Overview of Colon, Panama

Colon, Panama sits near the mouth of the Panama Canal and is located on the Caribbean (eastern) side of the country. Founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama Canal, Colon is now home to more than 200,000 residents and is an important port and tourist destination. Colon has the second largest Free Trade Zone in the world, which makes for some excellent shopping opportunities. Colon has two cruise ship ports: Colon 2000 and Cristobal Pier. The piers are less than a mile apart, on opposite sides of the small peninsula, making them easily accessible of each other by taxi. The Cristobal Pier is known more for it arts and crafts shopping, while Colon 2000 has a wider variety of purchasing opportunities.

Colon, as a new port, comes with its share of problems. Known as one of the most dangerous and crime ridden ports, Colon's local government has taken many steps to make it a safer destination for visitors. Although moving in the right direction, safety is a concern and taking certain precautions will serve you well in this port, as well as any other you may visit.

What language is spoken at in Colon? Do they speak English?

Spanish is the official language and most people only speak a few words of English. Only about 8% of Panama’s residents speak English. This number is a likely a little higher in the major tourism spots, but count on Spanish being spoken in most cases.

What is the national currency in Panama?

The currency in Panama is called the Balboa. The US Dollar and the Balboa have the same value in Panama and have no exchange restrictions. For all intents and purposes, the Dollar is the actual currency with the Balboa serving as more of a monetary symbol.

Do they accept US Dollars around the port?

US Dollars are accepted everywhere and most port shops take credit cards as well, however, have dollars available for small stands and tents.

Where can I get or exchange money?

Those traveling with US Dollars do not have to worry about exchanging money, however, travelers carrying other currencies can make exchanges at local banks.

• Banks closest to Port: TAt either Colon 2000 or Cristobal Pier, there are many banks within the shopping area to choose from. If you use a bank, you will need a passport or a cruise card.
• ATMs closest to Port: There is an ATM located in the Super 99 Supermarket in Colon 2000. There are also various Western Union offices throughout the Free Zone. There are also numerous ATMs located in the Free Zone operated by Banco General.

How do I get around Colon?

Walking

This is only recommended within Colon 2000 and the Free Zone, otherwise it is not a good idea to walk around the city.

Taxis

This is by far a traveler’s best way of getting around Colon, especially if you desire to travel outside of Colon 2000 or the Free Zone. Taxis are regulated and a ride to anywhere in the city will cost about $3. A tour of the city in a taxi will cost about $30 and is the safest way to see the city. Taxis are available immediately outside each port.

Buses

There are buses that run to Panama City ever 30 minutes if you want to do a day trip. The express buses cost $2 and will get you there in an hour and a half.

Rental Car

Both Hertz and Budget rent cars in Colon. Rentals can be for the day, but offices are closed on Mondays.

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

There are plenty of Internet cafes with phone banks in both Plaza Colon 2000 and the Cristobal Pier flea market.

How can I call home? Are there call centers?

International calls can be made from Internet cafes at a reasonable price.

Where are the Internet cafes?

• Dell Tek Computers and Internet offers high speed computers for $1/hour. On cruise ship days the price goes up to $3/day. Located in the Colon 2000 mall.
• In the Cristobal Pier complex there is an Internet cafe on the opposite side of the complex from the flea market.

Internet cafe's in Colon, outside of the two pier areas.

• Bit’s International S.A. is an Internet café located on Calle 11 Amador Guerrero.
• Dollar Rent a Computer has 20 PCs for $1/hour. Located next to Bit’s Internet.

What are the cell phone rates?

Verizon is $1.99/minute and AT&T is between $1.69 and $1.99/minute. Contact your cell phone provider for international roaming rates.

What are the top attractions and must-sees in Colon? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• The Gatun Locks are the biggest locks on the Panama Canal and are a modern marvel of engineering. The Gatun Locks allow for a cruise or cargo ship to enter the canal, which is 85 feet above sea level, by raising the water level in each lock until the ship is at canal level (view the video below to see this process in action.) The locks are open to visitors seven days a week from 9am-4pm. A roundtrip taxi ride will cost $30 for four people.

Check out this time lapse video of a Celebrity Cruises ship passing through the Panama Canal.

• Portobelo National Park, located about 45 minutes northeast of Colon, is a protected area where the tropical rain forest meets the Caribbean Sea. Its 44 miles of beautiful beaches is a favorite with divers. The park also includes the ruins of five Spanish forts constructed in the 16th century, which have been preserved as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Beaches

Colon is not the traditional Caribbean cruise port in that beaches are not among the main attractions. The best beaches near Colon are over 20 miles away in Portobelo National Park or inland on the lakes.

Shopping

The best shopping is located right when you step foot off the boat. Both Colon 2000 and the flea market at Cristobal Pier offer a wide array of merchandise, such as: Panama hats, electronics, cosmetics, jewelry, woodwork, sundresses, sunglasses and alcohol. Depending on which port your ship docks, you will be either walking distance or a short taxi ride away from the other pier's shopping area.

Golf

There are no real golfing options for Colon. The closest golf courses are over an hour and a half away near Panama City.

Scuba

Scuba Panama has dive tours exploring the reefs in Portobelo National Park. For more information about scuba tours near Colon, contact Scuba Panama by email or phone at +(507)261-3841/+(507)262-4064.

Tours

• Panama Canal Railway is the world's first transcontinental railroad. This tour will take you along the Panama Canal to the Pacific Ocean and back. This seven and a half hour tour is a wonderful way to experience scenery that surrounds the canal. Tours purchased through the cruise lines include a two hour bus tour through the Pacific coast area of the canal. The bus tour will take you to The Bridge of the Americas, Canal Headquarters, former US Bases, and Mira Flores Locks.
• Panama Canal Partial Transit tour allows you to experience the Panama Canal first hand. You will sail by ferry or yacht from the Cruise 2000 dock to the other side of the canal, passing by Panama City. This tour is an excellent alternative to the railroad tour.

What are the best eats in Colon?

• Ceviche is typically made with fresh raw fish marinated in lemon or lime juice, salt, onion and spiced with chili peppers.
• Patacones, also known as Tostones, are fried slices of plantains, flattened and refried. Patacones are a very popular side dish and go very well with Ceviche.

Where are the best places to get them?

Restaurante Concolon is located just north of the Cruise 2000 port.

What are the must-drinks in Colon?

Margaritas are not just a favorite in Mexico. A tequila based drink, margaritas come in all flavors and sizes. Try a mango margarita while in Colon.

Where is the best place to get them?

Cafe Iguana, inside Cruise 2000, has excellent drinksm as well as food.

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Colon?

Under $25:

Handcrafted wooden puzzle boxes, available at the Cristobal Pier flea market, make great gifts.

$25-$75

Panama Hats will give you shade from the sun as you continue your cruise vacation and are a nice reminder of your stop in Colon.

Over $75

Paintings and sculptures found at the Cristobal Pier flea market, allow you to bring home some Panamanian culture. However, Colon's free trade zone offers some buying opportunities that may be too good to pass up.

What is the weather like in Colon, Panama?

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in Colon