Jagua Ink: Panama's Natural Tattoo Tradition

Jagua Tree Genipa americana

What motivates you to travel? For a sport, culture, food, cities, shopping, weather, or to simply escape the daily demands of every day life and responsibility? With so many options the world over, experiencing a new landscape, eco system, and culture are key elements when deciding where to go for many travelers.

Panama has all of that; especially a diverse eco system and cultural richness that can be experienced in many different areas of the country. Panama is home to 7 indigenous groups who continue to live in ways that honor their culture and ancestral traditions. One of those ways is by using a natural ink that is extracted from the fruit of the Jagua tree for body art.

Jagua Fruit

Tattoos are a powerful form of self expression often rooted in cultural significance and a beautiful way to decorate one's body. They are also a fun way to pass a hot or rainy afternoon at Morrillo Beach Eco Resort! When learning about the myriad of different trees that grace our 5+ acres of property, I came across this sparsely leaved, spindly tree with rather dull looking fruits on it. The fruits - which are on this tree pretty much all year, are referred to many as ice cream fruit or Genipa but mostly Jagua - the tattoo fruit. Tattoos from a fruit? I knew we had to mix this into our kids program but it wasn't an easy process figuring it out.

I have tried to eat it several times and have yet to get to the ice cream taste but we have definitely figured out how to extract the juice to create temporary tattoos. We tried grating and pressing, but what worked best was to blend it and then squeeze the juice through a cheesecloth. We ended up with a dark blue paste that is the perfect consistency for painting on a fun design that lasts up to two weeks depending on how long you let it soak into the skin.

It's not only a fun activity, but another way to learn more about the beauty of the surrounding jungle, a chance to connect with local culture and a great way to take a piece of Panama home with you.

Come and enjoy a tattoo session by the sea with us.

Your friends in Panama,

Cari and Ryan Mackey

Owners and hosts