Black History: Shadows & Lights- Afro Panama Heritage Experience

Excellent tour! Gabriel was on point with his history knowledge and know how to keep the crowd engaged. Great group of people 👏 👍 to be with.

I honestly did not expect this tour to be as good as it was. If you are Black or are interested in Black history, I would recommend booking this tour. Gabriel was knowledgeable and such a pleasant guide during the experience. The tour began in Casco Antiguo and ended at the Afro-Antillian Museum, with an optional lunch afterwards at a nearby market. It was interesting because you could see the change as we left Casco Antiguo and traversed areas where the Black population was. I do not think I would have seen these areas if I was not on the tour. After leaving the tour, I realized that the entire diaspora of African descendants living around the world share similar experiences and history, and it made me even prouder to be Black and appreciate my heritage. One of the highlights from this tour was the unexpected dance/performance at Plaza de Santa Ana. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Also, I learned so much; I did not realize how many persons from the Caribbean were involved in the construction of the Panama Canal (including my own country). The optional lunch at the end was a great closing to the tour; I would recommend including that experience if possible, as you get to see a market. This tour was a memorable gem from my vacation in Panama - 10/10! I would recommend this experience if you are visiting Panama!

We had an amazing time on the **Black History: Shadows & Lights – Afro Panama Heritage Experience!** We learned so much about Panama’s rich history, culture, and Afro Panamanian heritage. The experience was incredibly informative, engaging, and eye-opening. We walked away with a much deeper appreciation for the history and cultural influences that have shaped Panama. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Panama!

We felt so pleased to see this tour listed. Rare to find African and Caribbean related histories on travel tours in international cities. We're from Jamaican heritage and grew up hearing about people leaving for Colon, Panama, to work on the rail road and the canal and hearing the cultural songs relating to the migration years. We understood the story from the West Indies context. This tour was a great opportunity to hear the stories of those people who came and how they fared in Panama amd what happened to thier descendants if the migrants never returned to the islands. Great to learn about the earliest peoples of dark skin who were recorded, the "Water Girls", weaving in the slave trade into the timeline, the dances etc. We loved the Santa Ana plaza and Central Avenue vibe. Our guide Gabriel did an excellent job. There was a lot to tell. We also enjoyed visiting the Afro-Antillean Museum off Central Avenue and seeing the furnishings. Well done Melie for setting it up and well done Panama for acknowledging your history and for giving us the opportunity to learn it.

We actually didn’t make the tour in time but no fault to the guide! She was very communicative…tried to wait for us. We are sorry we missed your but appreciate her effort to wait for us!

I am still raving over this experience, months later. The Black History tour was extremely enlightening.

Best tour for afro panamanian history. Gabriel our tour guide was very knowledgable and pasionate about the culture

This is my second visit to Panama this year and my second history tour but this one far surpassed my expectations. The guide Gabriel was not only engaging in his narration but was so personable and customer friendly. The tour was an exceptional value, we got a comprehensive history lesson, enhanced by a cultural dance demonstration on the plaza, along with a tasty treat, then an immersive moment at the museum then a refreshing bottle of fresh juice along with a delicious meal. Hard to believe they’ve only been doing the tour for over a year because it was so well organized and thorough. I plan on returning with more friends and I will recommend this tour!

Meli was a great tour guide who is very knowledgeable about Afro Panamanian history. This tour afforded me the opportunity to learn so much about the people that help shaped the culture as it is now and how their influence came to be. The tour was truly a great experience that I encourage you to partake. Oh! Make sure you add lunch to your tour because the food at the Fonda is amazing!

We really enjoyed this tour. So far, my favorite experience in my little time in Panama. I learned a lot about Afro Panamanian culture and I am even more inspired to get to know about the culture in my own country. Gabriel did a great job guiding us and the information was very clear, interesting and invited us to reflect. I loved everything: the snack, the dance, walking to the museum (so you can see beyond Casco Viejo hehe) and the museum itself. Highly recommended ❤️

Gabriel is a great tour guide, I learned so much within the 3 hours very informative I couldn’t ask for a better experience!

