Things to do in Colón

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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.

Colon Attractions

There are opportunities for fun around every corner in Colon. From awesome activities to impressive tourist attractions, this delightful city packs a sightseeing punch. Ready to start organizing your itinerary?

Find out what makes Colon tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips. Check out our top {129 fun activities in Colon fun activities in Colon}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

What to do in Colón

Free Things to Do in Colon

Taking a break in Colon on a budget? The following can be seen for nothing.

Gatún Dam - Get out of the fast lane and spend a bit of time relaxing close to the water.

Monument to Christopher Columbus - Pull out your guidebook and discover why this place is worth a spot on your to-do list.

Things to Do in Colon with Kids

There's fun for all the family wherever you go in Colon. Here are some family friendly experiences you can enjoy together that promise to make your trip memorable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Colón? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Colón

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

Blanca Beach

4/5(5 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree 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

4/5(5 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Colon with a stop at 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

3.5/5(4 reviews)

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

Real Aduana de Portobelo
The Iglesia de San Felipe

San Felipe Church

3.5/5(3 reviews)

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
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 with a visit to Mirador Perú. Discover the area's festivals and churches.

Mirador Perú
Sail boats and Fuerte Santiago fortress in Portobelo village, Panama

Fuerte Santiago

4/5(2 reviews)

Fuerte Santiago 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 Santiago

Colon Free Zone

3.5/5(25 reviews)

During your trip to Colon, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Colon Free Zone.

Colon Free Zone

Colon 2000

3.5/5(10 reviews)

During your visit to Colon, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Colon 2000. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Colon 2000

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in 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

Travelers 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

The museums and monuments are just a few features travelers like about Gatun. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Canal Expansion Observation Center and Gatun Locks are a few top places to visit.

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

While visiting Barrio Norte, you might make a stop by sights like Limon Bay and Monument to Christopher Columbus.

Barrio Norte

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Colón

Panoramic view at the Downtown of Panama City - Panama

Panama City

Protected nature surrounding Gatun Lake, a freshwater artificial lake to the south of Colón, Panama. It forms a major part of the Panama Canal

Colon

Adobe

Gamboa

Isla Grande Panama Tropen Strand

Isla Grande

#lifeatexpedia Beautiful Portobelo is full of history and culture. Located on the Caribbean coast it has a variety of world class attractions. The historic town of Portobelo is one of the most scenic spots in Panama. Set on a turquoise Caribbean bay, it was Spanish Empires' s trade epicenter in the 16th and 17th century. Don´t miss the Portobello Fortress and the Cristo Negro Church!

Portobelo

Scenic Coiba Island Aerial View

Santa Isabel

Aerial view of Fort Sherman at Toro Point, Panama Canal, Panama

Fort Sherman

Panama canal

Chilibre

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Colon on a sunny day?
What should I not miss in Colon?
Gatun Locks is one sight you shouldn't jump back on that plane without stopping by.
Are there cheap things to do in Colon?
If you're craving a little fun without having to empty your piggy bank, sign up for these perfectly priced experiences:


What can you do in Colon for free?
You could store your wallet in the hotel safe for the day, because these terrific attractions will cost you nothing at all:

  • Blanca Beach
  • Isla Mamey
  • Colon 2000
  • Monument to Christopher Columbus