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ShoreTrips logo Shore Excursions - City Tours - Day Activities

GATUN RIVER AND THE EMBERA PEOPLE

Per Person (Based on 2-3 passengers) $466 USD
Per Person (Based on 4-5 passengers) $318 USD
Per Person (Based on 6-7 passengers) $244 USD
Per Person (Based on 8-11 passengers) $229 USD
Per Person (Based on 12 or more passengers) $215 USD
*Selections and optional choices will be made during checkout

GATUN RIVER AND THE EMBERA PEOPLE

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On this unforgettable journey to the jungles of Panama you will encounter the Embera Indians and experience "paradise found" in its purest form.

Your adventure begins with a half hour motorized dugout canoe (piragua) transfer up the Gatun River. Along the way, you will negotiate rapids and discover the jungle’s many splendors. You will see the beautiful waterfall that stuns the visitors. This will bring you into the spirit of this tour as you canoe back in time to a primitive culture, and a happy one.

The Embera are a unique and beautiful people. They live much as they did when Columbus arrived in the 1500's. As you become immersed in their culture -- their music and dance -- you will forget the outside world!

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 called Jagua. If you choose to try this, please be aware that the dye lasts about 10 days. This group of Indians are quite famous for their basketry as well as their talent for carving wood and tagua. You will be able to purchase beautiful examples of their work and we suggest you bring along small bills to make that purchase an easy one.

A traditional Embera lunch is included in the cost of this program. Lunch typically consists of fried fish as well as plaints wrapped in a banana leaf tree. You will find this both refreshing and delicious.

  • This Tour Includes:
  • Round trip transportation from cruise ship pier
  • 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

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon - yes
Tue - yes
Wed - yes
Thu - yes
Fri - yes
Sat - yes
Sun - yes

Departures (local time)

  • 9:00 AM (7 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

• WARNING: The traditional dress of the Emberra women does not cover the top half of the body.
• 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.