Guna Culture Urban Tour of the Old Town
About this experience
Explore and enjoy Guna and Panamanian culture in the most urban places of the Old Town. This unique cultural experience connects you with one of Panama's most fascinating indigenous communities through the eyes of a native Guna guide with over 15 years of experience. Your host Johair, known as Joha, is a certified Tourist Guide with a passion for sharing Guna and Panamanian culture with visitors from around the world. By booking this experience, you also contribute to Guna children and families living in hard-to-reach communities with limited resources. Meet your group at the designated meeting point in Casco Viejo and begin your cultural journey. Your first stop introduces you to the art of making Molas, the colorful, hand-stitched textile panels that are central to Guna identity. A Guna elder explains the intricate techniques and deep symbolism behind these beautiful creations. Tour the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood, admiring the stunning colonial architecture and learning about the cultural significance of different locations. Experience how the Guna people have maintained their traditions while adapting to urban life in Panama City. Visit a local indigenous shop where you can see authentic Guna crafts and learn about the artisans who create them. Understand the economic and cultural importance of these traditional arts to the Guna community. End your experience with a typical Panamanian lunch at a local restaurant, where you can continue conversations about Guna culture while enjoying authentic local cuisine. This tour offers a rare opportunity to learn about indigenous culture directly from someone who lives it every day. Guests ages 5 and up can attend, up to 10 guests total.
What you'll do
3 reviews
Kenia
Rochester, NY
Johair was amazing! We had such a good time with him today learning more. Getting to hear about the indigenous culture from someone who is actually indigenous and very obviously proud of his culture was a special experience!
Jacqueline
Paris, France
Thanks to Johair for sharing the Guna culture. We had very rewarding exchanges about the history of this community. This tour is really the supplement that could be missing when visiting the San Blas Islands. Translated from French.
Jax
New York, NY
If you want to learn about Guna culture but can't make the trip to San Blas Islands, you'll LOVE this tour. Outstanding experience with Toto! I learned so much about Guna culture and how urban life has impacted the Guna people historically and currently. The places we visited were gems hidden in plain sight, but most importantly understanding the richness of the culture that continues was just great. Plus, hearing stories of the Mola designs and significance from a Guna elder was remarkable. Highly recommended!
Kenia
Rochester, NY
Johair was amazing! We had such a good time with him today learning more. Getting to hear about the indigenous culture from someone who is actually indigenous and very obviously proud of his culture was a special experience!
Jacqueline
Paris, France
Thanks to Johair for sharing the Guna culture. We had very rewarding exchanges about the history of this community. This tour is really the supplement that could be missing when visiting the San Blas Islands.
Kenia
Rochester, NY
Johair was amazing! We had such a good time with him today learning more. Getting to hear about the indigenous culture from someone who is actually indigenous and very obviously proud of his culture was a special experience!
Jacqueline
Paris, France
Thanks to Johair for sharing the Guna culture. We had very rewarding exchanges about the history of this community. This tour is really the supplement that could be missing when visiting the San Blas Islands. Translated from French.
Jax
New York, NY
If you want to learn about Guna culture but can't make the trip to San Blas Islands, you'll LOVE this tour. Outstanding experience with Toto! I learned so much about Guna culture and how urban life has impacted the Guna people historically and currently. The places we visited were gems hidden in plain sight, but most importantly understanding the richness of the culture that continues was just great. Plus, hearing stories of the Mola designs and significance from a Guna elder was remarkable. Highly recommended!
Kenia
Rochester, NY
Johair was amazing! We had such a good time with him today learning more. Getting to hear about the indigenous culture from someone who is actually indigenous and very obviously proud of his culture was a special experience!
Jacqueline
Paris, France
Thanks to Johair for sharing the Guna culture. We had very rewarding exchanges about the history of this community. This tour is really the supplement that could be missing when visiting the San Blas Islands.
Jax
New York, NY
If you want to learn about Guna culture but cannot make the trip to San Blas Islands, you will LOVE this tour. Outstanding experience with Toto! I learned so much about Guna culture and how urban life has impacted the Guna people historically and currently. The places we visited were gems hidden in plain sight. Highly recommended!
Meet your host
Carlos
Local Guide
Reviews
Rating
I'm a biologist and Certified Nature Specialist accredited by the Panama Tourism Authority. Living near Panama City, I've spent 10+ years studying the biodiversity of Soberania National Park. Join me to spot monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and unique plants around Gatun Lake. My passion is sharing Panama's incredible wildlife with visitors from around the world.
To protect your payment, never transfer money or communicate outside of the Bandits website or app.
About your guide
To protect your payment, never transfer money or communicate outside of the Bandits website or app.
I'm a biologist and Certified Nature Specialist accredited by the Panama Tourism Authority. Living near Panama City, I've spent 10+ years studying the biodiversity of Soberania National Park. Join me to spot monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and unique plants around Gatun Lake. My passion is sharing Panama's incredible wildlife with visitors from around the world.
Where you'll be
Panama City, Panama Province, Panama
Meet at designated meeting point in Casco Viejo. Exact location and directions sent after booking confirmation.
Every experience on Bandits is covered by our Bandit Guard protection. If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.
Learn more about Bandit GuardFree cancellation
Art & Culture vetted for quality
Every experience on Bandits is reviewed by our team to ensure quality, safety, and authenticity. Learn more
Vetted for quality
Every experience on Bandits is reviewed by our team to ensure it meets our quality standards. Learn more