(83 Reviews)
98% Recommended

Rey Alton

Bellaire, TX
Travel Lifestyle Specialist

The process of planning, coordinating, booking, and managing travel arrangements can be a daunting experience.  But, with a seasoned and respected travel advisor, your travel planning experience will be streamlined and hassle-free. With more than ...
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Portobelo Travel Agent Expert

Portobelo is a historic coastal town located on the Caribbean side of Panama, renowned for its rich colonial history and stunning natural beauty. It was once a major port for the Spanish Empire, serving as a key point for the export of gold and treasures from South America to Europe. Today, Portobelo is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with remnants of colonial fortifications, including the San Jerónimo Fort and San Felipe Fort, offering a glimpse into its strategic past. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the town is also known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant local culture, and Afro-Caribbean heritage. Portobelo's lively black Christ festival is one of its most important cultural celebrations, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The town offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.   


 


Top 5 Places to Visit in Portobelo:



  • San Felipe Fort – A historic fort that offers panoramic views of Portobelo Bay and serves as a testament to the town’s colonial past. 

  • San Jerónimo Fort – Another important fort, built to protect the city, which now houses a museum showcasing the region's history and artifacts. 

  • Black Christ of Portobelo – A revered religious statue housed in the Church of San Felipe, attracting thousands of pilgrims during the Black Christ festival. 

  • Portobelo Bay – A scenic bay surrounded by lush landscapes, perfect for enjoying peaceful views of the Caribbean Sea. 

  • Portobelo National Park – A protected area with rich biodiversity, offering hiking trails, beaches, and opportunities to spot local wildlife. 


 


Top 10 Activities in Portobelo:



  • Exploring the San Felipe Fort – Discover the history of Portobelo through this impressive fort with views of the bay and surrounding areas.

  • Visiting the Black Christ Church – Experience the spiritual and cultural significance of the Black Christ statue and the historic church.

  • Swimming at Playa Blanca – Relax on the beautiful white sand beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

  • Snorkeling at Isla Grande – Take a boat trip to Isla Grande and enjoy vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling.

  • Hiking in Portobelo National Park – Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, with trails leading through tropical forests and coastal areas.

  • Attending the Black Christ Festival – If visiting during the festival, participate in one of the largest religious celebrations in Panama, full of music, dance, and tradition.

  • Boat tours around Portobelo Bay – Enjoy scenic boat tours to discover the beauty of the coastline and surrounding islands.

  • Visiting the Portobelo Museum – Learn about the town’s colonial history, the importance of the port, and its role in Panama’s heritage.

  • Fishing in Portobelo Bay – Experience local fishing traditions by taking a guided fishing trip in the bay’s rich waters.

  • Cultural tours with locals – Engage with the Afro-Caribbean community, learning about local customs, traditions, and the town’s history.

My Reviews

73 of 117 people found this review helpful
Another fabulous trip!
Rey has booked several domestic and international trips for me over the years. Each time the experience was fantastic. Rey is not only a knowledgeable and experienced travel agent, he is patient with groups and always provides stellar customer service. The resorts are always fabulous and his recommendations on what to do when we arrive at our destinations make my vacations more enjoyable. I’ve counted on Rey to book fabulous vacations for over 10 years and he always delivers the best. I’ve always enjoyed the individual attention and care Rey provides his clients. He understands the apprehension that comes along with trying new places and is thorough and accommodating as a result. He’s also great at making suggestions on future vacations and I’ve never been disappointed when I follow his suggestions. Rey will remain my travel confidante for many years to come. He’s the best, hands down!
By  TC  from  San Antonio, Texas
Traveled to  Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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72 of 121 people found this review helpful
Travel Expert
We have worked with Rey for many years and have always enjoyed the experience. Most of our travel has been river cruises in Europe but last year we did a trip to South Africa. Rey is very thoughtful, thorough and responsive.
By  Randy  from  Houston
Traveled to  Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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64 of 110 people found this review helpful
Destination Wedding Planner
Love working w/ Rey! Very knowledgable and detailed!! Definitely recommend to any and everyone traveling abroad.
By  Destination Wedding Planner - Elite Eventz   from  Houston, Texas
Traveled to  Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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63 of 112 people found this review helpful
July 4th Fun!!!
Rey and the Almeda Travel family have been so good to my family in assisting us in all of our travel needs/goals from beginning to return. Rey has shown nothing but the utmost professionalism, patience,guidance, and quality service that is so difficult to find these days. We have trusted Almeda Travel for the last 5-6 years for our vacations and will continue to do so, I also strongly recommend if you’re looking for an agent/team that is knowledgeable and consumer responsive go with Almeda Travel!
By  Lady on the Go  from  Beaumont, Texas
Traveled to  Washington D.C. ~ District of Columbia ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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56 of 101 people found this review helpful
Anniversary Trip
I have the opportunity to book travel with Rey at Alameda Travel several times over the past 5-8years. He is very informative and knowledgeable about different places to travel and the hospitality service companies in those areas. I have been very pleased with every interactions and trip we have been on.
By  Chris Cooper  from  Humble, Texas
Traveled to  Montego Bay ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Portobelo
  • Panama
  • Central America

Travel Specialist:

  • Honeymoons
  • Couples & Romance
  • Arts & Culture
  • Festival Tours
  • Beach Vacations

Certifications/Awards:

  • CTIE
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2013
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2011
  • Travel Weekly Magellan Award Winner 2009

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