Learn about Panama | Amigos de las Americas Help Center

History of AMIGOS in Panama

AMIGOS originally worked in Panama from 1981 to 1987. In 1987, the U.S. Marines invaded Panama and ousted the Panamanian president, Manuel Noriega. When this occurred, AMIGOS suspended its projects in Panama. We returned to the country in 2004, when we opened a project in the provinces of Veraguas and Coclé. AMIGOS worked in Cocle for 16 consecutive years, the last 13 of which was in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, until we had to once again suspend our projects in Panama due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the pandemic, AMIGOS suspended its programs in Panama for two years. In 2022, we resumed operations and reestablished our partnerships in the country with two projects. By 2023, Panama had four projects in the Coclé, Valle, Veraguas, and Tierras Altas regions. By 2024, plans were explored to duplicate the Tierras Altas project in two different communities, while maintaining the Coclé project. By 2025, AMIGOS develop 3 Summer Programs: the Tierras Altas project that continued in the communities of Guadalupe and Cerro Punta, the El Pacífico project that was incorporated in Mata Oscura, Veraguas, and continued working in the communities of Coclé through the El Valle project in Toabré and Tambo.

In 2026, AMIGOS plans to continue with the Summer Programs that were develop the year before: Tierras Altas (Discover) based in rural community of Guadalupe, El Pacifico (Discover) based in Mata Oscura and El Valle (Explore) based in rural communities around Cocle Province specifically in Tambo and Toabré, in this year is expected to develop this project in a third community of the area to keep expanding our work with partner agencies and communities.

AMIGOS Project Regions

Tierras Altas

Tierras Altas is a mountainous district located in the western part of Panama, within the province of Chiriquí. It was officially created as a district on September 13, 2013, and became fully operational with local governance elected for the first time on May 2, 2019. Tierras Altas includes five subdistricts (corregimientos): Cuesta de Piedra, Volcán (district capital), Paso Ancho, Nueva California, and Cerro Punta.

This district lies at an altitude of approximately 4,541 feet above sea level, it's about 35 miles from the nearest airport at David city, and 300 miles from Panama City. This region is known for its cool climate, making it distinct from much of Panama’s tropical coastal regions. Tierras Altas is home to key natural attractions such as Volcán Barú, Panama’s highest peak and an inactive volcano, as well as other scenic sites like Parque Internacional de La Amistad, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and Drácula Farm an orchid collection and botanical garden.

Tierras Altas has a population of approximately 20,471 and is recognized as a vital agricultural hub in Panama. It is often called the "granary of Panama" due to its extensive production of grains, vegetables, fruits, and flowers at high altitude.

Link to map: Tierras Altas, Chiriquí - Panamá

Projects that visit this region: Tierras Altas.

Mata Oscura

Mata Oscura is a distinctive coastal and agricultural community of about 1,200 residents located on the Golfo de Montijo within the Peninsula de Azuero, part of the province of Veraguas, and is approximately 201 miles from Panama City and 207 miles from the main airport Tocumen International Airport. This region features a unique confluence of marine ecosystems and fertile land, which supports traditional farming alongside conservation efforts. The community is strongly tied to its natural environment, with local identity and lifestyles shaped by the fertile coastal plains and adjacent tropical forests.

One of Mata Oscura’s most prominent features is its critical role as a nesting sanctuary for several species of marine turtles, including Olive ridley, Green, Hawksbill and Canal turtles. Each year, these turtles deposit their eggs along the beaches, where community volunteers assist with nest protection and support to newly hatched turtles as they make their way to the sea. This has led to the development of the "Eco Ruta de la Tortuga," a community-based conservation initiative of which Fundación Agua y Tierra, FUNDAT is a member (a partner agency with which AMIGOS has partnered) promoting sustainable tourism and environmental education.

Link to map: Mata Oscura, Veraguas – Panamá

Projects that visit this region: El Pacífico.

Coclé Province

Coclé Province is in central Panama covering an area of approximately 1,909 square miles, it features a diverse geography with the northern part traversed by the Central Mountain Range (Cordillera Central), it’s located about 73 miles from Panama City, and 115 miles from the main airport Tocumen International Airport. This mountain divides the province's hydrology into two main drainage basins, rivers north of the mountains flow toward the Caribbean Sea, while those south flow toward the Pacific Ocean. The southern part of Coclé consists mainly of a broad coastal plain extending to the Pacific coast, where notable beaches like Santa Clara and Farallón offer golden sand and warm waters.

