Written by:undefined undefined
Published: 22-11-2022
Panama has been a crossroads for humanity and a meeting point for different nations, goods, and ideas. Settled thousands of years ago by ancient civilizations, the country boasts a rich mosaic of cultural diversity where indigenous roots meet African heritage and Spanish influence. It is also a place that travelers have passed through for hundreds of years. When you visit Panama, you will experience the oldest colonial relics in this part of the world, including the oldest Spanish fort and the first European settlement in the Pacific. Panama is also home to 7 thriving indigenous communities, the Guna and the Embera, which can be visited to learn more about their well-preserved traditions and unique cosmogenic views. Visitors can explore Panama's Congo culture in places like Portobelo and the unique gastronomy of Panama's Afro-Caribbean community. The best Panamanian culture is the perfect introduction to the country's colorful culture on your Panama vacation.
Casco Viejo, Panama City
Panama City
A small country with a big story to tell, Panama was once underwater, separating the Americas. Today, Panama connects North and South America but was also the Spanish bridge transporting gold from Peru to Spain. Explore the ruins of the old town (Panama Viejo) and walk the streets of Casco Viejo, constructed in the 1600s. Learn about famous pirates like Henry Morgan and see the forts they attacked. For a century, 1/3 of the world's gold passed through Panama, and the city's history is still alive throughout Casco Viejo.
Casco Viejo
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a world-famous engineering marvel and artificial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. There are many ways to experience the Panama Canal, from the Miraflores Locks in Panama City to the partial or complete tours of The Panama Canal that cross this magnificent stretch of water. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Miraflores Locks
The Embera Community
7 Indian tribes still thrive in Panama. Visit the Wounaan within an hour's drive from modern Panama City and go upriver to visit the remarkable Embera community. The Embera are a riverine people, historically building their houses along the banks of Panama's rivers. Although now most Emberá people live in villages, towns, or urban centers, many established communities are still found along the country's riverbanks. Fish are an essential staple of the Embera diet along with plantains, and rivers play a central role in daily life for fishing, bathing, transport, and many domestic chores. The Emberá people are proud to share their culture and traditions with visitors. Spending time with the friendly Emberá people will touch your heart and is an experience you will never forget.
Embera Community
Chitre
Chitre forms part of the Azuero Peninsula, a region known for its charming, mellow, colonial feel and essence of Panamanian roots. On foot, one can tour the plazas, avenues, churches, parks, modest homes, small shops, food stands, bakeries, and in-town anthropology museum, Museo de la Herrera. Many older men, natives to the region, go about their daily business in large straw hats, highlighting the agricultural foundation of the area. Locals sit on their porches and in plazas, reflecting a slower pace of life. Step back on this visit to Chitre on your Panama vacation, where time appears to have stood still.
Chitre
Isla Iguana
Iguana Island is a wildlife refuge 8 kilometers off the coast. The island is famous for its white sand beach, crystal waters, extensive mangrove forests, and coral reef with 12 different corals home to more than 300 species of fish. Dolphins, sharks, turtles, and humpback whales, migrate from Antarctica to Panama's Pacific tropical waters. Iguana Island is also home to a large breeding colony of frigate birds and iguanas. You can snorkel above the coral reef and see the colorful tropical fish. Then relax on the stunning white sand beach before hiking on a trail crossing the island from west to east to observe frigates and iguanas. Isla Iguana is also famous among birders for its wide variety of bird species.
Isla Iguana
Book your Best Of Panamanian Culture tour with Va Expeditions for the ultimate Panama vacation!
