Choose our Portobelo Extension to add to your captivating Panama adventure and explore its best kept secrets. From the contrasting views of Gatun Lake to the historic San Lorenzo Fort and a coastal snorkeling experience near Portobelo's bay, this extension rounds up your journey. Immerse yourself in the colonial charm of Portobelo's UNESCO-designated port, where five forts stand sentinel, cannons pointing to the bay. The Aguas Clara Visitor Center offers panoramic beauty, blending natural wonders and man-made marvels. This extension promises a seamless blend of adventure and history, crafting lasting memories of Panama's cultural and natural heritage.
Highlights
Snorkel near the bay of Portobelo
Visit the Aguas Clara Visitor Center
Explore Gatun Lake where cargo ships and vessels transit daily.
Marvel colonial architecture at UNESCO-recognized Portobelo forts
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
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.
Day 2: Aguas Clara Visitor Center and San Lorenzo
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
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.
Day 4: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Make your way to the airport for your international flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for Apr 7, 2025 not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for Apr 7, 2025 are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$821
Notes
$311 Single Supplement Additional Cost for Private Room when traveling with others. Traveling Solo? Contact us for a custom quote.
Initial deposit is $400 (50% during holiday season) plus internal flight fare, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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