Coclé's terrain is a mix of mountainous volcanic formations in the north, fertile plains in the south, and coastal zones. The province possesses tropical rainforest and dry tropical climates depending on altitude and location, with annual rainfall varying widely, reaching up to 4,000 mm in some northern parts, making it one of the wetter regions in Panama. The province is noted for its tropical rainforest ecosystems, dry tropical climate zones, and significant biodiversity. Also hosts national parks and protected areas, such as Parque Nacional General de División Omar Torrijos Herrera, which conserves native flora, fauna, and important ecosystems.

The communities in this province maintain a rural lifestyle connected deeply to land and tradition through sustainable agriculture and cultural preservation initiatives. It is common on this area to have an economy based on livestock farming, orange tree cultivation, and the sale of fruits and vegetables. The region's culinary traditions include dishes made from corn, sugarcane, and tropical fruits, reflecting agricultural abundance and cultural blending.

Within this province AMIGOS also have presence in a specific area called El Valle de Anton is a picturesque mountain town located in this province, nestled inside the caldera of one of the largest inhabited extinct volcanoes in the world. The valley, about 6 kilometers in diameter, was formed approximately 5 million years ago by volcanic activity, with the last eruption estimated around 200,000 years ago. At an elevation of roughly 1,970 feet, El Valle enjoys a cooler climate, distinct from Panama’s typically hot lowlands, making it a natural retreat. The region is known for its lush surroundings, abundant rainfall, and microclimate that supports diverse flora and fauna.

Natural attractions in and around El Valle include forested hiking trails, Orchid center, butterfly heaven, the Visitors Center, and the famous "Sleeping Indian" ridge (La India Dormida), a mountain silhouette shaped like a reclining woman rooted in local legend. Ecologically, the area is a critical habitat for the endangered Panamanian golden frog (Rana Dorada) and other unique species. Conservation and ecotourism are key aspects of the region’s identity, supported by protected forests and biodiversity research centers.

Link to map: Cocle Province – Panama

Projects that visit this region: El Valle (this project visits El Valle de Anton and rural communities of Coclé Province) and El Pacifico (this project visits specifically El Valle de Anton).

COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Pre-Colonial, Colonial & Post-Colonial History

The earliest evidence of humans in South America dates back to 12,500 years ago. Spearheads found in Panama date back to around 11,000 years ago, making them the first solid evidence of humans in the country. In pre-Columbian times Panama was too far south for Mayan and Aztec influence from the north, and the thick jungles of the Darien gap prevented much influence by the Andean civilizations to the south. The indigenous peoples that the Spanish encountered lived in small villages or survived as hunter gatherers and fishermen. In fact, the name “Panama” itself comes from an old indigenous word meaning “abundance of fish.”

The first European to arrive in Panama was the explorer and conquistador Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1499, followed by Columbus in 1502, who named sites like Portobelo. In 1510, Spaniards founded Santa María la Antigua del Darién, the first mainland European settlement, then shifted to Panama City in 1519 under Pedro Arias Dávila. As a vital transit hub, it funneled Inca gold to Spain, fueling wealth but attracting pirates like Henry Morgan, who razed the original city in 1671. Spanish control enabled conquests in Central and South America.

The 1800s brought independence to most of Latin America as the Spanish Empire crumbled. Panama declared independence from Spain on November 28, 1821, joining Gran Colombia after the "Primer Grito" in Los Santos. It separated from Colombia in 1903 with U.S. support for canal rights, completing the Panama Canal in 1914 under U.S. Zone control. Tensions peaked in 1964 riots, leading to Omar Torrijos negotiating the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties, full Panamanian control came by 1999. After the independence Panamanians faced some challenges including economic inequality, canal profit exclusion, U.S. dominance and political instability.

Government

Panama operates as a constitutional presidential republic with a separation of powers across executive, legislative, and judicial branches, established under the 1972 Constitution. The country is divided into 10 provinces and 3 semiautonomous indigenous comarcas (Kuna Yala, Emberá, and Ngäbe-Buglé), governed by appointed governors or tribal caciques.

The president, currently José Raúl Mulino (since July 2024), serves as head of state and government, elected by popular vote for a single five-year non-renewable term and appoints a cabinet of ministers. A unicameral National Assembly of 71 members, elected every five years from multi- and single-member districts, handles legislation, budgets, and treaties in a multi-party system.

Panamanians embrace community participation through neighborhood juntas comunales, and also exercise their right to participate through peaceful marches or demonstrations when dissatisfied with political decisions.

Economy

Panama holds high-income status from the World Bank, driven by the Panama Canal, international logistics, banking, and its role as a key trade crossroads. Major exports include bananas, shrimp, and processed fuels, supported by canal fees and special economic zones that draw global business.

