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Portobelo
Pirates' Trail - PTE007
 Portobelo
was the name of perhaps one of the most ideal and well-protected
inlets along the Caribbean coast of Panama. Sir Francis Drake
died while off the coasts of this area in 1596 and was supposedly
buried in a lead coffin close to Drake Island. Portobelo
was the final receiving area of two trails that crossed the
jungles of the isthmus, Camino Real and Camino de
Cruces. Here, once enough merchandise had been accumulated,
caravans of sailing ships would begin the trip back to Spain,
escorted by enough firepower to repel most, but not all, pirate
attacks once they attempted to sail on past the West Indies.
Nevertheless, this strategic and heavily fortified harbor
was not enough to keep out the fleet of ships commandeered
by Englishman Edward Vernon, who captured and destroyed the
forts in 1739.
 Portobelo
was then a complex of batteries and forts that guarded the
entrance to this beautiful inlet, perhaps the most heavily
fortified of the Spanish control points along the coasts of
the Americas. Joined by one of our guides we'll take an intimate
look on foot as well as by boat, at the outstanding features
of this important historical site as well as the Church
of the Black Christ and learn its interesting legend.
Requires
a minimum of 2 people, includes lunch and boat ride (weather
permitting).
Tour departs at 9:00 am returns approximately by 4:30 p.m.
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