If you’re interested in the Afro Panamanian experience this is the tour for you. Our guide (Gabriel) was very thorough and knowledgeable about the subject. Walking down to the museum was a lively experience. Gabriel’s presentation at the museum was very informative. I definitely recommend this tour.

This was the highlight of my time in Panamá. Gabriel was an amazing guide. He gave us so much info and really made it a personalized experience. To learn so much about my people and history and to see the real people of Panama was amazing. I will have to do this tour again the next time I visit with my family and hopefully Gabriel is our tour guide once again.

A quick heads-up before you book: this excursion has a meet-up location in the city center rather than hotel pickup, so give yourself enough time to get there. The meeting point is central and easy to find, so getting there was pretty straightforward. Our tour guide, Gabriel, was fantastic! He arrived right on time, was extremely knowledgeable, kind, patient, and bilingual in English and Spanish. You could tell he genuinely enjoyed sharing the history and culture of the city with us. This is a walking tour, but thankfully the pace was very reasonable and comfortable for different fitness levels. We made several interesting stops, including the museum and a local market, where we got to experience local food, lunch, and fresh juice. And the little extras made the experience even better! The tour provided water, a traditional pastry/patty as a historic treat, and a small take-home souvenir. The group itself was fun and engaging, which definitely added to the experience. One of my favorite moments was getting to enjoy a conga dance performance in the park such a fun and unexpected way to experience the local culture! Overall, this was a great cultural experience with a fun mix of history, food, walking, music, and local traditions. Gabriel made the tour especially enjoyable, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a more authentic way to explore the city beyond the typical tourist stops.

Shadow & Light Afro-Panamanian Tours provided one of the absolute highlights of our trip. Our guide was not only incredibly well-informed on every aspect of Afro-Panamanian history and culture, but his passion for sharing his culture was truly inspiring. From deep historical context to vibrant local cultural details, I walked away with a whole new perspective and appreciation for the community. I highly recommend this tour 100% to anyone looking for a meaningful and enriching experience!

We absolutely enjoyed our guide and the experience was informative and really enjoyable. My husband and I moved to Panamá May 2026 and saved this tour for when his dad came to visit. I’m so happy we waited so he could also experience the shadows & lights tour. We’ve learned so much within the couple of hours . Can’t wait to bring more friends and families when they visit

This was such an amazing tour!! I travel to learn not just to take a vacation and this perfectly fit into what I look for on a trip! While I was worried about a long and hot hike, it felt like nothing at all! We regularly stopped in the shade when we were learning about it different topics and then continued on to the next shady spot! Our guide (Gabriel) was so knowledgeable and made learning fun! Ending at the Afroantillean museum was perfect. It’s a gem of a museum that I may have missed if not for this tour.

Very informative, our tour guide was Gabriel. He was great and knows a lot. The walk wasn’t actually bad. And he kept us in shaded areas as much as possible and brought us water. The lunch at the market was really good too. We saw a Congo dance and the Afro Panamanian museum

Great tour and the guides were incredible. Really welcome the opportunity to hear a diverse set of voices on Panamanian history and culture.

Melli provided great customer service and made sure we got the shirts from the tour. Gabriel was knowledgeable, personable, and made sure of experience was filled with extra emphasis on how Black culture has shaped history.

It is very informative and I love hearing about the history and how no matter where we are in the world, we are connected by culture, art, and music. Thank you, Gabriel!

Wonderful experience! Our guide was knowledgeable, passionate about the topic, patient, and kind. I highly recommend this tour.

The tour was very educational and engaging. It was great to learn about Panama’s connection with Africa and America.

