Colón is a Panamanian city that was created in 1850. It's roughly 80 kilometres north of Panama City on the Caribbean coast. Colón is Panama's second-largest city and a major port city. In addition, the city is home to the Zona Libre de Colón, the world's second-largest free trade zone. Colón is a famous tourist destination because of its historical and cultural attractions. The Panama Canal is one of the world's most famous engineering feats. Visitors can take boat tours of the canal or go to the Miraflores Locks to see ships sail by. Fort San Lorenzo was erected in the 17th century to protect the Panama Canal. The fort is roughly 30 kilometres from Colón on the Caribbean coast. Portobelo was formerly an important trading harbour and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is around 50 kilometres from Colón. Colón's Zona Libre is the world's second-largest free trade zone. Visitors can shop for duty-free items at the zone's numerous stores. Colón is also a prominent ecotourism location. The city sits amid the Panamanian jungle, and there are several hiking, biking, and birdwatching routes nearby. While Colón offers many attractions, it is necessary to be informed of the city's history.