Panama Canal and Fort San Lorenzo Tour from Colón

Colón , Panama

Panama Canal and Fort San Lorenzo Tour from Colón

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About this experience

Discover the wonders of the Panama Canal and the historic Fort San Lorenzo on this engaging 4-hour tour. Begin your journey at the Agua Clara Locks, where you can observe the impressive engineering of the canal and enjoy panoramic views. Next, explore Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts well-preserved ruins and fascinating stories from its past. This family-friendly tour includes transportation from the Colón Cruise Port and an English-speaking guide, ensuring a seamless experience as you immerse yourself in Panama's cultural and natural treasures.

- 4-hour guided tour from Colón Cruise Port
- Visit Agua Clara Locks and Fort San Lorenzo
- Family-friendly, suitable for all ages
- Flexible pickup times available to accommodate cruise schedules

Available options

Panama Canal and Fort San Lorenzo Tour from Colón

Pickup included

What's included

Entrance fee - National Reserve

Agua Clara Locks Entrance Fee

Water Bottle

Well-maintained, air-conditioned car

Knowledgeable English and Spanish speaking Guides

Pickup Service from Colon Cruise Port

Entrance fee - Fort San Lorenzo

Detailed itinerary

Watch massive ships navigate through the Agua Clara locks below. Explore the visitor center, watch an informative video, or take a short hike on a nearby rainforest trail. Learn how engineers raised Gatun Lake, constructed new locks, and widened existing channels to accommodate the enormous New Panamax ships.

Step back in time at Fort San Lorenzo, one of Panama’s most important colonial landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the mouth of the Chagres River, this historic fortress once protected Spanish trade routes linking the Caribbean to the Pacific.

As you explore the well-preserved ruins, you’ll walk along stone walls, cannons, and lookout points that tell the story of pirates, conquistadors, and legendary attacks, including raids by Sir Henry Morgan. Your guide will bring the site to life with fascinating stories about colonial battles, maritime trade, and the strategic importance of this fort in the Spanish Empire.

Beyond its history, Fort San Lorenzo offers breathtaking ocean views, lush tropical surroundings, and excellent photo opportunities. The combination of history, nature, and panoramic scenery makes this stop both educational and visually stunning—an unforgettable highlight of the tour.

As part of your journey, you’ll cross the impressive Puente Atlántico (Atlantic Bridge), one of Panama’s newest and most iconic engineering landmarks. Opened in 2019, this modern cable-stayed bridge spans the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal, connecting Colón with the western side of the country.

From the bridge, enjoy spectacular views of the Agua Clara Locks, massive container ships transiting the canal, and the surrounding tropical landscape. The Puente Atlántico plays a vital role in Panama’s infrastructure, allowing vehicles to cross the canal without waiting for ships, and symbolizing the country’s continued innovation and global importance in maritime trade.

Crossing this bridge offers a unique perspective of the canal’s scale and operations, making it not just a transfer point, but an experience in itself—perfect for photos and a deeper appreciation of Panama’s role as a crossroads of the world.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important Notice – Tour Duration & Return Times Our tours departing from the Colón Cruise Terminal are carefully planned around cruise ship schedules. However, the total duration of the tour may vary depending on your ship’s actual arrival and departure times, as well as road conditions and traffic, especially during peak or rush-hour periods when returning to the port. While we always prioritize a timely return to ensure guests are back before all-aboard time, slight adjustments to the itinerary or timing may occur for operational and safety reasons.

About Colón

Colón is a vibrant port city on the Caribbean coast of Panama, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and strategic location at the entrance to the Panama Canal. It offers a unique blend of Caribbean charm, historical landmarks, and bustling markets, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Colón 2000

A large shopping mall offering a wide range of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Shopping Half day to full day Free entry, varies by store

Panama Canal Extension (Canal Ampliation)

The expanded Panama Canal, which includes the new locks, offers a fascinating look at one of the world's most important engineering projects.

Historical Half day Free entry to visitor center, boat tours vary in price

Fort San Lorenzo

A 17th-century Spanish fortress located at the entrance to the Panama Canal, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the region's colonial past.

Historical Half day Moderate entry fee

Colón Free Trade Zone

One of the largest free trade zones in the world, offering a vast array of duty-free goods, from electronics to textiles and more.

Shopping Half day to full day Free entry, varies by store

Playa La Piscina

A popular beach located near the entrance to the Panama Canal, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure activities.

Beach Half day Free entry, varies by activity

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sancocho

A hearty chicken soup with root vegetables, often served with rice and plantains.

Lunch/Dinner Contains chicken and root vegetables, can be made vegetarian with modifications.

Ropa Vieja

A flavorful shredded beef dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, typically served with rice and beans.

Lunch/Dinner Contains beef, can be made with chicken or vegetables for a lighter option.

Ceviche

Fresh raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.

Appetizer/Lunch Contains raw seafood, can be made with cooked seafood or vegetables for a safer option.

Patacones

Fried green plantains, often served as a side dish or snack with various dips.

Side Dish/Snack Vegetarian and vegan-friendly, often fried in oil.

Popular Activities

Boating and fishing in Gatun Lake Hiking and nature trails in Portobelo National Park Water sports at Playa La Piscina Sunbathing and swimming at Playa La Piscina Shopping and dining at Colón 2000 Exploring historic sites in Portobelo Visiting the Panama Canal Museum Exploring the Colón Free Trade Zone

Best Time to Visit

Dry season (January to April)

The dry season offers the best weather for visiting Colón, with lower humidity and less rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. This is the peak tourist season, so expect more visitors and higher prices.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English, Creole
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other parts of the city

Currency

Panamanian Balboa (PAB)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) (UTC-5)

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Colón has a reputation for being less safe than other parts of Panama, with higher crime rates and a history of violence. However, the city has made efforts to improve safety and security in recent years, and many visitors enjoy their time in Colón without incident. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night and in less populated areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis and agreed-upon fares
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Enrique Adolfo Jiménez Airport • 5 km from city center

By bus

Terminal de Transporte de Colón

Getting around

Public transport

The Diablo Rojo is a traditional and affordable way to get around Colón. These brightly painted buses are shared among passengers and can be crowded, but they offer a unique local experience.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, InDriver

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Cristóbal Sabanitas Colón City Center

Day trips

Portobelo

40 km from Colón • Half day to full day

A historic town on the Caribbean coast, known for its colonial fortifications, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Portobelo offers a mix of history, relaxation, and adventure.

Panama Canal

Varies by attraction • Half day to full day

One of the most important engineering projects in history, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, offering a fascinating look at its construction, operation, and impact on global trade.

Gatun Lake

20 km from Colón • Half day to full day

A large artificial lake created by the damming of the Chagres River for the construction of the Panama Canal. Gatun Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Festivals

Carnaval de Colón • February or March, before Lent Feria de las Flores y las Frutas • July or August Fiestas Patronales de Colón • December 8th

Pro tips

Visit the Panama Canal visitor centers for a comprehensive understanding of the canal's history and operation
Shop at the Colón Free Trade Zone for duty-free goods and unique souvenirs
Explore the local markets for fresh produce, traditional goods, and authentic experiences
Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas, and use licensed taxis and agreed-upon fares
Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of local customs and traditions