Portobelo, Panama: travel guide
Small Caribbean town of Spanish forts, a Black Christ and diving
Small Caribbean coastal town in Colón Province, Panama, built around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Spanish colonial fortifications (Fuerte Santiago, Fuerte San Jerónimo, Real Aduana) and the Iglesia de San Felipe's…
About Portobelo
Portobelo is a small Caribbean town in Colón province, built around the stone fortifications that the Spanish raised to guard their treasure route. The forts, the customs house and the town's setting on a quiet bay are recognised by UNESCO, and give it an unusual sense of history.
Walk the ruins of Fuerte Santiago and Fuerte San Jerónimo, and look into the Real Aduana, the old customs house. In the Iglesia de San Felipe, the Cristo Negro, a dark wooden statue of Christ, is the focus of a pilgrimage each October. The bay and the surrounding Portobelo National Park offer snorkelling and diving, and the coast is wooded and green.
Portobelo suits history lovers and divers, and is often visited as a day trip from Panama City or Colón. The drier months from December to April are the easiest for visiting.
- Country
- Panama
- Currency
- USD
- Time zone
- America/Panama
Last updated
Top places to visit in Portobelo
Fuerte San Jeronimo
Fort · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The largest of the UNESCO Portobelo forts, whose cannons still line the bay where Spanish treasure fleets sailed.
Fuerte Santiago
Fort · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Well-preserved seaside Portobelo fort with bastions, barracks and sweeping bay views.
Iglesia de San Felipe (Cristo Negro)
Church · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Portobelo church housing the revered Black Christ statue, focus of a huge October pilgrimage.
Real Aduana de Portobelo
Museum · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Restored royal customs house on the plaza, once the counting house for New World silver, now a museum.
Portobelo National Park
Nature · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Coastal park of reefs, mangroves and rainforest surrounding the historic bay and forts.
Things to do
- Portobelo Forts & Black Christ Tour Cultural · 4 h · from USD 45 per person
- Portobelo Boat & Snorkel Trip Adventure · 4 h · from USD 50 per person
Where to stay in Portobelo
- Portobelo about USD 80 per night
Historic bayside village by the UNESCO forts and Black Christ church.
Hotels
- El Otro Lado 5-star · USD 380 to USD 700 per night
- Captain Jack's Hostel 1-star · USD 18 to USD 60 per night
Where to eat
- Restaurante Los Canones Seafood, Caribbean · about USD 18 per person
- Casa Congo Caribbean, Panamanian · about USD 20 per person
- Restaurante La Torre Seafood, Panamanian · about USD 12 per person
Getting to Portobelo
Nearest airport: Panama City (PTY), about 61 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Panama
Frequently asked questions about Portobelo
- What are the main places to visit in Portobelo?
- Places covered in our Portobelo guide include Fuerte San Jeronimo, Fuerte Santiago, Iglesia de San Felipe (Cristo Negro), Real Aduana de Portobelo, Portobelo National Park.
- Where should I stay in Portobelo?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Portobelo: Portobelo.
- How do I get around Portobelo?
- Ways to get around Portobelo covered in our guide: Taxi, Walking.