While Panama is rich in archaeological sites and ancient cultures, it is important to clarify that it does not have Mayan ruins. The Mayan civilization thrived in areas that are primarily in present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador. Ancient Mayan cities like Tikal and Chichen Itza showcase the incredible achievements of this civilization.
In Panama, however, you will find the remains of other pre-Columbian cultures, such as the Coclé and Ngäbe tribes. Sites like El Caño and Sitio Conte are notable for their burial mounds and artifacts that reflect the rich history of indigenous peoples in the region. The confusion often arises because Panama lies within Mesoamerica, an area that includes parts of the Mayan civilization’s influence, but it is not home to Mayan ruins themselves.