Introduction
Get inspired by this indigenous group and their sacred view of water and its preservation within the jungle of a National Park.
Description
Discover the ancestral culture of the indigenous Emberá, along with their sacred view of the rainforest that supplies water to the Panama Canal.
The Emberá live within the jungle of the Chagres National Park, which occupies an area of 131 thousand hectares (324 thousand acres). Its mature forests represent 88.6% of the entire Panama Canal Watershed, forming a fundamental part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.
Its trees act like a giant sponge, absorbing heavy rainfall during the wet season, much of which is returned to the river courses, required for the operation of the Panama Canal, of tremendous importance for global commerce.
This protected area is characterized by elements of great value to Panamanian biodiversity, notably the presence of the jaguar and the harpy eagle, both endangered species, as well as tapirs, white-tailed deer, among other species.
Your adventure to connect with the Emberá culture will begin at approx. 8:00 am, when you will be transported to a public dock in Lake Alajuela, and embark on a 45-minute river ride on a traditional Emberá canoe from the public dock to their community and back. On your way to their community, you will be able to witness the surrounding jungle with beautiful birds. The soundtrack of running water and navigating upstream becomes an important part of the scenery.
Our hosts will receive you in their community, and share their ancestral knowledge, including their natural medicine stories told by their botanist, their relation to the spirit world, along with dances, crafts and traditional food. At the end of this journey a member of the community will take you downstream to the public dock and a comfortable transportation to your destination.
Emberá indigenous community center – In the cost of your experience, OGAYA includes a contribution to the Emberá community, to help in the rebuilding of their community center.
Regenerative impact
Experiences in this area are connected to regenerative initiatives and our partners are committed to one or more of the following topics:
- Practices benefiting the local community (work force/agriculture/commercial)
The Emberá, Guardians of the Panama Canal Jungle
Request a quote
Our process
Tailor Made Booking
Tailor-made booking process
The professional staff at OGAYA are on standby to answer questions 24/7/365 and prepare day-trip experiences or multiple-day experiences that are tailor made for your needs.
Request a quote or book direct on the phone (+507) 6980-6314. Reach out to OGAYA directly through WhatsApp chat.
Allow 24-48 hours for us to respond to your inquiries.
Maria Amelia
booking agent
