Activities e–brochure

ACTIVITIES PROGRAM
beaches
Spend the morning sunbathing on the white sand, swimming in crystal clear water, reading, relaxing, or snorkeling to discover the rich marine fauna of the area. We provide guests with motor-launch service to reach one of three nearby beaches: La
Huerta (10 minutes), Puerto Frances (20 minutes) and Playa Blanca (30 minutes). Care for a beach picnic? Our pleasure! we
will prepare a basket of refreshments, snacks, or even a full meal; always attended by our staff.
scuba
Portobelo is one of the leading dive destinations in Panama, with more than a dozen spots to visit. Underwater, in this historic
bay, you will find an interesting variety of attractions to explore, including a 110-foot freighter, a C-45 twin-engine, and several
coral reef areas that are not very deep and that are fairly close to the coast. Professional PADI divers recommend Drake Island,
Reef Salamendena, the Tres Hermanas area and Playa Blanca.
sport fishing
Panama is a paradise for sport fishing. Even the definition of the indigenous name “panamá” means “abundance of fish”. If you
appreciate fishing, you may go to places near Portobelo, in one of our four motor-launches and always accompanied by one
of our fishermen-skippers who know the area. Tuna, snapper, grouper, are all commonly found in these nearby seas. Or, if you
prefer, you may relax and cast your rod in search of sea bas, snapper and other species in the fresh-water rivers that feed into
the estuary and bay.
• Trolling in the river: Cruise for 2 to 3 hours through the rivers that flow into the bay. Snapper, snook, barracuda and small
to medium sized fish are found. Fishing is best in the early morning, late afternoon or at low tides.
• Sea Trolling: Usually 3-4 hours. Here you can catch snapper, bonito, grouper and kingfish. Fising is best early in the morning.
• Rock Fishing: For 3 – 4 hours, this style of fishing is using sinkers to catch the various sized fish that swim in the deeper
waters of the seas.
• Deep Sea Trolling: This offshore experience takes from 5-7 hours, and allows you to find even bigger fish such as tuna,
boala, mackerel, and even marlin.
river excursion by kayak
This is one of the most recommended activities of El Otro Lado. At either early morning or just before sunset (4:30PM), you
may enjoy the river and its mangroves as you silently navigate either a hand carved dugout canoe (a cayuko hewn of Espave
Wood) or a modern kayak. This activity allows nature lovers and adventurers an opportunity to watch as the river reveals her
splendid landscapes.
river excursion on the faraona
Get ready to take an unimaginable journey down the river at sunset in our barge, the “Faraona”. You will enjoy nature in a
setting like no other, while El Otro Lado staff will accompany you, serving a ceviche taste-testing session joined by appropriate
wines and beverages.
visit the reservoir and dam
At the highest point of the estate, and surrounded by tropical rain forest hills, is an isolated reservoir formed by a century old
dam, where you can drift through, absorbing the landscape of lush beauty. Adjacent to the dam, and ensconced in the woods,
we have provided a terrace of tropical hardwood where you can sit and delight in a snack or lunch. Quite special and unique.
$20 per person, refreshments on consumption.
hiking in the rain forest
Trekking is a most rewarding and enjoyable activity that combines sport, nature, and culture. We recommend to be physically
prepared for this exercise, as it is somewhat strenuous. Mountain paths, uneven ground, wet and slippery trails require more
than a bit of attention while trekking in the jungle.
A knowledgeable local guide (with machete) will accompany you along the way. Duration is between 3-5 hours.
visit to fort san fernando
One of the elements that are truly unique to El Otro Lado is seventeenth century battery, barracks and lookout of Fort San
Fernando complex. These were constructed to protect the ships and property coming or leaving Portbelo Bay against the
pirates who cruised the Caribbean. Part of its structure remains intact, with towers and long guns still vigilant. Rarely can one
be so close and yet still touch and relive the history.
historic tour of portobelo
Portobelo was crucial to the Spanish Empire during their colonial period. Learn more of the magic and adventure of this historic town in the company of one of our guides who will show you the ruins of the colonial forts that protected the city, the
historic Royal Customs House, the Church of the Black Christ and other points of interest declared a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO.
art workshop
In collaboration with The Portobelo Bay Foundation, El Otro Lado will organize an art workshop with a young local artist who
will teach you to prepare a handicraft of wood, and paint it in Portobelanian expressions. If you want to give free rein to your
creativity, learn something new, and create a unique piece that is 100% Portobelo, let us help. Besides, memories are experiences that you will keep forever.
By reservation only.
con sentimientos room
The massage treatment area at El Otro Lado has a name: “Con sentimentos” Room. Relax. Ensconced between aromatherapy
and soothing music, enjoy a refreshing and restorative massage. Let us also take care of your hands and feet, giving your nails
a distinctive look with a varied palette of glazes and imaginative designs. The Caribbean design influence also has its presence
in the room.
By reservation only.
congo dance
The Congo Dance is a typical Portobelo tradition. With its rhythmic drums and vocals, accompanied by clapping of hands, it
is perhaps the most authentic manifestation that has remained since the period of colonial slavery. Despite the mistreatment
of slaves, these men and women never lost their sense of zest for life and the need to celebrate. To watch the Congo Dance is
to witness a free spirit who comes in touch with his ancestors, giving life and expressing movement. It is both contagious and
beautiful.
By reservation only.
dance of the devils
The Devil’s Dance is a morality play presented in dance; a traditional and ancient enactment that symbolizes the transition to
freedom of the Afro-Caribbean slave. Their costumes are hand-made, and with the huge and grotesque masks, are inspire
by animals and mythical characters. Through passionate dancers, the interactions portrayed are between good and evil, the
sacred and the profane, the beautiful and the ugly, life and death. El Otro Lado offers this exciting Afro-Panamanian event, so
characteristic of this region, via special evening presentations.
By reservation only.
zaracunde dance
The zaracundé dance recounts the events, when as victims of abuse and slavery in colonial times, the black cimarrones, or
runaway slaves, fled to the mountains. The musical structure is based upon the touch of a single drum accompanied by the
singing of a solo and a chorus of voices answering in unison. In this solo, or “cantalante”, the chief, whose name is Pajarité, is
called. The dress of the dance is made of dried banana tree fronds that form a skirt, with a bib and mask of the same material.
They also carry a “motet” or basket full of gourds.
By reservation only.
quillas squad dance group
The Passa Passa Movement in Panama is gaining strength. Passa passa is a dance that traces its origins to Jamaica and has
spread throughout the Caribbean. In Panama, it began in the city of Colon, but has spread to the capital and surrounding
areas. Our young people of Portobelo, students of the Escuelita de Ritmo, have mastered this dance and are willing to prove
it.
By reservation only.
orquesta mamey
A Caribbean beach vacation deserves a good dose of tropical dance. Mamey Musical Orchestra is composed of 10 Portobelian
musicians, and plays a wide repertoire of the authentic sounds of Caribbean salsa, bolero and quajiran. all serve as a sensual
invitation to let the body communicate and enjoy. Ideal for any event you would wish to celebrate during your stay.
By reservation only.
El Otro Lado. Private Retreat. Portobelo, Panamá. Tel. +507 202 01 11. E-mail: [email protected]. www.elotrolado.com.pa.