What to do for a day in Colon BESIDES an eco tour?

We'll be there for a day soon, for our 20th anniversary. [emoji2]

We're just not in the mood for an eco tour but that seems to be all there is.

So what else is there to enjoy for a day? We love ruins but I'm not sure Panama has any to offer. Maybe a tour of local towns or something off the beaten path?

Suggestions?

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While not knowing what is included in the "eco" tour you are looking at and whether or not your call at Colon will involve a Canal transit, can't be sure on which direction to point you. The short answer to your question is... there is absolutely nothing to do in Colon for a visitor, Colon just happens to be where the ship docks. Colon is at best a rather crummy port town that supports the Canal and Panama. It has a bustling free zone that is the second largest in this hemisphere (not intended for the casual shopper) and a broad swath of urban decay. To be sure when you fantasizing about some idyllic tropical paradise, Colon won't come to mind;)!

Most visit Panama to take a Canal transit or see some of the Canal operations from shore side by visiting the new and old locks. One of the more popular non Canal excursions is a visit to the Embera Indians, I think that could fit off the beaten path criteria. An excursion that takes you to the Pacific side to see the three different Panama Cities... Old Panama, Casco Viejo and modern Panama City. Something low key, perhaps a trip on the first transcontinental railroad?

Now you are not going to find your traditional ancient ruins of by gone civilizations, however there are some great ruins of the Spanish Colonial period. The old fortifications of Fort San Lorenzo and the various old forts that protected Portobleo along with the old Customs House. Portobelo could also double as you off the beaten path local town.

take a cab or uber or rent a car and go to panama city colon is a dump no place to stop on the cruise

Panama City would be great, but it's an hour away. Any idea what a taxi would cost?

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A SWAG would probably be somewhere in the vicinity of a $100... maybe even be north of that figure?? Keep in mind Panama City and even the rest of the general vicinity does lend itself to catching a cab, then being driven to a central location and you start your exploration via whatever transportation available. If you caught a cab at Colon to Panama City, most likely the cab would have to deadhead back to Colon after you were dropped off, then you would still need a return. Think your best bet would be to hire the cab for the day. Price of course is negotiable depending on what you want.

A SWAG would probably be somewhere in the vicinity of a $100... maybe even be north of that figure?? Keep in mind Panama City and even the rest of the general vicinity does not lend itself to catching a cab, then being driven to a central location and you start your exploration via whatever transportation available. If you caught a cab at Colon to Panama City, most likely the cab would have to deadhead back to Colon after you were dropped off, then you would still need a return. Think your best bet would be to hire the cab for the day. Price of course is negotiable depending on what you want.

Coming back and reading this after it got cold, I left out a word... not. Hopefully that clears up that sentence:o.

There is really not an army of taxis waiting at the cruise ship pier?

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At the pier there won't be a problem.