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The 10 Best Historical & Heritage Tours in Colon, Colon Province
About 50 miles northwest of Panama City, Colón is home to the northern gateway of the Panama Canal as well as Afro-Caribbean descendants of those workers who helped build the canal in the early 20th century. Colón’s greatest claim to fame—and the main reason visitors come here—is the Colón Free Zone, a massive shopping showroom where wholesalers, retailers and the general public shop. You’ll also find Colón 2000, a cruise-ship port with restaurants, a supermarket, and shops selling duty-free merchandise. The most scenic way to travel here is by way of the restored Panama Canal Railway, featuring elegant, wood-paneled and carpeted rail cars (based on 19th century designs) that takes you on a hour-long journey through the rainforest to Colón.
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1. Explore the Caribbean! Our Jungle, Pirates History, Panama Canal & Colon City!
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Enjoy the Caribbean Coast of Panama and on the same day before nightfall, you will be able to have dinner on the Pacific. Part of this incredible adventure, is the crossing in front of the two locks of the Panama Canal, on the Caribbean side, to then go to the region known as La Costa Abajo de Colón, and thus, enter the jungle of San Lorenzo National Park and travel in time and transport us to the time of the conquistadors and the pirates' journeys in search of the riches that transited Panama from the lands of South America. On our way by car through this Caribbean jungle, we may observe, the passage of some of the species of mammals, birds or reptiles that inhabit the reserve. At the Castillo del Chagres, as it was known at Fort San Lorenzo, it is the place where we make a walk among its ruins, silent witnesses of a unique time in the history of the world, and that rest peacefully, facing the imposing view of the Caribbean Sea and the mouth of the Chagres River.
Inclusions: Lunch, Snacks, Bottled water, Soda/Pop, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board
Exclusions: Breakfast, Alcoholic Beverages, Private transportation
Reviewed By seanotto04
I had an amazing tour with Raphael. He is a great wealth of information and facts. I rank him in the top 3 of guided tours I have been on. A big thank you Raphael.
2. Embera Tribe - Native Panamanians
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
A mutli-experiences type of Excursion, that takes you back in time and fast forward to the present in seconds. National Park, lake, waterfall, wildlife and the indigenous village are what make this a breathtaking Adventure. Together with the villagers explore the Lake Alajuela aboard empirical canoes, be welcome by the melody of drum, flute all-natural musical instrument to relax your senses and intensifies the experience. A real and unique excursion, where you can connect with nature and fall in love with your surroundings. Let yourself be amazed by their lifestyles, homes, museum, school, culture and tradition. Handcrafted items are available as souvenirs you may want to purchase and to top off your experience you may have a traditional embera tattoo, it is non-permanent, the ink is made out off of a fruit and no needle is used.
Inclusions: Landing and facility fees, Lunch, Bottled water, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, National Park fees, All Activities, Certified Tour Guide on board, Live Commentary on board, Entry/Admission - To the village
Exclusions: Gratuities, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By Tomadss
It was an amazing tour, the guides, the transportation and most important the destination!! Snorkeling in the Panamanian Caribbean was amazing, all the colorful little fishs, the starfishs and the gorgeous reefs!! I was really amazed by how much beauty we can find underwater in Panama! It was also great to kayaking around the Island enjoying the amazing view and weather that the Caribbean can offer us!! Knowing about Portobello and it's history completes the tour!
3. Authenticity & Essence of Panama - 3 Days Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The focus is on making sure that you fall in love with the Isthmus of Panama, through its people, culture and history. Learn each every single factors that make Panama a great nation. Who are the main actors in the writing of Panama history, where and how it all started. Travel back in time to each period for each major events that took place in the past and come back to the present to better understand who we truly are. This tour runs with a minimum of 4 participants.
Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Landing and facility fees, Bottled water
Exclusions: WiFi on board, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Gratuities, Personal expenses, Liquor
Reviewed By Tomadss
It was an amazing tour, the guides, the transportation and most important the destination!! Snorkeling in the Panamanian Caribbean was amazing, all the colorful little fishs, the starfishs and the gorgeous reefs!! I was really amazed by how much beauty we can find underwater in Panama! It was also great to kayaking around the Island enjoying the amazing view and weather that the Caribbean can offer us!! Knowing about Portobello and it's history completes the tour!
4. Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Scenic Train Ride
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Visit three different cities and three different centuries on this fascinating tour of Panama. Journey to the world heritage site of Portobelo where you can see the ruins of this once wealthy city. Then it’s onto the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Complete your tour with a picturesque train ride from Colon to Panama City. This day tour throughout Panama brings you history, culture, technology and more. Be sure you don’t miss out! This tour runs with a minimum of 4 participants.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, All taxes, fees and handling charges
Exclusions: Personal expenses, Gratuities
Reviewed By Tomadss
It was an amazing tour, the guides, the transportation and most important the destination!! Snorkeling in the Panamanian Caribbean was amazing, all the colorful little fishs, the starfishs and the gorgeous reefs!! I was really amazed by how much beauty we can find underwater in Panama! It was also great to kayaking around the Island enjoying the amazing view and weather that the Caribbean can offer us!! Knowing about Portobello and it's history completes the tour!
