Help keep our prices low: Share with Friends
Indigenous Embera Villages In Panama
Panama is a country rich with diverse indigenous traditions. It’s the home of over 400,000 people who identify as members of the region’s native ethnic cultures. Stroll through Panama City, and you’re likely to meet more than a few Ngäbe-Buglé, Guna, Teribe, Bokota, and Emberá-Wounaan people—both by heritage, and those who actively practice their culture’s traditions.
One of the region’s most beautiful and complex cultures belongs to the Emberá-Wounaan.
Who Are The People Of The Embera Tribe?
In Panama, the people of the Embera Tribe, better known as the Emberá-Wounaan, are a politically autonomous cultural group. Most Emberá-Wounaan aren’t integrated into mainstream Panama society. Instead, they maintain their traditional culture and practices, and they meet their needs within their own community.
Historically, the Emberá-Wounaan lived in the Darién rainforest region of Panama and the Chocó region of Colombia. They were a nomadic culture, and some Emberá-Wounaan groups still travel seasonally.
However, today, most Emberá-Wounaan reside in a recognized autonomous region, in Panama, in established villages near the Panama Canal watershed. Many communities are clustered around the Sambú and Chucunaque river systems.
Where Is The Embera Village, Panama?
There is more than one village of Embera people in Panama. Today, about 25% of modern Emberá-Wounaan people choose to integrate into mainstream Panama society, and they live in Panama City.
Yet, most contemporary Emberá-Wounaan live in communal villages where they can continue to practice their culture. There are about a dozen Embera villages across the primary tributaries of the Chucunaque, Tuira, Chagres, and Balsas rivers. There are also villages on the shores of Lake Gatun.
There are certain traditional Embra visitors that welcome visitors, and they offer tours through the Emberá-Wounaan-owned Embera Village Tour Company. These villages are all within the bounds of Chagres National Park.
History & Culture Of The Embera People
The history and culture of the Emberá-Wounaan people is both rich and complex. Very little is known about the earliest history and origins of the Emberá people, as there are no written records. What we do know is that the Emberá were semi-nomadic. Most lived in either the Darién rainforest region of Panama, or the Chocó region of Colombia, for centuries before contact with the Spanish.
In the 1700s, the Spanish prompted Emberá migration to Kuna territory, creating conflict. The conflict was ultimately resolved when the Kuna people migrated to the Caribbean coast.
Today, the Emberá-Wounaan are among the seven indigenous groups granted a Comarca, or autonomous territory, by Panama’s government.
Emberá Language
The Emberá language is actually not a single language. Instead, it’s an umbrella term for a group of related, mutually intelligible languages in the ancient Colombia-Panama region, spoken by roughly 100,000 people.
Most contemporary Emberá-Wounaan cultural groups speak Chocó, or a dialect like Northern Emberá, Baudó Emberá, Catío, or Chami. Language conservationists are trying to preserve the dialects, as many of the dialects are endangered.
Traditional Arts & Spirituality
Emberá-Wounaan culture is filled with a wealth of complex arts. Most of their art practices connect to their spiritual beliefs.
The traditional Emberá faith is egalitarian and animistic, holding that non-human animals, plants, and natural objects are imbued with a divine spirit called jai, as humans are. Most things hold spiritual value and can be a source of reverence, and most Emberá cultures do not elevate humans’ importance over that of other natural things.
This spiritual connection to all things, this sense of jai, is reflected in most Emberá arts and craftsmanship. Beadwork, woven baskets, and wood sculptures depict animals and plants with spiritually meaningful motifs.
Other handmade pieces, like drums, musical instruments, house posts, and jagua body art, have more overt spiritual and mythical significance.
Community Life
Emberá communities are highly interdependent and communal by tradition. Many villagers are subsistence farmers and fishermen. Others practice the art of gathering edible plants from the rainforest. Digging out a canoe is an important rite of passage for young Emberá men.
Traditional Emberá homes were open-air dwellings housing many family members.
Visiting An Embera Village On The Chagres River
Travelers can visit a traditional Embera village dedicated to preserving and practicing their culture.