This was my first visit to Panama, and I did this tour the very next day after arriving — before I had fully acclimated to the heat and humidity. I was still trying to wear my hair straight (If you know, you know). Meli and Gabriel led the tour. Both are bilingual, warm, and deeply knowledgeable. Meli also had her cousin with her — a young woman who is learning English and was using the tour environment to practice. I loved that detail. It spoke to the kind of people they are — generous, community-minded, invested in building something beyond just a transaction. They wore t-shirts stating "For as long as I am Black. I am Historic". My son wanted one immediately. Now, the tour itself. I don't even know where to begin. I came in thinking I had a reasonable grasp of Black history — specifically as it relates to the United States. What this tour revealed to me is how much of that history isn't limited to the U.S. at all. It is global. It is interconnected. And the threads run deeper and farther than I ever understood. Meli and Gabriel taught me things about Panama, about history, about the relationship between nations and peoples, that I genuinely did not know — and some of it I learned about my own country while standing in another one. One moment that hit me particularly hard was learning about the U.S. intervention in Panama during the Noriega era — not just the political event I vaguely knew about, but the collateral damage. The destruction. The long, slow work of repairing what was broken, and the human cost to the local population that lingered long after the headlines moved on. I could see it with my own eyes and hear it explained with context and care. That combination — seeing and understanding — is powerful. And then life added its own footnote: after the tour, I mentioned it to an associate of mine who lives here in Panama. It turned out that her father had been a pilot for Noriega. The worlds collided in the most unexpected way, and the conversation that followed deepened everything I had just learned. The tour wound through the city on foot. We walked to Santa Ana Plaza, where one of the first churches in the area was built, beneath trees so full and generous with their shade that even in the punishing heat they felt like a gift. That plaza looked then like a gathering place, and it still does today. Some things hold. There, a woman performed a traditional Congo dance for us — barefoot, in a stunning patchwork dress. That dress told its own story: people with little making something beautiful, something that endures. She danced to traditional music, a gentleman danced alongside her, and then she invited some of us to join in. I was sweating through everything. So was everyone else. And it was still one of the loveliest moments of my trip. The tour ended at the Museo Afroantillano de Panamá, and this alone would be worth the visit. The museum brought to life the history of the railroad and the canal — the different groups of people who were brought here to build them, including a significant Chinese community whose story is also woven into Panama's history, and the conditions those people endured. There were reconstructed living spaces showing what homes looked like at the time — traditional bedrooms, kitchens, and, if I'm remembering correctly, wood-burning stoves kept outside because of the fire risk they posed in close quarters. It was history you could stand inside of, and that makes all the difference. Throughout all of it, Meli kept returning to something — the idea that the tour is called "Shadows and Light" for a reason. I can't quote her exactly, but the spirit of what she said stayed with me: you cannot move toward the light if you refuse to look at the shadows. The history she shared was at times heavy, at times painful. But she never let it end there. She consistently brought us back to the resilience. The community. The strength of people who built something extraordinary even as others tried to diminish it. That light — the light of the individuals, of the culture, of the people who rose from those ashes — it never went out. And she made sure we could see it. This tour was not a downer. It was a lesson. It was, in the end, uplifting. What it ultimately gave me — beyond history, beyond facts — was a new kind of awareness. An awareness that what happens in one place ripples outward. That decisions made by governments and countries have consequences that travel far and land hard on real people. And if that's true on a geopolitical scale, it's also true on a personal one. How I carry myself. The words I choose. The way I treat people. There is a ripple effect to all of it. I did not expect a walking tour to leave me thinking about how I want to move through the world. But this one did. Think of this as a college-level history course compressed into three hours — and even then, they covered more than seemed possible. That's because this isn't just a job for Meli and Gabriel. They believe in what they're sharing. They want to spread it. The passion is real and it is contagious. At the end, they offered a traditional Panamanian treat — a pastry filled with, I believe beetroot, sweet and delicious — and I finished it faster than I'd like to admit. A few practical notes for anyone planning to go: wear comfy shoes, you'll be on your feet and moving. Bring water, though they do provide some cold water along the way. A parasol or personal neck fan is not overkill — it is wisdom. Dress for the heat and come ready to learn. I am so glad this tour exists. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Book it. Go with an open heart. You will not leave the same.

