Things to Do in Colon, Panama - Colon Attractions
Things to Do in Colon
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Colon.
Top Attractions in Colon
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Lori SEdwardsville, IL179 contributionsWe took an inaugural cruise through the new locks in February 2020. Very interesting though I was told the old locks were more interesting. As short as they are it seemed to take quite awhile but things have to move pretty slow.Written August 29, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- M&MYoung35 contributionsWe travelled on the railway off a cruise ship, we only did one-way on the route. We decided to travel in what they called a standard carriage but this has really large windows and an open area out the back of the carriage. We travelled in comfort - the air con was perfect, the seats comfy and the carriage was super tidy and the staff polite and friendly. Hubby is a train obsessive and so he had the best fun!Written February 14, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- alainl03Quebec City, Canada114 contributionsI was on a cruise and we stop for one day in Colon. We went there with a taxi we hire out of the cruise port. We loved the point of view we had on the Panama canal and this lock. It's a perfect point of view to see the new lock and the boat coming in the lock. The entrance cost is $10 and you don’t need to reserve it in advance.
We also really enjoy our taxi driver who was a proud Panamanian. He was an excellent guide: we all enjoy his humor and knowledge of Panama, the canal and Colon. He also went (with a stop) on the new bridge and we had a Colon city tour (interesting but it’s a city who desperately need money to renovate the building, streets…). If you cave have this taxi driver (Rigoberto Calderon +507-66-99-6480) you will have a wonderful day!Written April 16, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Kevin SPontypridd, UK5,251 contributions$5 entry, which is expensive for what it is. A pleasant introductory video and self guide yourselves around the site with its many information boards in Spanish and English. But it is not a large site, and not too many features, so it will be a short visit. Portobello offers as much or more in two forts for no charge.Written April 26, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- HarmonieAntwerp, Belgium857 contributionsThe pirogue journey on the Chagres river is already worth the visit on its own, for the beautiful scenery and wildlife on and along the river.
We visited the village of Parara Puru and received a warm and friendly welcome. While drinking a local juice we got very interesting explanations about the live, history and culture of the Embera that came to this region in the mid 50's of last century. One can wander around the village on its own, visit the small primary school, see people preparing their meal and purchase nice artwork.
Both the fruits offered and the fried tilapia in a banana leaf were very tasty.
And, of course, the visit ends with a "folkloristic" dance by the local community.
All in all: a colorful and interesting day!Written January 10, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Larry TMilford, DE553 contributionsWe visited here as part of a Princess excursion. We were allotted two hours. At first it was very busy but then thinned out. When busy it is hard to get a good viewing spot at the observation deck to see the ships going through the locks. If you can get a good position up front than you can get good photos. As it turns out our cruise ship was returning through the locks from Gatun Lake. It was quite a sight to see. You also get good views of Gatun Lake and ships on the lake waiting to go through the locks. The observation center seems to be a relatively new facility. There is a theater that offers a short documentary on the Panama Canal in English on the hour and in Spanish on the half-hour. You can purchase snacks here and there are tables under roof where you can sit to eat or just relax. There is a gift shop. The facility has nice restrooms. If you are adventurous there is a short nature trail through the rain forest. We took the trail but did not see any wildlife. The variety of plants and trees though was interesting.Written March 18, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Emi31 contributionsWe had some expectations but this free zone is best for bulk purchase or wholesale. Perfumes and watches maybe cheaper than the city shops. Would not return.Written March 19, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- CharlieinTexasAustin, TX3,760 contributionsQuite, Nice water views. Ruins of a fort. Cannons and parapets. On the outskirts of town. No entry fee.Written February 26, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- angeleyes27Brigantine, NJ4,858 contributionsThis center is a work in progress. There is an admission to enter. It consists of a restaurant, movie, gift shop and viewing area. The movie is short, about 12 minutes and is pretty good. If you shop at the gift shop, make sure you check the language of the item you purchase. There is no museum or exhibits here although we were told of a 25 minute nature trail which we couldn’t find. The viewing area is nice where you can watch the ships going through the locks.Written March 14, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- pinnontario canada1,500 contributionsNot alot there but felt safe compared to other areas of Colon. Had to go into supermarket to get Aloe Vera, so very convenient to cruise ship. Also starting point for tours.Written March 13, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Kevin SPontypridd, UK5,251 contributionsView from either side. Either by heading towards Agua Clara visitor centre or by heading over the bridge towards Fort San Lorenzo but turning left immediately over the bridge and going a few km until there is a clear space to park on your left. Both sides have good view of the locks on zoom photo.
The main photo tripadvisor has posted as the Atlantic bridge is in fact the Puente Centario nearer Panama city.Written April 26, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - cozweb1 contributionPanama is an amazing place with easy access to both the exotic, the thrilling, the fascinating, and the important. From Panama City to Boquete and from Bocas del Toro to the San Blas Islands, there is a truly rich variety of things to do and see. Punta Galeta in Colon Province is a unique opportunity to see the meeting of education and beauty.
The Punta Galeta Marine Laboratory is situated among tropical coastal and marine ecosystems - coral reefs, sea grass beds, mangrove forests and wetlands. Its educational program began in 2000 and teacher training in 2006. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the Galeta Point Marine Laboratory provide an exceptional bridge between research and Panamanian classrooms.
For visitors, this location is one of the easiest and the insight into today's Panama one of the best.Written May 18, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Judith DaleyNew York City, NY7 contributionsThe area is good to visit and take pictures, excellent people and colorful views. wonderful place to have funWritten September 5, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- RaySanDiegoLemon Grove, CA45 contributionsColon, Panama. We were on an eleven day cruise. Our second stop was Colon, Panama. We booked a tour to see the Canal, and monkeys. It was an outstanding tour. After an hours drive to Gatun lake and the Panama Canal we boarded pontoon boats. Our guide guaranteed not only would we see monkeys, we'd get up close and personal. And we did! Before the monkeys we sped past a gigantic cargo ship making its way through the canal. Our guide was outstanding pointing out island rodents, birds, a turtle and a couple of sloths high up in the trees. All expectations of this tour were exceeded. The monkeys! We saw monkeys up close. A few even boarded our boat. It's amazing to be "in nature". An awesome day!Written April 11, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Terrence S128 contributionsbad part of the city, but the church is beautiful. just be careful. easiy accessible. easy for transport. walking distance from the park.Written February 26, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colon
- The top attractions to visit in Colon are:
- Gatun Locks
- Agua Clara Locks
- Fort San Lorenzo
- Chagres National Park
- Observation Centre Canal Expansion
- The best outdoor activities in Colon according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Colon on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Colon according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal and Jungle Tour
- Tour at the Chagres Rainforest and Embera Indigenous Village
- Day Tour at Panama Canal and Monkey Island, from Ocean to Ocean
- Embera Village Day Tour, Chagres River & Waterfalls + Lunch, Fruits & Water
- Combination Tour from Panama City: Rainforest, San Lorenzo Fort and Canal Expansion
- The most popular things to do in Colon with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all kid friendly things to do in Colon on Tripadvisor