Why Take A Guided Northbound Panama Canal Cruise With Box Lunch in Colón Province?

Want to explore the Panama Canal with an experienced guide and a delicious lunch? A guided northbound Panama Canal cruise with box lunch in Colón Province is the perfect way to explore this iconic sight.

The Panama Canal is one of the world’s greatest engineering feats. Stretching 80 kilometres across the Isthmus of Panama, it links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, allowing vessels to travel between them without having to take a longer and often more dangerous route around South America.

Colón Province is home to the west side of the Canal, or the Pacific side. From here, it’s possible to take a guided tour of the iconic Panama Canal and learn about its history and engineering at the same time. Many companies offer these day excursions, with pick up and drop off in Colón City.

During your tour, you’ll typically make two stops en-route. The first will be at the Pedro Miguel Locks on the west side of the Gatun Lake, where you’ll experience what it was like to make a passage through the Canal. The second stop will be at the Miraflores Locks, located at the entrance to the Pacific Ocean. Here you will learn about how this great feat was accomplished.

One of the most popular guided tours is the Northbound Panama Canal Cruise with a Box Lunch. These tours not only take you through the canal and its locks, but also include a delicious lunch made fresh for you. The lunches are usually made with local ingredients, providing you with an authentic Panamanian meal.

These tours usually also include snacks and refreshments throughout the day. You may see different species of birds like egrets, cormorants and pelicans. You might also get lucky and spot some of the Canal’s resident monkeys as well. Depending on your tour operator, you may also be able to take walks or kayak around some of the islands within the canal zone.

Cruises through the Panama Canal can last from 4-5 hours or more depending on your chosen itinerary. No matter which tour you go on, you’ll certainly have an unforgettable day exploring this amazing feat of engineering.

The best way to ensure you don’t miss out on any of these experiences is booking a guided tour before you arrive in Colón. You could go it alone, but having someone with expertise in the area adding value to your day ensures that everything runs smoothly and any questions you have are answered with knowledgeable responses.

By booking your tour ahead, you will receive all necessary details as to where and when you should meet your tour guide and other required information. Plus, you can explore different ways of booking that fits your convenience. Site such as GetYourGuide offer a reliable way to book tours are there are reviews from previous people who have experienced the tour that you can read before hand, so you know exactly what to expect.

Taking a guided tour through the Panama Canal is an experience like no other. There’s something special about visiting this iconic destination and learning about its history with an experienced guide by your side. By booking a northbound Panama Canal Cruise with Box Lunch in Colón Province through GetYourGuide, you can ensure that you get a truly amazing experience from start to finish.

An Insider’s Guide to Colón Province, Panama

Colón Province is a unique and vibrant location for tourists looking for an authentic experience in Panama. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes, Colón Province offers something for everyone. As the starting point for the renowned Panama Canal, Colón Province provides a perfect location to understand the importance and impact of the canal from the perspective of the country’s local people.

Local Attractions

Without a doubt, the biggest draw in Colón Province is the Panama Canal. Every year, thousands of tourists visit the canal to understand its construction and see ships pass through. The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center, which is about an hour’s drive from Colón Province, offers a unique insight into the canal’s history and what it means for global trade. From the center’s viewing platform, you can watch the ships sail through, and even witness the massive locks closing.

Another popular attraction in Colón Province is the Gatun Lake. It is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, and it is the primary resource for the canal’s operation. You can explore the lake on a boat trip and experience the beautiful flora and fauna living on its banks.

If you’re seeking a relaxing beach holiday, you’re in luck as Panamanian Caribbean coast offers magnificent beaches. Playa Bonita, situated only about half an hour from Colon, is one of the most stunning beaches in the area. You can relax in the sun, enjoy fantastic seafood dishes from the local beach cafes, or participate in various water activities.

Dining Spots

When it comes to dining, Colon is famous for its fresh seafood and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. The city offers a wide array of restaurant options, ranging from street vendors to high-end gourmet restaurants. One must-visit location is Sabores Colonenses, which serves delicious traditional Panamanian dishes such as patacones, ceviche, and arroz con guandú. Another famous restaurant is La Negra Tomasa, offering a lively ambiance and exceptional cocktails. Visitors rave about its live music and dance performances, along with tasty small plates served with each drink.

Cultural Experiences

Panama’s multiethnic cultural heritage reflects in Colon Province’s cultural expression. This region is the home of most of the country’s Afro-Caribbean population, which has had a significant impact on the culture. Visitors can experience different cultural festivals and events throughout the year, such as the popular Congo Festival, which features music, dancing, and colorful costumes.

Additionally, Colon Province has an important historical value for Panama. When the Panama Canal was under American rule, Colon was the center of the Panama’s struggle for independence. Visitors can visit cultural monuments related to Panama’s struggle for independence, including the famous Statue of Liberty in Panama by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi.

Local History

Visiting the San Lorenzo Fort is a must-do experience to learn about the region’s incredible history. Built in the 16th century, this fort offers insight into the region’s colonial past and the role of the Spanish invaders. The fort is situated near the Caribbean coast and offers some fantastic views of the ocean.

Another place of historical interest is the Christ Church by the Sea, an Anglican Church in Colon which houses some significant religious artifacts from the settlement era.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, visiting Portobelo is a great way to spend a day. Portobelo is an hour’s drive from Colón Province, and it is a small town with 16th-century colonial buildings that showcases the area’s history. Visitors can take a boat ride to explore the region’s incredible diversity of marine life, swim in the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea or visit the local artisan market.

Conclusion

With its rich historical significance, vibrant culture, and amazing array of tourist attractions, Colón Province is undoubtedly worth a visit. A guided Northbound Panama Canal Cruise with Box Lunch is an excellent opportunity to understand the local perspective of the canal and explore the natural beauty surrounding the area. With many other attractions, beautiful beaches, and exceptional cuisine, Colón Province is undoubtedly a place to experience unforgettable moments and leave with incredible memories.