Panama City to reach original pick up place about 5:00 p.m. You will be able to see the jungle awakening and it is very likely that you might still encounter some morning mist. You will go back in time to imagine episodes of the Spaniard American Conquest. We should arrive at the take out zone around 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. and be back to the original pick up place about 5:00 p.m. - You can also meet us by the Gatun Dam ramp.

Panama Tocumen Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Colón

7. Panama Tocumen Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Colón

Comfort Private Transfer from Panama Tocumen Airport to your accommodation in Colón. All Vehicles fully licensed and insured. Our cars are equipped with all necessary facilities for a trip to any part of the world under any weather conditions, including additional fastenings for sports and other equipment. On request for your tourists, we have child seats for all ages. Vehicles are clean inside and outside; our drivers’ always are well dressed and always pay attention to our guests. They speak English. They will meet you with a name sign; help with luggage and on arrival to the hotel.

Panama Tocumen Airport: Round Trip Private Transfer to Colón

8. Panama Tocumen Airport: Round Trip Private Transfer to Colón

Round Trip Comfort Private Transfer from Panama Tocumen Airport to your accommodation in Colón. All Vehicles fully licensed and insured. Our cars are equipped with all necessary facilities for a trip to any part of the world under any weather conditions, including additional fastenings for sports and other equipment. On request for your tourists, we have child seats for all ages. Vehicles are clean inside and outside; our drivers’ always are well dressed and always pay attention to our guests. They speak English. They will meet you with a name sign; help with luggage and on arrival to the hotel.

Other Sightseeing Options in Colón

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What people are saying about Colón

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 187 reviews

The drive isn't too long and the guide (Daniel) is a wealth of information about everything you could possibly want to learn about the locks and the fort, the rivers. Great tour. I would have liked to get inside the rain forest but Daniel warned us of snakes, whether or not that's true, no idea, but didn't want to test out the theory.

Everything is excellent - places, guides. Many new expired - historical places, natural places and very good gaid name Mario. Thanks for everything. Recommended.

Excellent tour, clean vehicle, professional service, great Spanish and English translation. Would highly recommend this service!

Our guide Paul was excellent ! Full of Knowledge about the city and history of Panama. The whole family loved it.

Perfect organization, small group, friendly guide. The best of Panama City in half a day