Anyone who visits Panama and pays attention to the faces and build of
the people that they pass on the street will recognize that Panama has
significant numbers of native indigenous people. Indeed there are
several native tribes in Panama whose territory extends through Panama
and overlaps into neighboring Colombia and Costa Rica. While many of
these native people have settled into towns and moved to Panama City,
others still live as their forefathers did in their tribal areas.
The Naso or Teribe people (also Tjër Di) are an
indigenous people of Panama and Costa Rica. They primarily live in
northwest Panama in the Bocas del Toro Province. There are roughly 3,500
people who belong to the Naso tribe. It is one of the few native
American indigenous groups or tribes that continue to have a monarchy.
The Kuna Indians are a strongly-knit tribal society living on a
chain of islands called San Blas Archipelago, on the Atlantic side of
the Republic of Panama. Believed to be descendents of the Caribs, the
Kuna Indian tribes still live in much the same manner as their
ancestors.
The Ngobe-Bugle Indian men ancestors were the formidable fighters
the conquistadors rated among the most skilled of all the warriors in
the Western Hemisphere. No longer the fierce warriors of yore, the
present-day Ngobe-Bugle live under the laws of Panama in the provinces
of Veraguas, Chiriqui, and Bocas del Toro. Their children attend Panama
schools, but they still keep aloof from people not of their own culture
and retain many of their aboriginal customs and practices.
There are about 2,600 Wounaan Indians who live in the Darien
rainforest. Defying change, the Darien Indians live in the wildest, most
primitive existence, very much as the Spaniards found them early in the
16th century. Scattered along the banks of the many rivers that
crisscross the Darien, far from the comforts and problems of
civilization, they seem to be in complete harmony with their
surroundings. Proud, peaceful, honest, but suspicious of outsiders, they
live a day-to-day existence in which there are few economic pressures.
With an estimated population of 15,000, the Emberá inhabit the
Darien rainforest of Panamá and the Choco department of Western
Colombia. The Emberá are a riverine people, historically building their
houses along the banks of rivers. Although now most all Emberá people
live in villages, towns, or urban centers, many established Emberá
communities are still found along riverbanks. This tribe, along with the
Wounaan, was formerly known as the Choco because they migrated from the
Choco province of Columbia in the late 18th century. In 1983 the
government of Panamá recognized the Comarca Emberá-Drua, a
semi-autonomous Indigenous territory for both tribes. This territory
overlaps the Darien National Park and Biosphere Reserve.
While the other native peoples of Panama are aloof to strangers, the
Embera allow visitors to their villages and there are several companies
that offer one day tours to visit an Embera village. A typical tour to
an Embera village will start with a stop at a local fruit stand to
purchase fruits to take to the village to present to the Chief. As the
Embera are a riverine people visiting the village will involve a trip up
the river in a dugout canoe to arrive at the village.
A traditional Emberá house can be described as an open-air dwelling
raised 6–12 feet off the ground on stilts with thatched roofing made
from palm leaves (often, but not exclusively,
Sabal mauritiiformis) and flooring made from the bark of the
jira palm (épa). These houses are typically round in
shape and large enough to hold members of an extended family group.
While at the village visitors are treated to traditional Embera dances
and given an explanation of Embera history. There is also and
explanation of the process for making traditional Embera clothing and
jewellery. The women of the village prepare lunch for the visitors which
generally consist of fish and plantain cooked on wood fires and served
in a cup made of leaves along with some of the fruits that were given to
the Chief.
The Embera have learned about Western commerce and as part of the tour
have many native handicraft items available for sale.
With a dramatic skyline of modern skyscrapers, a subway system and streets filled with cars, Panama
City is a bustling modern city. Yet at the same time Panama City is a very
old city. Panama City was founded on August 15, 1519, by Spanish
conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila and was the starting point for expeditions
that conquered the Inca Empire in Peru. On 28th January 1671, Panama City
was attacked and destroyed by fire by the English privateer Henry Morgan;
however the city was formally reestablished two years later on January 21,
1673. Thus in Panama City one has a truly modern city but with a very long
history and Panamanians have managed to combine both for the benefit of
today's visitors.
The historic heart of Panama City has several names;
Casco Viejo of Panama, or Casco Antiguo or Panama Viejo.
Located on the western edge of Panama City and surrounded by the Pacific
Ocean, this is an area of narrow red brick streets with magnificent Colonial
buildings, beautiful courtyards, renovated buildings with ornate balconies,
obelisks and memorials. A good location for starting your exploration of Old
Panama is Plaza Independencia, which is also known as Plaza Mayor or Plaza
Cathedral and is the main square in Casco Viejo. The country's independence
from both Spain and Colombia were celebrated here and busts of Panama's
founding fathers are scattered around the plaza. There is a large gazebo in
the center that occasionally holds musicians playing on the square and the
plaza is surrounded by historic buildings such as the main cathedral,
Palacio Municipal and the Canal Museum.
