Emberá-Wounaan Community in Panamá: Ancestral Wisdom and Living Culture

The Emberá-Wounaan communities in Panamá live in and around Darien National Park, declared a Natural World Heritage site by UNESCO, and in national parks close to the city: Chagres National Park and Soberania National Park.

Surrounded by forests and protected areas, families in the Emberá and Wounaan communities preserve the ancestral knowledge and indigenous culture of the native people of Panamá. Plan a visit to enjoy an authentic experience of community-based tourism where you’ll learn about their history, traditions, handicrafts, and way of life deep in the tropical jungle.

Emberá-Wounaan community sharing a traditional dance in a natural setting

Visit the Emberá-Wounaan Community

The Emberá and the Wounaan are two of seven indigenous groups in Panamá. Although they have different origins, they came together over time, and today they share territory, traditions, and knowledge. They maintain their own languages, the spiritual leadership of their wise elders—the noko and the jaibana—and a deep connection with nature that is reflected in their art and their worldview.

Clothing and Symbolism

Otapas and Okamas

Emberá-Wounaan men and women wear beaded necklaces as an essential part of their attire. These necklaces are called otapas and okamas, which means “the path that travels around the neck”, and they serve as a symbol of their role in the community and their cultural identity.

Parumas

Women wear a skirt called a Paruma, made from colorful fabric that depicts elements of nature and the animals in the area where they live. In the past, this skirt was made from tree fiber.

Accessories

Accessories are also very important to the Emberá-Wounaan people—not just to adorn themselves but also as a symbol of their status within the community. For example, metal bracelets worn on the wrists indicate if someone is single or married.

Jagua

During your visit to these communities, you can spend some time getting to know the local artists. Get a tattoo to carry a symbolic memory of your experience on your skin. To do this, they use a natural dye extracted from the seed of the jagua fruit to create temporary tattoos full of meaning. This dye also protects them from the sun, acting as a natural sunblock.

Visitor sharing a cultural moment with Emberá-Wounaan women in the community

Handicrafts That Tell Stories

More than just an object, each Emberá-Wounaan handicraft is a means of expression and transfer of knowledge. By buying an artisanal piece, you’ll be taking home a unique souvenir from your trip to Panamá as well as directly supporting the local economy and helping to ensure the knowledge of the indigenous cultures of Panamá doesn’t get lost with time.

Baskets (Hösig Di)

Weaving with nahuala and chunga palm fibers that are dyed with natural pigments is one of the most emblematic expressions of these communities. Their baskets (hösig di) require meticulous work, and they are fine enough to hold water. They also make mats, plates, masks, and decorations inspired by their surroundings.

Cocobolo and Tagua Carvings

Carving is another important art form, using cocobolo and tagua, known as vegetable ivory. Only fallen or very old trees are used to honor a commitment to conservation. Each Emberá-Wounaan handicraft is unique and usually depicts animals that are important in their worldview.

The Emberá-Wounaan in Chagres National Park

In the 1970s, several families from the Emberá and Wounaan groups, originally from the province of Darien, migrated to the banks of the Chagres River and Gatun Lake. They were seeking a home that was less isolated and quieter, so they settled very close to Panama City.

Later on, when the region was declared a national park, they were forced to stop farming and logging. Consequently, they started to work on a collaborative project by opening their community up to create community-based ecotourism experiences and to offer a cultural experience close to Panama City.

An Experience with the Emberá-Wounaan Community

You can choose experiences close to the capital or learn about the Emberá in Darien. Either way, you’ll be guided deep into the tropical forest by those who know it best.

Emberá-Wounaan community-based tourism may include:

Paddling in a traditional canoe;
Guided hikes through the jungle to learn about medicinal plants;
Visiting waterfalls with crystal-clear water;
Demonstration of the handweaving and dyeing process and purchasing handicrafts;
Traditional lunch served on banana leaves (tropical fruit, fried fish, and fried plantains); and
Invaluable cultural exchange.

During your visit, you’ll be welcomed by a leader from the community who will talk about their traditions, history, language, handicrafts, and much more. Plus, they’ll demonstrate ceremonial dances and you’ll have the chance to learn more about their music. You’ll even get to have fun dancing alongside them.

Why Choose This Cultural Exchange Experience

By taking part in a day of Emberá-Wounaan community-based tourism, you’ll support the local economy, promote cultural tourism, and experience being a tourist in the country from a different perspective that is authentic and deep.

Since Chagres National Park was created, the communities that slowly formed around the river started offering experiences that bring together nature, culture, gastronomy, and handicrafts. The families who organize, manage, and lead this initiative rely on this activity as their only form of income.

Following the example set by those living in Chagres, the Emberá in Darien have created new experiences so you can explore their territory in Darien National Park and the official indigenous region.

Getting There

Chagres River: Go to Chilibre and head to Corotu port. Once in Chagres National Park, you’ll take a canoe to reach the community.
Gatun Lake, Emberá Quera: The Emberá Quera Meeting Point, which you can find on Google Maps, is less than an hour’s drive from the city. From here, or from the public port in Gamboa, you’ll take a boat or a panga for about 30 minutes to reach the community.
Darien: Take the Inter-American Highway to the turnoff at Nueva Jerusalen and continue to Puerto Lara. The trip takes about 4 hours in total.

Most experiences include transportation to and from your hotel.

Before Your Visit: Important Information

All tourist experiences with indigenous communities in Panamá must be booked in advance. Getting to the communities requires admission to the national park, transportation by canoe, and/or hiking, so you should always go with a local guide.

Remember that you ensure your safety and support the local economy directly by booking this way.

Take your documents, comfortable clothes, insect repellant, sunscreen, and a swimsuit. More importantly: go with an open mind and be ready to learn.

Your Adventure Continues

Panorámica de la Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá, en un día soleado con botes en la bahía.