Panama's wild and beautiful Caribbean coast has reached the 21st century almost in the same state in which Columbus found it ... but not quite. Tourism has come to Costa Arriba,  the local name for the stretch of coast east of Colon which was first developed by Spanish conquistadors but which has been jungle-bound since the 17th century.

In recent years, however, the road to Portobelo has been extended out to Nombre De Dios a settlement famous in the New World of the Spanish conquest.  Tourist facilities are beginning to be evident.

The closest beach to Colon is Maria Chiquita which has a "Turicentro" offering facilities. Playa Langosta is a few miles further on.  Several companies offer facilities for skin diving, diving and snorkeling.   Equipment can be rented for a moderate price.

A trip to Costa Arriba is worthwhile just to see Portobelo with its ruins of old Spanish forts.   There are also numerous restaurants with excellent sea food along the road to Portobelo.
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