Isla Grande/ Portobelo
It was in November of 1502 that Christopher Columbus’ fourth expedition of discovery entered this bay which his son, Ferniand, described as “ a very large beautiful” bay or porto belo. After a morning in the low-key “resort” island of Isla Grande, it was in the mid afternoon that the Sea Voyager entered this beautiful and protected harbor.
This is a very historic place and for close to a century Portobelo was at the center of the trade routes from the New World empire of Spain to Europe. During this time over 45 fleets of galleons went to Portobelo for shipments of gold and silver and to offload trade goods for all of the Americas. The arrival of the fleets would start the beginning of two weeks and longer trade fairs, which was quite the spectacle.
Today Portobelo is a sleepy little town, with lush green hills and the remains of several forts that once protected this historic harbor. A stroll through the remains gave us views of coral stonewalls and several of the cannons standing as silent sentinels for the harbor.
After some nature hikes and casual views of the town and the forts, we gathered by the old Customs House for a dance presentation from the descendants of the Cimmerones or escaped slaves. This group of people formed small bands in the jungle and the islands offshore. Following the presentation it was back to the Sea Voyager for sunset, cocktails and a special buffet dinner featuring Panamanian specialties. Another excellent day as we continue our exploration of the Caribbean coast of Central America.
It was in November of 1502 that Christopher Columbus’ fourth expedition of discovery entered this bay which his son, Ferniand, described as “ a very large beautiful” bay or porto belo. After a morning in the low-key “resort” island of Isla Grande, it was in the mid afternoon that the Sea Voyager entered this beautiful and protected harbor.
This is a very historic place and for close to a century Portobelo was at the center of the trade routes from the New World empire of Spain to Europe. During this time over 45 fleets of galleons went to Portobelo for shipments of gold and silver and to offload trade goods for all of the Americas. The arrival of the fleets would start the beginning of two weeks and longer trade fairs, which was quite the spectacle.
Today Portobelo is a sleepy little town, with lush green hills and the remains of several forts that once protected this historic harbor. A stroll through the remains gave us views of coral stonewalls and several of the cannons standing as silent sentinels for the harbor.
After some nature hikes and casual views of the town and the forts, we gathered by the old Customs House for a dance presentation from the descendants of the Cimmerones or escaped slaves. This group of people formed small bands in the jungle and the islands offshore. Following the presentation it was back to the Sea Voyager for sunset, cocktails and a special buffet dinner featuring Panamanian specialties. Another excellent day as we continue our exploration of the Caribbean coast of Central America.
