Black History: Shadows & Lights- Afro Panama heritage experience
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Step back more than 500 years 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 and powerful acts of resistance, and the West Indian migrations — a period of 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 community of Santa Ana.
• We continue along Central Avenue, a vibrant area filled with stories and local life.
• Then we visit the Afro-Antillean Museum to explore the lives and contributions of West Indian migrants who helped build the nation.
Optional: Lunch at San Felipe Neri Market for local comfort food and a refreshing natural juice. Book the Walking Experience + Lunch option.
This experience invites you to discover the shadows and lights that shape Afro-Panamanian heritage.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Afro panamanian guide
Afro panamanian snack
Options
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 + 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
Saturday
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
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 (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
Reviews
80 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
"Black History Shadows and Lights" es muy excellente!
blainep492,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dear Meli: I just wanted to personally thank you for an excellent historical experience through your "Black History Shadows and Lights" tour. My wife and daughter also enjoyed it tremendously. And as a former professor of international affairs and business management, I found the information you imparted to us concerning political and economic relations to be especially enlightening. Let us not forget that the European-led Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade was, first and foremost, a massive “business” operation (which also launched the modern insurance industry, as we know it today). And, writing to you as a former student of African studies, I found your tour to be especially helpful as well. It aided in expanding my understanding of how the African cultural experience has evolved here in the Americas, in the former Spanish Empire, and specifically here in Panamá. I liked your use of the walled city as a metaphor for keeping out various types of “enemies,” both foreign and domestic. Specifically, the metaphor of “the wall” served as a kind of dividing line between classes of people within the colony, with poorer and more disenfranchised (usually Black and Brown) people in the colony often being left outside the wall’s protective boundaries. Another thing I appreciated was your vast amount of knowledge about the various rebellions against oppression and slavery, here in Latin America and beyond. Some of these details I had not been aware of, previously. This was especially true in outlining the important roles played by so many women in the cause of liberation. I could say more, but I think this will give readers a pretty good idea of the value of this tour. I would highly recommend your educational tour groups to anyone who may be interested.
Fantastic fun and educational walking tour!
T6070TIcassandrah,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend this tour! Meli brings enthusiasm, scholarly knowledge and passion to this educational and enjoyable tour. She does an excellent job of weaving Afro Panamanian history from the shadows to the light from colonial times to present via archaeology, culture and cuisine. Top tier would do this tour again and again!
One of the best tours in Panama
176brandiw,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a very informative tour. I always enjoy going to different places and learning about the African influence. Meli was a great tour guide
Meli did an awesome job!...
Debra O,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Meli did an awesome job! Her knowledge of Panamanian history is superb. I really enjoyed the presentation and learned a lot about Panamá and its rich history and culture!
An unforgettable journey through Panama’s Afro-descendant history with Meli
JAY P,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience was one of the most meaningful parts of our time in Panama. Meli was amazing — passionate, personable, and incredibly knowledgeable. She brings more than facts; she brings heart, context, and lived understanding to a history that deserves to be seen, honored, and remembered. We also chose the optional fondas lunch at San Felipe Neri Market, which was the perfect way to end the experience: comforting local food, refreshing natural juice, and more time to reflect on everything we’d learned. If you want a tour that goes beyond sightseeing — one that connects you to the soul, struggle, and brilliance of Afro-Panamanian heritage — this is it. Meli brings the shadows and the lights to life with grace, depth, and genuine care. Highly recommended.
An unforgettable journey through Panama’s Afro-descendant history — Meli is extraordinary!
K6847ZCjayp,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was one of the most meaningful parts of our time in Panama. Meli was amazing — passionate, personable, and incredibly knowledgeable. She brings more than facts; she brings heart, context, and lived understanding to a history that deserves to be seen, honored, and remembered. Our walk through Casco Antiguo and into Santa Ana revealed layers of history hidden in plain sight. Central Avenue was vibrant and full of life, and Meli used every corner to illuminate voices and stories that rarely make it into mainstream narratives. The visit to the Afro-Antillean Museum was a highlight — a thoughtful, grounding look at the contributions of West Indian migrants and the communities they formed. We also chose the optional fondas lunch at San Felipe Neri Market, which was the perfect way to end the experience: comforting local food, refreshing natural juice, and more time to reflect on everything we’d learned. If you want a tour that goes beyond sightseeing — one that connects you to the soul, struggle, and brilliance of Afro-Panamanian heritage — this is it. Meli brings the shadows and the lights to life with grace, depth, and genuine care. Highly recommended.
Do this tour!!
Djenaba R,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was so interesting and informative about the Afro-Panamanian experience. It is amazing to see how similar the African diaspora culture is so similar no matter which country our ancestors lived. Mili (our tour guide) was kind, friendly and full of knowledge. If you are part of the African diaspora or interested in learning more about the full history of Panama this is a must do while in Panama City!
Informative and educational!
theresatJ317GC,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I didnt know what to expect however Meli is very knowledgeable about Afro Panama history! I sooooooooo enjoyed spending time with Meli and others. Highly recommend due to Meli kind and encouraging spirit.
Outstanding Meli has a deep perspective on afro Panamanian history. I learned so very much about all aspects of the African p
June W,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Meli has a captivating personality. She knows the African Panamanian history and keeps you engaged. This is a must do for your visit.
Good tour
crystalh120,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting tour. Glad to hear more about the history of black people in panama and the region. Meli was a great guide who was very passionate about the topic.
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