Panama Tourism and Travel: March 2008

Tour Suggested

Panama is one of the most modern and progressive tourism destinations in Central America. Although Panama offers a wide variety of attractions and activities, the Panama Canal is perhaps its best-known and most popular attraction. A voyage through the Panama Canal is at the top of the list for thousands of tourists, and those who have completed the trip describe it as one of the most memorable adventures in their lifetime. The Panama Canal is one of the most fascinating places in the world where human ingenuity, and the wonders of nature, come together to connect two great oceans and join the world.

It’s time to experience the Panama Canal Transiting,
the Panama Canal is a traveler’s “must do” adventure

Your day trip starts at around 8:30am when our Tour Guide comes to pick you up at your Panama City hotel. We will drive you through the Panama country side for about an hour. At about 9:30am you will arrive at the boat ramp on the edge of the Chagres National park.

The watershed for the canal. Your boteros will be waiting for you with a dugout canoe. It will take approximately an hour to travel up river depending on the season and water level. Sometimes the river is so shallow the boteros have to get out and push the canoe. You may help if you feel like 'roughing it'.

Around 10:30am after a beautiful ride up river and through the jungle, possibly sighting toucans, sloths or maybe a monkey along the way. We arrive at Embera Community and are greeted with a traditional musical greeting. After arriving and getting ourselves settled we are allowed free reign to explore the village at our leisure. Then we will be treated to a short talk about their lives and culture, lifestyle, and crafts. After the talk we are taken on a short walk through the jungle with one of the village elders to teach us about the medicinal plants they use.

Upon our return to the village we are fed a delicious traditional meal of Patacones (fried plantains) and fried fish . After lunch it is time to listen to their music and watch the women dance some traditional shamanic dances. Next comes shopping time! They make the most exquisite crafts, woven baskets, plates and masks from palm leaf fibers and carved Cocobolo wood and Tagua seeds.

Then the entire tribe gathers for a group photo. They are not shy about posing for a picture and love to be shown the result if you have a digital. If you would like to receive a traditional tatoo now is the time. Don't worry it is a fruit juice dye and lasts only 10-12 days before it wears off. Sadly it is now time to say goodbye to your new friends. Do not worry they will stay in your heart forever and you are always welcome back anytime.

Panama Canal Transit Tour

Embera Indian Village