Stilt homes are all around us in Panama. Some are over the water, others are embedded into to steep hillsides of the surrounding hills and mountains. We chat about these homes, their construction and ecological benefits and risks.
The stilt houses are not new. The indigenous people have lived in these since before Columbus visited the area in 1502. And they only have grown in popularity since.
Watch the episode for a glimpse of these places…
Episode transcript summary:
In this episode, we explore the unique charm and long-standing tradition of stilt houses built over the water in Bocas del Toro, Panama. From restaurants and homes to hotels and even co-working hostels, the over-the-water lifestyle is deeply integrated into daily life here. We visited an indigenous community in Salt Creek on Isla Bastimentos, where people have been living in stilt homes for generations—long before Columbus arrived in 1502. The geography of the region, with steep hills and flood-prone mangroves, made elevated housing practical and necessary. Later, Afro-Caribbean workers brought additional stilt-house traditions during the banana boom of the 1800s, further shaping the region’s architectural identity.
We noticed that construction methods remain simple and consistent—wooden stilts (now often concrete-wrapped in PVC), open walls, thatch or zinc roofs, and even floorboard gaps for airflow. These structures are often built just beyond the mangroves, helping preserve this vital ecosystem and buffer against sea surges. However, there’s an ecological downside: older homes sometimes lack proper sanitation systems, with waste going directly into the water. That poses risks for marine life and local residents who fish and swim nearby. It’s a clear reminder that traditional living must also adapt to modern environmental standards.
As we talked about whether we’d live in an over-the-water house ourselves, we found ourselves split. The views and tranquility are tempting, and there are fewer bugs out on the water. But practical concerns like space for our dog and long-term effects of climate change gave us pause. We’d need some essentials—a composting toilet, for one—before making that leap. For now, it’s a solid “maybe,” but we definitely appreciate the beauty, culture, and ingenuity behind this way of life.
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