Fort San Lorenzo in Colon

Our tour took us to San Lorenzo National Park for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we were taken on a walk through the Fort, which is currently undergoing some restoration. It does take away some of the charm of the fort, as a lot of places are currently being worked on.However, it was really interesting to hear about some of the history behind the fort - and all the pirates that tried to take it.It also offers a beautiful view of the mouth of the Chagres River. I wouldnt say its a must-see, but its definitely a cool spot to include on a tour.

IT was amazing. Had not been there in more than 40+ years. Did a photoshoot for my daugther. There is a fee of$5.00 for visitors and $1.50 for nationals there is also a fee to take pictures.

Renovation is in progress. Boards are easily available to get information. Gorgeous view

While the Fort is undergoing maintenance, the views are still breathtaking. The staff provided an instructional presentation and were all helpful. Perhaps there should be some sort of kiosk with snacks and drinks, other than that, it was worth the long ride.

Excellent historical fort. Worth the visit

A great place to spend a day. Beautiful views of a very historic place! Pack a lunch!

Cool place to visit, lots of history + som wild animal and plants

San Lorenzo is beautiful! They are working on restoration of the fort now. It is very interesting to see where the area was protected from pirates

Very beautifull on a wild place of panama. Something about the history of panama, was cool.

A Must stop. The history here is worth everything.

Form the New bridge the road has a bad section, slow down after the Bridge. After that is 80% New repair asfalt. Keep speed under 60 km.Site acomodation very good in San Lorenzo.

Awesome place...for 1/2 adventure

Real Life ruins of Spanish Fortress built in XVI and XVII to defend the strategic Isthmus of Panama against the Pirates. Attacked and taken 1671 by Morgan s Pirates before sacking and burning Panama City on the other side of the Chagres River.If you are an history buff this visit is a must. You arrive via de Sherman Road from Colon City. The road is in decent condition most of the way and you can see local wildfile if your are lucky on the road. The site itself is well kept thanks for the Patronato del Fuerte San Lorenzo y Portobello. There is an entrance fee of 5 dolars for international visitors and 3 for local resident visitors. Restroom facilites and parking. There is a video introduction that gives you info on the Fort. Picnic tables also available on the back of the promotory overlooking Chagres River.The site itself in on top of a high coral reef with a commanding view of the Chagres River. You can understand why Bautista Antonelli, the premier Italian architect for Spanish Fortifications of the 16th century chose the site.If you are very still and listen to the wind, You can almost hear the Spanish soldiers shouting the each other ¨Fuego¨! as they fired their cannons against Morgan s pirates in that January morning of 1671 when the fort was taken, all this while looking out into the ocean.

First time back in more than 30 years. Im glad the government is rebuilding and preserving it. A must see attraction if you visit Panama.

Wonderful spot to visit. Better explanations than before. Road between Ft. Lorenzo and Ft. Sherman also much improved. They are also busy with $ 4 million restauration project. Dont forget to visit love Beach cove 2-3 kms before Ft. Lorenzo. 4WD recommended.

One of my husband favorites places to visit. Love what they have been doing with the fort (they have bathrooms now, parking, you have to pay to go to the fort wich is good if they used the money to keep it up and they are working on restoration). Amazing views 😍

We were staying at shelter bay & thought it was a good idea to walk. It’s almost 2 hours & although on tarmac, it’s a bit much in the heat.When we got there it’s $5 cash only!Antonio the tour guide was very friendly & spoke great English. They only sell bottled water FYI.There wasn’t much else to see in the area so this was a good day out, we spent maybe an hour at the fortress. I wish there was more information about sir Francis drake etc but it’s all mostly presumptions.

Im not sure how I feel about the restoration.... the original stone and ancient history that is so clearly visible is important. But so is protecting it. Just such a stack contrast seeing the new work compared to the old. Its worth seeing it in its original wonder for sure. And no doubt will be awesome to see when its complete as well.

Beautiful location. Great historical info in both English and Spanish. They let you wonder at your own pace. Loved it.

Amazing experience and even better now with Covid, less people to distract you from the great views! There is extensive renovation going on, so it was nice to see what it looked like before it changes. Be careful with the road to the fort! 4WD is not needed, but a careful eye is!

