Portobelo National Park

The Portobelo National Park is located in the province of Colon, beckoning visitors with vast stretches of coral reefs, mangrove swamps, coastal lagoons and miles of silky soft white sands. The park area is a ideal place to lounge and relax, see marine turtles and be thrilled at the sight of ospreys, common black hawks and tiger herons flying overhead!

If you're into birding, you'll have to carry your binoculars all the time. This park is home to the largest kingfisher in Panama, the Ceryle Torquata, as well as the majestic plumbeous kite, and you don't want to miss them at any cost!

One of the most beautiful natural ports in the Caribbean, Portobelo was named by Christopher Columbus on his fourth and last voyage in the year 1502. Historically, the site was of strategic importance during the Spanish colonial times and was a storehouse for the gold and silver treasures of South Americans. The Carribean pirates all had their eyes on the treasures of Portobelo!

If you're in Panama City, this park is a worth a trip. The one and a half hour drive from town will not disappoint! Also, be sure to visit the conserved fortifications in the surroundings, which have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.