Portobelo Panama

Portobelo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial fortifications, unique Afro-Congo culture, and natural beauty. It is located on the Caribbean coast with calm waters making it ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving to explore colorful coral reefs. Portobelo Panama is also renowned throughout Panama for its celebration of the Festival del Cristo Negro (the Black Christ Festival), which takes place on October 21. During this festival, thousands of Panamanians travel to Portobelo and head to the Church of San Felipe, which houses the life-size wooden sculpture of the Black Christ.

Things to do in Portobelo

Explore the historical sites
The Fuerte San Jerónimo ruins, dating from the 17th century, offer a glimpse into Portobelo's past as a vital trading post and a target for pirates. The Royal Customs House, or Aduana, which once stored and recorded valuable goods before they were shipped to Spain, is now a museum with colonial-era artifacts. The Iglesia de San Felipe is home to the revered statue of the Cristo Negro (Black Christ), a life-sized wooden figure that is the focus of a major annual festival on October 21st.

Portobelo National Park
Portobelo is located within a large national park that offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. You can find sloths, monkeys, and a variety of birds in the tropical forest.

Diving and Snorkeling
There are 16 dive spots near Portobelo, which makes it popular with scuba enthusiasts. From coral reefs to sunken ships to seeing schools of barracudas, nurse sharks, and eagle rays!

Visit the beaches
Set sail for paradise from Portobelo Pier and discover Playa Huertas, Puerto Frances or Playa Larga in minutes. Immerse yourself in nature, relax under the palm trees, admire the array of colors on the reef, and explore the marine life near the shore. The best time to visit is from December to March. You can enjoy sunny days and a summer breeze.

Immerse into the Afro-Congo culture
Portobelo is a central hub for the vibrant Afro-Congo culture, a resilient tradition designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. This culture originated with the descendants of enslaved Africans who found freedom by escaping into the Panamanian rainforest during the colonial era. It is a powerful expression of resistance, deeply rooted in a unique blend of African, Indigenous, and Spanish influences. Throughout the town, you can immerse yourself in this rich heritage. You'll find art workshops and galleries displaying "Congo" art, see students at the "Escuelita del Ritmo" ("Little School of Rhythm"), and witness impromptu performances of the famous "Congos de Portobelo."