GATUN RIVER AND THE EMBERA PEOPLE
GATUN RIVER AND THE EMBERA PEOPLE
ShoreTrips says...
On this unforgettable journey to the jungles of Panama you will encounter the Embera people and experience "paradise found" in its purest form.
The morning begins with a pick up by your guide from your Panama City hotel for the 90 minute drive to the Embera indigenous village on the shores of the Gatun River. You will board a motorized piragua (dugout canoe) and travel through lush forest to the Embera community. The Embera are a unique and beautiful people who live much as they did when Columbus arrived in the 1500's.
Along the river you may be able to spot Little Blue and Green Heron, Great Egret, Anhingas, Neotropical Cormorant, Amazon, Ringed, and Green Kingfishers, along with Keel-billed Toucans and Ospreys flying above.
Upon arrival at the village, the residents will greet you with music and dancing. Among other things, you will learn that the Embera possess amazing botanical knowledge and may be surprised to learn of their contributions to modern pharmaceuticals. If you wish, you may paint your body as the Embera do, with a natural fruit dye made from the Jagua fruit. If you choose to try this, please be aware that the dye lasts about 10 days.
You will be able to purchase beautiful examples of their craft work and we suggest bringing along small bills to make the purchase an easy one.
A delicious traditional Embera lunch of fresh fried fish, fried plantains and fresh fruits, juices, water and soda awaits.
After lunch, you will say goodbye to the Embera, climb back into your dugout canoe and return to the starting point of the tour. Your transfer will be waiting to return you to Panama City by mid-afternoon.
- This Tour Includes:
- Round trip transportation from Panama City Hotel
- Naturalist guide
- Boat ride to/from Embera village
- Visit and tour of Embera village, including an introduction to their culture
- Traditional Embera lunch - fried fish, plantains, fruits
- Entrance fees
- Additional Languages Available
- Unknown
- *Possible upcharge at checkout for languages denoted with ($) symbol.
Days of Operation
Departures (local time)
- 8:00 AM (6.5 hrs)
Transfer / Meeting Instructions
No Taxi Required Specific pick up or taxi instructions will appear on your voucher after you purchase your trip.Special Instructions
• Wear comfortable shoes and casual clothing for hot weather, with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring sun block, sunglasses, hat, plastic bag for wet clothes, change of clothes and a towel -- and don't forget your camera!
• The price of lunch is included in this tour. One non alcoholic beverage and bottled water is also included.
Restrictions
• The maximum capacity of each canoe (piragua) is 10-15 persons.