Culture & Folklore

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Panama Canal: The Panama Canal is approximately 80 kilometers (51 miles) long and links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This waterway was cut through one of narrowest saddles of the isthmus that joins North and South America and uses a system of locks  and compartments with entrance and exit gates. The locks function as water lifts: they raise ships from sea level (the Pacific or the Atlantic) to the level of Gatun Lake (26 meters above sea level); allowing them to sail the channel through the Continental Divide.

Native cultures: Indigenous groups make up 5.3% of the total population of the Republic of Panama. The most important Indian tribes on the isthmus are the Kunas, who are found on the islands of San Blas and  in the jungles of Chucunaque and Bayano, the Ngobe Buglé (also known as Guaymíe) who live mainly in the mountainous areas of Bocas del Toro, Veraguas, and Chiriquí, the Emberá and Wounan (both tribes of the Chocoes group) who live in the Darién jungle and the Teribe and Cricamola in the province of Bocas del Toro.

Crafts: Panama is a country of great natural beauty and fascinating indigenous cultures.

tortue molaIndigenous artisans make and sell beautiful handicrafts including woven baskets, tagua nut carvings, molas and other tribal crafts that are a tangible link to Panama’s diverse past and multi-ethnic present. Lately, the sale of native crafts to tourists has increased and helps to support the needs of indigenous villages and native people.

Carnival: Carnival in Panama is a celebration that takes place in just about every town of the country. Although the celebration is annual, an often asked question even by locals is “When is the carnival this year?” As the celebration always takes place 40 days before the Christian holy week the dates change every year.

The most famous celebration in the country takes place in the town of Las Tablas in the province of Los Santos in the Azuero Peninsula. Panama City and Penonome are also excellent places to celebrate this huge party, the most famous of all celebrations in Panama. Like Carnival of Rio de Janeiro and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the carnival in Panama is celebrated on the same dates and by the whole country.

Museums: Panama's rich 10,000 year history is represented by archeological relics and monuments of the cultures of four different continents. Handicrafts, natural history and the incredible cultural mix of the country are all explored in the museums and galleries of Panama City.  All of the city's museums are open to the general public and provide visitors, particularly in the historic area of Casco Viejo, an incredible perspective on the country’s historical, cultural and ecological highlights.

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ID160
5 reviews
11 Days

This is the ideal tour to discover the Panama Canal, San Blas and Darien. You will meet three of our ethnic groups, the Guna and the Emberá-Wounaan.

Everyday
ID162
4 reviews
12 Days

Discover as a family the Panama Canal, the wonderful Contadora Island, learn a little about history and culture, but above all, enjoy various activities.

Everyday
ID168
10 Days

Our ethnic groups show us their cultures and customs throughout this tour: you will meet those groups in three of our provinces, accompanied by a little history of each site.

Everyday
ID179
9 Days

Just as the Spanish made their routes to transport the gold, we will show you some of the historical places they used on their journey and how they defended it. Enjoy nature, history and the paradisiacal beaches.

Everyday
ID199
8 Hours

This is a unique tour where you will discover a town that has developed inside the crater of a volcano. Ideal for hiking, bird watching, history and enjoying its delicious climate.

Everyday
From $88.00 Per Person
ID201
5 reviews
8 Hours

In the Chagres National Park, the Embera indigenous people will take us to discover the Panamanian jungle through the San Juan de Pequenin River to their Embera community, while learning about their lifestyle and learning from their traditions!

Everyday
From $107.00 Per Person
ID205
1 reviews
8 Hours

Visit the most attractive and interesting sites in Panama City: Old Panama, Old Town, the Visitor Center of the Miraflores Locks, the Amador Causeway.

Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
From $122.00 Per Person
ID207
4 Hours

Visit the most attractive and interesting places in Panama City in just 4 hours! Watch the ships transit the Miraflores Locks and learn about the history of the construction of the Canal in its 4-story museum. Learn about the history of the Old Town of Panama, the second city founded after the attack by pirate Henry Morgan.

Everyday
From $56.00 Per Person
ID215
6 Hours

You want to live an incredible experience; the Partial Transit through the Panama Canal will give you the opportunity to make the journey through two of its three locks and learn the history of the construction with the narration of your site guide. A unique experience in the world.

Saturday, Sunday
From $173.00 Per Person
ID2926
4 reviews
8 Hours

Transit by boat from one ocean to the other and through 3 locks of the Panama Canal will begin in the Pacific, passing under the Bridge of the Americas, Miraflores Locks, Gatun Locks, the Gaillard Cut, the Puente Centenario and sail across Gatun Lake to the Gatun Locks, ending under the Atlantic Bridge to the cruise port.

Saturday
From $228.00 Per Person