Travel by dugout canoe deep into Chagres National Park to visit the Emberá Drua, an indigenous community that has lived in this rainforest for centuries. Share their cuisine, watch master artisans weave, and learn how a people thrive where a jungle meets a canal.
What to expect
After a 45-minute transfer from Colón, you board a hand-carved piragua canoe and glide upriver into the jungle, kingfishers darting overhead. In the village, elders demonstrate medicinal plant knowledge; women weave intricate baskets from chunga palm you can purchase directly. A traditional lunch of fresh tilapia, patacones and heart-of-palm salad is served on banana leaves. An optional traditional body-painting ceremony (using jagua plant ink) is offered before the return journey.
Good to know
Advance booking essential — the community limits daily visitors to protect the experience. Wear light, quick-dry clothing and waterproof sandals for the canoe. The visit pairs perfectly with a Fort San Lorenzo stop on the same day if time allows. No valuables in the canoe.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Colon — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Colon
- Panama Canal Full Transit: Locks, History & Pacific in One Day
- Gatun Locks Close-Up & Gatun Lake Kayak: Panama Canal from the Water
- Fort San Lorenzo: UNESCO Jungle Fortress & Chagres River Wildlife
- Private Panama City & Miraflores Locks: Casco Viejo to Canal in One Day
- Caribbean Catamaran Sailing: Portobelo, Snorkelling & Gourmet Lunch