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Published: 23-08-2022
Panama lies at the Southern end of Central America, bordering South America; while this country is so well-known for so many reasons, tourism seems only to be an afterthought. In fairness, Panama has to compete with the Caribbean islands and other popular Central American tourism hotspots such as Costa Rica, Belize, and Mexico. Many would-be visitors probably think only of the canal and the modern city without realizing that there are some truly unique things to do in and around Panama City. This tour is a cultural adventure through Panama experiencing indigenous communities, life-long traditions and Panamanian culture. Of course, Panama’s iconic canal has shaped the world as we know it. Traversing the land bridge known as the isthmus of Panama, it’s played a central role in economics as a hub for global trade. More interesting, however, is its role in natural history, having divided the Pacific from the Atlantic Ocean and uniting flora and fauna of North and South America. The idea to build the canal dates back to 1534, but the French made the first attempt in 1881. The United States took over the project in 1904 after the French faced engineering issues and bankruptcy. The Panama Canal is a world-renowned engineering marvel, a 48-mile artificial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, opening the way between two continents and transforming the face of maritime shipping forever. There are many ways to experience the Panama Canal, from the Miraflores Locks in Panama City to the partial or total boat tours that cross the Canal to the city of Colon. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Embera Community
Embera Quera Community
We will head to the city of Colon on a train journey along the classic railway past the Culebra Cut and the stunning Gatun Lake. From Colon, we will run along the river by boat to the Embera Quera community, one of the indigenous groups of Panama. Inside one of the local homes, an older woman will be cooking lunch; a young Embera woman will give us a presentation that explains how her people had emigrated from the Darien Region to be closer to Panama City to share their culture with travelers and improve their economic situation via tourism. Our guide told us that 95% of the Embera live in extreme poverty, subsisting on about one dollar per day. Our lunch today is a delicious traditional plate of fried fish and plantains wrapped in banana leaves and an array of fresh bananas and local fruits. The Embera are renowned for their artistic ability, mainly their baskets and carved statues. On sale in the community are products made by various families in the village, including baskets crafted from the leaves of the chunga (black palm). Some baskets are black-and-white, others use vivid natural dyes, and they often contain geometrical patterns or scenes with animals. The best baskets are said to be woven so tightly that they can hold water!
Embera Community Visit
Chitre
Chitre is the home of Rum Abuelo, the signature rum of Panama. Heading through glorious countryside, we will arrive at the rum distillery. Herrera Province ranks third in sugarcane production in Panama, and rum is a spirit made from this local export. The Hacienda San Isidro distillery where the drink was first produced is still operating and open for tours. This distillery is also the home of Ron Abuelo, and visitors can even try a rum that has been aging for 100 years. After all, when in Rome…
Ron Abuelo
Isla Iguana
This small island is located on the Eastern Coast of the Azuero Peninsula. The Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge is the ideal place to visit to explore the beautiful sightseeing opportunities. After World War II, it became a world-famous tourist destination. There is 10 km of white sandy shores to explore, and you can easily reach the wildlife refuge in a boat. The sanctuary protects many species of birds, animals, tropical fish, and even a large coral reef. The reef itself is five hundred years old and spreads over thirty-seven acres. It is home to twelve different coral species and two hundred fish species. Mango and guava trees dot the refuge as well. With 136 acres, this is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries.
Isla Iguana
La Pintada
This small, picturesque town is a hidden gem full of culture. Its scenic beauty and its very own painted Panama hats (sombreros pintados) attract tourists from all over the world. These Panama ‘painted hats’ are uniquely woven, handmade from five different plants and a healthy dose of swamp mud. The artisans who weave these hats don´t use machines and knit the caps by hand. No factories can be found for weaving or creating these hats; they are woven in the homes of each artisan, using manual techniques that were passed on to them by their ancestors.
La Pintada
On this unique cultural tour of Panama, you can experience many different cultural aspects of Panama for the perfect introduction to Panama culture. If this 6-day tour sounds like your perfect short vacation, contact us at Va Expeditions to book your culturally Panama tour.
