Portobelo Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
port city and corregimiento in Portobelo District, Colón Province, Panama
About Portobelo
Portobelo was founded in 1597 by Spanish explorer Francisco Velarde y Mercado. From the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries it was an important silver-exporting port in New Granada on the Spanish Main and one of the ports on the route of the Spanish treasure fleets. The city was also a victim of one of Captain Henry Morgan's notorious adventures. In 1668, Morgan led a fleet of privateers and 450 men against Portobelo, which, in spite of its good fortifications, he captured and plundered for 14 days, stripping it of nearly all its wealth. This daring endeavour, although successful, also proved particularly brutal as it involved rape, torture, and murder on a grand scale. On November 21, 1739, the port was again attacked and captured by a British fleet, commanded this time by Admiral Edwar
Top Attractions in Portobelo
Explore the best things to see and do in Portobelo:
- ★Panama Divers
- ★Panamore
- ★Scubapanama
Where to Eat in Portobelo
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Pizza Place
Where to Stay in Portobelo
- 🏨Casa Congo
- 🏨Scuba Portobelo
Portobelo Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: