Portobelo Extension

Arrive in Panama City on the flight of your choice today. You will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in the city upon arrival. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring your new surroundings and stretching your legs before your adventure begins in the morning. 

Today, you will be picked up in the morning and head out to visit the Aguas Clara Visitor Center. The center offers a breathtaking panoramic view contrasting two scenarios that generate mixed feelings. On one side, one will find the famous Gatun Lake, where cargo ships or other vessels transit every day, while on the other side, but from a different perspective, the view of the expansion works will amaze. The new locks are larger, use less water than the original locks, and can accommodate bigger ships that carry more cargo.

Next, the group will visit San Lorenzo Fort, a colonial fortress that was built by the Spanish to protect the entrance of the Chagres River, which was an important route for transporting gold and silver from Peru to Spain. It was through this river that the notorious pirate Henry Morgan arrived at the Old Panama, to attack the fort and burn and loot the city. Take your time exploring  the ruins of the fort, which include a moat, cannons, and vaulted chambers, and enjoy the views of the river and the Caribbean Sea. You can also see wildlife and vegetation of the San Lorenzo Protected Area, which surrounds the fort.

Today, get ready to experience the Caribbean coast from a different perspective, by snorkeling near the bay of Portobelo. Portobelo is a historic port that was once a vital trade center for the Spanish empire.  Enjoy a transfer by boat to the beach where you will prepare for your snorkeling experience. This snorkeling tour will take you to some of the best spots for snorkeling near Portobelo, where you can see colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and other marine life. Please note, this activity involves swimming from the beach to the snorkeling site.

The tour will continue to the port of Portobelo, which is full of colonial history, giving visitors a sense of being transported in time. In this location, five colonial fortresses stand, their cannons still pointing towards the bay. The colonial beauty of the fortresses remains preserved, and Portobelo and its fortresses has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Make your way to the airport for your international flight home.