Portobelo: Gateway to the Caribbean's Rich Past

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (dies)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [koo-ah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyes]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes enseñarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs ehn-seh-nyar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-booos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Portobelo was discovered by Christopher Columbus during his fourth voyage to the New World in 1502. The town was officially founded in 1597 by Spanish explorer Francisco Velarde y Mercado. The name Portobelo, meaning 'beautiful port', was given due to its naturally deep harbor, which provided an ideal location for ships to anchor safely.

Portobelo became one of the most important ports in the Spanish Main during the colonial era. It served as a key transfer point for the Spanish treasure fleet, where gold and silver mined from Peru and other South American colonies were loaded onto ships bound for Spain. The annual trade fair, known as the 'Ferias de Portobelo', was a major event attracting merchants and traders from all over the Spanish Empire.

Due to its wealth, Portobelo was a frequent target for pirate attacks. Among the most notable raids was the 1668 attack led by the infamous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan. Morgan and his men sacked the town and took its riches, leaving a trail of destruction. The repeated pirate threats led the Spanish to strengthen the town's defenses over time.

To protect against pirate incursions, the Spanish built a series of forts around Portobelo. The most significant of these are Fort San Lorenzo, Fort Santiago, and Fort San Jerónimo. These forts are exemplary of Spanish military architecture of the period and feature thick stone walls, cannons, and strategic positioning to guard the harbor and surrounding area.

The strategic importance of Portobelo began to wane in the late 18th century. The decline of the Spanish Empire, coupled with the shift of trade routes and the increasing threat posed by British naval forces, led to the town's gradual abandonment. By the early 19th century, Portobelo had lost much of its former glory and was largely forgotten.

Portobelo is also known for its vibrant Congo culture, which traces its roots to African slaves brought to the region during the colonial period. The town hosts the annual Festival de Diablos y Congos, a lively event featuring traditional dances, music, and colorful costumes that celebrate the unique heritage and resilience of the Afro-Panamanian community.

In 1980, Portobelo, along with the nearby Fort San Lorenzo, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition was given to protect and preserve the town's historical and cultural significance, as well as its remarkable colonial architecture. Today, Portobelo attracts history enthusiasts and tourists who come to explore its rich past and scenic beauty.

Portobelo is located on the northern coast of Panama, within the Colón Province. The closest major airport is Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, which is approximately 120 kilometers away. From Panama City, you can take a bus from the Albrook Bus Terminal to Portobelo, which typically takes around 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, taxis and private shuttles are available for a more direct and comfortable journey.

Portobelo is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are available but may be less frequent compared to larger cities. Buses connect Portobelo with nearby towns and Panama City. Renting a car is another convenient option, allowing you to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Panama is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), which is pegged 1:1 with the US Dollar (USD). US Dollars are widely accepted and used interchangeably with Balboas. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Portobelo, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available, but it's recommended to withdraw sufficient cash in Panama City before traveling to Portobelo.

Portobelo is generally safe for tourists, but as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some areas in the Colón Province, outside of the tourist zones, have higher crime rates; it is best to stay within well-traveled areas and always be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Portobelo has a local police station and medical facilities, although for more serious medical emergencies, you may need to travel to Colón or Panama City. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies in Portobelo can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly, especially when visiting historical or religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious settings like churches. Cover your head when appropriate. Public Transport: Do be respectful and polite to other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola'. A handshake is also a common form of greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Portobelo like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh seafood and traditional Panamanian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's rich history. Don't miss visiting key historical sites like the Portobelo National Park and the ruins of the colonial fortifications. For a unique experience, consider taking a boat tour to nearby islands or exploring the underwater world through snorkeling or diving.