Very informative and detailed tour. I loved the combination of showing and telling history to bring the culture to life. It is a long walk but easy terrain just ne mindful of uneven sidewalk in spots so you don't trip. The guide is thoughtful and engaging. We learned about the daily lives of the people who built the canal, which was an unexpected bonus.

Meli and Gabriel were both excellent tour guides! Great experience. Very informative!

Meli and Gabriel were great! They were well informed and provided great information about Afro-Panamanian history.

I really enjoyed this tour. The guide was excellent and gave us a true taste of Afro-Panamanian/Caribbean life in Panama. I enjoyed the Caribbean museum, the murals and street life. And the food at the market was delicious. I would highly recommend this trip.

Absolutely phenomenal experience! This Afro-Panamanian walking tour was, without question, one of the highlights of my time in Panama. The guides, Meli abd Gabriel, were exceptional. Their wisdom, expertise, and depth of historical knowledge brought Afro-Panamanian history and culture to life in a way that was engaging, thoughtful, and deeply meaningful. What made the experience especially powerful was their genuine connection and commitment to the culture and the community. This wasn’t simply a tour—it felt like being invited into a living history, shared by people who clearly care about preserving, honoring, and celebrating the stories of Afro-Panamanian people. And the lunch was AMAZING! The lunch experience was such an unexpected bonus and the perfect way to complete an already incredible day. I highly, highly recommend this tour. If you are visiting Panama and want an experience that is culturally rich, informative, authentic, and memorable, do not miss it. Hands down, this is the best walking tour in Panama!

I loved everything about this experience. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and kept us engaged the entire time. They crammed so many things into the three hours. The black history was awesome. The dance was spectacular. Even the beetroot patty was lovely. The museum, the art on the wall, everything was awesome. Thanks guys for an awesome experience.

This was a wonderfully educational tour. Mellie and her crew were terrific guides and provided in-depth history lessons. This was above and beyond what’s presented in other tours and relevant to the audience. It’s a 5 out of 5!

An Amazing and Meaningful Experience!** My husband and I enjoyed the **Black History: Shadows & Lights – Afro-Panama Experience** tremendously! From beginning to end, the tour was engaging, informative, and incredibly meaningful. We loved learning about the rich history, culture, and contributions of Afro-Panamanians. Our guide brought the history to life in such an authentic and passionate way, sharing stories and perspectives that gave us a much deeper appreciation for Panama and its people. This was so much more than just a sightseeing tour—it was an opportunity to connect with the history and culture of Panama in a way we would not have experienced on our own. My husband and I talked about how much we enjoyed it long after the tour ended. If you are visiting Panama City and want an experience that is educational, culturally enriching, and memorable, **we highly recommend this tour!** It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. ❤️🇵🇦 Thank you for such a wonderful experience. We are so glad we had the opportunity to be a part of it!

Very educational, Great experience!!

Great way to learn about the afrocarribean history of Panama. Gabriel was a great guide. Light clothing and good walking shoes are a must.

I have lived in Panama for 4 years and enjoy participating in activities as a tourist and learning more about the country. The tour was very informative and a great way to spend your morning. She covered the afro history and afro Caribbean history of Panama and I learned many things that are not covered in the museums. I highly recommend this tour anyone visiting Panama.

The experience was great. We learned a lot, had fun with the dancers and enjoyed tasting a traditional Panamanian pastry. I will definitely take more of my family members when they visit.

I had such a great experience, it was better than I expected! Meli is super knowledgeable and you can tell she has a deep love for her community. The tour provided such great context for our vacation and I would highly recommend. There is a good amount of walking but we took frequent breaks in between.

Excellent experience. The guides wowed us with their expansive knowledge.

I really enjoyed the tour. As a solo traveler I felt right at home & I learned alot. Meli and team provided a wonderful experience. I would definitely recommend.

This was an exceptional tour experience. It was almost exactly what we hoped it would be--an opportunity to hear more about the Afro-Panamanian identity and culture. The owner of the business is very gracious with her time, very considerate of her guests, and very knowledgeable with the heritage. Her passion for this business and for cultural awareness is clearly evident. My wife is a Panamanian-American but some of the cultural history was never taught to her. So, it was a joy having this experience with my wife and adult daughter who is very interested in her cultural heritage. This business has earned a 5-star rating for a valid reason. Must see!

