Cristobal

Colon

#Panama #Canal Gatun locks Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado. Gatun locks By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut (Channel open on the rocks and snake-shaped 12.6 km long), the Centenial Bridge and we arrive at Pedro Miguel Locks, which has only one camera. Here we descend 9 meters to the Miraflores Lake. Small lake and soon we arrived at Miraflores Locks. They are composed of 2 cameras that descend us to the level of the Pacific. These locks have the highest gates because of the differences between Pacific tides. Through these locks we reach the Pacific. We still cross under the bridge of the Americas, which is part of the Pan American Highway, which connects southern South America with Alaska in North America. The whole crossing lasted around 9 hours. During the crossing the ships are aided by pairs of locomotives. Depending on the size of the ship, up to 8 locomotives can be used. The water that fills the cameras comes from Gatun Lake and 197 million liters of water are used for each crossing. That is why conservation of the tropical forest around the lake is of paramount importance. The maximum allowable dimensions for ships is 32.31 m wide, 294.13 m long and 12.04 m draft.
#Panama #Canal Gatun locks Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado. Gatun locks By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut (Channel open on the rocks and snake-shaped 12.6 km long), the Centenial Bridge and we arrive at Pedro Miguel Locks, which has only one camera. Here we descend 9 meters to the Miraflores Lake. Small lake and soon we arrived at Miraflores Locks. They are composed of 2 cameras that descend us to the level of the Pacific. These locks have the highest gates because of the differences between Pacific tides. Through these locks we reach the Pacific. We still cross under the bridge of the Americas, which is part of the Pan American Highway, which connects southern South America with Alaska in North America. The whole crossing lasted around 9 hours. During the crossing the ships are aided by pairs of locomotives. Depending on the size of the ship, up to 8 locomotives can be used. The water that fills the cameras comes from Gatun Lake and 197 million liters of water are used for each crossing. That is why conservation of the tropical forest around the lake is of paramount importance. The maximum allowable dimensions for ships is 32.31 m wide, 294.13 m long and 12.04 m draft.
I read and locals confirmed that there are manatees swimming in this lake... but I never thought that I'd swim in it, too, and be so close to them even if I wasn't able to actually see them! Our trip to the lake by boat was windy and rain caught us on our way back. However, there was some deep tranquility in the air... which turned these moments into one of the highlights of our time spent in Panama. #waterlust
Gatun Lake neat Gatun Locks, Panama
#Panama #Canal Gatun locks Por volta das 6 da manhã já tínhamos passado o quebra-mar que antecede as Gatun locks. Depois da passagem de alguns navios foi a nossa vez de sermos elevados 26 metros em 3 etapas até ao Gatun Lake. Atravessamos o lago, o Culebra Cut (Canal aberto nas rochas e em forma de cobra com 12,6 Km de comprimento), a Centenial Bridge e chegamos a Pedro Miguel Locks, que tem apenas uma câmera. Aqui descemos 9 metros para o Miraflores Lake. Lago pequeno e logo chegamos às Miraflores Locks. São compostas de 2 câmeras que nos descem até ao nível do Pacífico. Estes locks têm as gates mais altas devido às diferenças entre as marés do Pacífico. Atravessados estes locks chegamos ao Pacífico. Passamos ainda por baixo da ponte das Américas, que é parte da rodovia Pan-americana, que liga o sul da América do sul com o Alasca na América do norte. A travessia toda durou em torno de 9 horas. Durante a travessia os navios são auxiliados por pares de locomotivas. Dependendo do tamanho do navio, podem ser usadas até 8 locomotivas. A água que enche as câmeras, vem do Gatun Lake e são usados 197 milhões de litros de água para cada travessia. Por isso é de suma importância a conservação da floresta tropical em torno do lago. As dimensões máximas permitidas para os navios é 32,31 m de largura, 294,13 m de comprimento e 12,04 m de calado. Gatun locks By 6am we had already passed the breakwater that precedes the Gatun locks. After the passage of some ships it was our turn to be lifted 26 meters in 3 steps to Gatun Lake. We cross the lake, the Culebra Cut (Channel open on the rocks and snake-shaped 12.6 km long), the Centenial Bridge and we arrive at Pedro Miguel Locks, which has only one camera. Here we descend 9 meters to the Miraflores Lake. Small lake and soon we arrived at Miraflores Locks. They are composed of 2 cameras that descend us to the level of the Pacific. These locks have the highest gates because of the differences between Pacific tides. Through these locks we reach the Pacific. We still cross under the bridge of the Americas, which is part of the Pan American Highway, which connects southern South America with Alaska in North America. The whole crossing lasted around 9 hours. During the crossing the ships are aided by pairs of locomotives. Depending on the size of the ship, up to 8 locomotives can be used. The water that fills the cameras comes from Gatun Lake and 197 million liters of water are used for each crossing. That is why conservation of the tropical forest around the lake is of paramount importance. The maximum allowable dimensions for ships is 32.31 m wide, 294.13 m long and 12.04 m draft.

