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Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas

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Historical site
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Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)

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The Customs House (Aduana de Portobelo) is perhaps the most significant civil building from the colonial era in Panama. Built in 1630, this imposing stone structure served as the storehouse for all the silver and gold brought from Peru before it was loaded onto galleons for Spain. It was the heart of the Portobelo Fairs, where the commercial wealth of two continents was traded over several weeks. The building was designed to be both a functional warehouse and a fortress to protect its incredibly valuable contents. After being damaged by multiple attacks and an earthquake, it was meticulously restored and now serves as a museum. It stands as a monument to the staggering wealth that once flowed through Panama and the complex logistics of the Spanish colonial economy.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262627272827272727272727
Rain mm301327115260274241242253270261122

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas in Portobelo was the former customs house, now a museum. Visitors can explore the historic rooms and learn about colonial trade and its importance.
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Typical hours
Museums in Panama typically open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM. It's advisable to check exact hours locally, as they may vary by season.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed without flash. Please be mindful of any restrictions in specific exhibit areas and ask staff for guidance.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The museum is compact, but the exhibits on colonial trade are informative and worth reading carefully.
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Combine with
Combine with the nearby fortifications of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The entire bay is historically significant and has additional sights to explore.
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Getting there
Portobelo is reachable by car from Panama City in about two hours. The house is located by the water, well signposted; parking is available nearby.
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Insider tip
Visit the museum in the morning when there are fewer visitors. Bring insect repellent, as the coastal area can be humid and mosquito-prone.

Geography

Coordinates
9.55400, -79.65400

Facts

  • Built in 1630 by order of King Philip III of Spain.
  • The only colonial customs house still standing in the Americas.
  • Served as the headquarters for the Spanish treasury in Panama.
  • Severely damaged during Admiral Vernon's 1739 attack.
  • Restored in the 1990s with international assistance.
  • Now houses a museum dedicated to Portobelo's history.
  • Features thick walls and beautiful stone arches.
  • The site of intense commercial activity during the colonial fairs.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fortifications of PortobeloFortifications of Portobelo<1 km · SExplore →
Chagres RiverChagres River6 km · WExplore →
Fuerte de MatachínFuerte de Matachín8 km · WExplore →
Soberania National Park - Animal WatchingSoberania National Park - Animal Watching9 km · WExplore →
ChilibreChilibre9 km · NWExplore →
Isla GrandeIsla Grande9 km · NExplore →
Summit Municipal ParkSummit Municipal Park10 km · WExplore →
GamboaGamboa10 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (3)

Iglesia de San Felipe, Portobelo📍 landmark

This church in Portobelo is a colonial-era building. It served the local community as a place of worship.

Portobelo📍 landmark

Portobelo is a port town on Panama's Caribbean coast. The settlement is known for its fortifications.

Henry Morgan's raid on Porto Bello📍 landmark

This raid on Porto Bello was a military action in the 17th century. The pirate Henry Morgan led it.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas?
The customs house that once controlled all trade in Portobelo.
Can one see the inside of the building?
Yes, it often houses a museum today and is open to visitors.
Are there guided tours?
Guided tours through the building are often available on-site.
When is it open?
Usually Tuesday to Sunday from morning to afternoon.
Is photography allowed?
In exhibition rooms, photography without flash is usually allowed.
Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas: where is it located?
Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas is located in Panama.
Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas: what is there to see?
Highlights include Iglesia de San Felipe, Portobelo, Portobelo, Henry Morgan's raid on Porto Bello.
Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas: why is it worth visiting?
The Customs House (Aduana de Portobelo) is perhaps the most significant civil building from the colonial era in Panama.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Cristóbal — Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)
Cristóbal
The port and administrative district of Colón.
Palmas Bellas — Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)
Palmas Bellas
A village on the Costa Abajo in Colón province.
Isla Grande — Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)
Isla Grande
A popular tourist island on the Caribbean coast of Colón.
Gamboa — Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)
Gamboa
A small town on the Chagres River, surrounded by rainforest.

History & landmarks

Nombre de Dios — Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)
Nombre de Dios
A historic Spanish colonial settlement on the Caribbean coast, once the primary port for silver shipments from Peru.
Fuerte San Jerónimo — Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)
Fuerte San Jerónimo
An old fortress in the port town of Portobelo.

More places

Fuerte de San Diego — Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)
Fuerte de San Diego
Another fortress in Portobelo that strengthened the defense line.
Ruins of the San Felipe Church — Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)
Ruins of the San Felipe Church
Remains of a historic church in the town of Portobelo.
Fuerte de San Luis — Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)
Fuerte de San Luis
Another historic defensive facility in Portobelo.
Casa Congo — Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)
Casa Congo
A cultural center in Portobelo that preserves the history of the Congos.
Fuerte Santiago — Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)
Fuerte Santiago
Another strategic fortress in Portobelo, built during the Spanish colonial rule.
Fuerte de San Laureano — Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)
Fuerte de San Laureano
Historic fortress in Portobelo, part of the defensive strategy of the Spanish.
Fuerte San Fernando — Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)
Fuerte San Fernando
An impressive coastal fortress above the bay of Portobelo.
Fuerte de San Miguel — Casa Fuerte de las Aduanas (Panama)
Fuerte de San Miguel
A defense structure in Portobelo that was part of the historic protection facilities.