Colón & Caribbean Coast
Colón y Costa Caribeña
History
The Caribbean coast of Panama became a strategic hub during the Spanish colonial era, when Portobelo served as a key port for shipping gold and silver from South America back to Spain, drawing pirate raids led by figures like Henry Morgan. The founding of Colón in 1850 was tied to the construction of the Panama Railroad, which linked the Atlantic and Pacific during the California Gold Rush. The region later boomed with the building of the Panama Canal, completed in 1914, which cemented Colón as a major transit point. Its free trade zone, established in 1948, grew into one of the largest in the world.
Culture
The Caribbean coast is deeply shaped by Afro-Antillean heritage, with descendants of West Indian laborers who came to build the railroad and canal contributing English-based traditions, cuisine and music. Congo culture, born of enslaved Africans who escaped Spanish rule, thrives here through vibrant drumming, dance and the Congo carnival celebrations in towns like Portobelo. The area also honors the revered Black Christ (Cristo Negro) of Portobelo, drawing thousands of pilgrims each October.
Language
Spanish is the official language, but many locals of Afro-Antillean descent also speak Guari-Guari, an English-based Creole; a friendly "buenas" works as an all-purpose greeting.
Best time to visit
February to April for the drier stretch on the humid Caribbean side.
Places to visit
- Fort San Lorenzo — A UNESCO-listed Spanish colonial fortress perched on a cliff at the mouth of the Chagres River, guarding the old route…
- Isla Grande — A small palm-fringed Caribbean island near Portobelo known for its laid-back Afro-Caribbean vibe, snorkeling reefs and…
- Gatún Locks — The massive Atlantic-side locks of the Panama Canal, where ships are raised and lowered on the Caribbean end of the wat…
- Agua Clara Visitor Center — The modern expansion-era locks visitor center on the Atlantic side, offering elevated viewing platforms over the neo-Pa…
- Nombre de Dios — A historic coastal village that was once a key Spanish treasure port on the colonial trade route, now a quiet Afro-Cari…
Where to eat
- Restaurante El Trébol (Panamanian, Colón City). Order: Arroz con guandú y coco.
- Café Iguana (Caribbean, Bocas Town). Order: Grilled snapper in coconut sauce.
- Om Café (Indian, Bocas Town). Order: Chicken tikka masala.
- Raw Sushi & Art Café (Sushi/Japanese, Bocas Town). Order: Bocas roll with local tuna.
- Bibi's on the Beach (Seafood, Isla Carenero). Order: Whole grilled lobster.
- El Ultimo Refugio (International/Fusion, Bocas Town). Order: Blackened mahi-mahi.
- Restaurante Nazarí (Afro-Caribbean, Portobelo). Order: Pescado en escabeche.
- Restaurante Los Cañones (Seafood, Portobelo). Order: Coconut shrimp.
- Sunset Grill (Grill/BBQ, Playa Bluff). Order: BBQ ribs.
- Leaf Eaters Café (Vegetarian, Bocas Town). Order: Buddha bowl.
- Restaurante Marisol (Caribbean Seafood, Isla Grande). Order: Rondón (seafood coconut stew).
- Coco Hill Restaurant (Fusion/Vegetarian, Isla Bastimentos). Order: Curry of the day.
- Skully's Bar & Restaurant (Caribbean, Old Bank). Order: Fish tacos.
- La Buga Dive & Restaurant (International, Bocas Town). Order: Ceviche mixto.
- Restaurante Miramar (Panamanian/Seafood, Colón City). Order: Corvina a la plancha.