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 Andrés Archaeological Park

    San Andrés Archaeological Park

  • Altun Ha

    Altun Ha

  • Don Alfonso Hot Springs

    Don Alfonso Hot Springs

RECOMMENDED TOURS

Colonial Central America

Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala offer charming colonial villages such as the beautiful Granada, León Viejo, Suchitoto, and the majestic city of La Antigua Guatemala.

  • Central - North
  • Community Tourism - Culture - World Heritage
  • El Salvador - Guatemala - Nicaragua
  • 6 - 9 days
See

Mayan route

Discover the most important pre-Columbian archaeological sites of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala in just six days.

  • Central - North
  • Archeology and History - Community Tourism - Nature - World Heritage
  • El Salvador - Guatemala - Honduras
  • 6 - 9 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

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