Activities with El Otro Lado Panama

Surrounded by lush jungle in Portobelo National Park, the upscale hotel of El Otro Lado Panama overlooks Portobelo Bay and occupies a cluster of brightly painted bungalows. It’s an 11-minute walk from Playa Blanca beach resort.  Colorful, air-conditioned bungalows with a chic, bohemian vibe offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and DVD players, as well as porches. Some have kitchens. Room service is available. Other amenities include an outdoor infinity pool and an open-air bar/restaurant serving Caribbean fusion cuisine. Kayaking, water sports, adventure tours and massage services are also available (fee; some of these activities are listed here:

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 experien- ces that you will keep forever. By reservation only. 

Panama is a paradise for sport shing. Even the de nition of the indigenous name “panamá” means “abundance of sh”. If you appreciate shing, you may go to places near Portobelo, in one of our four motor-launches and always accompanied by one of our shermen-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 ow into the bay. Snapper, snook, barracuda and small to medium sized sh 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 king sh. Fising is best early in the mor- ning.Rock Fishing: For 3 – 4 hours, this style of shing is using sinkers to catch the various sized sh that swim in the deeper waters of the seas.Deep Sea Trolling: This o shore experience takes from 5-7 hours, and allows you to nd even bigger sh such as tuna, boala, mackerel, and even marlin. 

The zaracundé dance recounts the events, when as victims of abuse and slavery in colonial times, the black cimarrones, or runaway slaves, ed 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. 

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 sta will accompany you, serving a ceviche taste-testing session joined by appropriate wines and beverages. 

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. 

Spend the morning sunbathing on the white sand, swimming in crystal clear water, reading, relaxing, or snorkeling to disco- ver 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 . 

 For more information phone 1-888-DDHRM09