Great cultural and learning experience. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and the price was very reasonable.

Meli and Gabriel provided an excellent tour that started with a historical context of Afro Panamanians, continued to Santa Ana Plaza and down Central Avenue, and concluded at the Museum. The plantation tart was delicious and I wanted to have another and I was grateful for the cold water. The postcard was unexpected and definitely appreciated. I am grateful Meli saw a need for this tour to provide another perspective. I enjoyed the entire tour and would highly recommend.

Mali the tour guide is amazing. This tour was so much fun. Be ready for tasty treats, a bit of live entertainment and salient experiences that you will have walking the streets, listening to history and viewing the community that over the next few decades will look quite different. It is more than just an Afro-Panamanian tour/ it is a visit to the past that illustrates how it made our present. You will learn a lot of historical gems through the great orator that is Meli. You walk but it is not too much. Even young children would not mind. Mobile older people would be ok too as there is not too much elevation change. There are plenty of built in moments to rest - in shade. If you also choose do lunch, the location of food, la fonda, has great options. Even a little for a non animal eating people. In that market, the juice labeled 'nance' is a reason alone to return. This tour conveys the origin and deeply seated roots of Panamanian people. It details the rich and full context of events in history. Panama embodies the spirit of what is Pan African. Booking this local tour is also a great chance to help you give back to the community you chose to visit. *All* people will enjoy this tour. *We* loved this tour obna

Meli, our tour guide was amazing. She has a wealth of knowledge. Highly recommended

This walking tour was a fantastic experience and insightful adventure into the history, culture, and contributions of African and Afro-Panamanians. The tour guides Meli and Gabriel were knowledgeable and compassionate about their Panamanian heritage and the Black culture overall. My wife and I got a chance to participate in a cultural dance demonstration and walk the streets of old Panama, and feel the vibe of street markets and everyday day life in Panama. We highly recommend this tour for any Black person or person of color, regardless of where in the world you from. Because what you will discover is that our ancestry roots are more closely linked than you may realize.

The tour provided an in depth look at the Afro Caribbean/Antillean contributions to the country and more importantly the construction of the Canal. Meli ( and Gabriel) were GREAT! This truly was a positive experience rich in history!

The Tour Guides - Meli & Gabriel - are wonderful people. The Good parts: The Tour provided information and insights from a perspective you would otherwise miss. Meli is an ambassador for Panama City, she knows people and people know her. What you get feels exclusive and it is personal & passionate. Book the Tour + Lunch at the Fonda in Mercado San Felipe. The jugos and meals was outstanding and the time to chat with Meli and Gabriel was priceless. What You Should Know: It is hot & humid in Panama. Water was provided at the start of the tour. We stayed outside - in the shade for some of the time - for 150+ mins - with stops - until we got to the museum. There is limited seating in the museum and you will want to sit down. It is one of the newer tours so it will get better. The Areas for Growth: more seating at the museum, add a short walk through an establishment with air conditioning for a cooling refresh, have cold water waiting at the second location, publish and sell the book or e-book (your soundtrack gives it value: the words and images mean nothing without Meli or Gabriel) or some version focus on timing and the heat.

The tour guide Meli and her assistant Gabriel are knowledgeable, engaging, and provide a very comprehensive history of the Afro Caribbean and Afro colonial experience in Panama! I would definitely recommend it to all travelers because it expands your knowledge of Panama in vital ways. Lunch was fantastic. Worth the additional cost. Bring additional water and plan to be warm. Wear light clothes. It’s a walking tour.

Really wonderful experience that highlights aspects of Panamanian culture that is often hidden from other tours (which don't tend to focus on Afro ancestry). Our guides, Melli and Gabriel, were so knowledgeable and friendly. You can tell they really care about the history. Be prepared to walk in the beating Panamanian sun for 3hrs, but totally worth it!