Explore the indigenous Guna kingdom of Panama with local guides and return to the Scottish Darien scheme site
Get off the beaten track and discover indigenous cultures on Ullapool-based ethical travel company Nomadic Skies’ first adventure to Panama – and the site of the Darien expedition.
Let local Guna guides lead you through an unvisited landscape of villages, jungle and palm-fringed beaches in the first Nomadic Skies adventure to the remote east of Panama.
The once-in-a-lifetime journey promises white sand beaches, turquoise waters, incredible wildlife and visits to precarious waterfront communities, while you gain an understanding of the Guna culture, traditions and life.
Learn about the Guna Village of the Dead and revered rituals, customs and clothing, see music and unique step-dancing of the Guna and spot Harpy eagles, in a collaboration with local indigenous guides who will help you explore their culture and stories from their past.
Journey back in time
The route by foot and boat will take you ultimately to the site of the Scottish Darien scheme. If you read about the project at school, it’s time to ‘live’ stories from your history book with an adventure to the heart of the 17th century project on the Caribbean coast.
Taking you by chartered flights, foot and boat, the new tours starting in April 2027 will guide you from Panama City to trek on the eastern coast with a trail ending at the historical site of the failed Scottish colony venture.
This area is within the Guna Yala and while the names still exist (Port of the Scottish, Fort of St Andrews) the history is little known locally. We are linking to historians in Scotland and experienced guides in Panama City to help build local understanding of this as part of the potential tourism offer that the Guna people can develop.
The 11-day trip has been devised by Nomadic Skies’ James Appleton, a professional film maker and photographer who was working in the Darien area on filming assignments. His interaction with the Guna people, landscapes and wildlife with local guide Nacho Crespo sparked his passion for the area.
James says: “It feels fitting that Nomadic Skies, as a Scottish-based company, is the one to pioneer this trip to this historic, beautiful and culturally rich area in collaboration with the incredible Guna people.”
Centuries after the Darien failed attempt to set up a colony in Panama, the huts and forts built have withered back into the jungle reclaiming them. The new adventure is offering the opportunity to visit the site, while immersing yourself in incredible communities, see unforgettable wildlife and experience Guna life.
The first Nomadic Skies Panama trip is from April 5 - 15. There are limited places remaining on the inaugural journey in 2027, with further trips planned to the area in 2028.
For the Panama adventure’s full itinerary and highlights, see their website.
Unique and meaningful adventures
Whether you’re meeting local people or immersing yourself in spectacular scenery, your Nomadic Skies adventure will be truly authentic and unique, while you’re in their safe hands. Their other journeys explore Tibetan Nepal, Armenia, Uganda and the deserts of Southern Morocco.
Nomadic Skies trains local and indigenous guides and contributes to development in these areas including education, water and sanitation, and indigenous people’s rights. They therefore aim to offer ‘travel with purpose’ – where their journeys contribute to areas that are remote, have few economic opportunities and where rural migration and loss of culture pose significant challenges.
What their travellers say
“With local guides, a deep appreciation for place and people, and an unhurried pace, Nomadic Skies bring a new dimension to travel.” Linda Behnken
“This was a way of travelling I could never have even imagined.” Cal Major UK
Book or find out more
Find out more about Nomadic Skies ethical travel adventures on their website.
Book your Panama experience of a lifetime here.