Want to experience the real Panama beyond the typical tourist trail? This is your invitation to discover the Caribbean soul of Colón through the eyes of a local.
Explore Afro-Panamanian heritage, vibrant Caribbean culture, historic neighborhoods, waterfront landmarks, iconic churches, local markets, and hidden corners most visitors never see. Hear the powerful stories of the Caribbean communities, railroad, maritime trade, and Panama Canal that shaped Colón’s unique identity.
More than sightseeing, this unique experience connects you with local history, people, flavors, and everyday life through authentic stories and community perspectives. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy delicious Caribbean Panamanian cuisine at a favorite local restaurant.
Don’t just visit Panama—experience the Panama most travelers never meet. Book your private Caribbean Gems adventure today and make Colón an unforgettable part of your journey.
Tour Options
Private and exclusive Combo
Private
Mini van / Suv
Pickup included
Solo Travelers
personalized service: An option created for solo travelers
Pickup included
Caribbean heritage city tour
Let's dive into the roots
Pickup included
Itinerary
60 min
Colón was founded in 1850 by the Panama Railroad Company, on the swampy island of Manzanillo, originally called Aspinwall by the company. Within the city of Colón, we have several sites such as the Casco Antiguo de Colón, or Cristóbal, the latter created by the French canal company. As well as public spaces such as Paseo Washington and Paseo Lesseps. Also, within this historic center, some buildings are declared monuments, such as the Episcopal Church, Cristo a Orillas del Mar, the Washington Hotel, and the Morgan Battery at Fort Lesseps.
we will be visiting all these places listed above on this wonderful experience
15 min
It is a promenade that runs through part of the city of Colon and contains healthy recreation areas for children and adults, bicycle paths and even a plaza for people who like to practice "skating." From this privileged place you can see the ships waiting to enter the Panama Canal and those heading towards the enormous port of Manzanillo with merchandise from all over the world.
15 min
Christ Church by the Sea is the oldest building in the city of Colón, Panama, and the first Gothic Revival church of its kind in Central America. It was popularly known as the Stone Church, founded in 1865 and built with stone. It sits in a prime location on the seafront on Washington Avenue, and is an important historical monument in the region.
15 min
Let's visit the famous Hotel Washington, which is situated in front of the stunning marine panorama of the Caribbean Sea, along the shores of Limón Bay on the legendary former Manzanillo Island ( Colon). This hotel has been renovated to showcase its majestic architectural beauty, inspired by the styles of the Spanish colonial era.
15 min
The Colon Cruise Port, also known as the Colon 2000 Terminal, is a key gateway for cruise passengers arriving in Panama. Conveniently located on the Caribbean coast at the entrance to the Panama Canal, the port is just a short distance from the historic city of Colon
20 min
Enjoy the amazing view of the cruise port while you do some shopping at the duty-free mall
Pass by
It is the main free trade zone in the Western Hemisphere and one of the main multimodal redistribution logistics centers in the world.
Highlights
Private transportation
Profesional local guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
What's included
Included
Private transportation
Profesional local guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
Gratuities
Authentic Caribbean lunch stop – meal purchased directly by guests so everyone can choose from the menu
Pickup Locations & Times
The guide will be meeting you in the lobby of the hotel, Airbnb, or
building, holding a sign with the company's logo and the lead
passenger's name
Traveller Ratings
4.9
108 reviews
5
103
4
2
3
2
2
1
1
0
Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
It will take 1 hour and 15 mins to get to the place where we are conducting the experience and another hour and 15 mins to bring you back to your hotel
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Colon City Tour Exploring Caribbean Roots Food and Afro Culture lasts about 5–6 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $105 per person for this Panama City experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. The guide will be meeting you in the lobby of the hotel, Airbnb, or
building, holding a sign with the company's logo and the lead
passenger's name Pickup points include CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyC6l/s4uw59Hsre9dO8EXTQ=, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyMJz5tJI8AztUBVvbFwjzVk=.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 30 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Reviews(108)
T
Terry_W
September 8, 2026
City Tour 5 Stars. Book Your Tour Next.
