Portobelo is one of the oldest Spanish settlements on the Caribbean coast and at one point was the center of the Spanish Main. Portobelo is also famous for it's Black Christ - kept in the church just off the main square. This tour is history lovers heaven!
Portobelo is one of the oldest Spanish settlements on the Caribbean coast and at one point was the center of the Spanish Main. Portobelo is also famous for it's Black Christ - kept in the church just off the main square. This tour is history lovers heaven!
When the Spanish colonies were at its prime and the conquest of the Inca Empire was accomplished, the Spaniards set their eyes on strategic sites of Panama to transfer their cargoes from coast to coast. Portobelo was the end of the Royal Road (Camino Real), path between the oceans that started in the Old Panama City. There, the Old Spanish galleons unloaded their treasures to be transferred across the Isthmus, to be finally loaded to the vessels waiting in Portobelo to be transferred to the Old World.
Portobelo is one of the oldest Spanish settlements on the Caribbean coast and at one point was the center of the Spanish Main. Portobelo is also famous for it's Black Christ - kept in the church just off the main square. This tour is history lovers heaven!
Portobelo is one of the oldest Spanish settlements on the Caribbean coast and at one point was the center of the Spanish Main. Portobelo is also famous for it's Black Christ - kept in the church just off the main square. This tour is history lovers heaven!
When the Spanish colonies were at its prime and the conquest of the Inca Empire was accomplished, the Spaniards set their eyes on strategic sites of Panama to transfer their cargoes from coast to coast. Portobelo was the end of the Royal Road (Camino Real), path between the oceans that started in the Old Panama City. There, the Old Spanish galleons unloaded their treasures to be transferred across the Isthmus, to be finally loaded to the vessels waiting in Portobelo to be transferred to the Old World.
This activity became very attractive to Pirates and Buccaneers, forcing the Spanish conquerors to build forts for protection and customs. Nevertheless, all this was strategically planned, Sir Francis Drake, a British Buccaneer, who destroyed Portobelo, was later killed in a battle. Still today his body remains in a lead coffin at the bottom of the ocean in Portobelo Bay. In the 20th Century, Portobelo has been known as the site of the procession of the Black Christ, held every October. This activity attracts thousands of pilgrims from Panama and other countries. This day you will have an appointment with History.
Leaving from Panama early in the morning, head to the Atlantic coast following a portion of the old (Camino Real). Once in Portobelo, your tour guide will take you to the Black Christ Church, the historic Customs House, and the forts of the area. He will provide, as well, plenty of historical information. Enjoy a Caribbean style seafood lunch in a restaurant, overlooking the Bay of Portobelo. Return to Panama City in the afternoon.
Starting from USD $119.99 per person
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