Private Tour
Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
You want to know the history of those who were the colonizers of the lands in Panama. Together with the enslaved people who arrived with the Spanish, they developed an impressive history that this tour explains to you. Don't miss the opportunity to see the first traces left by those groups in the lands of the Panamanian Caribbean
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not wheelchair accesible
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Fort San Lorenzo
We will see the first spanish fortress used by Spanish to protect from piracy the new lands discover by them
It is a place of little relevance in the usual plans of visiting Panama, on the way to Isla Grande and about 30 minutes from Colón you will find this place that collects both religious history and naval trade, highlighting the constant dispute between pirates, privateers and buccaneers . English and Spanish trade centers during the Colonial Era, this fort open to tourists is a bite of this extensive history and a few steps ahead the Church of San Felipe houses the famous "Negro de Portobelo" who popularized Ismael Rivera in his classic "The Nazarene."
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
San Lorenzo fortress entrance fee - $5
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Panama city Pickup point
Pickup included
Colon Cruise Terminal Pickup
Starting in Colon city
Pickup included
Playa Bonita PickUp Point
Playa bonita and sorrounding
Pickup included
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Long day of travel.
deweyusa,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous day exploring San Lorenzo and Portobelo forts. Lorenzo is several miles west of Colon city and Portobello is even farther east of Colon. If you want to check off the boxes of visiting these two Colonial ports and their historical importance to colonial Panama you have to commit to spending the day behind the windshield. I thought the time required was really worth it. The establishment of these forts was the seed for the idea of a better path through the jungle followed by a railroad and finally a canal. The jungle wasn’t friendly. The native Americans weren’t friendly and the environment was hostile. Nevertheless the need to cross the continent at its narrowest point became really important. These forts started the process to shorten the trip and make Panama relevant. I had a private tour and Jose was an excellent driver and a good guide. The tour took all day but the history lesson was worth it. Colon was built in the last century and has become a “hole”, AND shame on its citizens for allowing its garbage, crime and filth become its takeaway.
Worst tour ever.
Jiahong W,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00This is the worst tour I have ever joined. -this tour is supposed to be a private tour, but at 20:00 the night before the departure, they sent me a message to say they donot have guide, so we have to share the car with another couple. -the first location of the tour is the fort of San Lorenzo, but they failed to inform the driver, about that, when the driver drove back to Panama, I noticed that we would not go to that fort, they even lied to me that the fort was closed. -We shared the car and the driver who served as guide as well, which means the cost cut by 50%, but they only offered to refund us 30% even after we missed the important fort of San Lorenzo. I argued with them and got a refund of 50%. But the company ruined the day. Do not go with them! Then do not respect the clients, and they are not honest. They opened a tour of history but actually they do not understand that those clients who join the tour really know what to see. Do not go with the tour! This “Los Angeles VIP Tours Panama” does not see their clients as VIP.
LONG DRIVE
ECURBLEBO1,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The guide was very good It was 2 hours there and 2 hours back for a 1 1/2 hour tour It was interesting but not worth all the driving
Exploring Portobelo
RAFAEL D,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time learning about the rich history of Portobelo and Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama. Nicolas was a safe and reliable driver, which made the journey even more enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour!
A Deeply Enriching Experience – Highly Recommended!
Ryan W,Apr 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an unforgettable time on the Afro-Colonial History of Colón, Panama Private Tour! From start to finish, the experience was engaging, educational, and eye-opening. Our guide was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about sharing the rich and often overlooked stories of the Afro-Panamanian communities and their deep historical roots in the region. We visited significant historical sites, cultural landmarks, and local neighborhoods that gave us a genuine look at the influence of African heritage in Colón’s development—from colonial times through the building of the Panama Canal and beyond. Every stop was filled with meaningful stories and context that brought the history to life. What really stood out was how personalized the tour felt. Since it was private, we were able to ask questions, take our time, and connect with the places we visited in a much deeper way. The guide’s storytelling made history accessible and real, not just dates and facts. If you're visiting Panama and want a tour that goes beyond the typical tourist path, this is the one. It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of the Afro-Panamanian people, and it left us with a lot to reflect on and appreciate.
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Operated by Los Angeles VIP Tours