Black History Shadows and Lights
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Step back more than 500 years in time and explore the rich — and often overlooked — history of African ancestry in Panama. This walking journey unfolds through two defining chapters: the colonial era, marked by the harsh realities of slavery but also powerful acts of resistance, and the West Indian migrations — a period of hard labor, resilience, and cultural legacy that helped shape Panama’s identity.
• Our walk begins in Casco Antiguo, moving beyond the former walls that once divided the elite from the working-class communities of Santa Ana.
• We’ll continue along Central Avenue, a vibrant area full of stories, movement, and local life.
• Our final stop is the Afro-Antillean Museum, where we’ll explore the lives, labor, and contributions of West Indian migrants who helped build the nation.
This experience invites you to discover, understand, and honor the shadows and lights that continue to shape Afro-Panamanian heritage.
Thông tin khác
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not suitable for travelers with walking difficulties
Chính sách hủy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cần Quan Tâm
Plaza Herrera
At our meeting point, we'll explore Panama's colonial history, understanding its roots and foundations.
Here we’ll enjoy a traditional Afro-Panamanian snack while closing the chapter on the Afro-colonial period and beginning the transition toward the West Indian influence.
Bao gồm
Bottled water
Afro panamanian guide
Afro panamanian snack
Tùy chọn
Full Cultural Experience
Step into history:: Travel in an A/C vehicle and enjoy a short guided walk through Casco Antiguo, Santa Ana, and the West Indian Museum.
Lunch at local restaurant: Enjoy lunch at one of Panama’s top Afro-Panamanian restaurants
After lunch: Continue on a city drive highlighting Black-owned businesses (We’ll stop at artist Jean Decort’s shop)
Round trip transportation: Pick-up and drop-off are included for guests staying in Panama City area.
Playa Bonita area is not included
Duration: 5-6 hours
Walking Experience
Saturday
Walking Experience + Lunch
Lunch at local market : Hearty Panamanian comfort food from a nearby market eatery with natural juice.
Meeting Point: Plaza Herrera, Casco Antiguo
Not included: Transportation
Duration: 3.5 - 4 hours
Walking Experience Only
Step into history: Afro-Panamanian heritage walking experience with stops along the way (1.5km/ 0.9 miles)
Meeting point: Plaza Herrera, Casco Antiguo
Not included: Transportation and lunch
Duration: 2.5- 3 hrs
Walking Experience + Lunch (T)
Lunch at local market: Hearty Panamanian comfort food from a nearby market eatery with natural juice.
Not included: Transportation
Meeting point: Plaza Herrera, Casco Antiguo
Walking Experience (T)
Step into history: Afro-Panamanian heritage walking experience with stops along the way (1.5km/ 0.9 miles)
Meeting Point: Plaza Herrera, Casco Antiguo
Not included: Transportation
Duration: 2.5- 3 hours
Đánh giá
32 đánh giá
Tổng số đánh giá và xếp hạng từ Viator & TripAdvisor
I’ll remember this forever!
m0ntiniquem,,19 thg 12, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, just wow! Black History Shadows and Lights was the highlight of my trip. Meli is everything: passionate, knowledgeable, and eager to teach the truth about Afro-Panamanian history and culture, and about who built the Panama Canal. This is the experience you want to have on your trip to Panama.
Must do in Panama!!
Aqlia T,,15 thg 12, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00This is a must do while visiting Panama. Highly recommend doing this before a Panama Canal tour. Meli is very knowledgeable and passionate about her culture and Panamanian history, this tour is educational but not in a boring lecture way. It is a walking tour so wear comfortable shoes. She’s very patient, easygoing and knows all the cool spots.
Like all things AFRO/Diaspora?? This tour is a MUST EXPERIENCE
Tracey S,,15 thg 12, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00Meli was super knowledgeable about this hidden gem of a tour! I was impressed by her research, her passion and for answering questions about various things noted along the way. What I loved about her was her enthusiasm to learn even more. Example, I asked her something she didn’t know about that wasn’t a part of our tour but she made a note to research the topic in case a guest asked in the future… I LOVE THAT!! The museum of Afro-Antilles history she took us too was also well documented. It was air conditioned and perfect for a rainy day activity. I enjoyed the murals and learning about the history behind it. Also loved the stop into the marketplace seeing all the fresh meats and tasting delicious fresh juices. I really liked this part because the fruit and juices in the U.S. are basically GMO crap (sorry not sorry) The lunch was very tasty. I tried “red” potato salad (the beets make it red/pink color) it was tasty! You could choose which items you wanted and I devoured everything I ate when I returned home!! Oh and Meli gave us pastellitas or fruit filled pastries that were delicious and gave us history behind the cultural gastronomy of the pop tart like treat. I’m so very grateful that Meli offered this tour. I came to Panama to understand more of the indigenous Afro cultural history not just the typical visitor tours that are offered on a surface level. I like to go deep and beyond and the Afro-Panamanian Shadows and Lights tour DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! WELL DONE MELISSA!!
A Must Do
Estelle R,,14 thg 12, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00This experience took us to the Panama that we need to know as Afro Caribbean people. Melissa provided such history and gave us a view of another Panama. I highly recommend you won’t be disappointed.
The Real History
Vedia B,,6 thg 12, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00This tour was fantastic! We learned about the history of the African people in Panama pre-colonization through today. We walked through various neighborhoods as well as to the markets. It was such a mind opening experience. Everyone needs to take this tour.
Just Book it!!!!
Drae F,,5 thg 12, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00Meli is fantastic! Her energy is contagious and makes this experience effortless. Meli is now like family, just like the other tour members.
Just book it already!!!!
503zakiaw,,1 thg 12, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00I had an absolutely amazing experience on the Afro-Panamanian tour! We visited so many meaningful historical sites, and each stop felt even more impactful thanks to our guide, Meli. She was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about sharing the rich Afro-Panamanian history and culture. Meli also went above and beyond by giving my boyfriend and me a fantastic local restaurant recommendation after the tour — it was the perfect way to end an already unforgettable day. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a deeper, more authentic understanding of Panama’s heritage!
Black History Shadows and Lights! An awesome tour and experience!
Z7813CTgraceb,,1 thg 12, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00I had an absolutely amazing experience on this tour, thanks to our outstanding guide, Meli. From the moment she met our group, Meli was warm, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. She didn’t just show us the sights—she brought the culture, history, and local stories to life in a way that made the entire experience unforgettable. She connected our experience at the Panama Canal with those that actually built the canal. She gave the Afro Panamanian experience! Meli's professionalism, patience, and genuine passion for sharing her country and her culture made all the difference. She paid attention to every detail, made sure everyone felt comfortable and included, and went above and beyond to ensure we had an authentic and enjoyable time. I felt safe, informed, and truly enriched by everything sshe shared. If you’re visiting Panama, do yourself a favor and book a tour with them—you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended!
The best Panama tour.
N4344KCpatriciam,,1 thg 12, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00My experience was so unique to learn the history of Panama along with the canal. It gave me more insight to how the Panama canal was built and how our ancestors came from the US to help to build the Panama canal after the French couldn't build it.
Amazing Experience! Highly Recommend!
gracebO6017NI,,1 thg 12, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend this experience. Meli was very knowledgeable and kind. She provided so much insight and filled in the gaps regarding the Afro experience in Panama. It lasted 2 hours, there is a lot of walking. Make sure you come prepared in light cool clothing, walking shoes and water. It is 100% worth the price. She provides an experience like no other I have seen in Panama.
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