Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour worth booking?
Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour is a 5-hour experience in Panama City, Panama, from $124 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (5)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $124 per person
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
What you get
About this experience
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
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- San Lorenzo fortress entrance fee - $5
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Fort San Lorenzo
We will see the first spanish fortress used by Spanish to protect from piracy the new lands discover by them
60 minutes here · Admission not included
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."
30 minutes here
A very well restored 18th century house that serves as the setting for a small but very beautiful museum, where we discover Portobelo from the past to the present. Beautiful photos and videos full of color and life
60 minutes here
Fuerte San Jeronimo
The Castle of San Jerónimo or Fort of San Jerónimo de Portobelo was part of the defensive system for transatlantic trade of the Crown of Spain and is an example of the military architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries.
30 minutes here
Museo de La Real Aduana de Portobelo
There will be three rooms, the first deals with the history of the enslaved from the moment they arrived in Portobelo and their development in society, their participation within the economy of Portobelo and the liberation processes that arose. The second room will talk about the intangible heritage that we have from people of African descent, such as the Congo cultural expressions (declared intangible heritage by UNESCO), the aspects linked to their rituals and beliefs, the traditions of the Black Christ, why so many parishioners and the history how he came to this place, as well as the visitor will also learn more about the gastronomy and music of Portobelo. The third room is the so-called exterior room that will be made up of available panels that will talk about the customs building, its fortifications that are around it, the fairs that took place there that gave it global relevance, especially in commercial terms. and that today are part of the history of the isthmus.
60 minutes here
Iglesia de San Felipe
The Church of San Felipe (Spanish: Church of St Philip, also known as the Church of the Black Christ) is a Catholic church in Portobelo, Panama. Built in 1814, it houses a statue of the Black Christ, which was found on the shores of the port.
30 minutes here
Art that reflects the value of the Congo Culture with centuries of Afro-descendant tradition in Panama.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Colon Cruise Terminal Pickup
Starting in Colon city Pickup included
Playa Bonita PickUp Point
Playa bonita and sorrounding Pickup included
Panama city Pickup point
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Los Angeles VIP Tours
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Long day of travel.
Fabulous 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.
via Tripadvisor
Worst tour ever.
This 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.
Response from the operator: First of all, we sincerely apologize for your experience and for the frustration caused. We understand how disappointing it must have felt, especially when you had expectations for a private historical tour. Regarding the guide availability, we informed you as soon as we confirmed the unexpected staffing issue the evening before. While this situation was not ideal, our intention was to offer an alternative so your day would not be completely canceled. We fully understand that this did not meet your expectations of a private experience. Concerning Fort San Lorenzo, there was a miscommunication regarding access timing and logistics that morning, and we truly regret that this important site was not included as originally planned. It was never our intention to mislead you. We acknowledge that this was a significant part of your tour. Regarding the refund, we processed the 50% reimbursement as discussed in order to address your concerns fairly. Although we attempted to resolve the matter, we are very sorry that the overall experience did not meet your standards. We take feedback seriously, especially from guests who are knowledgeable and passionate about history. Your comments will help us improve our internal coordination and communication to prevent situations like this in the future. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective. Sincerely, Angel Los Angeles VIP Tours Panama
via Viator
LONG DRIVE
The 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
via Tripadvisor
Exploring Portobelo
We 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!
via Viator
A Deeply Enriching Experience – Highly Recommended!
We 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.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $124 to $269
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Los Angeles VIP Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.5.
See everything Los Angeles VIP Tours runsWhy this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Panama City.
How much does Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at $124 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Panama City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Panama City is not rushed.
Is Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Panama City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Panama City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Panama City and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Panama City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Panama City?
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On Outty we rank every Panama City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tour to a waterfall and Embera village with lunch included, Ocean to Ocean Combo: Canal Boat Safari, Agua Clara & Gatun Locks, Half day of Panama city and canal tour: shared and private. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Panama City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Panama City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: San Lorenzo fortress entrance fee - $5; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 169 listed pickup locations in and around Panama City. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not wheelchair accesible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Afro-Colonial History of Colon Panama Private Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Colon Cruise Terminal Pickup, Playa Bonita PickUp Point, Panama city Pickup point. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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