Birthed with the Panama railroad in 1850, the country’s second largest city is inextricably liked to the quests of transistmian passage. Despite its size and moments of illustrious history, Colon is only now emerging form a long spell of depression and should be explored only with a guide or organized tour. Beyond the city await an ancient fortress, prime birding sites, and coastal vistas.

The sultry port city of Colon was built by the Pacific Railroad Company on Isla Manzanillo at the Bahia de Limon’s eastern tip. Avenida Central, the tree-shaded central boulevard colloquially called El Paseo, makes a pleasant stroll. Among its many statues and monuments are the monument of John Stevens, the statue of Ferdinand de Lesseps, the Columbus monument, and the statue of Christ the Redeemer with arms outstretched.