One of the most unexpected aspects of staying at El Otro Lado is your chance to immerse into an incredibly unique cultural setting with amazing people. This property is located in Portobelo, Panama, a major port where Spanish settlers entered the new world, and soon after had to protect themselves from pirates invading their territory. With Spanish settlement, came slavery and people primarily from the Congo. After slavery was abolished, Portobelo became a town full of music, dancing, bright clothes, fishing, religion, and much more. UNESCO wisely chose this culture as a Heritage of Humanity to be preserved and celebrated.

At El Otro Lado, you will find yourself dancing the night away with locals to the sounds of African-inspired drums, whistles, and clapping. We provide each traveler an opportunity to visit the town of Portobelo and attend a musical class with students, explore original Spanish forts with abandoned cannons overlooking the Caribbean, and to even enter the home of a family and church who will serve you freshly-picked coconuts and bananas AKA “guineos.” Soon you’ll find yourself dancing and singing “Coco y Guineo!”

Getting to El Otro Lado from Panama City requires 1.5 hr transfer by vehicle and about a 7-minute boat ride from Casa Congo in Portobelo. There are no roads that lead to El Otro Lado, which makes this property that much more spectacular. A great way to make the most out of your journey to El Otro Lado is to stop by the Panama Canal and view the Miraflores Locks to learn the history of this bizarre human invention. Once you arrive at El Otro Lado, be prepared for as much, or as little, adventure as you are seeking. Activities we can include are: paddle boarding, kayaking, two jungle hikes through historic forts, art-making class, athletic training at “the jungle gym,” Congo dancing presentation, mojito making and hot sauce making class, plus more!

Check out the video below from our YouTube channel for an insider’s look of exploring El Otro Lado and Portobelo! Feel free reach out to us at info@latinexcursions.com/wpress2020 or give us a call to start planning your dream journey to Panama today!