Ecoatí Panamá es una empresa de turismo fundada por Lucía Elena Córdoba, orientada a resaltar la riqueza natural y cultural de la República de Panamá y de otros destinos internacionales. Su gestión se centra en el turismo sostenible, promoviendo prácticas responsables que contribuyen a la conservación del medio ambiente y al fortalecimiento del patrimonio nacional.

La organización mantiene un firme compromiso con las comunidades locales, integrándolas de manera activa en sus actividades turísticas para garantizar que los beneficios económicos y sociales se traduzcan en un desarrollo inclusivo y sostenible.

Ecoatí Panamá combina experiencia, responsabilidad y educación ambiental, ofreciendo a sus clientes vivencias únicas que generan valor tanto para los visitantes como para el entorno natural y humano en el que opera.

Destinos y Experiencias

✓ Archipiélago de Las Perlas: experiencias de avistamiento de ballenas, tortugas, delfines y aves marinas.

✓ Golfo de Chiriquí: rutas costeras reconocidas por su biodiversidad y la oportunidad de avistar fauna marina.

✓ Isla Bolaños, Isla Gámez, Islas Paridas y otros destinos insulares: paisajes únicos para disfrutar del mar, la fauna marina y escenarios costeros.

✓ Playas, cascadas y entornos montañosos del interior: recorridos que invitan a explorar selvas, rutas ecológicas y naturaleza pura.

✓ Eventos culturales y rutas combinadas: experiencias como ‘Venas Azules & Playa Huerta’, que integran la participación en festivales locales (Diablos, Congos), resaltando la riqueza cultural del país.

Lucía Elena Córdoba

FOUNDER, ECOATI PANAMA

Could you tell us how Ecoati Panama started and what inspired you to launch this project?

Ecoati Panama began quite unexpectedly in 2017. My passion for exploring Panama’s natural beauty led me to connect deeply with the locals and learn their stories. One memorable discovery was José del Mar, a remote town in Costa Arriba de Colón, where I visited breathtaking natural spots like Playa Blanca. I initially hesitated to share this hidden paradise, but after visiting with friends and capturing its beauty with professional equipment, our images went viral. This spontaneous exposure led to the creation and naming of the Venas Azules or “blue veins” tour in April 2019. What started as a personal exploration has grown into a thriving project focused on showcasing and preserving Panama’s unique natural treasures.

How did you manage to turn this initial success into a broader tourism venture? 

The rapid growth of Venas Azules sparked interest from around the world, prompting us to enhance our offerings. To provide a professional and enriching experience, I pursued certifications from the Panama Tourism Authority and completed first aid and marine biology training. We expanded our tours to include the Pearl Archipelago, whale watching, and visits to various other natural sites in Panama. Our focus is on sustainable tourism, which means integrating conservation efforts and educating visitors about the importance of protecting our natural environment. By diversifying our tours and emphasizing educational aspects, we have managed to turn initial success into a well-rounded tourism venture.

How does tourism through Ecoati impact local communities, and what steps do you take to ensure that this impact is positive? 

Tourism can significantly benefit local communities when managed thoughtfully. At Ecoati, we prioritize community involvement and economic empowerment. For example, the success ofthe Venas Azules tour provided jobs and economic opportunities for the local Chifundo family in José del Mar. We also work with local boatpeople and cooks, sometimes training them to become guides. This approach not only supports local economies, but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for preserving their natural surroundings. Our model includes sharing our knowledge with these communities, which helps them develop and manage tourism sustainably. By promoting local involvement, we ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared broadly and contribute positively to the community.