Highly Recommend - Amazing walking tour. Meli is friendly, funny and extremely knowledgeable. She even provided recommendations for additional learning materials, food, and local sites. This experience is perfectly curated and I highly recommend it.

Lens into Afro Panamanian History & Culture - Meli was very friendly and knowledgeable. Felt like meeting up with a friend who just happens to be a tour guide. A start in Plaza Herrera for intros and an overview of the colonial history of Panama. We received complimentary water and a Panamanian treat, which was tasty. Highlight for me was what we learned of King Bayano, a Yoruba revolutionary. The scenic walk to the museum was as informative as ever, Meli engaged in conversations about the history of the area, what we saw and about Panama in general. Outside the Afro Antillian Museum has vibrant, amazing murals on the walls. On the inside, we learned of the life of some the first Caribbean labourers brought over to work on the Canal and how their culture impacted Panama. Exhibitions displayed how they lived. We learned of the hardships and joy of Afro Panamanians. The tour felt like a story unfolding, like stepping into history and having it revealed before my eyes. 10/10 would recommend, guide speaks English and is very educational. Wear comfy shoes.

Afro Panamanian Culture Then & Now - What a wonderful experience! Meli shared some very important information about Afro Panamanian history. The tour included a walk through Panamanian neighborhoods with local vendors. We enjoyed an authentic Afro Panamanian snack and stayed hydrated with water provided by Meli. The tour ended at the West Indian Museum of Panama with beautiful photos, exhibits and historical records telling of the suffering, the triumphs and contributions of Afro Panamanian people.

When Keeping It Real Inspires: A Tour with Meli Unveils Afro-Panamanian Histories. - The "Black History Shadows and Lights" walking tour with Meli was a delicious, excellent, and enriching experience. It successfully brought to life more than 500 years of history, from the colonial era to the significant West Indian migrations that shaped the isthmus. Meli's knowledge of the maroon community was both valuable and interesting, with her detailed content about the leader King Bayano standing out as a highlight. I’m especially invested in learning about maroon communities formed from by people in the African diaspora. As we walked from Casco Antiguo to the Afro Antillean Museum, she provided an in-depth look at a history that is often overlooked. The tour was more than just a historical journey; it was a testament to the enduring legacy of African ancestry in Panama. I was excitedly happy to learn we would go to the museum because the day before I visited the Biblioteca Nacional de Panamá where I read about the founding of the museum in the introduction of a book “People of African Ancestry in Panama 1501-2012.” What made the tour truly invaluable was the detailed perspective Meli provided on how Afro-colonial, and Afro-Antillean women have contributed to society. The experience honored the challenges and triumphs of African ancestors and left me with a much deeper understanding of their enduring legacy. I highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a meaningful and insightful look into Panama's rich cultural history. Bonus for me: The museum had the book I’d started reading the day before! So happy I could buy it there instead of having to get it online.

Wonderful walking tour! - The tour was wonderful! It was great to learn about Panama’s Black History while walking through the scenic streets of Panama. Meli was great and very knowledgeable! Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes.

Interesting and informative - Interesting and informative. Guide speaks English very well. Some walking, but not a lot. The street art was spectacular and the end of the trip is in the Afro museum. Definitely worth going.

Powerful and Insightful Afro-Panamanian History Tour with Melissa - Melissa’s Afro-Panamanian history tour was a deeply moving and educational experience. She shared powerful stories about the African and Afro-Caribbean influence in Panama — from the colonial era to the building of the Canal — with clarity, passion, and personal insight. Visiting key cultural and historical sites, Melissa brought to life the resilience and contributions of Afro-Panamanians in shaping the nation’s identity. This tour is a must for anyone seeking a deeper, more inclusive understanding of Panama’s history.

My first tour of Panama - The tour was amazing and enlightening. It’s a must for anyone visiting Panama. I learned so much about what makes Panama so unique in culture and food.

Best tour on Afro-Panamanian history and culture! - Melissa did such a great job introducing the beautiful and complex history of Afro-Panamá on this tour through her extensive grasp of historical references and storytelling. Her goal is to ensure you leave with a better understanding of the beauty and dynamic impact of Afro-Panamanians and she does this successfully and with such grace, professionalism and pride. She paints an authentic picture of a history often untold, adding personal touches about her own life experiences set within the beautiful backdrop of Panamá City. I’m so grateful for this experience and could not have had a better guide. I highly recommend this tour!

The Tour For Afro-Panamanian History - The Black History Shadow and Lights is a fantastic tour to learn more about Panama’s history but especially about the African/Caribbean influence. If you’re one who enjoys tracing and learning about the diaspora, this is a tour not to miss. Meli is knowledgeable, sweet, and a wonderful representation of Afro-Panamanians. Being a dual citizen, I still learned a lot!