Exploring Panamas Culture: A Guide to the Top Cultural Sites in Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro may be small, but this archipelago off the coast of Panama offers big beaches, big

adventure and, yes, big culture, too. Thanks to the destination’s long history, enduring

Indigenous influence and connections to various peoples and countries around the world, you can

find plenty of culture to explore during a Bocas del Toro getaway — a once-in-a-lifetime

experience.

Not sure where to start? We’re here to help.

A Quick Overview of Bocas del Toro History

Before you can understand Bocas del Toro's culture, you have to understand Bocas del Toro's

history. While we cover Bocas del Toro's history more thoroughly in a recent blog post, here are

the quick highlights that you need to know.

- Bocas del Toro finds its historical roots with the indigenous Ngäbe people, who, prior to

European colonization lived in a broad territory that crossed all of Panama and Costa

Rica. The Ngäbe people still live in and around Bocas del Toro today.

- European contact with the indigenous Ngäbe people was first made in 1502, by

Christopher Columbus left his own imprint on the islands.

- Since Columbus, everyone from pirates to Spanish and French Huguenot settlers to

plantation owners and their slaves has called Bocas del Toro home, all leaving their

marks on the region.

Where can you experience some of this history for yourself? At some of the top cultural sites in

Bocas del Toro! Here are a few of our favorites.

Top Cultural Sites in Bocas del Toro

1. Old Bank

While Isla Colon may be the main island within the Bocas del Toro archipelago, Isla Bastimentos

is the largest island, and it’s home to a very special town (and one of the larger in Bocas del

Toro) known as Old Bank.

Exploring Old Bank is an experience that you won’t find anywhere else, as the rows of colorful

houses and colonial architecture are all part of one of the world’s final, authentic, Afro-

Caribbean settlements. Old Bank has its own dialect, too, though you can still find English

speakers.

After exploring, you can walk from Old Bank, along a rainforest-set path, to get to the quiet,

secluded and pristine Wizard Beach.

2. Salt Creek Village

Salt Creek is a remote Ngäbe village that’s home to nearly 1,000 people. With the help of tour

guides, you can visit Salt Creek and learn more about the Ngäbe way of life, both past and

present. Salt Creek is located on the island of Bastimentos.

3. Sandubidi, or Popa 2

Popa 2 — another Ngäbe village, this one on Isla Popa — likewise welcomes visitors. Here,

you’ll be able to see traditional Ngäbe homes and architecture. The village also offers multiple

tours, including cultural tours and a tour focused on mangroves and other local fauna. You can

additionally enjoy a Ngäbe meal at the Main Rancho, as well as purchase locally-made

handicrafts.