Emberá population sustainable guide
Visiting the Emberá; the indigenous population of Panama
Emberá is the name of the indigenous people who live in Panama and Colombia. Most of them generally live in the jungle area close to the border of Colombia. We visited the wonderful Soberanía National Park, near the Chagres River, to meet these beautiful people. While not located in the same area, one can also encounter the Emberá’s habitat in the vicinity of Soberiana National Park. The indigenous people formerly engaged in farming in this region until it was designated a national park; subsequently, they have predominantly relied on tourism for their income. Access to the park is conveniently facilitated through guided tours from Panama City. Have a look at this Emberá population sustainable guide!
Encounter the friendly Emberá
In a word: extraordinary. Meeting these beautiful indigenous people has been a particularly wonderful experience. Diving into a completely different world, where there is no internet, almost no world news and a totally different way of looking at life. What a special and wonderful adventure!
How to get to the Emberá villages?
It is not a matter of simply saying, “Hey, I will just take the boat and sail to them myself”. You need to join an organized tour. We arranged our tour through Get Your Guide and were even picked up at our accommodation – very well-organized! Our guide, Dan, was exceptionally friendly, leading the tour in English, though Spanish is also an option.
Small Panama City tour
Our guide Dan gave us a mini-tour through the city, while we were on our way to the Chagres River. On the way, we passed the building of the Panama Canal, which is huge and consists of 3 layers. The water rises in these 3 layers because the canal lays higher inland than at sea level.
Tour to the Emberá
Boat journey along the Chagres River
Traveling through a scenic path leading to Soberanía National Park, we reach the designated pick-up point. Board a unique and rustic boat, a small wooden vessel with a few benches, likely crafted by the locals. Keep in mind that there are some holes in the boat, ensuring that you might get wet feet.
Take a good look around you
Observe the magnificent birds of paradise as they soar overhead. Appreciate the diverse array of trees and tropical plants that the national park showcases. What an incredible spectacle of nature!
Hike to a waterfall
Following a scenic journey along the river, the boat docks for a brief period. We embark on a gentle and enjoyable hike to a waterfall, via a path through the water, this pad is even suitable for those with walking difficulties. If I may be honest at this part, we felt like typical tourists, as we were not the only boat arriving. Nevertheless, it was delightful to indulge in a refreshing swim, especially given the pleasant water temperature after the hike.
Arriving at the indigenous tribe: the Emberá
After visiting the waterfall, we venture back into the jungle and reach one of the indigenous tribes. They embrace a distinct way of life and enjoy celebrating when hosting visitors. We receive a warm welcome accompanied by an impressive welcome dance.
What does the Emberá population village look like in this sustainable guide?
Consequently, the Emberá population predominantly reside along the river, where they skilfully catch fresh fish and gather delicious fruits from the jungle. Each tribe consists of several families forming a small village.
"The supermarket and hardware stores already offer everything, right?"
Following the captivating dance, we enjoy a delectable lunch featuring freshly caught fish and sweet fruits. During this meal, we delve into their customs, learning about house construction and gaining insights into their history. What stands out is the remarkable craftsmanship; everything is handmade using natural materials such as palm leaves, bamboo, and colours derived from seeds or turmeric. They even utilize berries for making lipstick. Witnessing their resourcefulness makes one ponder how little we make use of what Mother Nature provides.
End your day with a dance
After our guided visit through the tribe, we were pleasantly surprised with an amazing dance and warmly invited to join in! Two little children approached me, eager to dance together, such a heart-warming moment. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging in conversation with them and refrained from taking any uninvited photos, recognizing that they are individuals showcasing their culture. They are not reserved; rather, they are familiar with our customs and the global environment.
Pacha Mama
Their lifestyle revolves around simplicity, a belief in Mother Earth, ‘Pacha Mama,’ and have a deep sense of respect. Pacha Mama is a term rooted in the indigenous cultures of the Andes region. It is regarded as a spiritual concept, embodying the life force and fertility of the Earth. Should you desire, you have the option to purchase a souvenir from one of the families, with the proceeds directly benefiting the family involved, as they create everything themselves from the mentioned materials.
What to bring?
To go out well-prepared, I would like to give you some tips regarding the gear you can take with you in this Emberá population sustainable guide:
- Sturdy water shoes, when walking through the river to the waterfall, you will regularly be knee-deep in water. During the swim at the waterfall, it is also beneficial to have some suitable water shoes.
- A dry bag is particularly handy for protecting important items like your phone, as your bag may get wet on the boat.
- Swimwear and an extra set of clothes if you want to change after the swim.
- While bottles of water are provided during the tour, it’s always advisable to carry enough water for your personal needs.
Important information
Certainly, if you are afraid of mud, spiders and do not like to get dirty, this tour might not be the one for you. Remarkably, an 80-year-old lady joined our group, navigating at her own pace with occasional assistance from the guides. While the jungle trek involves only a short distance, it is essential to have an appreciation for such an environment.
Last update 07-01-2024 © Doris Leone
