Fort San Lorenzo
Fort San Lorenzo
4
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King Phillip II ordered the fortress to be built in 1595, which is located on the Chagres River commanding a view of the mouth of the river and miles out to sea.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
334 reviews
Excellent
140
Very good
138
Average
47
Poor
7
Terrible
2
O9772BOrobertc
Los Angeles, CA7 contributions
Jan 2020
Cynthia at Panama Day Trips set up this fun, varied trip for us. Our friendly guide Earnesto took us to the north bound train which runs along the canal. We rode it to Colon where he met us again and drove us to Fort San Lorenzo historical monument. The fort was overrun by the English Buccaneer Henry Morgan in 1670 and he used it as a base to attack and sack Panama City a year later. Earnesto then drove us back to Panama City to see the old city. It was a full and varied day.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dream61210440465
1 contribution
Mar 2021
As a travel enthusiast, I have always been curious about historical art and culture. A few days back I acknowledged this application called Google Arts & culture,and I came across to know that here I can visit any place virtually sitting right next to my balcony
Forts and ancient history always had my heart, so I discovered one of the oldest colonial fortresses in America, which is located on the west bank of the modern Panama canal. While the greenery and History fascinated me quite enough on my tour, the geographical history of the fort was also very impressive.
The fort has been built in the late 15th century i.e. in 1595, on the orders of King Philip to protect the Charges river while connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This canal was also then considered to be the “keys” to America.
Interestingly, the fort has been built several times between the 17 and 18th centuries, as it was under continuous attack by the pirates due to its geographical location{which is in between North America and south America}.
The pictorial representation still looks vibrant and lively, it almost felt like I m not taking the tour but I am living in the fort. It also gives you a vantage point to see the Chagres river. If you are interested in Spanish colonialism it is gonna pull you towards this authentic location.
The wildlife, the rivers, the location, the fort, the view everything will be so worth your time and money once you reach there.
Forts and ancient history always had my heart, so I discovered one of the oldest colonial fortresses in America, which is located on the west bank of the modern Panama canal. While the greenery and History fascinated me quite enough on my tour, the geographical history of the fort was also very impressive.
The fort has been built in the late 15th century i.e. in 1595, on the orders of King Philip to protect the Charges river while connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This canal was also then considered to be the “keys” to America.
Interestingly, the fort has been built several times between the 17 and 18th centuries, as it was under continuous attack by the pirates due to its geographical location{which is in between North America and south America}.
The pictorial representation still looks vibrant and lively, it almost felt like I m not taking the tour but I am living in the fort. It also gives you a vantage point to see the Chagres river. If you are interested in Spanish colonialism it is gonna pull you towards this authentic location.
The wildlife, the rivers, the location, the fort, the view everything will be so worth your time and money once you reach there.
Written February 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
frequent1
Groveland, CA1,409 contributions
May 2023
We went in reverse to the cruise ship tours so when we got there it was not crowded at all. Our tour guide Mario was excellent in terms of describing the history and how people lived in the fort and their efforts to repel the pirate invasion. Very cool.
Written May 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WanderingFarmer
Payson, UT454 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Another history stop that is worth the time to see. We arrived there later than expected, but those that run the tours at the fort were able to set up the video presentation for us to watch. The video itself was amateurish at best. We were then able to walk the grounds for 1/2 hour only. You can see that they have put a lot of time rebuilding the structure in areas. Parts of the old fort are still standing still, held up with beams. Worth the stop and walk around, take your time at this one.
Written January 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Weak Knee Traveler
Singapore, Singapore12,833 contributions
Sep 2019 • Solo
This Spanish fort which fell to a pirate called Henry Morgan was used to guard the Caribbean end of the Las Cruces Trail, the overland route for Spanish treasures and gold from Central and South America. It is views of both the Caribbean sea and some of the Tunnels have bat's in them.
Great for a visit.
Great for a visit.
Written June 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle T
New York City, NY656 contributions
Sep 2022
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 wouldn't say it's a must-see, but it's definitely a cool spot to include on a tour.
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 wouldn't say it's a must-see, but it's definitely a cool spot to include on a tour.
