Sustainable Tourism in Panama

"La Pollera is the national dress of Panama"

"The 100 Polleras Parade", Panama
Photography by Muriel Miralles

After running tours for other companies for 10 years, I decided to start my own tour company, Panama Breezes, here in Panama. Whether working in the wilds of Alaska or visiting pueblos in Latin America, I always felt the need for responsible tourism and practiced 3 simple guiding principles: realize that every destination is home for someone else, leave places as we would like to find them, and ensure the communities and the environment benefit from our visit.

Tourism is one of the most important and largest industries on the planet, employing millions and millions more rely on it. Starting a company from the ground up gives me the opportunity to design tours and operate in a way that gives the highest degree of long-term economic benefit to the host country, whilst maintaining and/or improving the environment and environmental awareness.

Chiara Guella

Being socially conscious, minimizing negative effects on the environment and contributing to local communities are all ways Panama Breezes will help keep Panama beautiful and insure it remains a destination in the future. We use local suppliers whenever possible, keep group sizes small so we don’t overload local infrastructure, and plan on long-term benefits for local communities. Panama Breezes will operate in a way that encourages positive cultural exchanges while practicing low and no impact tourism. I encourage my clients to gain an insight into the culture and way of life of the indigenous, to act in a socially responsible way and to learn about the history, flora and fauna of this dynamic country and its people. We visit the Comarca de Kuna Yala, home to the independent Kuna Indians and see how they have maintained their traditions. I have recently added a visit to integrate with the Ngobe-Bugle people in the Chiriqui Provence, to see how they are learning responsible farming methods and see how they make their own cloths and things to sell like straw/palm purses and dresses they wear.


Muriel Miralles

I am linked with the school, Spanish Panama, for people interested in learning the language and Peace Passers (a new charity organization started by a friend in the states) for people that want to bring new or used sporting equipment to donate to the less fortunate children in this developing country.

Panama Breezes is setting an example of sustainable tourism while providing clients with top quality adventure tours. For more information visit our website http://www.barefootpanama.com/

Article courtesy of your Tour Guide - Kevin O'Brien