Located on the Caribbean coast, Colón is the capital of the Colon Province. It sits on the entrance to the Panama Canal. There are a number of attractions to explore in Colón, including the Canal Expansion Observation Center, which offers viewing platforms for the canal. For those who are interested in historical sites, the city is also home to Fort San Lorenzo, a well-preserved colonial military structure.
Soberania National Park
This 55,000 acre park is situated on the eastern bank of the Panama Canal, just a twenty-five minute drive from the city of Panama. Here, you can find a wide variety of wildlife including more than five hundred species of birds. There are also 105 species of mammals and 79 species of reptiles. Amphibians can also be found in the park.
This national park has the potential to become a world-class tourist destination. By developing a tourism action plan, the park can set a model for other national parks to follow. To achieve this, the park must first develop an image and identify its appropriate market. Once this is done, the park will be better positioned to market itself as an ecotourism destination.
The park features an array of wildlife, including thousands of ants. Many of the ants are harmless, but there are also several dangerous species. The park also features six nature trails where visitors can interact with the biological diversity of this protected area. The park is located in the heart of Colon, Panama, which means that it has easy access to many attractions and transportation.
Soberania National Park is located in the province of Colon in Panama, approximately twenty-five kilometers away from Panama City. It spans 55,000 acres of dry rainforest and the Chagres River. It is also home to the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, an ecotourism beacon that features a 32-meter-high top deck.
Barro Colorado Island
If you want to spend your vacation on an island in the Pacific, you should definitely visit Barro Colorado Island. This island is located in Gatun Lake, which was created during the construction of the Panama Canal. Today, the island has been declared a national monument and is an important scientific research facility. You can hike around the island within a few hours, and you’ll get to see monkeys, anteaters, birds, and other animals.
The island was established as a nature reserve on April 17, 1923, by the U.S. government, first administered by the Panama Canal Company and then the Smithsonian. Today, this island, along with five adjacent peninsulas, is one of the most studied tropical forest areas in the world. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute maintains a permanent research facility on the island dedicated to studying the island’s unique ecosystems.
After the hike, you can visit the Visitor Center, where you can learn about the island’s natural history and explore its pristine rainforests. The center is located in a former field research station, which was built in 1924. It was originally the site of a laboratory, dormitory, and dining room.
For those interested in shopping, there are numerous boutiques and specialty shops. One of the main streets, Avenida Central, is six blocks long and lined with souvenir stores and restaurants of every type. You can find everything from dollar stores to designer boutiques and perfume showrooms. You can also enjoy a visit to Panama Viejo, an old part of Colon. It has one of the largest art and craft markets in the country.
Portobelo fort
One of the most important places in the province of Colon is the Portobelo fort, which is a place of historical importance. Christopher Columbus first named it in 1502 and its name means “beautiful harbor.” The fort is a major attraction in the town, which also has two Spanish forts. The fort is part of Portobelo National Park, which is about an hour’s drive from Panama City.
Portobelo is home to several ruins of the fort and a small museum. There are also vendor booths selling items. There is also the Black Christ statue, which is a revered religious figure and the centerpiece of the Iglesia de San Felipe church. Every year on October 21, the city celebrates the anniversary of the statue.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Portobelo is located in the middle of the Caribbean. It was one of Spain’s richest ports from the mid-16th century to the early 18th century. It is a small town, but is a popular day trip destination along the Central Caribbean coast. It was once home to the famous Portobelo fairs, where gold and silver were plucked from South America and moved by mules to Panama City.
The town also offers a variety of dining options. Portobelo has many chino stores, and three major supermarkets. You can buy meat, produce, and dairy products at a local market.
Soberania Free Trade Zone
If you’re looking for a unique place to visit in Colon, Panama, you’ve come to the right place. This town is known for its free trade zone (or “zona libre”), which was founded in the late 1940s. This area is home to more than 1500 companies and provides them with duty-free import and shipping benefits.
Aside from being an amazing place to visit, the Colon Free Trade Zone is also a place to buy great products. You can purchase a variety of products for very low prices. You can shop for items ranging from electronics to clothing and appliances.
To visit the Free Trade Zone, you can take the train from Panama City. The train departs early in the morning and returns late at night. You can also combine this tour with a trip to other Caribbean destinations, such as the Darien Gap.
The Free Trade Zone in Colon was established in 1948 to address two basic needs for the country’s economy: modernizing the economic service sector, and streamlining regional trade. The zone is now a pillar of the Panamanian economy, and a commercial showcase for the entire continent.
Another great place to visit in Colon is the Metropolitan Natural Park. This 320-hectare park protects the watershed that’s crucial for the canal. The park also has an observation tower for those who want to take in the natural wonders of the area. The park also hosts the Smithsonian Institute’s research station, Barro Colorado Island, on Gatun Lake.
San Lorenzo fort
One of the most iconic sites in Colon is the San Lorenzo fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was built by Italian engineer Juan Bautista Antonelli in the 17th century, and is considered one of the finest examples of military architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. It lies on a promontory overlooking the Chagres River. In 1670, it was attacked by the buccaneer Henry Morgan, who then invaded Panama City.
After serving as a prison for more than a century, the fort became a campground for prospectors during the Gold Rush. Prospectors camped there to wait for steamboat services on the Chagres River. After 1855, the Panama Railway made it possible for the gold miners to move on to Colon. In the 1980s, UNESCO took on the project of restoring the fort. Despite its poor condition, the fort remains a visually impressive sight.
Another attraction in Colon is the Gatun Locks. A visit to the lock’s visitors pavilion is free and provides a good look at the canal and its locks. The park also has a bilingual brochure and a viewing platform. However, the entrance is not well-signposted. Be sure to look for it just after you pass the canal vehicle bridge and parking lot.
If you’re in the mood for shopping, try Avenida Central, a six-block pedestrian mall lining with restaurants and stores of all kinds. There are dollar stores, souvenir shops, and designer shops. You can also buy souvenirs at the Panama Viejo market.
Isla Colon
Isla Colón is the northernmost and main island of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. The archipelago is part of the Panamanian province of Bocas del Toro. The archipelago is home to a variety of wildlife and stunning landscapes.
One of the most popular places to visit on Isla Colon is the Floating Bar. Located just a two-minute water taxi ride from Bocas Town, the Floating Bar has a relaxed atmosphere and offers cool drinks and delicious food. Visitors can also take advantage of the Floating Bar’s dive boards or snorkeling opportunities.
Isla Colon is the main island of the Bocas del Toro archipelago and is the tourist-oriented capital of the province. While the town is primarily a tourist destination, you can experience the island’s natural beauty by exploring the island’s wilder areas, which serve as paths and reserves for wildlife. You can also enjoy the island’s beaches, which are the focus of most Isla Colon itineraries.
As the most populated island of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, Isla Colon is a perfect destination for beach and eco-tourism. It is also home to the province’s main town, Bocas Town. It has ATMs and supermarkets.
