Indigenous Communities of Panama

Learn about tradition and nature by visiting one of Panama's indigenous communities

Countries
Panama

Zones
Central

Themes
Community Tourism

Learn about tradition and nature by visiting one of Panama’s indigenous communities. Most of them live in protected territories, located around the country. In these, Panama’s 7 original peoples (Guna, Naso Tjër Di, Ngäbe, Buglé, Bri bri, Emberá and Wounaan) practice ancestral forms of government, maintain dances and songs, and cling to their deep cosmological beliefs and cultural expressions.

The indigenous Panamanians are skilled artisans who produce exquisite wood carvings, marvelous miniatures from the hard ivory palm seed, beautiful baskets, masks, bags woven from plant fiber and colorful clothing such as the Mola.

It is possible to visit them whether their location is by the sea, like the Gunas, in high mountains, like the Ngäbe, or nestled within the rainforest like the Emberá. These indigenous communities enjoy sharing their culture with visitors alike.

Sea Turtles in Panama
Highland Coffee in Boquete and Highlands
  • San Pedro Sula

    San Pedro Sula

  • Santo Tomás Church, Pascual Abaj Shrine and Chichicastenango Market

    Santo Tomás Church, Pascual Abaj Shrine and Chichicastenango Market

  • Coffee Route

    Coffee Route

RECOMMENDED TOURS

Fast Central America

Enjoy Nicaragua and Costa Rica in this tour that will take you to Managua, León, Granada, Monteverde, and La Fortuna, among other great places.

  • Central - South
  • Community Tourism - Culture - Nature - Sun and Beach - World Heritage
  • Costa Rica - Nicaragua
  • 10 - 13 days
See

Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama

An exceptional trip across nature and colonial remains in these three countries

  • Central - South
  • Community Tourism - Culture - Nature - World Heritage
  • Costa Rica - Nicaragua - Panama
  • 14 - 18 days
See

Authentic Costa Rica and Nicaragua

Visit volcanoes, discover the culture, and enjoy the beaches. A truly wonderful experience.

  • Central - South
  • Adventure - Community Tourism - Culture - Nature
  • Costa Rica - Nicaragua
  • 14 - 18 days
See

The Archaeologist

Discover Antigua Guatemala and the most important Mayan sites of Guatemala, Honduras and Belize.

  • Central - North
  • Adventure - Archeology and History - Community Tourism - Culture - World Heritage
  • Belize - Guatemala - Honduras
  • 10 - 13 days
See