Most Embera village tours start with a trip down the Chagres River in a pirogue: an indigenous-style canoe, traditionally made from a single, hollowed-out tree. A tour guide navigates the pirogue among rivulets and waterfalls, typically describing the notable wildlife as you travel.
Then, the tour comes to port at an Emberás village on the Panama Canal watershed.
Indigenous Emberá Village Tour Activities
In the village, visitors are invited into the homes of those who want to show their way of life to tour guests. Villagers demonstrate their traditional artistry, like chunga (black palm leaf) weaving, tagua and cocobolo wood carving, and intricate body painting.
Certain Emberá villages end the tour with a dance or musical performance. Others incorporate stories from community leaders, and still others weave the creative showcase together with an intimate experience of shared meals and similar facets of communal life.
Guided tours are available in Spanish and English. To avoid disrupting the daily life of the people generously sharing their culture with visitors, in-home tours are limited to no more than six people per group.
Experience Emberá-Wounaan Culture On Caravan’s Panama Tour
The opportunity to share in parts of the Emberá people’s traditional culture is a rare gift. To experience that gift for yourself, consider joining a tour wholly curated by experts.
At Caravan, we cultivate all-inclusive trips for our guests, hand-picking the best destinations, food, lodging, and activities for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. On our Panama Tropical Adventure Tour, we roll eight days of stunning beaches, beautiful cultural experiences, and exotic rainforest wildlife into one affordable price.
To learn more about Caravan’s guided Panama tours, call us at 1-800-312-321-9800. Or, call 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826) to book your spot today.
2025 Hotels
2025 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Days 1, 2 • Panama City
Westin Panama
The elegant Westin Panama is ideally situated in Costa del Este neighborhood. Your hotel includes a fitness center, spa and outdoor pool. Your room includes an iron, hairdryer, safe, wi-fi and coffeemaker.
Days 3, 4 • Gamboa
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
The Gamboa Rainforest Resort is located in Soberania National Park, in the heart of Panama's rainforest. The resort is just north of the Continental Divide, on the banks of the Chagres River, near where it flows into Lake Gatun and the Panama Canal. Guest rooms feature a hammock and patio furniture on a private balcony with park and river views. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a mini-bar, in-room safe, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, coffeemaker, and satellite television. All rooms are non-smoking. Resort amenities include a large outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, beautiful gardens, and walking and jogging trails. Fitness equipment, a hot tub, thermal bath and sauna are available at the full service spa. For a fee, the spa offers massage, a beauty salon, body and facial treatments. Guided fishing in the Panama Canal is also available for a fee. Free internet access.
Days 5, 6 • Playa Bonita
Westin Playa Bonita Resort
The Westin Playa Bonita Resort is a spectacular beach resort located on Panama's Pacific coast. From the grand lobby you have sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Resort amenities include a private beach, multiple outdoor pools, swim-up bar, lounges, fitness center, beauty salon, and spa with massage services. The spacious guest rooms are air-conditioned and have cable TV. Free internet access.
Day 7 • Panama City
InterContinental Miramar Panama
The modern InterContinental Miramar hotel is located in Panama City in the middle of Panama Bay. Panoramic water and city views abound. A short stroll from the hotel takes you to the scenic walkway on Panama Bay . The InterContinental Miramar has tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a beauty salon, and fitness center with massage, sauna, Jacuzzi, and Turkish bath. All rooms are air-conditioned, and feature cable TV, in-room safe, hair dryer, iron/ironing board and a coffee maker. Free internet access.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Transfer on your own from the Panama City Tocumen Airport (PTY) to your hotel, the Westin Costa del Este (La Rotunda Ave, Costa del Este) in Panama City. Once you exit customs and baggage claim, proceed to the official taxi stand. The driving time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost will range from $30-$40 US Dollars. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.
