The Rainforest, rivers, sea, climate, native people’s history, galleons, slaves, pirates, and merchants have joined together to form a Portobelo that is bio-diverse and rich in cultural, ethnic and varied artistic expressions. These expressions range from the delicate woodwork of carpenters, the interpretative dance and artistic sounds of young local Congo performers, to the dance and music emanating along the coastline during the area’s holidays. All this wealth does not deny the fact that Portobelo presents great deficiencies in the education, health and welfare of its people. The Portobelo Bay Foundation, together with the caretakers of El Otro Lado, is committed to improving the quality of life of the community with programs that seek advancement through culture, and with initiatives that promote development with identity.

La Casa de la Cultura Congo is composed by an eatery, a four suite bed and breakfast, an art and gift gallery and artists’ workshop. Proceeds from the economic activities of the Casa Congo are donated to the Portobelo Bay Foundation.

Portobelo National Park was the first protected nature area of Panama, made up of 86,000 acres, 20% of which are marine areas. It protects both coral reef communities and coastal forest. This coastline includes important stretches of coral reefs, mangrove swamps, coastal lagoons and beautiful beaches. Within the park is one of the more beautiful natural harbors of all Caribbean, the Bay of Portobelo.