The Emberá
Meet the indigenous Emberá tribe on a magical adventure through the Panamanian jungle!
Burwa offers you the possibility of visiting the remote indigenous community of Emberá Drua, settled in the Chagres River basin, within the Chagres National Park, about two hours from Panama City.
The Emberá Drua are an indigenous community and one of the seven indigenous groups in Panama. "Drua" means "true people" in their language, and this community is known for its strong cultural identity and its life in harmony with nature. Despite strong Western influence, this community has managed to maintain its ancestral traditions while welcoming cultural tourism.
The adventure begins upriver with a boat trip to the Emberá Drua community, the most remote in the area. Along the way, the guide will take you to a waterfall where you can cool off before continuing the adventure to the community.
Once you arrive at the village, you can explore it to see how the indigenous people live, enjoy a traditional Emberá dance, savor a traditional Emberá lunch, and if you wish, even get a traditional tattoo. You can also buy handicrafts in the village, but these are not included in the tour, so remember to bring cash.
The experience
8:30 AM
A private driver will pick you up at your accommodation to take you to the port from where you will depart for the community.
9:30 AM
Once in port, the driver will accompany you to find the boat with which you will navigate the Chagres River.
10:00 AM
Halfway there, you'll stop at a small waterfall where you can cool off, take photos, and enjoy an intimate moment in nature.
11:00 AM
After the stop at the waterfall, you'll resume your journey and arrive at the community. The community members will welcome you with a traditional dance.
You'll have time to take a walk around the village, chat with the Emberá people, and buy some handicrafts while they prepare a typical lunch for you.
12:00 PM
You will eat a traditional lunch cooked by them.
12:30 PM
After lunch, the return journey will begin. You will board the boat again to head back to the port, where your driver will be waiting for you.
1:30 PM
Once at the port, you will get into the car and around 2:30 PM you will arrive in the city.
What's included
Round trip transportation
We will pick you up at 8:30 AM at your accommodation and return you to wherever you indicate.
Canoe trip
You will start the tour upstream and finish it practically by letting yourself be carried by the current downstream.
Bathing in a waterfall
For the hike to the waterfall, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes that can get wet.
Tour of the Emberá community
You will take a tour of the community, where you can see its houses, shops and more.
One meal per person
Enjoy a typical Emberá meal. It usually consists of fish with plantains. Let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Snacks
In addition, the driver will buy snacks and fruit so you can have something to eat during the experience.
Things to keep in mind
Water shoes
For the hike to the waterfall, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes that can get wet.
Cash
The Emberá community is known for its handicrafts, which you can only buy if you have cash with you.
