Colon has U.S. and Spanish influence. U.S. residents working on the Panama Canal in 1850 founded Colon, which is now the second largest duty-free port in the world. It is the second largest city in Panama, behind only the capital, Panama City. The city's rich history, coupled with being an important world port, makes for a memorable experience.
Chagres National Park is one of Colon's most stunning attractions. The Chagres River flows through the park and is great for rafting. The park is open for camping and provides a great opportunity to watch exotic birds, such as parrots, in their native environment. Boss Mountain (3,000 feet) allows visitors a panoramic view of the Panama Canal, and if the weather is clear, you can see the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at the same time.
Right outside of Colon is Portobelo. Founded in 1597, it was once a thriving city specializing in the silver trade. After years of plundering, the city was left in ruins. It now has a population of 5,000 people, and has beautiful ruins from the colonial period. Portobelo is a site on the World Heritage List.
The influence of the Panama Canal has turned Colon into a major duty-free port. Along with a major seaport complex, there is a shopping complex that sells tax-free items.
The Panama Canal links the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans and is one of the most amazing examples of human engineering on earth. At the canal, you can see massive ships, terraced landscapes and beautiful coastal views.
