Beaches, Islands, Military Forts and History
Colon is located 80 kilometers from Panama City on the Caribbean coast, close to the Panama Canal. The highlight of the province are its Caribbean towns where you can enjoy the rich culinary culture, calypso music and the traditional Congo dance, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Colon has paradisiacal islands, perfect for snorkeling, rowing and kayaking, as well as white sand beaches to relax. You will also discover waterfalls in the dense forests of Portobelo National Park.
In Colon you will travel in time when you visit its military forts from the colonial era, witnesses of an impressive history full of pirates, gold and a unique commercial exchange in the world.
Tour the Beaches of Costa Arriba
Costa Arriba is a route full of history that you can access through Sabanitas town, just 10 kilometers from Colon City. Here you will discover natural landscapes, a highly influential Afro-Antillean culture and charming people. A tour where you find fishing communities and historic towns like Portobelo with its military forts. You will also find beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters in Maria Chiquita, Playa La Angosta, Venas Azules, Isla Mamey, Isla Grande, Nombre de Dios, Viento Frio and Palenque.
Go Shopping in Colon 2000 Duty Free Mall
This destination is located 70 kilometers from Panama City, a mandatory stop if you want to experience the cultural wealth of Colon. Located in the most touristy and safe area of the city, this mall, in addition to receiving large cruise ships, houses a wide variety of stores with the latest trends in fashion, technology and sporting goods. It also has a food court full of culinary delights and an impressive view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Port of Manzanillo.
Bulk Shopping in the Colon Free Zone
This is the second most important free zone in the world with around 2,649 established service companies and centers for import, storage, assembly, and re-export of products to any part of the world. If you want to buy in bulk, here they exempt you from taxes on big brand products that you import outside of Panama. The hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. There are tours for you to enjoy a grand day of shopping.
Discover the Colonial Forts of Portobelo
To get there you must drive along the road from Sabanitas town, until you see the ruins of a Spanish castle and its old cannons. Set of forts that once defended the town from pirate attacks and today are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk through its brightly colored streets and houses, try Afro-Caribbean cuisine and get to know its Congo culture. In the central square, visit the Customs building, converted into a museum about the history of the African people during the Spanish colony.
Live an Afro-Antillean Experience in Isla Grande
This tropical paradise, surrounded by coral reefs and beaches, is the center of the Afro-Antillean culture that you enjoy in the music and gastronomy you find in the town. In Isla Grande there are accommodation for all tastes, and you can enjoy the sun, rest or explore nearby mangroves. The most popular activities are snorkeling and diving, thanks to the extensive fish population. It is mandatory to visit the famous Black Christ in the water and the lighthouse designed by the same man who designed the Eiffel Tower.
We invite you to also visit these places:
▪️Nombre de Dios, oldest town founded in America by Europeans.
▪️ Fort San Lorenzo, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
▪️ Coastal Belt of Colon, City, ideal for walking and enjoying the Atlantic.
