Panama is known for its gorgeous skyline and, of course, the Panama Canal, but there are even more things to experience in the country! If you want to dig a little deeper and learn more about the people, history, and traditions that make Panama what it is today, here are four cultural experiences to add to your list.
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Emberá Village
Start with a visit to an Emberá village, where you can learn firsthand about Emberá traditions, music, dance, food, and craftsmanship. It’s an immersive experience that takes you outside of Panama City and introduces you to one of Panama’s distinct Indigenous cultures.
Afro Panamanian Walking Tour
Back in the city, take an Afro-Panamanian walking tour to explore the history, people, places, and stories that have helped shape Panama’s Afro-descendant communities on a guide walking tour through Casco Viejo. The tour makes stops at Santa Ana, Avenida Central, and the Museo Afroantillano. Learn about the lasting contributions of Afro-Panamanians while visiting historic landmarks and cultural sites.
Mi Pueblito
The Afro-Panamanian walking tour includes a brief stop at Museo Afroantillano located inside of Mi Pueblito, but this stop is worth a longer visit. Here, you can explore representations of additional aspects of Panamanian culture and heritage, including the Pollera Museum, history of the country’s folklore, and Indigenous traditions from the Guna Yala, Embera-Wounan and Ngöbe-Buglé tribes.
MoMu
Finally, visit the Mola Museum to discover the colorful textile art of Panama’s Guna people. The intricate designs are beautiful, but learning about the meaning, history, and cultural significance behind them makes the experience even more special.
If time permits, a long day trip to the Gunayala region (San Blas) offers extended insight into the Guna people as they inhabit these lands.
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