This place hasnt changed since the Spanish colony. The fort is really well preserved and located in the middle of a lush tropical forest. Stunning view on the see and the surrounding landscape. Really easy to reach. The main road is currently in refurbishment. The fort has a nice parking lot and has some clean toilets. The entrance fee is of $3 for adults citizens or permanent residents and of $5 for foreigners. A must see place to visit in the Colón province.

Very cool old fort from the 1500s nice history Taken by pirates Morgan and a bunch of other pirates

Beautiful castle in a lovely location. Though it is in ruins, there is a lot of history.We were informed that there is a project to restore some parts of the castle, build a hotel and a restaurant, improve the access road etc. Looking forward to visiting again when that project is over in a couple of years

It was neat and clean. Explanations are available everywhere around the area in Spanish and English. They are also planning on making the place more tourist friendly in terms of infrastructure. View is awesome

Very beautiful place, breathtaking views,just loved it but the only problem is the road is in very bad shape with so many holes, you need a strong vehicle to get there , especially last 8 km took half n hour, dont forget to bring snacks with you, some bananas as well to feed sloths and monkeys!:)

Beautiful views and wonderful history.

Its historic and easy to get around. There are informational signs with pictures and captions easy to read. The road to the site is filled with wildlife.

Gorgeous historical place. The best example of a Spanish fort left in Panama. And the view of the Caribbean and the Chagres river is amazing.

Awesome place, inside San Lorenzo national park. Nice view and during the trip if youre lucky you can see monkeys and sloths.

We came here on a tour, its out of the way but a very interesting place to visit. The history is interesting, the ruins themselves are beautiful and the views of the Caribbean and the Chagres River are spectacular.

Beautiful place and there was a local craft artist as well. Loved wandering through the ruins. Security and staff were very friendly. Clean washrooms and a place for shade.

Great place, a little difficult the way with the car

Beautiful place to see Caribbean beach and san lorenzo but pretty hot and so much wild to drived

Really beautiful and peaceful place. Well maintained. Clean restrooms. Fee $10 for foreigners. The final 7-10 km road has many holes but the rest is good, no problem to go with a standard car by yourself. We watched some monkeys along the road on the trees.

Nice view to the Caribbean Ocean, lot of history in this place, the road is not in a really good condition but if you love to connect with the nature, is a good place to go, but a little far.. you can listen to monkeys and birds

Well preserved as is. No many tourists. Bad road to the fort. But tranquil. Breeze. Good to walk around.

Amazing place! One of the best Fort ruins I have seen! The views of Caribbean Sea and Chagres River are stunning.

You could enjoy a great day and view of Caribbean Sea from this ancient Fort which guard the river entrance to the Panama City.A few great battle have fought in this small fort including famous Captain Morgan’s raid of Panama City.

If you are ever in Panama this historic site offers a great view out to the Atlantic ocean and an explanation of the rich history of the country.

We took the Panama train up to Colon and arranged a tour to the fort. Interesting history and will be much better once they complete the new interpretation centre etc.

Great place to visit. You can feel the deep history while enjoy peace and beauty.

The history behind this place is so interesting a must see

Beautiful historical place, however no toilets, or any other facilities, so take water and use the bathrooms on the gate entrance of the anam office

An old Spanish castle that served to protect the entrance to Charges river, which was used as a waterway to cross to Panama City. Together with fortifications in Portobelo, it belongs UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Although the road requires maintenance, you can get there on any type of vehicle. On site you will find diagrams and history details.

A must stop if youre any kind of a history buff.

Beautiful historic site that offers amazing views of the Caribbean side of Panama. We were the only group there because it is fairly remote. The guide we had gave us the whole history of the fort which made it that more interesting.

Long ride to get there. Historic if you like that kind of thing.

Its a wonderful place with a nice view of the sea.

Amazing ruins in a breathtaking location. Read about the history ahead of your visit - there is no info on site. But its very peaceful and feels relatively undisturbed. The view of the Chagres river meeting the Caribbean is so beautiful.

Nicely kept and well worth the drive out there, always good to go. Make it extra special a d take a picnic with you or climb down to the beach