The city tour was a great experience. The tour guide Riggo was very knowledgeable and answered all questions. It was great seeing the Afro Caribbean side of Panama.
Operator response
Thank you for the fantastic five-star review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed discovering Colón’s Afro-Caribbean history and culture. Riggo will be proud to know that his knowledge and attentiveness made your experience memorable. Thank you for choosing Panamanian Adventures—we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Panama!
W
W6086TZterryw
September 8, 2026
Colon City Tour Great experience
My tour experience was great. I give the tour guide Riggo 5 stars. He was very knowledgeable and answered all questions. Hands down an awesome experience.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled that Riggo’s knowledge, professionalism, and willingness to answer every question made your Colón City Tour so memorable. We’ll be sure to share your five-star praise with him. Thank you for choosing Panamanian Adventures—we hope to welcome you back for another awesome experience in Panama!
U
uniquekaw2020
September 8, 2026
The People Make the City
Excellent tour. This is for people who enjoy history and truth telling. Riggo is thoughtful in the tour pace, offers a taste of both what makes colon beautiful and also deserving of better economic support that elevates rather than displaces the people who make it Colon.
We saw the market where we tried some fruit, observed the ships coming in, visited a historic church where the 82 year old leader rang the bells for us and shared history....
I could go on but you really need to see it yourself and spend with the locals.
Operator response
Thank you for such a thoughtful and meaningful review. You captured the heart of this experience perfectly: Colón is not only its history, architecture, markets, and maritime legacy—it is the people who give the city its soul.
We’re delighted that Riggo’s storytelling and thoughtful pace helped you appreciate both Colón’s beauty and its honest realities. Supporting local people and sharing their stories respectfully are central to what we do. Thank you for encouraging others to experience Colón firsthand and spend within the community. We hope to welcome you back!
E
E_H
September 3, 2026
Awesome tour of Colon
The trip to Colon was fantastic. Our guide, Riggiberto was super knowledgeable. We were picked up from our hotel in Panama City on time.
The trip to Colon was enhanced with Riggi telling us about the history of the railroad and canal built by Afro Panamanians as we drove from Panama City to Colon. Upon arrival to Colon we took a walking tour through the center of town and we're able to interact with several locals at fruit stands and outdoor market. Our trip in Colon was filled with so much history. We felt like it was a true call to duty to help the community.
This is a great tour! Don't forget to have a real Panamanian meal in Colon while you are visiting!
Operator response
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re delighted that Riggiberto’s knowledge and storytelling brought the history of the railroad, the Panama Canal, and the contributions of Afro-Panamanians to life throughout your journey.
We’re especially happy that you enjoyed walking through the heart of Colón, connecting with local residents, and experiencing the city’s markets, culture, and authentic Panamanian cuisine. Your support helps us celebrate Colón while creating meaningful opportunities within the community.
Thank you for choosing Panamanian Adventures and recommending this experience. We hope to welcome you back to discover even more of Panama!
A
Adrienne_B
August 31, 2026
Book it!
Loved the tour. I learned so much about history and charged to the culture over time. My favorite part was visiting the church in the city and meeting the caretaker. The restaurant we went to was great. Food was so good!!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review Adrienne ! We’re thrilled that you enjoyed discovering the history and culture of Colón.
We especially love that meeting the church caretaker was your favorite part. These genuine connections with local people are what make Colón such a special and authentic experience.
And we couldn’t agree more about the food! Caribbean Panamanian cuisine is a huge part of Colón’s culture, and we’re delighted you enjoyed it so much.
Thank you for choosing Panamanian Adventures and experiencing the people, stories, and flavors that make Colón unforgettable. We hope to welcome you back soon!
J
JamaicanBanker
August 28, 2026
Got a great feel for Colon's evolution.