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin S
Pontypridd, UK6,890 contributions
Apr 2022
$5 entry, which is expensive for what it is. A pleasant introductory video and self guide yourselves around the site with its many information boards in Spanish and English. But it is not a large site, and not too many features, so it will be a short visit. Portobello offers as much or more in two forts for no charge.
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Atravelfan
Atlanta256 contributions
Jul 2022
We stopped at Fort San Lorenzo while on the Colon side after our Agua Clara locks visit. There is a lot of restoration work ongoing but this was still a lovely place to visit with so much history there are good signs with English translations to help with the self guided tour. I enjoy visiting ruins and these were beautiful.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wanderer10644
Dothan, AL1 contribution
I grew up in Panama and am hoping to return soon to take my husband to my "home". So that is how I stumbled across this site...making sure I don't miss anything that I want to show him when we go. I went to Fort San Lorenzo many times and each time it was an amazing experience. Walking around in the darkened rooms with moss growing on them made me feel like I was the first person that had ever been there. And the view is absolutely gorgeous. It is complete with a moat and everything. It's really indescribable and I would reccomend a visit to Fort San Lorenzo to anyone who wants to get a taste of history. I know I plan to return there when my husband and I go for a visit.
Written July 21, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sir911
Atlanta, USA38 contributions
Maybe we were just there on a particularly good day. The combination of the crystal blue Carribean water, clear sunny skies were great in themselves. But throw in the well-maintained fort and we could just feel the history. Visiting this location, I could see why the Spanish wanted to set up fort here! The road to San Lorenzo is abysmal, but it's worth the trip.
Written November 28, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, Jamie. What would you like to know about this attraction?
What company did you use for this as we want a private tour on the Atlantic side of the Canal & Old Fort Lorenzo, with lunch at Shelter Island ? Thank You
Written October 13, 2019
We stayed at Le Meridian hotel in Panama City and they arranged the private car with a driver who took us on a day long trip to Fort San Lorenzo and Leon. He was great, spoke excellent English and very courteous.
Written October 14, 2019
How do you get there safely from Colon. We will be in Colon on a cruise from 2 to 8 pm. I haven't been able to find a tour. Did you hire a taxi?
Written January 6, 2019
I ordered an Uber to take me to the location, to me that was the safest way to get around since I barely speak Spanish.
Written January 6, 2019
Can you drive from colon in a rental car to the fort?
Written December 7, 2017
I use car rentals, all over Panama! No, problem.
Written February 1, 2019
I visited San Lorenzo s part of a tour to the new Panama Canal Locks. The tour was a walk in the jungle, San Lorenzo and the new locks. There were 4 people on the tour in a minibus. I found the tour on trip advisor while looking for tours of the new locks. It was $67.
Written August 29, 2017
Does a bus go from Colon to the Fort and then back later on?
Written March 21, 2017
There is no scheduled bus for it. You can only visit San Lorenzo with excursion buses
Written March 22, 2017
can we go to the fort and back by taxi??from Colon
Written January 14, 2017
A taxi ride from Colon to San Lorenzo is possible, but it is a long ride and if on the meter could get a bit pricey. By far the most reasonable means of getting there and seeing it is with a private driver. This is definitely a half day attraction, so you'd want to negotiate accordingly. If it is just a driver, then negotiate a lower price than it was a tour guide and driver in one. If you are staying at a hotel in Colon, as them to help coordinate. When in Central and South America there is always a need to be just a little safer as things can and do happen to tourists.
Uber is another option. But, when the car shows up, explain what you want to do to include the ride back and wait time. They can adjust the fare on their smartphone. Uber is typically cheaper than a taxi and the drivers are vetted.
The taxi is really the last option I'd pick as you have no idea who you will have driving you down some very remote rode.
Don't let the logistics of getting there keep you from going. San Lorenzo is well worth the effort and a place you will remember forever.
Written January 14, 2017
Hi,
We are considering visiting the fort via a cruise ship excursion. My wife has limited mobility and can walk only short distances. Does anyone know how far a walk it is from the parking lot to the fort itself?
Thanks
Written January 1, 2017
Not for limited mobility traveler.
Written December 7, 2017
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