Colon Province 04 january 200727 February 2008

The fourth most popular Province is steeped in a rich and colorful history. The Province curves along the Caribbean coast from Darien west to Veraguas and Cocle and Panama Province and Cocle Province along the southern side. Colon Province covers almost 5000 square km, slopes from the coast up to a height of almost 1000 meters, and is home to over 200,000 inhabitants the majority residing in Colon City.

The capital of Colon province is Colon city, which is located at the entrance to the Panama Canal on the Caribbean side. It is a bustling port city of around 200,000 residents and Panama’s second largest city, Colon was founded in 1850 when the Panama railroad was constructed connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts includes a new cruise ship terminal, and is also famous for it’s Free Zone. The city of Colon remains essentially an industrial area.

The province of Colon is also famous for the port city of Portobelo, which was named by Christopher Columbus in 1502, and means “beautiful harbor”. Portobelo National Park also lies within Colon Province. There are two Spanish forts to visit in Portobelo. The Santiago de Gloria Fort protected from pirates the Customs Building ,where gold was kept before it was shipped to Spain. The Fort of San Lorenzo perched high on a cliff at the mouth of the Chagres River, frequently came under attack by pirates, including the infamous Captain Henry Morgan, and British war ships. Its crumbling ramparts contrast against the lush green jungle foliage. Just offshore from Colon is the lush tropical island of Isla Grande. Known throughout the region for its coral reefs and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, this pristine island caters to day-trippers.

Colon is most famous for the “Free Zone”.The Colon Free Zone is a major distribution center at the Atlantic gateway to the Panama Canal, primarily dedicated to the re-export of an enormous variety of merchandise to Latin America and the Caribbean.The success of the Colon Free Zone is reflected in the more than 400 hectares and 1,800 established companies and 250,000 visitors a year. Most of the goods originate in the Far East and Europe. Tourists are allowed to shop duty free when presenting their passport.

SOURCE: panama-travel-bureau.com

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