Portobelo Travel Guide

Portobelo is located on the shores of a beautiful bay on the Caribbean coast of northern Panama. It is a historical town. It was once one of the most important ports and military fortresses in the Americas during the Spanish colonial period. It is famous for its preserved ancient fortifications (forts), profound colonial history and Caribbean culture, and beautiful bay. The ruins of the fort are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage as part of the Caribbean coast fortifications. The dry season is better from December to April. It played a very important role in history - during the colonial period, it was a key transit port for Spain to ship and transfer the huge silver wealth mined from South America (especially Peru) and transported overland to the isthmus back to Europe. It was once prosperous and became a coveted target of pirates. In order to protect the port of wealth, Spain built strong fortresses and forts on both sides of the bay (Santiago, San Jerónimo Fortress, etc.). Nowadays, ancient fortresses and mottled forts stand between the bay and tropical vegetation. They are full of vicissitudes and serve as a window to understand the history of great navigation, colonial trade (an objective introduction to history). It is also the Caribbean Kongo African Cultural Center (unique music and dance) and the Black Christian Church. The bay is suitable for diving. US dollars are common. Prices are for reference only.