10 Fascinating Facts About Panama You Might Not Know

Could it be thanks to our 900 square miles of mangroves? These incredible ecosystems absorb up to five times more carbon dioxide per 2.5 acres than a typical forest—and store it in their leaves, trunks, roots, and soil.

During your retreat, you can experience this magic firsthand on our Mangrove Tour, where we explore these waterways by SUP board. It’s a peaceful, unforgettable way to connect with one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth.

Panama is home to 1,002 identified bird species, making it one of the most bird-rich countries on the planet. Istmo Retreat & Adventures alone has over 117 bird species spotted on our 4-acre property!

Fun fact: When Sean and I met, he was working for the Peregrine Fund in the Education Program—flying and feeding their educational Harpy Eagle, Luigi!

According to the 2023 census, eight Indigenous Peoples live here: the Ngäbe, Buglé, Gunadule, Emberá, Wounaan, Naso Tjër Di, Bribri, and Bokota. In total, there are 698,114 Indigenous inhabitants, representing 17.2% of the country’s population.

This diversity reflects the multicultural and multilingual spirit of Panama. Each group contributes unique traditions, languages, and worldviews that continue to shape the country today.

We feel lucky to be located just 1.5 hours away from a welcoming Emberá community, where guests can connect, learn, and share in a meaningful cultural exchange. Including this experience in your retreat offers a chance to go beyond the surface and explore the deep cultural roots of this land.

The global hit Despacito was co-written by Panamanian artist Erika Ender. We just had to include this fun fact—it's a small but powerful reminder of how this country continues to shape global culture in unexpected ways.

Want to explore beaches, jungles, waterfalls, and mountain towns—all in one trip? Here you can.

At its narrowest point, Panama is just 30 miles wide. This means you can go from bustling city to tropical serenity in under an hour, making it ideal for retreats that blend exploration with rest.

In Panama City, skyscrapers and wild rainforest coexist just minutes apart. The rainforest plays a crucial role in supporting the Panama Canal by regulating rainfall and water supply.

Another fun fact: It rains a lot more in the city than in our corner of the Tropical Dry Forest near Istmo—perfect for those who want sun with their retreat!

Thanks to Panama’s unique geography, it’s possible to watch the sunrise over the Pacific and set over the Caribbean in a single day.

That’s just one of those magical things that makes this country unforgettable.

Did you know the word “Panama” means “abundance of fish and butterflies”? With over 50 species of game fish and more than 1,500 butterfly species, it’s a paradise for wildlife lovers.

One of our favorite things? Watching a Blue Morpho butterfly drift past while enjoying breakfast in the open air.    

Panama is often called the Bridge of the World and the Heart of the Universe—and for good reason. When the Isthmus of Panama rose from the sea millions of years ago, it reshaped life on Earth. This narrow strip of land connected two continents, shifted ocean currents, and became the beating heart of countless biological and cultural exchanges.

In Spanish, “Istmo” means isthmus: a small body of land connecting two larger ones. It’s what inspired the name of our retreat center, and it’s the spirit we carry into everything we do. Today, Panama remains a bridge of life—a nexus of biodiversity, climate patterns, people, and traditions that link the globe.

Our hope is that you can feel the heart of the universe beating as you walk the Labyrinth on our property, connecting with nature, community, and something deeper within yourself.