The Atlantic terminus of the trans-isthmian route…

The Atlantic terminus of the trans-isthmian route is moved in 1597 to Portobelo, one of the best natural harbors anywhere on the Spanish Main (the mainland of Spanish America).

Despite raids on shipments and ports, the registered legal import of precious metals has increased threefold between 1550 and 1600.

Panama's prosperity is at its peak during the first part of the seventeenth century.

This is the time of the famous ferias (fairs, or exchange markets) of Portobelo, where European merchandise can be purchased to supply the commerce of the whole west coast south of Nicaragua.

When a feria ends, Portobelo reverts to its quiet existence as a small seaport and garrison town.