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Manzanillo International Terminal

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Port

Manzanillo International Terminal (Panama)

Weather…

The Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) is one of the largest and most efficient container ports in Latin America, situated at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal in the city of Colón. It is located on the site of the former US Naval Air Station Coco Solo and was privatized and developed into a modern logistics center in the mid-1990s. Geographically, the terminal benefits from its immediate proximity to the Colón Free Trade Zone, making it a central hub for global trade and transshipment between the oceans. MIT features state-of-the-art infrastructure, including high-performance container cranes and extensive storage capacities for refrigerated containers. The terminal's economic importance to Panama is immense, as it creates thousands of jobs and strengthens the country's competitiveness as a global logistics hub. In addition to container handling, the terminal has specialized services for vehicle transport (Ro-Ro) and warehousing. Continuous investments in technology and automation have made MIT a benchmark for port efficiency throughout the entire region.

Location: Panama
Top sights: Coco Solo · Barrio Sur, Panama · Colón, Panama
Nearby: Gorgona (16 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	27	28	28	28	27	27	28	27	27	27
Rain mm	31	11	21	96	269	285	284	275	269	280	272	120

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Manzanillo International Terminal in Colón is one of the largest container ports in the Caribbean and a central transshipment hub for the Panama Canal. It connects Atlantic and Pacific trade shipping, strengthening Panama's role as a logistics center.

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Visiting

The terminal is a high-security port area and not open to the public. From the coastal road in front of Colón, one can observe the giant container ships and cranes.

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Where to view it

The best public view is from the road along Manzanillo Bay, where the terminal and the entrance to the Panama Canal are visible. San Lorenzo Fort also gives a panoramic view of the port entrance.

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Local products

The port handles mainly containerized cargo, including consumer goods, electronics, and agricultural products. The markets in Colón also sell duty-free goods and local handicrafts.

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Active season

The terminal operates 24/7 with consistently high ship traffic due to the Panama Canal. Peak periods follow global trade flows, especially before Christmas and during the North American harvest season.

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Nearby

Combine a port visit with a tour of Colón's old town and the rainforest of Soberanía National Park. A trip to the „Puente de las Américas” bridge is also worthwhile.

Geography

Coordinates

9.36200, -79.88500

Facts

Manzanillo International Terminal began operations in 1995.
It is located in the Colón Province on the shores of Manzanillo Bay.
The terminal features over 1,600 meters of berthing space.
The terminal is a joint venture between Panamanian investors and SSA Marine.
It handles an annual volume of over 2 million TEUs (container units).
The port facility covers an area of approximately 52 hectares.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fort Randolph<1 km · EExplore →

Cristóbal2 km · SExplore →

Gatun Lake5 km · SWExplore →

Panama Canal6 km · WExplore →

Chiriqui Grande Oil Terminal7 km · SExplore →

Panama Gold Mining Site11 km · NWExplore →

Fort San Lorenzo13 km · SExplore →

Altos de Campana highlands13 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Manzanillo International Terminal (3)

Coco Solo📍 landmark

A former US naval base and current settlement in Colón Province.

Barrio Sur, Panama📍 landmark

A neighborhood in Colón, Panama, south of the city center.

Colón, Panama📍 landmark

A port city on Panama's Caribbean coast, adjacent to the Panama Canal.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Manzanillo International Terminal?

It is one of Panama's most important container ports on the Atlantic Ocean.

Is the port accessible to tourists?

No, it is a strictly secured industrial facility.

Why is the port important?

It plays a crucial role in international trade through the Panama Canal.

What is nearby?

The Colón Free Trade Zone is located in the immediate vicinity.

Can you watch the ships?

Only from public areas nearby, but not directly on site.

Manzanillo International Terminal: where is it located?

Manzanillo International Terminal is located in Panama.

Manzanillo International Terminal: what is there to see?

Highlights include Coco Solo, Barrio Sur, Panama, Colón, Panama.

Manzanillo International Terminal: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Manzanillo International Terminal: why is it worth visiting?

The Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) is one of the largest and most efficient container ports in Latin America, situated at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal in the city of Colón.

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