Today you will have an appointment with History.

When the Spanish colonies were at their prime and the conquest of the Inca Empire was accomplished, the Spaniards set their eyes in strategic sites of Panama to transfer their cargo from coast to coast.

Portobelo was the end of the Royal Road (Camino Real), a 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, loaded onto vessels waiting in Portobelo, and then transferred to the Old World.

These activities attracted 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, sacked and destroyed Portobelo, where he was later killed in a battle. His body remains in a lead coffin in the bottom of the ocean in Portobelo Bay.

In the 20th century, Portobelo was 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.

Leaving from Panama early in the morning, we´ll head to the Atlantic coast following a portion of Camino Real. Once in Portobelo, the informative tour guide will take you to the Black Christ Church, the historic Customs House, and the forts of the area.

Also enjoy a Caribbean style seafood lunch in a restaurant overlooking the Bay of Portobelo, and return to Panama City in the afternoon.

Light clothes, insect repellent, hat, sunscreen and very comfortable shoes are suggested. Do not forget your camera and lot of film.

Click here to see our hotel pick up list.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Camino Real

Black Christ Church

Customs House

Forts of the Area