5. Panama Canal Tour expanded with a train track to Aguas Clara locks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Live the experience of knowing one of the wonders of the modern world. It is something unique and exciting.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities, Services not specified in the program
Reviewed By Travel615369A
Pick up was on time and our driver, Dorian, was very courteous. However, the driver was not a tour guide. He pointed out buildings but did not offer details about history, culture or politics of the places or regions that we were “touring”. The driver remained quiet for much of the ride and could not answer many of our questions. As we were the only 2 people on the “tour” and had been to Casco Viego on the day prior, he was flexible when we requested to see the Panama Canal IMAX movie (45 min) instead of the 45 minute visit to Casco Viego. He next drove us to the Duty Free store at the end of the Amador Causeway followed by the Artisan Market. At that point he told us it was the final stop of the “tour”. We realized that he had not shown us the Metro station. He seemed totally unaware that it was even advertised to be one of the “tour” stops. Disappointingly, we assessed this to be little more than reliable transportation. I welcome Trip Advisor to contact me.
6. Panama Canal Railway and Agua Clara Locks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Get to travel in the first transcontinental railroad. Since 1501, when the Spaniards landed in the Isthmuss of Panamá, Panamá has been a natural transit route to cross from one ocean to the other. The construction began in august 1850 on the mainland around Monkey Hill (Mount Hope). Visit the new locks of the Panama Canal, see the boats go through the Agua Clara Locks and how this new system works. Small group of 3 people in the vehicule. Note: tour not available on January 1, 8, 9; February (carnival, it change every year, you may need to contact us first), November 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 28 and December 8, 24, 25 and 31.
Inclusions: Bottled water, In the train you will be provide with a small box of Snacks., Wifi at the vehicule, Hand Sanitizer at the vehicule
Exclusions: Breakfast, Drinks, Gratuities, Railway Fee, Agua Clara Visitor Center Fee
Reviewed By jodeek2020
This was a great tour - the 3 museums in Casco Viejo were amazing and provided good background of the history of Panama, of the Canal, but also the culture, the political history, the geological history. And the Bio-Museo was also awesome and gave good information on the country's geological history, its current bio-diversity. Many of the exhibits were interactive and are great for kids and adults, alike. The tour guide had a good command of English (though I also tried to practice my Spanish with him and he was very patient). He was flexible and accommodating and provided good background information on a variety of topics. He answered all of my questions, even those not specifically related to the museums. He pointed out things along the way. He had to make adjustments to the tour because of traffic issues and road closures, but did so happily. Overall, I thought it was a great tour, particularly if you enjoy museums, and was a good value for the price of the tour.
7. Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal and Jungle Tour
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 533 reviews
This unique tour of the Panama Canal goes from the Pacific to the Atlantic ocean as you see the canal from the water and by foot. An exciting boat ride down the canal will introduce you to the transiting ships as well as the abundant wildlife on its shores, followed by a visit to Fort San Lorenzo and the new Agua Clara Locks. This is not a TRANSIT tour, we wont travel by boat inside the locks.
Inclusions: Panama Canal boat ride (90 minutes), Bottled water, Lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only), Transport by air-conditioned minibus
Exclusions: Gratuities, Due to heavy traffic, no free pickup from hotels located near Amador Causeway, Clayton (City of Knowledge) Playa Bonita. Separate transportation for the an extra charge, Playa Blanca, or Rio Hato, Metromall or Tocumen Airport need to arrange own transportation, Insect repellent, This is not a TRANSIT tour, we wont travel by boat inside the locks.
Reviewed By Eef-Aruba
We were lucky to have a private tour. John is such a friendly and knowledgeable person/guide. He did not leave any questions we had unanswered, not just about the Panama Canal and nature but also about other Panama topics. He clearly loves this county ???????? He was very punctual when he picked us up at our hotel. We saw ships in the canal 3 kinds of monkeys and many different birds. 2 kinds of Tucans. I would recommend this to everyone!
