Travel and tourism
Aquí cerquita
A free directory of local businesses in Panama, built together.
Aquí cerquita ("right nearby") is a free directory of local businesses in Panama, an initiative of CaminoTamarindo. It was created to give visibility to businesses in communities affected by the October 9, 2026 earthquake and to bring visitors back to them. It shows lodging, experiences, boats and transport, local guides and local food on a map and in a list, across every province and indigenous comarca, and can find what is near you using your phone's location. Travelers contact each business directly: the site charges nothing and takes no bookings or payments.
Why it is in the selection
- A directory built to support local tourism in Panama after the October 2026 earthquake.
- Covers all 10 provinces and the comarcas: Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, Coclé, Colón, Darién, Herrera, Los Santos, Panamá, Panamá Oeste, Veraguas, Guna Yala, Emberá-Wounaan, Ngäbe-Buglé and Naso Tjër Di.
- A map with a "Use my location" option to find businesses near you.
- Listing a business is free, needs no account, and every listing is reviewed before it goes live.
- Travelers deal with each business directly, with no commissions or middlemen.
What it offers
- Map of local businesses
- Local lodging
- Experiences
- Boats and transport
- Local guides
- Local food
- Free business listings
Good for
Travelers who want their visit to help local communities, and local businesses (a cabin, a boat trip, a home-style kitchen) that want to be found without paying.
Common questions
How can I support communities affected by the earthquake in Panama?
One way is to visit and spend locally. Aquí cerquita is a free directory of lodging, guides, boats and food from local businesses across Panama, with direct contact.
How do I list my business on Aquí cerquita?
At aquicerquita.org/participar: describe what you offer, place yourself on the map with your contact details and, once reviewed, travelers contact you directly. It is free and needs no account.
Can I book or pay through Aquí cerquita?
No. The site takes no bookings or payments; it connects travelers with businesses. Each business states whether it is operating, and the directory does not certify their services or the safety of an area.