Today we enjoyed one of the most amazing cultural experiences Panama has to offer. We visited the people of Guna Yala in their amazing archipelago of incredible islands. In the morning we visited the village of La Maquina, where we were greeted by many of its 500 inhabitants. We learned about their culture and looked at the different art and souvenirs they sell to visitors, especially the molas. We also enjoyed the beach on one little island, with crystal clear water and white sand the snorkeling was amazing.
11/19/2023
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National Geographic Quest
Sanguare and Bahia de Cispata
Formerly a cattle ranch, the Sanguare Reservation now plays host to a myriad of bird species and a cornucopia of greenery. Restored to its original natural state by the owners who now run a small eco-resort on site, this piece of heaven on the Colombian Caribbean coast is an ideal stopover for birders and nature enthusiasts. An early start brought us to the dock at Sanguare and then on to walks of varying lengths for guests. We were refreshed with local juices such as corozo, guayaba agria, and lemonade; we also enjoyed some traditional sweets and cakes all freshly made at the resort. Our hardy travelers were introduced to more of Colombia’s incredible rhythms, including mapale, cumbia, and chande, performed with pride and gusto by a group of young artists from the nearby town of San Onofre. The day was capped off perfectly with a tranquil cruise on local panga boats into the Bahia of Cispata. We saw flocks of frigatebirds, parakeets, white ibis, a green-backed heron, and much more. Finally we observed a one-year-old crocodile, raised in a local crocodile conservation project, being released into the waters of the bay. Fortunately no one made the poor decision to kiss the baby croc on the lips!
