Authentic Emberá Native Village
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Port
Gatun Lake, Panama
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$109.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 6½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
A Heart for Community
Connect with the heart and soul of a vibrant community. Whether you're meeting friendly locals, encountering heirloom cultures, engaging with Native peoples, exploring hidden corners, or discovering beloved eateries, let lasting memories begin with warmth, hospitality, and genuine connection.
Your motorcoach will double as a virtual time machine as you travel back more than 600 years to a Central America few people ever experience. This is a journey into the lives of the Emberá Native tribe — a proud people who maintain their traditions and lifestyle as it was before the Spaniards colonized Panama.
A knowledgeable guide offers an overview of Panama on the way to the jungle of the Central Region, sharing the history and customs of the Emberá Natives. These are the keepers of the rainforest and the Chagres River.
Keep your eyes open along the way, as the region offers abundant wildlife that is particularly active along the river's edge.
At Chagres National Park, board a dug-out canoe that will take you to the Emberá village. Although far from luxurious, the dug-outs are sturdy craft that played a critical role in taming the jungle and establishing supply lines for both Natives and Spaniards.
Motoring upriver, you will see the village emerge from the jungle. The chief will welcome you with traditional Emberá hospitality.
A series of dances has been arranged to add to this cultural exchange.
Feel free to wander about the village, ask questions and interact with these quiet people. The Emberá are spectacular craftspeople and have produced some beautiful items available for purchase as souvenirs .
Notes:
The Emberá people maintain ancestral practices, including traditional dress that may involve partial or minimal clothing; your sensitive and respectful approach to this is appreciated. When visiting private homes, a commonsense approach to their privacy is also appreciated. Boarding local canoes requires only a minimum of dexterity and flexibility. The landing consists of a rudimentary 'put-in' that lacks handrails or proper steps. Many hands will be available to assist; however, participants are required to step up into the vessels. Restroom facilities are limited and basic throughout this tour. Tour duration will depend on the water level of the Chagres River. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. This excursion departs from Gatún Lake and ends in Colón, where you will rejoin the ship. Tour departure times may vary due to local authority clearance and will be announced on board the ship. The Panama Canal Authority assigns specific time slots for the transit of each vessel transiting the locks; the arrival of the ship in Colón may be delayed. Be prepared for such a delay by bringing any needed medication or essential items on tour. Facilities are available at the terminal in Colón while you are waiting for the ship's arrival.