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The Emberá Indians
Panama City is surrounded by lush rain forests. The
Chagres River flows through this rain forest on it's way to Gatun Lake
which eventually feeds the chambers for the Panama Canal locks system.
Along the banks of the Chagres River live families of the Emberá Indians.
The Embera' Indians live today much as they did when
the discoverer of the Pacific Ocean, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, first set foot
in Panama. Many of our tour packages include visits into the rain forest
to the villages where these gentle, friendly people live. This is paradise
found and a glimpse of what the early explorers saw many centuries ago.
Visitors to their rainforest paradise can experience their simple life and see first hand different aspects of their culture including the decorative body painting. These paintings are done using the dye of the fruit of the Jagua tree of which the Emberá use as an insect repellent. Our visitors participate but take notice that the dye lasts about 10 days. Cultural dances and music are also presented by our hosts. Other activities include: nature trail hikes, cultural and historical discussion with the Emberá, boating (in dug out canoes) and swimming in a clear pool and waterfall near their home. Overnight visits can also be organized. We once even had an adventurous young couple who wanted to be married by a Chief in one of the villages.
The Emberá are skilled wood and tagua carvers, and basket weavers.
Their crafts can be purchased directly from the artisan during your visit to their village.
Home
The Panama Canal
One-day Cruise Schedule
Boats
Tour Packages
Indian Cultures
Travel Info