The services sector, along with construction and retail, leads economic activity, thriving especially around Panama City, complemented by agriculture and rising tourism with 2025 growth forecasts near 4%. While GDP has expanded steadily, disparities endure, with roughly 20% of residents in rural or indigenous zones facing poverty. The World Bank urges investments in education, roads, and equitable policies to bridge gaps.

In the rural areas where AMIGOS works, youth often assist in family farms, small cattle operations, eco-tourism initiatives, or informal trade at local ferias, blending subsistence agriculture with seasonal canal-related jobs.

Geography

Panama is a narrow isthmus bridging Central and South America, divided into diverse geographic regions. Most AMIGOS program sites span varied environments, with mountainous terrain in Tierras Altas, while flatter coastal and lowland areas like Mata Oscura and parts of Coclé.

All areas experience Panama's rainy season during AMIGOS months, with heavy afternoon downpours. Tierras Altas stays cool (53-77°F), Mata Oscura and Coclé are hot/humid tropical (77-90°F). In all of these regions frequent storms are expected during the months of May to December.

Participants typically travel by private buses or vans from Panama City to the work area, then at communities they can travel by walking in communities or use local transport to move around. In the rainy season roads travel times can double due to traffic or muddy paths.

Food

Share major dishes that represent the country and what they reveal about culture. Three to five traditional dishes and why they are important. Links to simple, reputable recipes. What participants might expect regarding meal times and food customs.

Panamanian food reflects indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean influences, featuring staples like corn, yuca, plantains, rice, seafood, and chicken. It emphasizes hearty stews, fried snacks, and fresh coastal flavors.

Some dishes and drinks participants are likely to experience include:

Sancocho: Panama's national dish, a thick chicken soup with yuca, ñame (yam), corn, plantains, and culantro herb.
Carimañolas: Crispy yuca fritters stuffed with spiced ground beef or cheese, perfect as street snacks or appetizers.
Ceviche: Fresh fish or shrimp "cooked" in lime juice with onions, cilantro, often served with plantain chips.
Tamales: Corn masa wrapped in banana leaves, filled with chicken, pork, steamed specially for holidays and gatherings.
Arroz con Pollo: Flavorful rice cooked with chicken, peas, peppers, and spices, for everyday meals.
Patacones: Twice-fried green plantains, served as a side with fried fish or stews.
Chicha or Seco: Fermented corn drink or seco that is a dry rice punch with milk and cinnamon.

COUNTRY SPECIFICS

Traditions

Highlight the cultural traditions participants are most likely to encounter. Important holidays. Community celebrations. Religious or family customs. Harvest festivals, local dances, storytelling traditions.

Some of the most popular traditions and customs of the area are closely related to the history of its land and people, among the most important are related to catholic and folk celebrations are Carnaval, Easter and Corpus Christi procession these traditions features music, water fights, devil costumes, and communal feasts. During May-August, volunteers might join San Juan or local saint fiestas with tamborito dances, fireworks, and fonda street food.

Artisanal crafts like sombrero pintao (woven hats from Coclé), polleras (embroidered dresses), and cutarras (leather sandals) appear in markets or fairs, often handmade by community artisans.

On weekends and family events it's common to organize barbecues (asados), sancochos as a shared meal, and corn chicha, with lively conversations and music.

Slang

Local Word	Meaning in English
Chicha	Panamanian expression for juice.
Dale pues	As to say in English “great, or ok, then”.
¡Como no!	A phrase to say “Of course!”.
Pa’lla	An expression to say “over there, in that direction” often accompanied with pointing, oftentimes with the lips.
Chiquillos	This word means children.
Vaina	This a Panamanian expression for “things” and is used for a large number of things.
Un Balboa	Balboa is the local currency, and one balboa is the same as one dollar.
Aguacero	Is an expression used for brief and heavy rains.
A la orden	Is a phrase usually used after someone says, “thank you” or express gratitude, it’s similar to say “you’re welcome” or to say “at your service”.
Está priti	Panamanian expression used to describe something that it’s cool or pretty.
Refrigerio	A word used for snack.
Parking	Panamanian expression for party or hang out with friends.
Buco/Rantán	Words that mean a lot or large amount. They are used interchangeably to indicate abundance.
¡Áyala vida!	Panamanian expression for surprise, amazement, or disgust, similar to “Oh my God!” or “Oh my goodness!”.
¡Qué xopa!	It is an informal greeting like “What's up?” or “How are you?”. It originated from the phrase “Qué pasó” (What happened?), but with the syllables “pa” and “só” reversed to create ‘sopa’ (soup) and is sometimes written with an “x” (xopa) to distinguish it from the food.

