Panama, a country known for its iconic canal and vibrant capital, is now offering a different kind of experience through a new initiative that connects travelers with Indigenous and rural guides. This community-based tourism network, called SOSTUR, provides visitors with the opportunity to explore regions largely untouched by mainstream tourism, immersing themselves in Panama’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage while supporting local communities.
A Push for Sustainable Tourism
Panama is home to some of the planet’s most biodiverse regions, with its rainforests, mountains, mangroves, and wetlands hosting a wide variety of wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and sea turtles. Indigenous peoples, who make up around 14 percent of the population, play a crucial role in preserving this biodiversity as they live in and around these natural hotspots.
Despite its natural beauty, Panama has struggled to position itself as a leading ecotourism destination, especially compared to neighboring Costa Rica. The SOSTUR initiative aims to change that by providing a digital platform where travelers can book sustainable adventures led by local communities. This initiative is part of Panama’s broader Sustainable Tourism Development Master Plan, which seeks to increase visitor numbers while prioritizing the preservation of nature and culture.
Top Community-Led Panama Adventures
Raft, Hike, and Harvest Cacao in a Tropical Forest The Naso people, who have long lived in Panama’s northwest rainforests, offer visitors a unique experience through the Naso Trail. This adventure includes jungle hikes in La Amistad International Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as traditional cacao harvesting and cooking classes. Travelers can also explore the region by canoe or traditional balsa raft, with accommodations provided by Posada Media Luna, a female-run inn that supports local education initiatives.
Watch Throngs of Nesting Turtles On Isla Cañas, a secluded Pacific coast community, visitors can witness the «arribada,» a phenomenon where hundreds to thousands of Kemp’s ridley and olive ridley turtles come ashore to nest. This event, which occurs from July to November, is complemented by local sustainability efforts, including a Mangrove Route that educates visitors on the importance of mangrove ecosystems. These conservation efforts are vital in maintaining Panama’s status as one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world.
Take a Pygmy Sloth Safari, Then Try Indigenous Crafting In the remote community of Rio Caña, part of the Ngäbe-Buglé Indigenous territory, travelers can embark on a safari to see the endemic pygmy three-toed sloth on the nearby island of Escudo de Veraguas. Afterward, visitors can participate in craft workshops or cooking classes that highlight traditional Ngäbe-Buglé techniques and ingredients. The community also offers the chance to join local conservationists on Chiriquí Beach, where they monitor nesting turtles, including the critically important leatherback species.
How to Experience It
By participating in these community-led adventures, travelers not only gain a deeper understanding of Panama’s natural and cultural treasures but also contribute directly to the conservation and sustainability efforts of these communities. SOSTUR’s initiative ensures that the tourism income generated supports local livelihoods and helps protect Panama’s rich biodiversity for future generations.