Colón, Panama

Settled right at the Atlantic entrance to the Panamá Canal, Colón is Panama’s gateway to the Caribbean, where the culture is shaped by its history. The ruins of Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tells stories of over 400 years of military history. From the Agua Clara Visitor Center, learn all about the canal from the technology to the history and how the canal unites the world. Opportunities for outdoor adventures are plenty at La Granja Campo y Aventura, the adventure park through the rainforest, featuring canopy ziplines, horseback rides and kayaking tours. Or see the rainforest from a different angle on a ride along the Panama Canal Railway, featuring elegant rail cars based on 19th-century designs. Back at Avenida Central, take in the colonial architecture of Colón while shopping for crafts from local vendors for the authentic Panamanian experience.