Fuerte San Lorenzo

Darién Province


Just across the Golfo de San Miguel on Isla El Encanto are the ruins of the Fort of St Lawrence slowing being consumed by the jungle. There's not much more here than a 10m-tall watchtower with arrow slits, but it once played an important role in safeguarding the gold mines at Cana to the south.

You'll almost certainly see dolphins frolicking in the bay from the boat (US$15) as you cross.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Darién Province attractions

1. Reserva Natural Punta Patiño

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On the southern shore of the Golfo de San Miguel, this 263-sq-km wildlife reserve is owned by the private conservation group ANCON. It contains species…

2. Río Sambú

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Traveling the wide and very brown Sambú River is a memorable experience: you'll glide past spectacular mangroves – five of the world's seven known species…

3. Puerto Indio

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From Sambú, visitors can cross the Río Sábalo Bridge to the twin village of Puerto Indio (with permission from the Emberá and Wounaan) and visit…

4. Río Sábalo Bridge

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Cross the Río Sábalo bridge to reach Sambú's twin indigenous village of Puerto Indio.