How do day trips with Daytrip work?

Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.

Will I have to wait around for the driver to return?

Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.

Can I customize the pickup and drop-off times?

Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.

Are entrance tickets and tours included in the price?

The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.

How long will I have to explore?

Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.

If my plans change, is the booking flexible?

Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.

Can I take a large group?

Yes! Day trips are fully customizable to suit the needs of any private group. From solo travelers to large families with children and even corporate groups, we are ready to create a bespoke itinerary that accommodates parties of all sizes. The price is dependent on the number of vehicles required to serve your group, and we also provide child seats.

Will my driver speak English?

Your friendly, professional, local driver will speak English. Our drivers are happy to provide any local insight they can on the way to your destination and may be able to answer questions and provide tips for the best possible experience on your day trip.

Can I request children’s car seats for the journey?

Yes, we provide car seats for children of all ages, which meet stringent safety standards and local legal requirements. You can even bring your own car seat. We also have handicapped-accessible vehicles available for a wide range of needs for our passengers. When booking your day trip, please specify the accommodations you will need.

Can I pay securely online?

Yes, Daytrip offers flexible payment options. We accept Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Ali Pay. You also can pay securely online with any major credit card, such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

Booking your day trip is as easy as our one-way and return trips! On the landing page of the day trip you’d like to take, simply select the date, pick up time, and how many adults and children will be on the trip. On the second page, you’ll fill in personal details, including any special requests, disability accommodations, and children’s car seats you may need. We are flexible too! You can change your exact pick-up location (hotel address, etc) up to 24 hours before your day trip.

Day trips Countries Panama Panama CityPanama City to Portobelo and Fuerte San Lorenzo: Day trip

Panama City to Portobelo and Fuerte San Lorenzo: Day trip

Scenic view of Panama City - private day trip from Panama City - photo 1

Scenic view of Panama City - private day trip from Panama City - photo 2

Scenic view of Panama City - private day trip from Panama City - photo 3

Scenic view of Panama City - private day trip from Panama City - photo 4

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Private ride with a local driver

8h 15m

Round trip

Private driver

Trusted by 2+ million happy travelers across 130 countries

4.9

5314
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About your trip

Travel from Panama City to historic Portobelo and Fort San Lorenzo, exploring centuries-old forts, scenic bays, and tropical coastal landscapes. Walk among colonial ruins, visit the iconic Black Christ Church, and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of a town where history and nature intertwine.

Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver

Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks

Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed

Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers

From US$66

Private group ride

per person

Select date and travelers

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.

For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalUS$198

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Panama City whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.

Explore at your own pace

Your private driver handles the full journey from Panama City to Portobelo and Fort San Lorenzo, letting you explore each site at your own pace and ensuring a comfortable, relaxed day.

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

Two-way private car transfer
Air-conditioned vehicle
Personalized pickup and drop-off
Child seats included free of charge
Professional English-speaking driver
Complimentary bottled water
Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Portobelo and Fort San Lorenzo should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included

From US$66

Private group ride

per person

Select date and travelers

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.

For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalUS$198

Your trip at a glance

Start in Panama City
You choose the pickup spot.
Portobelo
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
Historic coastal town of colonial forts, tropical scenery, and vibrant local culture along scenic bays. Walking through Portobelo, history comes alive along the waterfront and hillside forts. Remnants of Spanish fortifications overlook the bay, with old cannons and bastions recalling the town’s colonial importance. The streets wind past colorful houses and small beaches, blending everyday life with historical sites. Iglesia de San Felipe, home of the revered Black Christ statue, adds a spiritual dimension to the visit. Surrounding tropical forests and protected coastal areas frame the town, offering lush scenery alongside calm waters. Portobelo is a serene, atmospheric destination where history, nature, and local culture converge.
Fort San Lorenzo
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 h 30 min - admission not included
Stone walls and cannon platforms rising above the Caribbean coast, backed by dense rainforest and layered with colonial-era history. High on a cliff above the mouth of the Chagres River, weathered stone walls overlook a sweep of blue water and dense rainforest. Walk through vaulted chambers, cannon platforms, and narrow passageways that once guarded vital Spanish trade routes. From the ramparts, panoramic views stretch over the Caribbean and the river below, revealing why this position was so fiercely contested for centuries. The fort is part of the UNESCO World Heritage‑listed Portobelo-San Lorenzo fortification ensemble, underscoring its historical and cultural significance. The surrounding protected area adds another layer to the experience, with jungle sounds and wildlife often accompanying your visit. To make the most of your trip, check current opening hours and ticket information before visiting: https://ppysl.org/sanlorenzo/tables.html
Back to Panama City
We’ll take you back to your starting point.

Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking

Have questions or need help?

Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

5.0

5314 reviewson Tripadvisor

4.9

1079 reviewson Trustpilot

Amazing driver experience

Our driver, Ibrahim, was wonderful. He drove us from Amman airport to Petra. Our flight was one hour early and he was already waiting for us when we got to the exit of the airport. He was helpful, professional and friendly. We would definitely love to have Ibrahim again and highly recommend him!

Heidi IFebruary 27, 2026

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Know more about your day trip

Yes, the Caribbean coastline around Portobelo features small beaches and scenic bays with calm waters. The tropical coastal setting provides opportunities for relaxation and photography alongside historical exploration.

Yes, Portobelo features several fortress ruins scattered throughout the bay area. These UNESCO World Heritage sites include different fortifications that once protected the harbor, each offering unique perspectives on colonial military architecture.

This day trip efficiently combines Portobelo's Spanish colonial port history with Fort San Lorenzo's strategic river mouth fortifications. Both sites represent different aspects of colonial defense systems and offer complementary historical perspectives.

Portobelo is approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) from Panama City on the Caribbean coast. The driving time is about 2 hours through scenic countryside and coastal areas, making it an accessible day trip destination.

The Iglesia de San Felipe houses the revered Black Christ statue, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually, especially on October 21st. This spiritual site combines religious significance with beautiful colonial architecture and local cultural traditions.

Portobelo served as a major Spanish colonial port for transporting South American gold and silver to Europe. The town features impressive fortress ruins, colonial architecture, and the famous Black Christ Church, representing centuries of Caribbean history.

Portobelo maintains strong Afro-Caribbean cultural traditions, evident in local music, festivals, and daily life. The community is welcoming to visitors, and exploring the town provides authentic cultural experiences beyond the historical sites.

Weekdays offer a quieter experience with open attractions and restaurants. Weekends can be busier but provide more cultural activities. The dry season from December to April typically offers the most favorable weather conditions.