Colón, Panama: travel guide
Caribbean port at the Atlantic end of the Panama Canal
Caribbean port city at the Atlantic mouth of the Panama Canal, home to the Gatún and Agua Clara Locks and the historic Panama Canal Railway terminus, plus Fuerte San Lorenzo guarding the Chagres River mouth.
About Colón
Colón is a Caribbean port city at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal, and it is more a working gateway than a leisure destination. Its main interest for visitors lies in the canal itself and in the historic sites nearby.
The Agua Clara and Gatún Locks let you watch ships being raised and lowered through the canal, an impressive sight for anyone curious about engineering. The Panama Canal Railway links Colón with Panama City, and the Fuerte San Lorenzo guards the mouth of the Chagres River from a cliff above the sea. Portobelo, a separate destination with its own Spanish colonial forts, lies to the east.
Colón suits canal enthusiasts and history lovers, usually as a day trip from Panama City. Visits are best planned for the drier months from December to April.
- Country
- Panama
- Currency
- USD
- Time zone
- America/Panama
Last updated
Top places to visit in Colón
Agua Clara Locks
Heritage · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Atlantic-side visitor centre of the expanded Panama Canal, overlooking the giant neopanamax locks and Gatun Lake.
Gatun Locks
Heritage · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The original three-step Atlantic locks of 1914 that lift ships up to Gatun Lake.
Fuerte San Lorenzo
Fort · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
UNESCO-listed Spanish fort on a cliff at the mouth of the Chagres River, guarding the old gold route.
Things to do
- Agua Clara Locks & Gatun Lake Tour Tour · 5 h · from USD 60 per person
- Fuerte San Lorenzo Day Trip Cultural · 6 h · from USD 70 per person
Day trips and tours
- Portobelo & Agua Clara Locks 8 h · from USD 70
Where to stay in Colón
Hotels
- Radisson Colon 2000 4-star · USD 100 to USD 170 per night
Getting to Colón
Nearest airport: Panama City (PAC), about 57 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Minibus
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Distraction theft in Colon city
Downtown Colon
Petty thieves work in pairs to distract and pickpocket visitors on the street.
How to avoid it: Avoid walking through central Colon with valuables; take a taxi door to door.
More in Panama
Frequently asked questions about Colón
- What are the main places to visit in Colón?
- Places covered in our Colón guide include Agua Clara Locks, Gatun Locks, Fuerte San Lorenzo.
- How do I get around Colón?
- Ways to get around Colón covered in our guide: Minibus, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Colón?
- Scams reported to us for Colón include Distraction theft in Colon city. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.