Authentic Emberá Indian Village

OVERVIEW

Become immersed in the Emberá culture by visiting a remote village in the rainforest, where these indigenous people still practice traditions from a time before the Spanish colonized the region. The village lies within the Chagres National Park in an area only accessible by motorized dugout canoe. Along the way, you may spot parrots, monkeys, sloths and caiman, animals that thrive in the depths of the rainforest. As you will discover by interacting with the Emberá villagers, they are somewhat self-sufficient through fishing, growing plantains and selling handicrafts. Hand-woven baskets, masks made from palm leaf fibers and intricate carvings on Tagua nuts are among their creations. Most everyone in the village, from the shaman to the children, are adorned with temporary tattoos made from a black dye from the Genipa tree berry. The dye also repels insects. To enhance your cultural understanding of the Emberás, they may share their oral history and spiritual beliefs.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise in a dugout canoe to an Emberá village deep in the rainforest.
• Learn about the traditional Emberá culture, which hasn’t changed in centuries.
• Interact with the villagers, who are quick to share their cultural ways.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.