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In 1502 Portobelo
was discovered and named by Christopher Columbus when his vessels sought shelter
in the "beautiful port" from a storm. In 1596, even before it was officially
founded, Portobelo suffered its first attack at the hands of Sir Frances Drake.
Drake died of fever before he could capture Portobelo. He was secretly buried at
sea off the entrance to the harbor. The town was officially founded in 1597 and
was given the name of San Felipe de Portobelo in honor of King Philip II of
Spain. During the late l6th and early l7th century Portobelo was the principal
Spanish trade port for all of South America. The exchange of merchandise took
place annually at the Portobelo trade fair which lasted from 30 to 60 days.
During this time, Portobelo was a beehive of activity.
.In 1668 Henry
Morgan attacked the town from the land and launched a surprise attack on Fort
Santiago. The city was at the mercy of Morgan's men who launched an orgy of
looting, debauchery and torture. After Portobelo lived through this reign of
terror, the town was attacked by other buccaneers and pirates such as Englishmen
William Parker in 1601 and Edward Vernon in 1739. As a result of the repeated
pirate attacks Portobelo's annual trade fairs were forced stop. Spain abandoned
the Isthmian route for the longer but more secure one around Cape Horn. The
golden age of Portobelo ceased.
ITINERARY
Begins
by picking up guests in Panama city at 7:00 a.m., to take them on a bus to
Portobelo.
After around 9:00
a.m., the tour proceeds with a paddling, for about 30 minutes, to the Forts San
Lorenzo in front of Portobelo. We walk
and know the Fort San Lorenzo history. Go back to the kayaks to paddle out to
sea where after 20 minutes of rowing, we arrived at a beach to relax and do
snorkeling.
At aproximatelly
11:00 a.m., we will start an exciting two hour sea kayac tour in Portobelo.
After we have a lunch (pulpo con arroz con coco).
Be ready to get some
memorable rainforest pictures!
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE ? All mentioned
transportation, expedition kayaks and snorkel gear, guides, and meals. Our guides are
trained in kayak navigation skills, first-aid and CPR.
WHO CAN GO ? Any person from twelve to seventy
years old, in good health. Minors must travel with
a responsible adult.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE ALONG ? A pair
of short for navigating, sneakers or straped sandals,
a cap, sun-block, a light jacket or windbreaker (in case of rain), a towel and dry set of clothes for the
trip back.
WHAT SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT ? Any object than
can be deteriorated by water or valuables like jewels, cash,
credit cards, etc.
PRICE:
USD $ 150.00 per person
SEASON:
Year around.
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