"Colon" means Columbus in Spanish and the city is named in his honor. Colon is known as a popular tourist destination to visit on the Atlantic Ocean side of the Panama Canal. Another tourist favorite is the Panama Railroad, known as the most "expensive railroad in the world," according to the History of Colon Province.
Panama is part of Central America and sits between Costa Rica and Colombia. It is bordered by both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Its climate is tropical and humid, with an extended rainy season from May to January. January to May is considered the dry season.
Tours are available at the Miraflores Panamal Canal Visitors Center. A museum and exhibitions feature interactive modules, the history of its construction, video presentations, history pieces and models of the Panama Canal. There are objects on display that are used in daily canal operations. On any given day, tourists can witness a barge or cruise ship passing through the famous locks.
The Panama Railroad was inspired by the onset of the Gold Rush. It was built to bring gold prospectors from the east coast to the west coast of the U.S. During the mid-1800s, to avoid the long, overland journey across the entire United States, the railroad was constructed to help travelers from the east coast cross the isthmus of Panama. From there, passengers could take ships to California.
The beaches in Panama can be enjoyed year-round, due to the accommodating tropical climate of the region. Water sports are popular in Panama, such as surfing, scuba-diving, snorkeling and boating. However, according to Frommer's, Panama is known for its riptides. Tourists should exercise care when swimming, observe the current conditions and stay out of choppy waters.
