Along the shores of the Caribbean, in Panama’s north, you can find the beautiful, old town of Portobelo. It is a wonderful place full of both historical and natural beauty, which is sure to leave anyone stunned. The lush greenery along the beaches matches perfectly with the clear blue of the Caribbean, and quaint fishing boats can be spotted on the water. Meanwhile, on land, you can find the remains of old Spanish forts, which are the relics of this town’s rich history. While the town today is considered small, it holds a legacy as one of the largest Spanish colonial ports in Central America. Recently, people looking for Panama property have turned their eyes to the old town of Portobelo, Panama, and we hope to help you understand why.
Portobelo’s rich history
Portobelo earned its name when Christopher Columbus landed there in 1502. And exclaimed: “Porto bello.” By 1597, the bay had become the main crossroads for goods coming from Europe into the Americas and vice versa. Anything valuable going to Europe and goods heading to Panama City came through Portobelo. Portobelo was a frequent target for pirates because it was a significant crossroads for goods and valuables. Tourists who visit the town can see the remains of the town’s efforts to fight off the pirates, making for very popular tourist destinations. However, despite this history, Portobelo is a quiet, dreamy place to live now. And if you want to buy Panama real estate, Portobelo is a wonderful place to settle down. It is safe, rich in history, and gorgeous. What more could you ask for when trying to raise a family?
Culture
Portobelo is home to a vibrant culture known as Congo culture. It is maintained by the descendants of the African folks brought to Panama by the Spanish. They represent the Central African Kingdom, the Kongo, which was brought here during the Spanish colonization of the Americas. The Congo population within Portobelo maintains this culture through theatrical dances and unique celebrations used as a form of expression. These are some of the reasons why UNESCO declared the Congo culture as part of the Intangible Heritage of humanity a few years ago. Tourists who want to learn more about this culture are welcome to explore this legacy thoroughly at their own pace while also tasting the Afro-American cuisine that can be found within Portobelo. You can learn a lot about the Congo culture here, as well as the people who maintain it. It is an experience which shouldn’t be missed.
Portobelo lifestyle
Overall, Portobelo has built a tranquil and laid-back style of life. While it used to be a bustling port in its heyday, it has become a cozy and safe place that welcomes anyone. Living in Portobelo is relaxing and, on top of that, relatively cheap. Rentals in Portobelo go for as low as $500 a month, and ex-pats living here live pretty comfortably for only $1250 monthly. You shouldn’t expect much when it comes to modern amenities, but the quaint seaside port lends itself quite well to both retirees and young families looking for a quiet place to settle down. However, we should note that if you want to find some Panama property in Portobelo, you should hire a realtor or agent to help you out. With their help, you will be able to find the best possible home in Portobelo for you and your family.
Moving to Portobelo
Moving into Portobelo is relatively easy. After all, many ex-pats from all over already call Portobelo their home. But, if you plan to move here, you should still be aware that an international move from the US to Panama can get complicated. As such, if you intend to make Panama your home, you should prepare carefully. Do your research ahead of time and be thorough. Make sure you prepare all required documentation early on and look for experienced and reliable movers. This search can take a while, so start early. Moving long-distance is an ordeal by itself, and moving internationally even more so. So, take your time with planning and budget carefully. Still, even with all of this in mind, we can guarantee that moving to Portobelo is an excellent choice. Especially if you are looking for a change in your life, Portobelo will not leave you disappointed.
Tourism and beautiful nature
The only disruption to the peace and quiet in Portobelo is the tourists who come to explore the local history and culture. However, if you’ve lived in a big city before, we guarantee that the tourists you can find in Portobelo won’t disturb you. And the Panama property found here is quite beautiful. Besides, you can just as easily enjoy the attractions yourself. And if you ever want to experience something different, you can always visit some of Panama’s beautiful national parks. Alternatively, Portobelo is only a couple of hours away from Panama City. Depending on if you go by bus or car, the trip can take two hours or less, and it makes for a fantastic day trip if you ever get bored of the attractions in Portobelo. Besides Panama City, other wonderful places are also within reach for a day trip.
The quaint town of Portobelo has a lot to offer for people looking to call it home. Or, if you are a tourist interested in immersing yourself in the local culture and history, you also won’t be disappointed. However, we believe that anyone who decides to move into Portobelo will fall in love with the cozy old town. And to make it all better, finding some Panama property in Portobelo is both easy and cheap. We hope you found this overview of the old town of Portobelo, Panama, informative, and we wish you good luck with finding a new home there.