Colon Food Experience

The Colon Food Experience offers a one-of-a-kind adventure in Panama. This full-day tour whisks you away to the province of Colon, where you can dive into the rich flavors and traditions of the Caribbean. Most travelers only visit Colon for the Free Trade Zone or its stunning beaches, making this tour a chance to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. You’ll get to experience the lively culture, the warmth of its people, and the mouthwatering cuisine that Colon has to offer.

Your guide will show you how to make the renowned plantain empanada. This dish is always referred to in English, as it stems from an ancient Afro-Caribbean recipe that reflects a blend of cultures. Participants will have the opportunity to enter a factory and create this delicious empanada themselves.

The Colon Food Experience also includes a visit to the local public market, where you can discover the various ingredients that contribute to the province’s culinary scene. The Caribbean is known for producing the finest hot sauce in Panama, and you’ll have the chance to taste and buy the famous «chombo» hot sauce, along with sugarcane sweets and shredded coconut.

Explore the top dining spots in the Colon Gastronomic Experience, where you’ll enjoy five of the most beloved dishes from Colon. You’ll meet the chefs and restaurant owners, who will share their insights on preparation, ingredients, and the culinary traditions that have been handed down through generations.

For those eager to learn how to cook Afro-Panamanian dishes, there is also an option to book an Afro-Panamanian cooking class.