Fort San Lorenzo, one of the most ancient Spanish fortresses in America, lies just a few miles down the road from Shelter Bay Marina. It has been designated a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO. The natural beauty of the surrounding area is only made more beautiful by the ruined remains of what used to be an important fort in protecting the Spanish gold and other trade.

Fort San Lorenzo stands at the mouth of the Chagres River, which is seen in the background behind Cindy.
Since we had our rental car for one more day after returning from Panama City, we decided to drive over to the fortress for another visit. We arrived shortly after 8 a.m., which meant we avoided the worst of the day’s heat, as well as the hordes of visitors which throng to the site by bus as the day wears on. We had the place to ourselves for the most part. Our only interaction was with a group of howler monkeys which were congregating in a tree just on the other side of a fortress wall. It was a gorgeous, sunny Panamanian day, which are plentiful this time of year (the dry season).

Standing at the precipice of a cliff at the fort. It’s straight down for maybe 75-100 feet into the water. Directly in front of me are stairs which lead downward. I could imagine that this would have been the entrance from the water back when the fort was operational.

A lovely beach adjacent to the fort. I ambled down a steep, narrow path while Cindy remained up high at the fort. I’m a speck on the beach in this photo.
When confined to the marina, we’ve continued our daily jungle walks to commune with God and the wild animals of Panama. The monkeys have gotten quite active in the trees above us. The last couple of times we’ve walked, we’ve been bombarded from above with nuts, fruit, twigs and branches. I’m not sure if it’s intentional, but I think it’s personal. π

In a previous post, we showed this little fellow hollowing out his home which he now inhabits. As we walk by, he repeatedly sticks his head out to see what’s happening.
And… a little boat work.
Gorgeous pictures! (Including my Sisβ€) I love the blue & sky, water etc! Just beautiful!
Thanks! Your sister is spectacularly gorgeous!
Such beautyin this world. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Safe travels soon.
How Bless!
Thanks, Sue! Thanks for enjoying them along with us!
Thanks for continuing to share your adventures. Beautiful pictures !
Thank you, Vickie!
Cinee is way cuter than the monkeys!
And usually better behaved. π
Beautiful pictures!! Looks like you have the whole beautiful place to yourself (except for the wildlife).
Thanks! Yes we did!