Drive along the Caribbean side to view Portobeloâs Spanish fortifications, then head west to Fuerte San Lorenzoâs cliffside vantage at the Chagres River mouth, no boat trips required for this historical circuit. Expect 2 hours to Portobelo, then 45 minutes to Fuerte San Lorenzo. A private day trip from Colon ensures you explore both the colonial fortress ruins and UNESCO World Heritage fortifications at your own pace.
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$73
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$219
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Colon 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 driverâs local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden cafĂŠ here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips youâll love sharing later. This isnât 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
The journey begins with your personalized pickup in Colon. Your driver will take you to your stops, helping you make the most of your time by pointing out the attractions that best match your interests and pace. You'll spend your time exactly how you want, creating an unforgettable day that's uniquely yours.
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
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$73
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$219
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Colon
You choose the pickup spot.
Portobelo
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
Portobelo was founded by Spanish explorer Francisco Velarde y Mercado in 1597. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, it served as one of Spainâs most important port in Central America, exporting Peruvian gold and treasures from the far east back to Europe. So important was the port that Sir Francis Drake was buried in a lead coffin near Portobelo Bay though his body has yet to be found. Though English privateers managed to raze the town multiple times, the Spanish continued to maintain fortifications in the bay, and along the coast - a defensive network now recognized by UNESCO for their pragmatic and creative genius. The colorful fishing town actually has two Spanish forts - Fuerte Santiago, with nearly 10 foot-thick cut coral walls, watchtowers, artillery sheds, and officersâ headquarters, and the larger Fuerte San Jeronimo, with its 18 cannons, and still-standing watchtowers and officersâ quarters.
Fort San Lorenzo
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 h 30 min - admission not included
Fort San Lorenzo was built at the end of the 16th century by order of King Philip II of Spain. Guarding the mouth of the Chagres River, and watching over miles of coast, the fort protected Spanish commerce and slaves ships from marauding pirates and buccaneers. After the destruction of Portobelo in the early 18th century, San Lorenzo briefly served as Spainâs chief port in the region before being abandoned a few decades later. Today, the ruins of the mighty fort with its rusting canons serves as an atmospheric reminder of swashbuckling days-gone-by. From its hilltop position, visitors are also treated to some stunning panoramic views, and the surrounding protected area is home to a colony of monkeys.
Back to Colon
Weâll 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.
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.
Yes! Youâre 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.
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.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning youâll 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.
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.
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.