Colón

Walk through the 16th-century fort and look out over the Chagres River and Caribbean Sea.

Reviews say admission to the natural area on the way to the fort was accepted only by bank transfer, not cash or card, so check payment methods in advance.

At the observation terrace of the Agua Clara Visitor Center, watch Gatun Lake and Neopanamax ships passing through while enjoying coffee, snacks, or a Panamanian lunch.

Views of ships crossing Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal expansion works. The visitor center recommends allowing about 3 hours for a visit.

A Caribbean-facing village with painted houses along its streets and restaurants serving Afro-Caribbean food.

A church housing the image known as the “Black Christ” of Portobelo.

The church is under renovation, so check its status before visiting; reviews at the time said the interior was accessible.

A traveler reported renting a kayak here and paddling across Portobelo Bay to the fort ruins.

A waterfront terrace built over the sea beside the coastal road in Portobelo, serving seafood stew in a whole coconut and crispy patacones.

Inside the Portobelo boutique hotel El Bongo, it serves Caribbean octopus coconut curry, plantain patties, and traditional Afro-Panamanian dishes.

The former customs house on the central plaza now serves as a museum about the history of Africans who arrived on this coast during the colonial era.

Snorkeling is available on reefs in Portobelo National Park through services offered in the village.

The remains of the forts that defended the town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A beach near Portobelo harbor. The tourism authority says many nearby beaches can be reached by a short boat ride.

The archaeological site of old Panama City, where visitors can see the remaining cathedral and bell tower, as well as the museum on the site.

If driving, set Museo de Panamá Viejo as the destination rather than the ruins or Plaza Mayor to reach parking and buy tickets.

A historic district designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with brick streets, colonial-era buildings, and plazas.

A hill visited by locals and tourists alike. From the top, you can see the old town, the city's high-rises, and the Panama Canal.

To climb Ancon Hill, register at the entrance by writing your name and other basic information.

A cathedral facing the Plaza de la Independencia in Casco Viejo, with altars and artworks inside.

A museum of Panama's natural history on the Amador Causeway.

A museum on Plaza de la Independencia in Casco Viejo, exhibiting material about the construction of the canal and its role today.

Traffic around the museum may be congested on weekends and parking may be far away, so allow plenty of time to drive there.

A road connecting Naos, Perico, and Flamenco islands. Ships can be seen entering and leaving the southern entrance to the Panama Canal.

A church in Casco Viejo, known for its golden altar.

From the observation terrace, visitors can watch ships pass through the Miraflores Locks. An IMAX film about the canal is also screened.

Check the ship transit schedule and movie start time in advance and time your visit accordingly so you do not miss the lock viewing or film.

A seafood market beside the harbor, selling fresh seafood just brought in from the adjacent port. It is busy with Panamanians on weekends.

Vendors often solicit in the restaurant area, so decide where to eat before entering and decline any offers you do not want.

A plaza with a monument related to the canal's construction. The waterfront promenade around the plaza offers views of the high-rises in the new city.

A plaza in Casco Viejo, home to the cathedral and the Canal Museum.

A souvenir area in Casco Viejo selling Guna Yala textiles and art, baskets, wooden masks, handmade jewelry, and more.

A seaside promenade; the travel account describes views of the city and sea.