Colon, Panama

The Gateway to the Panama Canal

The Caribbean seaport of Colon lies near the entrance to the Panama Canal and is home to a number of attractions including pristine beaches, the village of Achiote for bird watching, Isla Grande for diving and snorkeling, and the bayside Portobelo National Park, featuring 16th century Spanish forts, traditional houses, and ruins.

There’s also the Milaflores Locks, where you can watch the modern-day miracle of massive ships and tankers lifted up dozens of feet, and if you love to shop, then Colon is the place for you, since it’s the largest duty-free zone in the Americas. For the more adventurous type, hop on one of Panama Canal Railway Company’s vintage trains for an hour-long ride to Corazal (near Panama City), as you travel parallel to the canal and through exotic jungles and rainforests.