Our guide Riggo was very knowledgeable, professional and he communicated well. Our driver Neftali was also very professional and caring. My wife and I enjoyed this tour.
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re delighted that you and your wife enjoyed discovering Colón’s history, evolution, and Caribbean culture with us. Riggo and Neftali will be especially happy to hear your kind words about their knowledge, professionalism, and care. Thank you for choosing Panamanian Adventures to experience the authentic side of Colón! 🇵🇦
K
keturahr2022
August 24, 2026
Go to Colon with Rigo!!!
This was a very good tour! Rigo really taught us so much about Colon and Panamá’s history and AfroPanamanian Culture. We were able to interact with the locals and see how they live their everyday lives. Rigo speaks excellent English and made us laugh and feel safe. I would definitely book another trip to another location in Panama!!!
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Thank you for such an amazing review! We’re thrilled that Rigo helped you experience the real Colón through its history, Afro-Panamanian culture, and most importantly, its people. Making our guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and safe while connecting with local life is at the heart of this experience. We’ll proudly share your kind words with Rigo, and we’d love to welcome you back for another Panamanian adventure! 🇵🇦
M
marcih2021
August 15, 2026
If you are black and don’t come to Colon you should be as of yourself
Our tour of Colón was one of the highlights of our trip to Panama. I especially appreciated learning about the rich history of the area and experiencing the Afro-Caribbean culture that has played such an important role in Panama’s story. Our guide brought the history to life rather than simply taking us from one tourist stop to another.
The food was another highlight. I tried shark for lunch, which was delicious and made the experience feel even more connected to the Caribbean culture of Colón. As someone with Caribbean family roots, I especially enjoyed experiencing that connection through both the history and the food.
If you are visiting Panama City, I highly recommend taking the time to see Colón. It gave us a completely different perspective on Panama and ended up being one of the most memorable days of our trip.
Operator response
Thank you for such a powerful and heartfelt review! We’re honored that your Colón tour became one of the highlights of your time in Panama.
Colón’s Afro-Caribbean history, culture, and people are essential to understanding the true story of our country. We’re delighted that your guide brought that history to life and that you felt a personal connection through your own Caribbean family roots. And trying shark for lunch was certainly an authentic taste of Colón!
Thank you for encouraging other travelers to venture beyond Panama City and experience a side of Panama that is too often overlooked. We hope to welcome you back for another meaningful adventure!
—The Panamanian Adventures Team
C
Curiosity60996063167
August 13, 2026
Excellent Colon Cultural Day Tour
Riggo was our driver and tour guide. A Colon native, Riggo presented the past and present history of the city interweaving the impact and influence of Afro culture from many countries. He was enthusiastic and engaging at all times and welcomed questions. The tour which consisted of several stops was done at a good pace and he inquired about our comfort throughout the trip. It was a fantastic day! BTW, he speaks Spanish and English.
Operator response
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re delighted to hear that Riggo made your visit to Colón engaging, comfortable, and memorable while sharing the city’s rich Afro-Panamanian heritage. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure with Panamanian Adventures!
4
4bg97cxhvn
August 10, 2026
My solo tour of Colon was...
My solo tour of Colon was awesome! My guide Riggo was fantastic and really provided great knowledge on the are and it’s history. Being from there himself made his passion for Colon really shine through tour. He was also just an extremely friendly person. I highly recommend this tour to anyone solo or group looking to see and learn about Colon and take an excursion outside of Panama City. A definite 10/10 experience!!!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your fantastic 10/10 review! We’re thrilled to hear that Riggo made your solo tour of Colón such a memorable experience. His knowledge, passion, and friendly personality truly help bring the city’s history and culture to life.
We’re especially happy that you felt comfortable and welcomed throughout the tour. Your recommendation means a lot to our team, and we hope to have the pleasure of showing you even more of Panama on your next visit!
Warm regards,
The Panamanian Adventures Team
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Colon City Tour Exploring Caribbean Roots Food and Afro Culture
