How to Plan Your Colon: Agua Clara Locks & San Lorenzo Fort Private Tour

Are you planning a trip to Colon, Panama? Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the amazing Agua Clara Locks and San Lorenzo Fort with a private tour. This tour will allow you to witness the beauty of the Panama Canal and learn about the new canal operation. Here’s everything you need to know about planning your Colon: Agua Clara Locks & San Lorenzo Fort Private Tour.

Experience

This private tour takes you to two of the most iconic landmarks in Panama, the Agua Clara Locks and San Lorenzo Fort. You’ll get to witness the new Panama Canal operation and learn about its history at San Lorenzo Fort. You’ll also have a chance to admire the stunning views of the entrance of Fort San Lorenzo and admire the local wildlife.

Highlights

• Visit the Agua Clara Locks
• Drive along the coast and over the largest bridge in Panama
• Explore Gatun Lake with its three steps or pairs of chambers
• Pass by the Former Sherman US Fort
• Admire the stunning views of the entrance of Fort San Lorenzo
• Witness the local wildlife including monkeys and birds

Full Description

The tour will start at Supermarket Super 99, which is approximately 700 meters away from the Colon Home Port’s gangway. From there, you’ll be taken to the amazing Agua Clara Locks. This expanded Panama Canal Locks center is known for its breathtaking panoramic views that contrast two particular scenarios that generate mixed feelings.

As you continue on the tour, you’ll drive along the coast and cross the largest bridge built in Panama. This ride will offer a stunning view of the mouth of the Caribbean Sea. The next stop is Gatun Lake, where you’ll witness the lake’s three steps or pairs of chambers.

Next, the tour will take you to the Former Sherman US Fort, which complemented the defensive armament of Fort Randolph across Limon Bay. Stationed at Fort Sherman, there were two harbor defense battalions and one anti-aircraft gun battalion. From there, you’ll drive along the road to Fort San Lorenzo.

Fort San Lorenzo was used by Spain to protect the valuable Panama Treasure Trail from the pirates who roamed the seas, looking for an easy way to steal Spain’s riches. It was later used by the Americans during the construction of the Panama Canal.

During the tour, you’ll have a chance to admire the stunning views of the entrance of Fort San Lorenzo and witness the local wildlife, including monkeys and birds.

Booking the Tour

To book this private tour to the Agua Clara Locks and San Lorenzo Fort, visit this link. This tour is perfect for individuals or small groups who want to witness the beauty of the Panama Canal and learn about its history. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the wonders of Colon, Panama.

Insider’s Guide to Colon, Panama

Colon is a historic city that serves as Panama’s principal Caribbean port, situated on the Caribbean Sea at the northern entrance of the Panama Canal. Colon has unique attractions that tourists can enjoy, from historical landmarks to natural phenomena. Here’s an insider’s guide to planning your Colon trip, so you don’t miss out on anything.

Local Attractions

Colon has some beautiful places with historical and natural significance that are worth a visit.

Agua Clara Locks: Agua Clara Locks is a part of the Panama Panama Canal Expansion Project that offers visitors an excellent Panama Canal experience. It is one of the three locks located on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. Here you can learn about the Canal’s history, watch giant ships move through the locks, and appreciate the mesmerizing flora and fauna.

San Lorenzo Fort: San Lorenzo Fort is a historical site located on the Caribbean coast, around 15 miles from Colon. The fort played an essential role in the Spanish colonization of America in the 16th century. The sites offer visitors the historical significance of the fort and picturesque natural views of the Caribbean coast from the hilltop fort.

Gatun Lake: Gatun Lake, located in the Panama Canal’s center, is the world’s largest man-made lake that represents one of the world’s most unique, diverse, and accessible wildlife habitats. The lake has an incredible ecosystem with animals such as crocodiles, manatees, monkeys, and exotic birds.

Dining and Nightlife

Colon provides its visitors with an extensive array of dining options attractive for everyone’s palette.

Restaurante Chino Chen: The Chen Chinese restaurant offers a menu that boasts delicious Chinese cuisine and the seafood option. The restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere and chic ambiance that gives you value for your money.

La Rosa de los Vientos: La Rosa de los Vientos is a famous restaurant located on the Caribbean coast and makes an excellent choice for the sea-food lover. The menu features several delicacies native to the region, including fresh fish, it’s prepared, and served with utmost precision.

Bar Duboy: Bar Duboy is a small but cozy spot to go to for drinks and music. The ambiance is perfect, with some music to keep you entertained throughout the night.

Cultural Experiences

Colon’s cultural experiences are diverse and distinctive, considering its history and current-day influence.

Afro-Caribbean Museum: The Afro-Caribbean Museum showcases the region’s history from colonial times, the transit period- that focused on the Afro-caribbean community associated with the Panama Canal, and its deep cultural roots. The museum collections include art, books, photographs, and other relics that trace the evolution of the Afro-Caribbean community.

Panama Canal Railway: The Panama Canal Railway trip is something not to miss as it offers a unique way to experience Panama’s natural beauty and the exciting history of the railway between the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.

Local History

Colon has a unique history that dates back to its colonial ties with Spain and the native people inhabiting the land.

Fort San Lorenzo: The San Lorenzo fort was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century to protect the city from pirate attacks. The fort is said to have witnessed several battles between the Spanish militia and English buccaneers to protect their treasures.

French Memorial Statue: The French Memorial Statue is an imposing landmark located in Colon that acknowledges the French canal workers’ sacrifices that lost their lives in large numbers due to diseases, construction accidents, and attacks during the canal’s construction almost a century ago.

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

There are plenty of off-the-beaten-path activities to do in Colon that traditional tourists might never experience.

Playa Blanca: Playa blanca is a beautiful Caribbean beach located just an hour from Colon. The beach is secluded and creates a peaceful ambiance perfect for a day alone with nature.

Touring the City : Walking around the town provides a unique experience, and it’s the best way to explore local culture.

Conclusion

Colon offers various activities and attractions that cater to all types of tourists. With numerous options of dining, cultural experiences, and historical sites, you can never run out of things to do while in the city. Ensure to plan your trip in advance so that you can experience everything the city has to offer.