Overview
Panama’s Caribbean coast feels worlds away from the frenetic, futuristic capital. With a mostly dense forest-clad coastline, the lack of long sandy beaches has generally kept big resorts at bay and helped to preserve the region’s rich seam of culture, history and nature. Peaceful little Portobelo, just 2-hours' drive from Panama City, has unrivalled sea views, some secluded white-sand beaches and backdrop of lush, tropical jungle should be a busy tourist spot. It remains, however, a tranquil town with an African art and music scene whose roots lie in Congo. It’s hard to imagine that this was once one of the busiest ports in the Americas, a major trading hub, and the embarkation point for gold and silver, which was brought by mules from Peru and Bolivia and was destined for the Spanish Main. Vestiges of cannoned fortresses endure and watch over the spot where Sir Francis Drake came to rest in 1596.
In contrast to the West-Indian influenced Bocas del Toro islands, the archipelago of Guna Yala (also known as the San Blas islands) hosts the indigenous culture of the Kuna people, who have enjoyed autonomy since the 1920s. The string of 400 islands includes tiny islets with a just few coconut palms to over forty which are inhabited. The Kuna Yala maintain a deeply traditional, communal lifestyle based at their bamboo, palm-thatched residences, surviving from fishing and agriculture. Several islands have very basic lodgings and these conservative people welcome sensitive visitors to share their uniquely beautiful island home.
Things to do
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Where to go when - our guide to Portobelo and Caribbean Coast
The weather in Portobelo and Caribbean Coast is wide and varied
Portobelo was once one of the busiest ports in Latin America, while the San Blas Islands sit at the most northerly point of the isthmus extending out into the Caribbean Sea. This region is best visited in Dec - Apr, when rainfall is liminal and temperatures remain balmy and warm. The rest of the year ushers in monsoon-like downpours.
View our Portobelo and Caribbean Coast weather guidePapagaio
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