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Colón

Colon, Colon, Panama

Dive into History and Duty-Free Delights in Colón, Panama Colón, a vibrant city pulsating with Caribbean energy, awaits at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal. Don't let its gritty exterior fool you; Colón is a pla…

#Colon#Panama#Caribbean coast#Historic architecture#Port city

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Colón.

Top Hotels in Colón

Top Flights to Colón

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Colón.

Tours

Explore Gatun Locks

Witness the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal at the Gatun Locks where you can see massive ships passing through the locks.

Fort San Lorenzo

Visit this historic fort located in the jungle, overlooking the Chagres River and the Caribbean Sea.

Colon Museum

Discover the history and culture of Colon and the Panama Canal at the Colon Museum.

Shopping

Colon Free Zone Shopping

Shop till you drop in one of the world's largest free trade zones, offering a plethora of shopping choices.

Coconut House

Handmade crafts and artworks available in a unique local shop, perfect for souvenirs.

Sabanitas Central Market

A bustling local market offering a taste of local life. Perfect for fresh produce and handmade goods.

Outdoor

Train Ride to Panama City

Experience a picturesque train journey from Colon to Panama City along the scenic route parallel to the canal.

Portobelo National Park

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and historical significance of Portobelo National Park, known for its forts and colonial architecture.

Aqua Adventure Tours

Take a thrilling water adventure on a guided tour exploring the Caribbean Sea around Colon.

Colon Urban Adventures

Guided urban tours exploring the vibrant city life of Colon and its hidden gems.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Colón.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

78000.0

Languages

Spanish, Spanish

Average weather

Colón

Jan

30°24°

Feb

30°24°

Mar

30°25°

Apr

30°25°

May

30°25°

Jun

30°25°

Jul

30°25°

Aug

30°25°

Sep

30°25°

Oct

30°24°

Nov

29°24°

Dec

29°24°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Colón.

What people love

Colón, located in Colón, Panama, offers a unique travel experience with several pros:

Historical Significance: Colón is a historically rich city, serving as an important port during the construction of the Panama Canal. Visitors can explore the city's colonial architecture and learn about its role in shaping Panama's history.
Panama Canal: Colón is located near the Panama Canal, one of the world's most impressive engineering marvels. Travelers can visit the canal's locks, museums, and observation decks to witness the passage of massive ships through this vital waterway.
Caribbean Culture: Colón's location on the Caribbean coast gives it a vibrant and diverse cultural scene. Visitors can enjoy Caribbean cuisine, music, and festivals that showcase the region's heritage.
Natural Beauty: Colón is surrounded by lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. Nature lovers can explore national parks like Portobelo National Park or take a boat trip to nearby islands for snorkeling and diving adventures.
Shopping: Colón is known for its duty-free shopping opportunities, offering a wide range of products at competitive prices. Visitors can shop for electronics, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs at the city's various shopping centers and markets.
Accessibility: Colón is well-connected to other parts of Panama, making it a convenient hub for exploring the country. The city has a domestic airport, bus terminals, and a port for cruise ships, allowing travelers to easily move around and access different attractions.

Overall, traveling to Colón, Panama, offers a blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and convenience for visitors looking to explore a less touristy but intriguing part of the country.

What to know

There are several cons to consider when traveling to Colón, Panama:

Safety concerns: Colón has a reputation for being less safe than other areas of Panama. Petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing are common, and there have been reports of more serious crimes such as muggings and assaults. Travelers are advised to be cautious and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Infrastructure issues: Colón is known for its poor infrastructure, including unreliable public transportation, limited access to clean water, and a lack of adequate healthcare facilities. Travelers may find it challenging to navigate the city and may encounter difficulties in finding basic services.
Limited tourist attractions: While Colón does have some historical sites and cultural attractions, it is not as popular with tourists as other destinations in Panama. Visitors may find that there are fewer options for entertainment, dining, and shopping compared to other cities in the country.
Language barrier: Spanish is the official language in Panama, and while some people in Colón may speak English, travelers may encounter difficulties communicating with locals who do not speak the language. This could make it challenging to navigate the city and access services.

Overall, while Colón has its own unique charm and attractions, travelers should be aware of the potential challenges they may face when visiting the city. It is important to research and plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Colón, located on the Caribbean coast of Panama, is a historically significant city with a rich and complex history. It is situated at the northern end of the Panama Canal, which has played a crucial role in its development and importance.

Early History

Founding: Colón was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama Railroad, which was intended to facilitate travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, especially during the California Gold Rush. The city was originally named Aspinwall after one of the railroad's builders, William Henry Aspinwall, although it was known locally as Colón, in honor of Christopher Columbus.

The Panama Railroad

The completion of the Panama Railroad in 1855 was a significant event for Colón, as it became a vital transportation hub. The city rapidly expanded as a result of this increased traffic and trade.

The French Attempt at the Panama Canal

In the late 19th century, the French, under Ferdinand de Lesseps, attempted to construct the Panama Canal. Although this effort ultimately failed due to engineering problems and disease, it significantly impacted Colón’s development.

American Involvement and the Panama Canal

With the United States' successful completion of the Panama Canal in 1914, Colón's importance grew even further. The canal transformed global shipping routes and made Colón a critical point for maritime trade.

20th Century Growth and Challenges

Colón continued to grow throughout the 20th century, but it faced challenges such as social inequality and economic dependency on the canal and related commerce.
The city has experienced periods of unrest and economic difficulty, particularly during transitions in canal ownership and management.

Key Landmarks

Colón Free Zone: Established in 1948, it is the largest free-trade zone in the Americas and a vital part of the city's economy.
Port of Colón: One of the most significant ports in the Caribbean, it handles a large volume of the region’s shipping traffic.

Modern Era

Colón has been part of significant efforts to revitalize its economy and infrastructure in recent years. These efforts aim to address poverty and improve living conditions for its residents.

Historical Figures

William Henry Aspinwall: An American entrepreneur instrumental in the founding of Colón due to his involvement with the Panama Railroad.

Colón’s history is closely linked to the development of the Panama Canal and international trade, making it a city of considerable strategic importance. Despite facing economic and social challenges, it remains a key location for trade and commerce in Central America.