Both a city and seaport in Panama, Colon was founded by the United States in 1850 as the Atlantic terminal of the Panama Railroad. Colon is the Spanish form of Columbus, and the neighboring port of Cristobal is Spanish for Christopher.
Located on Panama's Atlantic coast near the Panama Canal's northern opening, Colon is the country's second-largest city and the largest on the Atlantic side. The city was established on a treacherous inlet known as Manzanillo Island, connected to the mainland by a causeway built during construction of the Panama Railroad.
Colon is one of the most important ports of the Caribbean Sea and was made a duty-free trade zone in 1953. From a tourist's perspective, the city primarily serves as a base for exploring the Atlantic half of the Panama Canal and as a starting point for trips to other points of historical interest. The city itself is largely industrial with few tourist attractions.
Check out these excursions in Colon.
Know Before You Go
Hot Tip
Colón, Panama – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in Colón, Panama
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
Colon has two cruise terminals. The main facility is Colon 2000, where the majority of ships dock — cruise passengers board shore excursions right outside the terminal, with buses in the parking area just a few yards from the gangway. Pier 6 of Cristobal Port on the south side of Limon Bay is also used. The original Cristobal Pier is seldom used anymore.
The Colon 2000 terminal includes shops, restaurants, taxis, and a central desk for fixed-fare transportation — everything you need is accessible without leaving the secure terminal area.
Getting Around Colón, Panama
Transportation options once you're ashore.
🚶 Walking
Not advised outside the cruise terminal area. The Colon 2000 complex itself is safe and has shops, dining, and services within a secured perimeter.
🚕 Taxi
Taxi services are available in Colon and fares are relatively inexpensive. Prices are fixed by the central desk inside the Colon 2000 terminal — always use the official desk to arrange your taxi rather than flagging one down independently.
🚗 Car Rental
Several rental car services operate in Colon including Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, Dollar, Mexrentacar, and Sunnycars. Note that the majority of rental cars are manual transmission — an additional charge applies for automatic. You will need a valid ID, a driver's license approved for driving in Panama, and third-party auto insurance. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road in Panama.
Things To Do in Colón, Panama
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 Here are the key attractions accessible from Colon:
Gatun Locks — The largest locks in the Panama Canal and one of the great engineering sights in the world. Open to visitors daily 9am–4pm. Watch massive vessels transit the locks from the observation deck. Arrange round-trip taxi service through the terminal desk — one of the most worthwhile excursions from Colon.
Colon City Tour — Coach and taxi-based tours covering the city's main sights: the New Washington Hotel overlooking the canal entrance, the stone-built Episcopal Christ Church Cathedral, and a monument to Christopher Columbus. Best done through an organized tour for safety.
Portobelo — About 20 miles northeast of Colon, Portobelo ("beautiful port" in old Spanish) is located on the northern Isthmus of Panama. The ruins of five Spanish forts and incredible sea views make this one of the most historically significant and visually stunning excursions from the port. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beaches & Outdoors in Colón, Panama
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
Shopping in Colón, Panama
Where to shop and what to look for.
Shopping Center Near the Pier
A strip mall-style shopping center is located directly across from the pier. It contains a grocery store, a sandwich shop, and souvenir stores — convenient for basics and small gifts without venturing far from the terminal.
Colon 2000 Terminal
The Colon 2000 cruise terminal itself has a selection of souvenir vendors and shops within its secure complex — the safest and most convenient shopping option for cruise passengers.
Dining in Colón, Panama
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ Dining options in Colon are limited but convenient within the terminal complex. The cafe at Cristobal Pier has bar-type snacks for a quick bite.
Arrecifes
Caribbean, Latin, Seafood · Colon 2000 Terminal
Located inside the Colon 2000 port complex. Serves Caribbean and Latin cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood — one of the better dining options within the secure terminal area.
Rotana Cafe
Pizza, Chicken, Vegetarian · Colon 2000 Terminal
Also inside the Colon 2000 complex. Offers pizza, lemon chicken, and vegetarian options — a good choice for those with dietary preferences.
Grand Cafe
Lebanese, Mediterranean · Colon City
Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine in Colon city. Only recommended as part of an organized tour or with a trusted taxi — do not walk to this restaurant independently.
Restaurante Nuevo 2 Mares
Panamanian · Colon City
Authentic Panamanian cuisine. As with Grand Cafe, only visit as part of an organized excursion or with a fixed-fare taxi arranged through the terminal desk.
Top Tours & Shore Excursions
Book before you board for best availability and pricing.
Aerial Tram and Miraflores Locks
⏱ 6.5 Hours · Moderate activity
<p>Take a one-hour gondola ride and ascend 280 feet from the forest floor to the canopy of the Gamboa rainforest. The Ob...
Book This Tour →Embera Indians and Miaflores Locks
⏱ 6.5 Hours · Moderate activity
<p>Visit an authentic Embera Indian village where the indigenous people are committed to preserving their traditions. Yo...
Book This Tour →Colón, Panama – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
Is Colón Panama safe for cruise passengers?
Colón city itself has a high crime rate and most cruise lines advise passengers not to wander independently. However, the cruise terminals (Colon 2000 and Cristobal) are secure. Book organized excursions rather than exploring independently.
What should I do in Colón Panama on a cruise stop?
The main draw is accessing Panama Canal excursions — the Miraflores Locks, Gatun Locks, and Gatun Lake are all reachable. Emberá indigenous village tours are also highly rated. Panama City day trips are possible but require a full day.
Can I see the Panama Canal from Colón?
Yes — the Gatun Locks are just a short drive from the cruise terminals and you can watch ships transit the canal up close. The Miraflores Locks near Panama City are a longer trip but offer an excellent visitor center.
Cruise Passenger Tips & Photos
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