Popular places to visit

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Fort San Lorenzo

You can learn about the history of Colon with a stop at Fort San Lorenzo. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Fort San Lorenzo

Colon Free Zone

During your trip to Colon, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Colon Free Zone.

Colon Free Zone

Colon 2000

During your visit to Colon, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Colon 2000. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Colon 2000

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Explore the great outdoors at Gamboa Rainforest Resort, a lovely green space in Gamboa. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Panama Rainforest Discovery Center

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Panama Rainforest Discovery Center in Gamboa. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Panama Rainforest Discovery Center

Canal Expansion Observation Center

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Canal Expansion Observation Center during your trip to Colon. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Canal Expansion Observation Center

Things to do

7 Hours Monkey Island and Nature Walk at Soberania National Park

7 Hours Monkey Island and Nature Walk at Soberania National Park

CA $164
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
7 Hours Monkey Island and Nature Walk at Soberania National Park
Guided Tour in Sloth Sanctuary and Monkey Island

Guided Tour in Sloth Sanctuary and Monkey Island

CA $194
per adult
Guided Tour in Sloth Sanctuary and Monkey Island
Embera Indigenous Village Tour

Chagres River Aventure with The Embera

CA $89
per adult
Chagres River Aventure with The Embera
Gatun Expedition Monkey island Tour

Gatun Expedition Monkey island Tour

CA $68
per adult
Gatun Expedition Monkey island Tour
Monkey Island Rainforest Tour

Gatun Lake and Rain Forest Tour

CA $109
per adult
Gatun Lake and Rain Forest Tour
Magnificent Gatun lake

Monkey Watch and Gatun Lake Wildlife Safari Private Tour

CA $102
per adult
Monkey Watch and Gatun Lake Wildlife Safari Private Tour
See all activities in Colon

Cristobal Hotel Deals

La Cubana Hotel & Residencial

La Cubana Hotel & Residencial

2.5 out of 5
Calle 11 y Avenida Bolivar Colon Panama
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $40 per night from Feb 26 to Feb 27
CA $40
CA $44 total
Feb 26 - Feb 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Colon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Colon 2000 and Fantastic Casino ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (115 reviews)
good

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2026

La Cubana Hotel & Residencial
Radisson Colon 2,000 Hotel & Casino

Radisson Colon 2,000 Hotel & Casino

4 out of 5
Paseo Gorgas, Calle 13 Colon Colon
The price is CA $157 per night from Mar 4 to Mar 5
CA $157
CA $173 total
Mar 4 - Mar 5
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Colon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (861 reviews)
Very clean and spotless room, and the breakfast was yummy. They also offered a nice complimentary drink, which was a lovely touch. There’s a nearby duty-free mall where you can find items at very competitive prices, which was super convenient.

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

Radisson Colon 2,000 Hotel & Casino
SAND DIAMOND HOTEL

SAND DIAMOND HOTEL

3 out of 5
Millennium Plaza, Av A. Waked Colon Colon
The price is CA $161 per night from Feb 13 to Feb 14
CA $161
CA $177 total
Feb 13 - Feb 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Colon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Colon 2000 and Colon Free Zone are ...
SAND DIAMOND HOTEL
Hotel Andros

Hotel Andros

3 out of 5
Ave. Herrera, entre Calles 9 y 10 Colon Colon
Stay at this hotel in Colon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Colon 2000 and November 5 Park are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (159 reviews)
All great

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

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Hotel Andros
New Washington Hotel

New Washington Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Calle 1a Avenida Bolivar Colon Colon
The price is CA $108 per night from Feb 13 to Feb 14
CA $108
CA $120 total
Feb 13 - Feb 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Colon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Colon 2000 and Monument to Christopher Columbus are located ...
New Washington Hotel
Hotel Sotelo

Hotel Sotelo

3 out of 5
Calle 11, Ave. Amador Colon Panama
The price is CA $43 per night from Feb 13 to Feb 14
CA $43
CA $47 total
Feb 13 - Feb 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Colon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Colon 2000 and Fantastic Casino Colon Calle 13 are ...
Hotel Sotelo
See all 46 properties in Cristobal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Other neighbourhoods around Cristobal

Beautiful aerial view of the Beautiful aerial view of the Panama Channel on the Sunset

Barrio Sur

If you're spending some time in Barrio Sur, Colon Free Zone and Colon 2000 are top sights worth seeing.

Barrio Sur
Barcelona Christopher Columbus monument

Barrio Norte

While visiting Barrio Norte, you might make a stop by sights like Monument to Christopher Columbus and Limon Bay.

Barrio Norte
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Coco Solo

If you're spending some time in Coco Solo, Colon Free Zone and Limon Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Coco Solo
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Gatun

The museums and monuments are just a few features travelers like about Gatun. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Gatun Locks and Canal Expansion Observation Center are a few top places to visit.

Gatun

Cristobal

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