Embera Drua Indian Village
Spend the day visiting the Embera Drua Indian village up the River Chagres and get to know their one of a kind customs, culture, history and way of life.
Take a 40 minute car drive from Panama City to Puerto Corotu on Lake Alanhuela. Here, you will be greeted and welcome by expert Embera guides who will take you on a 30 to 40 minute canoe ride up the Chagres River and all the way to the Embera Drua village. On your way up the river you will have the chance to appreciate the beautiful tropical forest of this park with its flora and fauna and admire a splendid waterfall and two other Embera villages. The park with its rich bird and animal life makes it easy to spot many beautiful Great Egrets (Garceta Grande), Little Blue Herons (Garceta Azul), Honeycreepers, Tanagers and other bird species present in the park.
You may also spot turtles sitting there taking light from the sun without moving an inch.
Once the boat arrives at the Embera Drua village, the indians will welcome you into their home and will show you around and surprise you with their colorful dances and handcrafts. Once there you will notice that the men only wear a cloth that hangs from their waist and the women wear colorful nylon skirts with bird designs and the likes and pearls and artcraft necklesses to cover their chest. The kids are all completely naked freely running around and playing.
The culture is very playful and they will invite you to participate with them in the dances after they show you how it is done.
You will also have the chance to admire their botanical gardens wonder around the senderos and learn about the different plants they use for healing and as medicine for different causes. Also, you can go for a nice natural water bath right on the river next to the village.
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST: binoculars (preferably 7×35 or bigger), camera with extra batteries & film, insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, day pack, rain and hiking gear, lightweight/quick dry cotton clothes, money in small denominations, personal medications.
Itinerary
- Early 6:30 AM pickup at hotel or place arranged.
- 40 minute car drive from Panama City to Puerto Corotu on Lake Alanhuela.
- 30 to 1 hour boat or canoe ride through the lake and up the river to the indian aldeas.
- Dances and lunch at the village.
- 3 PM aprox. depart from village and head back to Puerto Corotu.
Please contact us to receive more information about this tour.