Departure Transfers
Caravan includes a departure transfer from the Intercontinental Miramar hotel in Panama City to Tocumen Panama International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama arriving at 5:30 am, 8:00 am and 11:00 am. on the day the tour ends. If you wish to leave at another time, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Taxi fares from your hotel to Tocumen Airport cost about $30-$40 USD. The driving time from the hotel to the airport is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
Panama requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws. See Travel Tips for more details.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Panama City | ||
|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 87/75 | 1.6 |
| Feb | 89/75 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 91/75 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 91/75 | 3.4 |
| May | 87/75 | 7.9 |
| Jun | 86/75 | 7.5 |
| Jul | 87/75 | 7.3 |
| Aug | 86/75 | 7.8 |
| Sep | 86/75 | 7.1 |
| Oct | 84/75 | 10.3 |
| Nov | 86/75 | 8.9 |
| Dec | 87/75 | 5.3 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama City | ||||||||||||
| temp | 87/75 | 89/75 | 91/75 | 91/75 | 87/75 | 86/75 | 87/75 | 86/75 | 86/75 | 84/75 | 86/75 | 87/75 |
| rainfall | 1.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 3.4 | 7.9 | 7.5 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 7.1 | 10.3 | 8.9 | 5.3 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required. See Travel Tips for more details.
Travel Tips & FAQs
Travel Tips & FAQs
These are only the first 14 Travel Tips. Read all 61 Travel Tips It is recommended to bring at least one pair of quick-dry pants and one quick-dry shirt. The quick-dry pants that zip at the knee to convert into shorts are particularly popular. Be sure to also bring a sweater or jacket for the cooler night temperatures. Caravan does not make product endorsements, but many feel that Avon Skin So Soft oil (not cream), or Avon's Expedition anti-mosquito spray is effective protection against mosquito bites in the jungle. Caravan does not endorse any vitamin, but please note that Central American pharmacies sell 500 milligram Vitamin B-1 tablets, a non-prescription vitamin, as "anti-mosquito" pills. Many people take Vitamin B-1 pills and eat garlic for about two weeks prior to and during their visits to the jungle because they believe that the smell of Vitamin B-1 and garlic repels mosquitoes. If you believe this may be of value, consult your doctor for further information on Vitamin B-1 and garlic. Many also avoid eating bananas in the rainforest, as it is believed that this smell attracts mosquitoes. Also, it is wise to wear light-weight quick-dry long-sleeved pants and shirts in these tropical areas. Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified. Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation. Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides. Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Children age five (5) and older are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation. A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation. Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers. Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available. Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old. Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129. Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks. If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.Preparing for the Tropics
Are meals included?
My Tour Price Includes
My Tour Price Does Not Include
Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour
A Well-Paced Itinerary
Size of Tour Group
Fully Guided Tours Since 1952
Many Tours Sell Out Each Year
Family Trips
Forms of Payment
Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection
Children on Tour
International Travel with Minors
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews
These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 209 Customer Reviews "I travel a great deal and this was the best tour I have ever been on!" "I learned soooooo much about the country. Loved visiting the Embera Tribe. Loved the boat rides. Loved the bus ride and driver. Loved seeing the country and wildlife. Loved the food. Loved the people and guides. I don't like the shopping that much. I don't have room to bring things home in my luggage." "The hotel at Gamboa was amazing, beautiful scenery, great amenities. All rooms had confortable beds and adequate space." "I tell people all the time that Caravan is a bargain for what all is offered, the tour directors are very knowledgeable, the food is delicious and plentiful, the lodgings are top notch, the bus is comfortable. We are already looking at the Colombia trip for a future tour." "The hotels were agreeable and located right in the heart of the themes, ie Gamboa Resort located in the rainforest and the Intercontinental Panama on the waterfront in downtown Panama. The rooms were clean and kept and the facilities/infrastructure was in working order, ie a/c elevators, pools, safe etc. We loved our visit to Panama, this being our first! The itinerary was full and active! Tour Director's narration and Driver's driving skills really made for a positive Vacation! Overall this was an amazing tour experience and I will strongly consider a Caravan tour again and Will highly recommend Caravan to others!" "It was well planned and executed, the accommodations, meals, and entertainment were all excellent, and we learned a great deal about the country and its history. The tour of Viejo Panama and the trip up the Chagres River to the indigenous village were especially interesting." "Hotels were excellent. Exceeded expectations. I've recommended the tour to several people, so I can think of nothing I would change. It was great value for the cost. I'm looking forward to at least one other Caravan Tour in the future, possibly Costa Rica or Nova Scotia."
Read All 209 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 209 Customer Reviews
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
