Top 5 New Year's Resolutions to Embrace in Panama

There's nothing like the onset of a New Year to inspire change. Every year, millions of people around the world set New Year's resolutions to improve their lives. If planning to visit or live in Panama is on your list, you might wonder which goals resonate best with the local culture and lifestyle. I have explored the most popular and meaningful resolutions that people in Panama embrace to start the year with positive energy and purpose and you know what? They're pretty similar to the rest of the world. Here are the top 5 New Year's resolutions in Panama that you can adopt to make your experience here more fulfilling and enjoyable.

A moment of reflection and meditation

1. Prioritize Health and Wellness

Health is a universal priority, and undoubtedly #1 on everyone's list but in Panama, the focus on wellness emphasizes time with family and embracing natural living. Many locals resolve to improve their physical and mental health by:

• Getting out of the city to explore the interior rainforests, beaches, and islands.

• Eating more fresh, local fruits and vegetables available in Panama’s markets, like mangoes, papayas, and plantains.

• Practicing mindfulness or yoga, often in scenic spots like Morrillo where the mountains and beaches are remote, peaceful, and undeveloped.

  
  

For travelers, this resolution offers a great way to connect with Panama’s natural beauty while boosting your well-being.

Guest helping to prepare lunch during our Cultural Immersion Experience

2. Learn Spanish & English to Connect Deeper

With tourism growing and becoming a sustainable career path, learning a new language like English is a focus for many. Spanish is the official language of Panama, and learning it opens doors to richer cultural experiences and friendships. For this reason, many choose Panama as a destination to practice and improve their Spanish skills:

• Cultural immersion experiences are an enjoyable way to practice a new language. Practicing in an intimate setting is fun for everyone. Embracing that sense of vulnerability fosters personal connections building cultural bridges across the world.

• Enrolling in language schools or online courses tailored for travelers and expats.

• Using language apps daily to build vocabulary, confidence, and bring people together.

  
  

Even basic Spanish can transform your stay, making everyday interactions smoother and more rewarding. The smile, after all, is the universal language of friendship and every effort to communicate is deeply appreciated.

Hiking in the Cerro Hoyas National Park

3. Explore Panama’s Diverse Nature

Panama offers a stunning variety of landscapes, from tropical beaches to cloud forests and volcanic highlands. With more than half of Panama's population living in the city, spending time in the interior embracing the rich biodiversity is a great way to embrace nature and protect the country's natural resources:

• Visiting a national park like the Cerro Hoyas with us.

• Taking weekend trips to less touristy spots such as Morrillo.

• Trying new outdoor activities like snorkeling, birdwatching, or surfing.

  
  

This resolution encourages both locals and visitors to appreciate Panama’s biodiversity and support eco-tourism.

Local Goats Milk Soap Artisans

4. Support Local Businesses and Artisans

Work and family life moves at warp speed and with the convenience of technology meeting our needs in a moments notice, the small local businesses can be left in life's dust. Supporting Panama’s local economy is a meaningful resolution that benefits communities, preserves traditions and is something very important to our business. People often commit to:

• Attending cultural festivals and art exhibitions to discover Panamanian artists.

• We are fortunate to have a local soap lab that not only supplies our natural, plastic-free amenities but we offer a guided tour of their lab to learn the history of their artisan craft, meet the goats, and indulge in a sampling of their fresh cheeses and bakery.

• Choosing locally owned businesses to stay and dine with.

  
  

This approach helps travelers experience Panama’s culture authentically while contributing positively to the economy.

Morrillo Beach Eco Resort Solar Array

5. Practice Sustainable Living

Sustainability is gaining momentum in Panama as awareness and education grows about environmental challenges. Solar power is becoming more available and many set goals to reduce their ecological footprint by:

• Using reusable bags, bottles, and containers to minimize plastic waste.

• Participating in beach cleanups or conservation projects like our local Sea Turtle Foundation and our Primate Rescue Center.

• Choosing eco-friendly accommodations like our eco resort and tours that prioritize nature preservation and education.

  
  

Adopting sustainable habits aligns with Panama’s efforts to protect its rich ecosystems for future generations.

A New Year and a new you? A trip to Panama might be just what you need to kick start those resolutions.

Your friends in Panama,

Cari & Ryan Mackey

Owners and hosts

Morrillo Beach Eco Resort Canopy