Official Language:
Spanish
Secondary Language:
English
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Currency:
Panamanian Balboa & US Dollar
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Population:
Approximately 200,000 people call Colon home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Colon: The climate in Panama is tropical. You can expect daytime temperatures to be 80°F-85°F/26°C-29°C year-round.
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Cruise ships dock in Colón, adjacent to Cristobal Port, which is the entrance to the Panama Canal. Colón, is the second largest city in Panama, and was surrounded by, but was never part of, the former Panama Canal Zone. Colón is not only an important port but it is a commercial center, and tourist destination as well. In 1953, it was made a free trade zone. Panama is not merely a canal. The people who live there, "abundance of butterflies," is what Panama means. However, the canal is probably the most well known feature of Panama. In 1904, the US began constructing the Panama Canal. It took 10yrs and 380 million dollars to build the canal. It is considered to be the 6th Wonder of the World. It is a 50 mile-long transit route joining the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the narrow Isthmus of Panama. A ship coming from the Caribbean must enter the Gatun Locks, a series of stair-like concrete chambers. Electric locomotives called mules (because there once were mules doing this work), located on either side of the locks, guide the ship during this portion of the canal transit. Most people experience the diverse and beautiful isthmus from the deck of a ship or their balconies. Yet, travelers who venture on land will discover a country rich in wildlife and culture. Colon 2000's glass-and-marble terminal building has a large lounge, an Internet cafe, a huge duty-free shopping mall (part of the Colon Free Zone, the second largest tax-free zone in the world), restaurants, and craft shops. The entire complex is surrounded by landscaped parkland and is adjacent to a Radisson hotel that's scheduled to open in late 2002. Unfortunately, the town surrounding the splashy new development remains depressed. So there's no question passengers calling here should book an organized tour.
Princess, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean were some of the first lines to include Colon 2000 as a port of call on some Panama Canal itineraries. It doesn't hurt that they're getting incentives by the Panamanian government: Panama has hedged its bets by establishing a 5-year program that pays cruise ships $2.50 to $12 per passenger for calls at any Panamanian port. The incentives grow as the passenger count rises, and additional incentives are offered to lines that register their ships in Panama.
Another new development in Colon, the Cristobal Cruise Terminal (Pier 6), offers piers for two ships of any size and has a duty-free shopping area, restaurants, and telephones. A rail line here, connecting Colon and the capital of Panama City, is in the planning stages.
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Attractions |
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After docking in Colon, you can visit the early 16th century castle fortress of Castillo de San Lorenzo. The Spanish established this to defend existing colonies and secure new ones in the Caribbean. This was until the famous buccaneer Captain Henry Morgan captured the fort in 1671 and later burned it. Today you have the ability to visit the ruins of the castle.
Another attraction that is close by is the Barro Colorado Nature Preserve. This is a 3,700-acre island located in Gatun Lake, which has been a rain forest preserve since 1923. It is maintained by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and represents some of Panama's natural beauty. Guided tours will take you around here. This is where you will find the longest patch of tropical rainforest in the Western Hemisphere.
Also you want to visit an authentic Emberá Indian village, along the Chagres River, which empties into Gatun Lake. Their distinct culture has remained virtually unchanged throughout the years. While you're here, watch the native people create traditional hand-woven baskets and miniature carvings from the tagua nut (the fruit of the vegetable ivory palm). This side trip will give you the once in a lifetime opportunity to buy these handicrafts, unique to the Emberá Indians.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Costa Rica:
Costa Rica Travel Information
Visiting Costa Rica
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