8. Discover the Spanish Colonial Fortresses in Panama
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 5 reviews
Starting this adventure aboard the Panama Railway is one of the great train journeys in the world. In addition to its colorful history, the railway follows a scenic route through the Isthmus of Panama. Then we invite you invite you to discover the fortresses of the Spaniards on the Atlantic Coast of Panama, you will observe the architectural wonder of the colonial era, the great nature that borders the fortresses. we will walk where the soldiers of the Spanish kingdom were defending the passage through the community of chagres that constitute a magnificent example of the military architecture of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Later we will visit Portobelo which is a natural port and a village located in the Republic of Panama. It was one of the most important towns in America. At the end we will close with a stop at the famous Playa la Angosta where you can swim in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean of the Panamanian Caribbean
Inclusions: Bottled water, Please indicate whether you take sugar-free or normal soda, Train ticket, ticket to San Lorenzo, Certified guide, Promotion every child from 0 to 11 years old will only pay at $ 50.00 surcharge in cash or credit card
Exclusions: Lunch, Alcoholic Beverages, Coffee and/or Tea
Reviewed By 855zacm
Excellent experience and the best thing we've done near Panama City! Our guide Eustacio came to pick us up right from our apartment in Panama City and was brilliant! He spoke great English, was super friendly and was knowledgeable about the region and the wildlife. We saw three different types of monkeys, many different birds, and got to feed the capuchins a little from the boat. It was obvious that Eustacio respected the nature and wasn't trying to exploit the animals. When we got a little unlucky with the monkeys to begin with, we stayed out longer than planned and visited extra areas to make sure we got to see them.
9. Colon, Fort San-Lorenzo - from one ocean to another by train
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Choose either the morning or evening tour to cover the 80 km that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Pacific Ocean first of the legendary train dating from 1855. This route is made all along the Panama Canal by the country's only rail line, the Panama Railway Company. You will discover the old colonial military fort of San-Lorenzo at the mouth of the Chagres river and the city of Colon at the entrance to the Panama Canal, north side.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Train ticket, with the Panama Railway Canal Company, Entrance fees to Fort San-Lorenzo, Drinks inside the vehicle are included at will
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By frederl1071
We used the Taboga Island Express Fast Ferry to get to Taboga Island. The island is a quaint little island just a 20 minute boat ride through the Gulf of Panama. The island is NOT a resort island. It is inhabited by native Panamanians who welcome you to their beautiful little spot in the world. Everyone was friendly and courteous. The beaches are not manicured like one expects in a resort community - there is trash and stray dogs. It’s definitely a “local” experience. There are some small beach concessions that sell food and beverages. Cervezas were $1 at one of the stands. We ate lunch at a restaurant in the town - Playa Honda. The food was really good, but like elsewhere in Panama the service was super slow and not very attentive. As part of our tour with the Ferry company, we got a walking tour of the town: it was very informative. The flowers, colorful houses, street art, iguanas and bats were all fun to see. Definitely check out Taboga but don’t come expecting to experience a manicured resort community. It’s a gritty, local island filled with native islanders. It’s definitely worth the day trip!
10. Combination Tour from Panama City: Rainforest, San Lorenzo Fort and Canal Expansion
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 113 reviews
Visit the Caribbean Rainforest, learn the San Lorenzo Fort history and observe the new Panama Canal Locks. Panama is home to 159 species of mammals, 98 species of reptiles, and 65 amphibious species. Among these are monkeys, sloths, anteaters, spider and caimans, crocodiles, and many snakes. This rainforest is an ecological paradise not to be missed! There are many stops included for photo opportunities. The tour continues on to the ruins of San Lorenzo Fort which is famous for repelling attacks by all the pirates of the Caribbean for almost 75 years, our guide will expalin the history behind the famous ruins. Then you will stop at the new Canal Expansion: Agua Clara where you will observe how work the new Canal system with super tanker and big cargos ships transiting the new locks.
Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned minivan or Minibus, Professional driver, Beverages (soda, water or local beer), Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Entrance fees to National Park San Lorenzo, Entrance fee Canal expansion Admission fee: US$15 adults and US$10 Children, Lunch
Reviewed By AshleighRider
We had a great afternoon with Mario and his crew (and the monkeys!). We were picked up from our Airbnb on time and were given a briefing of what to expect and how to feed the monkeys when we arrived, which was nice. We arrived at the boat ramp where we took a fun boat ride on Gatun Lake to Monkey Island. Side note: it doesn’t look like there is much of an opportunity for bathroom breaks, so I would recommend using the restroom before you leave for the tour. We spent the next hour/hour and a half looking for and feeding the monkeys - it was SO much fun! We saw Geoffrey’s Tamarin, Capuchin, and Howler Monkeys, which are the three species native to the island. We got to feed the Geoffrey’s Tamarin and Capuchin monkeys. At the advice of the reviews, we brought grapes and bananas for the monkeys. The crew brought some mangoes and nuts, which they also loved! The foods the monkeys liked the most were unsalted peanuts and bananas, so I would recommend bringing those (the Capuchins seemed to go crazy over the peanuts and the Geoffrey’s Tamarins couldn’t get enough of our bananas!). We also saw alligators, green basilisk lizards, and an iguana. After the tour was over, we were brought safely back to our Airbnb. Mario and his crew were fantastic the whole way and we would definitely book this tour again!!
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