Recently Viewed
Panama Colonization: Caribbean History Tour
4.0
5 Ratings
Colon
Discover the history of the colonizers who settled in Panama. Alongside the enslaved individuals brought by the Spanish, they created a remarkable history that this tour will reveal. Don’t miss the chance to explore the earliest marks left by these groups in the Panamanian Caribbean.
Discover the history of the colonizers who settled in Panama. Alongside the enslaved individuals brought by the Spanish, they created a remarkable history that this tour will reveal. Don’t miss the chance to explore the earliest marks left by these groups in the Panamanian Caribbean.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Fort San Lorenzo - This is the first Spanish fortress used by the Spanish to protect their newly discovered lands from piracy.
- Santiago Battery - Although not typically included in Panama’s usual tourist itineraries, this site is located on the way to Isla Grande, about 30 minutes from Colón. It offers a glimpse into both religious history…
- Fort San Lorenzo - This is the first Spanish fortress used by the Spanish to protect their newly discovered lands from piracy.
- Santiago Battery - Although not typically included in Panama’s usual tourist itineraries, this site is located on the way to Isla Grande, about 30 minutes from Colón. It offers a glimpse into both religious history and naval trade, highlighting the ongoing conflicts between pirates, privateers, and buccaneers. As a former English and Spanish trade center during the Colonial Era, this fort is open to tourists and provides a taste of this rich history. Nearby, the Church of San Felipe houses the renowned “Negro de Portobelo,” made famous by Ismael Rivera in his classic “The Nazarene.”
- Centro de Visitantes de Portobelo - This beautifully restored 18th-century house serves as the venue for a small yet captivating museum, showcasing Portobelo’s history from past to present with vibrant photos and videos.
- Fuerte San Jeronimo - The Castle of San Jerónimo, or Fort of San Jerónimo de Portobelo, was part of the Spanish Crown’s defensive system for transatlantic trade and exemplifies 17th and 18th-century military architecture.
- Museo de La Real Aduana de Portobelo - This museum features three rooms. The first room explores the history of enslaved people from their arrival in Portobelo, their societal development, economic contributions, and liberation processes.
The second room delves into the intangible heritage of African descent, including Congo cultural expressions (recognized as intangible heritage by UNESCO), rituals, beliefs, traditions of the Black Christ, and the reasons for its many devotees. Visitors will also learn about Portobelo’s gastronomy and music.
The third room, known as the exterior room, consists of panels discussing the customs building, surrounding fortifications, and the globally significant fairs that took place there, which are now part of the isthmus’s history.
- Iglesia de San Felipe - The Church of San Felipe, also known as the Church of the Black Christ, is a Catholic church in Portobelo, Panama. Built in 1814, it houses a statue of the Black Christ, discovered on the port’s shores.
- Casa Congo - This art reflects the significance of the Congo Culture, with centuries of Afro-descendant tradition in Panama.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
- San Lorenzo fortress entrance fee - $5
- Lunch
- San Lorenzo fortress entrance fee - $5
- Lunch
Additional Information
- Not wheelchair accesible
- Not wheelchair accesible
Location
Fort San Lorenzo
Via Sherman
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.0
(5 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Deweyusa
Mar 24, 2026
Long day of travel. - Fabulous day exploring San Lorenzo and Portobelo forts. Lorenzo is several miles west of Colon city and Portobello is even farther east of Colon. If you want to check off the boxes of visiting these two Colonial ports and their historical importance to colonial Panama you have to commit to spending the day behind the windshield. I thought the time required was really worth it. The establishment of these forts was the seed for the idea of a better path through the jungle followed by a railroad and finally a canal. The jungle wasn’t friendly. The native Americans weren’t friendly and the environment was hostile. Nevertheless the need to cross the continent at its narrowest point became really important. These forts started the process to shorten the trip and make Panama relevant. I had a private tour and Jose was an excellent driver and a good guide. The tour took all day but the history lesson was worth it. Colon was built in the last century and has become a “hole”, AND shame on its citizens for allowing its garbage, crime and filth become its takeaway.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rafael_d
Oct 6, 2025
Exploring Portobelo - We had a great time learning about the rich history of Portobelo and Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama. Nicolas was a safe and reliable driver, which made the journey even more enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Ryan_w
Apr 14, 2025
A Deeply Enriching Experience – Highly Recommended! - We had an unforgettable time on the Afro-Colonial History of Colón, Panama Private Tour! From start to finish, the experience was engaging, educational, and eye-opening. Our guide was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about sharing the rich and often overlooked stories of the Afro-Panamanian communities and their deep historical roots in the region.
We visited significant historical sites, cultural landmarks, and local neighborhoods that gave us a genuine look at the influence of African heritage in Colón’s development—from colonial times through the building of the Panama Canal and beyond. Every stop was filled with meaningful stories and context that brought the history to life.
What really stood out was how personalized the tour felt. Since it was private, we were able to ask questions, take our time, and connect with the places we visited in a much deeper way. The guide’s storytelling made history accessible and real, not just dates and facts.
If you're visiting Panama and want a tour that goes beyond the typical tourist path, this is the one. It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of the Afro-Panamanian people, and it left us with a lot to reflect on and appreciate.
Review provided by Viator
Ecurblebo1
Feb 10, 2026
LONG DRIVE - The guide was very good It was 2 hours there and 2 hours back for a 1 1/2 hour tour It was interesting but not worth all the driving
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jiahong_w
Feb 15, 2026
Worst tour ever. - This is the worst tour I have ever joined.
-this tour is supposed to be a private tour, but at 20:00 the night before the departure, they sent me a message to say they donot have guide, so we have to share the car with another couple.
-the first location of the tour is the fort of San Lorenzo, but they failed to inform the driver, about that, when the driver drove back to Panama, I noticed that we would not go to that fort, they even lied to me that the fort was closed.
-We shared the car and the driver who served as guide as well, which means the cost cut by 50%, but they only offered to refund us 30% even after we missed the important fort of San Lorenzo. I argued with them and got a refund of 50%. But the company ruined the day.
Do not go with them! Then do not respect the clients, and they are not honest.
They opened a tour of history but actually they do not understand that those clients who join the tour really know what to see.
Do not go with the tour! This “Los Angeles VIP Tours Panama” does not see their clients as VIP.
Review provided by Viator
