PanamaSights.com - Colon province

Head of Province: Colón (the town of)
Population: 100,131 inhabitants in the province (2000 census)
Surface:
Coastal Area: Caribbean Sea
Major Islands: None, but tiny Isla Grande is the best known island.

The capital of the province of Colon bears the same name as the province and it is the 2nd largest city in the Republic of Panama. It is located at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal.

The city of Colon although kind of delapidated is the most important crossroad of merchandise traffic of the republic. This is thanks to the Colon Free Trade Zone where most of the import/export is handled. This Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal is one of the largest port/haven systems in Latinamerica, even surpassing the Port of Miami. This is a conglomerate of the Manzanillo International Terminal, Colon Container Terminal, Panama Port Terminal (formerly Port of Cristobal) and Colon Port Terminal.

The population of Colon is predominantly from African-Antillean origin which is quite a contrast from Panama city which is a melting pot of people.

You can reach the city of Colon by road by following the northbound Transistmica road (if you cross the Bridge over the Canal you are going the wrong way!). This is a 55 minute car ride. If you want to avoid heavy traffic take the "Corredor Norte" (Northern Highway)

You can also go to Colon by Express Bus leaving from La Gran Terminal in Albrook, Panama. This takes about 1:15 hours and costs around $2.00 one way. Moreover, you can fly to Colon city from the Albrook Airport for about $75 round trip; keep in mind that most of the times the flights are fully booked by companies from the Free Trade Zone.

Another more interesting possibility is to travel from Colon to Panama city by train. The old railways no longer exist and have been replaced by a new one (privatized). This train leaves from the Corozal terminal in Panama very early in the morning (after 7AM) and takes about 45 minutes. The return trip is around 17:30. The ticket costs about $35 round trip and $20 one way. It is advisable to book in advance because sometimes (usually?) the train is booked full by cruiseship companies for transporting their cruise passengers. The Panama Canal Railway Company has a 25 year concession to rebuild (already done) and develop this 78 kilometer path. I am glad to say that I took this trip when I was a kid (the very old railways) and it was a memorable experience, unfortunately I have no "historical" pictures. I hope to take this train ride soon.

This railroad was originally built to connect the city of Colon (formerly known as Aspinwall city) to Panama city on the Pacific. It was the very first transcontinental railroad of the Americas. Thousands of lives were lost building this 78 km stretch of railroad.

Cruise ships arrive to either of the two successful ports of call: Colon 2000 and Muelle 6 at the Panama Port Terminal (Cristobal). There isn't any scheduled service to the islands, these are mostly privately operated by the hotels or locals so don't expect too much.

Oh, the Atlantic Coast has some of the best beaches in Panama. Just travelling to Portobelo you would be awestruck by the turquoise waters and the sheer beauty of the seascape. You can go to beaches on the coast or the islands, the choice is yours.

name	town	phone
Sister Moon	Isla Grande	226-2257
Bananas Resort	Isla Grande	263-9510
Melia Panama Canal	Colon	470-1100
David Suites	Colon	473-0632
New Washington	Colon	441-7133
CArlton Hotel	Colon	445-0349
Andros	Colon	441-0477
Internacional	Colon	441-5457
Sotelo	Colon	441-7542

Portobelo (route A) was in the XVI and XVII centuries the richest port in the route between the Central/South America (where all the gold came from) and Spain (where all the riches went...). From those days only ruins are left (and obviously not much gold). A trip to the town of Portobelo is highly recommended, there you can visit (for free) several fortresses, walk within their ruins that still contain Spanish canons and transport yourself to the days of the conquest. On the mainland, right on the side of the road there are at least two forts. Some locals also offer to take you by boat across the bay to another fort, I don't swim so that is not an option for me.

The town of Portobelo is a 1 hour 20 minute ride from Panama city. Don't forget your swimming suit, most likely you won't find it there (happened to me once). It is the home of the Black Christ of Portobelo. Also make it a point to visit the colonial church and the Spanish Customs Building (now some sort of Museum).

Isla Grande (route A) is a small yet cozy island off the coast of Colon. Think of crystalline waters, white sands, delicious fresh seafood (try octopuss with coconut rice), maybe some Calypso music. Several small pensions and a hotel or two on the other side. Isla Grande is also a popular spot for surfers (at the other end of the island), divers, and bathers! Before getting there -and unless you are in a rush- visit Portobelo. Anyway, to get to Isla Grande you have to pass through Portobelo and continue many kilometers until the town of La Guaira. There you take a small boat (take a swimvest if you don't swim, none is provided!), the island is about 300 metres from the coast and there you will enjoy an excellent beach (and food). It is less crowded during weekdays. When you are on the boat to the island (and back) you will pass the statue of the Black Christ of Portobelo "planted" midway between the coast and the island.

Gatun Locks (route B). is the 3rd set of locks of the Panama Canal and the only one on the Atlantic side. It is a nice place to visit and watch this humoungous ships pass just 10 meters in front of you while they are lowered back to sea level. There are some onsite facilities for visitors. Crossing the Gatun locks by car is also an experience! there is no big bridge, you pass through some sort of underpass with the large locks on one side and the path to the opening to the Caribbean on the other side. This was never meant for heavy traffic so it is a one-lane only pass and you cannot stop to take pictures, you have to do it on the move (not the driver!). Good spot to take good pictures. Once you cross (as you would if you were going to Fort San Lorenzo and other beaches) you can also deviate a little a travel through the road along the Gatun Lake. Good views of passing ships and the wonderful scenery.

Fuerte San Lorenzo (Fort San Lorenzo) (route B) is right at the mouth of the great Chagres River. Here you will find this nice fortress that the Spaniards used to guard the mouth of the Chagres. Unfortunately pirate Sir Henry Morgan managed to pass through via the Chagres and make his way (not without great loses!) to the city of Panama (La Vieja) which he stormed, sacked and set on fire.

Here you can still walk on between the walls and barricades, the towerettes to monitor the beach head and even touch the original canons!. The place is set high on a cliff from which you have a wonderful view of the mouth of the Chagres, the caribbean sea and a small beach below. Fort San Lorenzo is very deep into the forest and is obviously surrounded by astonishing green vegetation. The sun is cruel and it is very humid so be prepared.

arrive to Fort San Lorenzo you have to go left (coming from Panama) on the Pacific Road (or ask directions) and go towards the Gatun Locks (worth a stop!). You have to cross the Gatun Locks and continue travelling towards the coast. About the last 5-10 kilometers are non-asphalted so it is better to visit in the dry season. It is about 1 hour by car assuming you do not have to wait for a ship to cross. Entrance is free but there are no facilities, please use the trash cans and do not litter the place. On the road to San Lorenzo (past Gatun Locks) you may find parts of forest marked with "Do not enter, Danger of unexploded ammonition" signs. A legacy of the US government which to this date refuses to take responsability and clean areas contaminated with unexploded ammunition.