The Cathedral of Panama located on Plaza Independencia is one of the largest
in Central America, was completed in 1796 with a major renovation in 2003.
The two towers on either side of the main entrance are encrusted with mother
of pearl from the Pearl Islands and offer an interesting architectural
contrast to the immense stone entrance wall and wooden doors. Also located
on the same square is the Municipal Palace building that houses the Museum
of History which presents documents, artifacts, paintings, sculptures and
pieces from throughout Panama's history. Across the Plaza is the Panama
Canal Museum that is devoted to the history of the construction of the
Panama Canal in its various stages, including the first French construction
attempt, the later construction by the United States, and the eventual
transfer to Panamanian control. The museum's building dates from 1874 and
originally served as the headquarters of both the French and U.S. companies
engaged in the construction of the canal.
A short distance away from Plaza Independencia is the Plaza Francia
containing a large obelisk in tribute to the
French builders who under Ferdinand de
Lesseps, began the arduous task of building a canal at sea level in 1880.
The obelisk is surrounded by an arched gallery of marble slabs carved with
the story of the brave French effort. On the walkway to the obelisk, known
as Paseo de las Bóvedas, are Kuna Indians dressed in their colorful garb
selling authentic Indian handicraft. From the walkway around the
monument, travelers have a nice view of the skyscrapers of Panama City, the
Amador Causeway, the Panama Canal and the Bridge of Americas which spans the
Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal and connects the North and South
American land masses.
Variety of Large Fish Species
Many of the waters surrounding the Republic of Panama generate natural bait
for a variety of fish. For example, along the Azuero Peninsula, the
underwater pinnacles attract bait fish which appeal to larger fish species,
such as Blue Marlin, Black Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna. Many other species
also continuously gravitate to the area resulting in waters that are rich
with a large number of fish that offer tremendous fishing opportunities to
visitors from around the world. Fishing participants who visit the Republic
of Panama will encounter virtually unlimited quantities of fish and can
anticipate a great trip.
Deep Sea Sport Fishing Panama Style
Deep sea fishing in Panama is quite popular among enthusiasts of the sport.
Due to its geographical location, the Republic of Panama offers an
essentially unlimited number of world class deep sea saltwater fishing
opportunities. Many deep sea fishing destinations in the area are so remote
that they are almost deserted, meaning it is not difficult to simply drop a
line in the water and enjoy a fast-paced catch and release almost
immediately. In addition to Black Marlin, which are lightning fast, guests
also have the chance to hook Pargo, Mahi-Mahi, Dorado, and Yellowfin Tuna.
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing opportunities allow visitors to catch species such as Jack
Crevalle, Blue Travelly and Roosterfish. Those visiting the area for sport
fishing in Panama will also be highly pleased with what they find in
locations such as Veraguas and Mariato.
Famous Tuna Coast
The renowned Tuna Coast, also referred to as the Azuero Peninsula, is often
the highlight of any fishing vacation in Panama. World-class sport fishing
in Panama is one of the area's greatest attractions and a big part of this
is due to the Tuna Coast. Visitors enjoy the challenge of this coast and the
war between game fish and angler fish is something that will never be
forgotten. Various techniques can be used to achieve the most coveted of
catches, and these include live bait, jigging, kites, popping and trolling.
In addition to Yellowfin Tuna, fishing fans can also expect to find Cabarrus
Snapper, Sailfish and Black Marlin when fishing in the Azuero Peninsula.
Guided Fishing Excursions
Choosing the right Sport Fishing Lodge gives you the chance to experience
unforgettable charter fishing in the world famous waters of Cebaco Island,
the Tuna Coast and Coiba National Preserve. Nothing compares to the feeling
of reeling in a trophy fish from one of the greatest locations on earth. Try
to find lodges that offer packages that are customized to each customer's
preferences, and the size of his or her group and the length of their
sojourn. This ensures that the Panama fishing trip of one's dreams can
become a reality. See if the package includes both inshore and offshore
fishing experiences and are all-inclusive.
All fishing fans should consider traveling to the exotic destination of
Panama, where they will find superior fishing opportunities they have never
before experienced. All travelers who visit this prime fishing location are
sure to enjoy exploring a new world-class fishing location in which they can
have the time of their lives.
Have you always wanted to visit Panama and hunt for some amazing species
like Marlin or Dorado? If you are seeking to Fish Panama today, our team at
El Rio Negro Sport Fishing Lodge is available to help with any and all
questions about fishing packages, expected species, our grounds and related
topics.
