Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and a formal restaurant overlooking Lago Gatún. Service can be slow. A wide range
of tours operated by Aventuras 2000 include an onsite canopy zip line and fishing,
as well as canal, Emberá village and Fuerte San Lorenzo visits.
In the past, overnight guests at Building 400 arrived via convoy or Blackhawk
chopper. Today, it's recommended that you arrive via private vehicle; take the
Quatro Altos turnoff on the Transisthmian Hwy and follow signs for the hotel.
Getting There & Away
As there is no public transportation to either Fuerte San Lorenzo or Parque Nacional San
Lorenzo, this area is best explored by private vehicle. It is, however, possible to take a
taxi to Fuerte San Lorenzo from Colón (around US$60 round trip). Taxis are uncommon
closer to the reserve.
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Portobelo
POP 4000
This Caribbean fishing village is so laid-back and languorous, it is incredible to ponder
that it was once the greatest Spanish port in Central America. Mules once carried Peruvi-
an gold and Oriental treasures to Panama City via the fortresses at Portobelo. Though
English privateers destroyed them several times throughout their history, many of these
atmospheric colonial fortresses still stand. Throughout the village, homes are situated
among these atmospheric ruins.
Today, Portobelo's residents scratch out a living fishing, tending crops or raising live-
stock. Though economically depressed, Portobelo is experiencing something of a cultural
revival, with interest surging in Congo art and dancing. The town bursts to life every
October 21 for the Festival de Cristo Negro (Black Christ Festival), one of the country's
most vibrant and spiritual celebrations.
Portobelo also attracts dedicated scuba divers, with no less than 16 major dive sites in
the adjacent waters. Though the visibility can't compare to more traditional Caribbean
diving destinations, the variety of underwater attractions include a 110ft cargo ship and a
C-45 twin-engine plane.