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Books

Panama’s Poor: Victims, Agents, and Historymakers - by Gloria Rudolf: examines the impact of capitalist agriculture and the market economy on Loma Bonita through five stages or transformations.
Stories, Myths, Chants, and Songs of the Kuna Indians - by Joel Sherzer and Olokwagdi de Akwanusadup: an anthology of fourteen recorded oral performances from the Kuna Yala islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama.
America's Prisoner: The Memoirs of Manuel Noriega - by Noriega: an autobiographical account from the former Panamanian dictator, written from prison, in which he provides his perspective on his rise to power, his complex relationship with the United States, and his eventual downfall and arrest.
Silver and Gold: Untold Stories of Immigrant Life in the Panama Canal Zone - by Emmanuel Evers Airall: is a memoir that provides a firsthand account of the harsh segregation and systemic inequality faced by West Indian and other non-white workers during the construction and operation of the Panama Canal.
In Defiance: The Battle Against General Noriega Fought from Panama's Embassy - by Juan B. Sosa: the book offers an insider's, first-person account of the diplomatic and political efforts to oust Manuel Noriega from power and restore democratic rule in Panama.
How Wall Street Created a Nation: J.P. Morgan, Teddy Roosevelt, and the Panama Canal - by Ovidio Diaz Espino: illustrates how a combination of financial greed, high-stakes diplomacy, and American imperialism culminated in the creation of the Panama Canal and, by extension, the nation of Panama itself
Modern Panama: From Occupation to Crossroads of the Americas - by Michael L. Conniff and Gene E. Bigler: is a historical work that provides a comprehensive overview of Panama's development since the 1989 U.S. invasion (Operation Just Cause) and the subsequent withdrawal of the U.S. presence.
The Great Divide - by Cristina Henríquez: focuses on the lives of ordinary people from various backgrounds whose lives are shaped by the construction of the Panama Canal in 1907. The narrative provides an intimate look at the human experience of this monumental engineering feat, beyond the historical accounts of statesmen and managers.

Music

Ruben Blades - Is an iconic Panamanian singer-songwriter, musician, actor, activist, Grammy winner and politician, recognized as “the poet of salsa” for his lyrics that explore social, political, and cultural themes.
Llevarte a Marte - Is a Panamanian rock band influenced by Latin rhythms, reggae, bolero, and funk. The group was formed in Panama in 2008 and is known for its lyrics that recount personal experiences, stories of love and heartbreak.
Lolas - Is an all-female hard rock band from Panama. They have been active since 2009 and have released two albums, Pantera Territorial and Brio. The band is known for performing original songs as well as rock covers.
La Factoria - A popular and influential Panamanian musical group known for their fusion of Reggae in spanish, reggaeton, R&B, and hip-hop. They were a significant phenomenon across Latin America in the early 2000s.
Carlos Méndez - Panamanian alternative rock singer-songwriter and independent artist who is a key figure in the country's modern music scene.
Boza - Panamanian singer and songwriter of urban music (reggaeton, Spanish reggae, and dancehall), recognized for his international success and for being the first Panamanian artist to sign with Sony Music Latin.
Sofia Valdés - Panamanian singer-songwriter known for her original pop, folk, and bossa nova-inspired music. Signed to Warner Records, she released her critically acclaimed self-titled debut album in late 2024.
Señor Loop - Panamanian alternative band known for its eclectic blend of rock, funk, and Caribbean rhythms, and for being one of the country’s most influential indie acts.

Movies

La Ruta de la Luna - 2012 Panamanian Ecuadorian film directed by Juan Sebastián Jácome. The film is a drama that explores the relationship between an albino son and his stubborn, sick father as they embark on a journey together.
Chance - Panamanian film (2012) directed by Abner Benaim, is a black comedy about two domestic workers who take over the mansion of their wealthy, aristocratic employers.
Tito, Margot y yo - Panamanian biographical documentary (2022) exploring the fascinating and tumultuous love story between legendary British ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn and charismatic Panamanian diplomat and politician Roberto “Tito” Arias.

Websites

Peace Corps - website with useful information on Panamá.
Panamá Canal website - provides detailed information about the operation, maritime services, history, sustainability, and visitor centers of the Canal.
Panamá News - main source of news and information about Panama in English.
Panamá newspaper - in Spanish, one of Panama's most important and influential national newspapers.
Latin America Network Information Center (LANIC) - at the University of Texas at Austin, the country page for Panama has loads resources and material to read up on.