– Fuerte San Lorenzo: Marvel at the 1600s walls and cannons of Castillo Santiago de la Gloria, where you can imagine battles from the past.
– The Congo Culture House: Discover Congo heritage with exhibits, art, workshops, and traditional music. Take a 90-minute painting class ($80 USD) to create Congo art or join a percussion class ($50 USD) to learn Congo drumming rhythms.
– Museum of Afro-Panamanian Memory: Learn the history of the enslaved Afro-Panamanian people, their path to liberation, societal contributions, and economic impact over the centuries.
– Portobelo National Park: Find trails that run through the forests with paths to waterfalls and viewpoints, and trails along the coast that take you on a tour of history.
– Beaches: Set sail from Portobelo Pier to nearby beaches like Playa Huertas and Isla Mamey for relaxation, reef exploration, and a natural atmosphere. For more comfort, Playa Escondida offers a beach club, luxury apartments, and dining. Isla Grande combines a rustic vibe with Afro-Panamanian cuisine and lively bars.
Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for exploring, and pack swimwear if you plan to visit the beach. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, a camera for capturing rainforest photos, and binoculars for wildlife spotting. Don’t forget sunscreen and energy-boosting snacks to fuel your adventure.
By Public Transportation: From Panamá City it takes about 2 hours by taking a bus from the Albrook transport terminal. Also, from Portobelo you can take a boat to several paradise islands or continue driving to other Caribbean destinations.
Taxi or Private Transfer: Hire a taxi or book a private transfer for a more convenient and direct journey.