Cristobal Travel Guide

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

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

4.5/5(2 reviews)

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

Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Fort San Lorenzo

Fort San Lorenzo

You can learn about the history of Colon when you stop by Fort San Lorenzo. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Fort San Lorenzo

Colon 2000

During your visit to Colon, you can do some window-shopping at Colon 2000. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Colon 2000

Colon Free Zone

During your trip to Colon, you can do some window-shopping at Colon Free Zone.

Colon Free Zone

Canal Expansion Observation Center

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Canal Expansion Observation Center in Colon. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Canal Expansion Observation Center

Panama Rainforest Discovery Center

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Panama Rainforest Discovery Center in Gamboa. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Panama Rainforest Discovery Center

Things to do

Monkey and Sloth Jungle Habitat Panama Tour

Monkey and Sloth Jungle Habitat Panama Tour

฿1,887
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monkey and Sloth Jungle Habitat Panama Tour
Magnificent Gatun lake

Monkey Watch and Gatun Lake Wildlife Safari Private Tour

฿2,359
per adult
Monkey Watch and Gatun Lake Wildlife Safari Private Tour
Guided Tour in Sloth Sanctuary and Monkey Island

Guided Tour in Sloth Sanctuary and Monkey Island

฿4,404
per adult
Guided Tour in Sloth Sanctuary and Monkey Island
Embera Indigenous Village Tour

Chagres River Aventure with The Embera

฿2,045
per adult
Chagres River Aventure with The Embera
Gatun Expedition Monkey island Tour

Gatun Expedition Monkey island Tour

฿1,573
per adult
Gatun Expedition Monkey island Tour
Embera Village and Hidden Waterfall Charges River Tour

Embera Village and Hidden Waterfall Charges River Tour

฿2,045
per adult
Embera Village and Hidden Waterfall Charges River Tour
See all activities in Colon

Top hotels in Cristobal

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 ฿1,076 per night from 2 Feb to 3 Feb
฿1,076
฿1,183 total
2 Feb - 3 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Colon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Colon 2000 and Fantastic Casino Colon ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (114 reviews)
Excelente lugar gente amable cordial, lo único no cuentan con estacionamiento ni restaurante

Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025

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 ฿3,168 per night from 7 Feb to 8 Feb
฿3,168
฿3,484 total
7 Feb - 8 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Colon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (841 reviews)
Staff and rooms were things among others that impressed me

Reviewed on 12 Jan 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 ฿3,743 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
฿3,743
฿4,117 total
21 Jan - 22 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Colon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Colon 2000 and Colon Free Zone are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (218 reviews)
Yes.

Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026

SAND DIAMOND HOTEL
Hotel Andros

Hotel Andros

3 out of 5
Ave. Herrera, entre Calles 9 y 10 Colon Colon
The price is ฿1,175 per night from 20 Jan to 21 Jan
฿1,175
฿1,292 total
20 Jan - 21 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Colon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Colon 2000 and November 5 Park are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (156 reviews)
Camera grande e pulita, con letto grande e molto comodo. Bagno grande con vasca da bagno tipo idromassaggio, anche se avrei preferito la doccia. Abbiamo avuto un problema nella camera di perdita d'acqua dal lavandino ma ci hanno subito cambiato camera. L'hotel si trova nel centro di Colon dove tutto ...

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

Hotel Andros
New Washington Hotel

New Washington Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Calle 1a Avenida Bolivar Colon Colon
Stay at this hotel in Colon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Colon 2000 and Monument to Christopher Columbus are located ...
5.8/10 (83 reviews)
Great room, helpful staff, wonderful view and amenities.

Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025

Get rates
New Washington Hotel
Hotel Sotelo

Hotel Sotelo

3 out of 5
Calle 11, Ave. Amador Colon Panama
Stay at this hotel in Colon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Colon 2000 and Fantastic Casino Colon Calle 13 are ...
7.8/10 Good! (37 reviews)
The hotel room was clean however the paint on the walls is dirty. The bedhead is discolored, bathroom mirror old and discolored. Air conditioner is very dirty. Bed is not comfortable. I ask front desk for ticker bedsheets buy there don't have. I booked for 6 days but leaves on the third day. The ...

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2024

Get rates
Hotel Sotelo
See all 45 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Cristobal

Default Image

Barrio Sur

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

Barrio Sur
Default Image

Barrio Norte

If you're spending some time in Barrio Norte, Limon Bay and Monument to Christopher Columbus are top sights worth seeing.

Barrio Norte
Default Image

Coco Solo

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

Coco Solo
Default Image

Gatun

Gatun is well liked for its museums and monuments. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Canal Expansion Observation Center and Gatun Locks are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Gatun

Cristobal Travel Guide