Portobelo

Portobelo, located on the north side of Panamá, in the province of Colón, faces the Caribbean Sea. Legend has it that Columbus named Portobelo as soon as he saw it. The color of its deep blue sea, the white of its beaches, along with the intense green of its forests and mangroves, deserve no other name: it is a beautiful port. Come and discover it for yourself!

You'll know you've arrived in Portobelo when you see the ruins of a Spanish castle and its old cannons. The group of forts that once defended the town from pirate attacks has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Among its narrow streets and brightly painted houses, you'll find restaurants with exquisite Afro-Caribbean cuisine and some with international menus. There are also small hotels, hostels, and rental homes with ocean views.

Afro-Congo Culture

Walking through Portobelo is a cultural experience in itself. In the central square, you can see the large Customs building, turned into a museum about the history of the African people who arrived on these shores during the Spanish colonial period. Their descendants represent the Congo culture that lives and thrives in this town, which has also been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

On any corner, you'll find workshops and galleries with "Congo" art exhibitions. You'll see students coming in and out of the "Rhythm School" and impromptu performances by the famous "Congos of Portobelo."

Learn about the "diablitos" and the Queen Congo dance, some characters who have caricatured the figure of the conquerors since then. Hear about this town's faith in the Black Christ and visit its image in the church.

You can't leave Portobelo without visiting the beaches and islands surrounding the harbor, such as Playa Huertas or Isla Mamey. Most of them are just a short boat ride away. Some have little huts that offer shade, while others will be just you and nature. Thanks to the services offered in the town, you can snorkel or scuba dive in well-preserved reefs in the Portobelo National Park. A complete plan to discover this gem of Panamanian Caribbean also includes walking on forest trails or watching the sunset in the bay while paddleboarding.

Group of people on a small boat, one holding a yellow surfboard. In the background, there are lush green islands and a clear blue sky.

Getting There

To get to Portobelo by car, take the Panama-Colon Expressway to the turn-off to Sabanitas, about 50 minutes. Note that this route has tolls that must be paid in cash. Then take the turn-off to Portobelo for another 50 minutes.

From the Gran Terminal de Transporte de Albrook, you can take a bus to the Colon terminal, where you will need to take another transport to Portobelo. This trip can take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in total. You can also get off at Sabanitas and take a local service there. Note that the road between Sabanitas and Colón is narrower and has several curves.