Naso Tjër Di are the last monarchy in force in the Americas, and in Siellik, you can experience the unique opportunity to meet the Naso king and visit his royal palace.

The Naso Tjër Di territory extends over the Palo Seco Protected Forest and La Amistad International Park (PILA,) declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Their people have protected and fought for the conservation of these territories for centuries and have strict rules on their use and exploitation. 

In Bonllik, Sieyllik and Siëy Kjing, you can reconnect with nature and its wildlife, hike to waterfalls such as Tiger Pjengla, spot all kinds of birds and hike historic paths to explore nearby communities. The community’s naturalist guides will be happy to join you.

One of the most significant experiences in the Naso region is to navigate in a traditional raft on the Teribe River. Its name in the original language, Tjër Di, is the mixture of the words Di: Water, and Tjër: Great Mother or Great Grandmother. For these people, the Great Mother Tjër, gave them everything that their culture represents: their life, their environment and their traditions. 

Practice artisanal fishing with them, test your bow and arrow skills, hear about their medical rituals or planting and learn about the organic process of cacao. You can also buy their handicrafts to take home a souvenir of this experience.

The Naso communities are hidden deep within the Panamanian rainforest, along the banks of the Teribe River. The closest community, Bonllik, is located about 30 minutes by road from Changuinola Airport. Beyond Bonllik, there are only a few land routes, and the Teribe River remains the main way to travel through the region. Contact local tour operators to plan this unique cultural experience and determine the best way to get there.

If you think that one day is not enough, some of the communities offer lodging in ranches or traditional houses. You have options of shared and private rooms ranging from approximately $18 to $40.

The Ngäbe-Buglé region is the largest in the country and even encompasses land within three different provinces. In addition, there are organized Ngäbe-Buglé communities outside the boundaries of the region.

In the Archipelago

Within Bocas del Toro, on Isla Bastimentos, you’ll find the communities of Bahia Honda and Salt Creek, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. During this cultural experience, you can go hiking, birdwatching, explore caves, and navigate in traditional canoes. In addition, the women of the community offer interactive workshops through the Timorogo organization, where you’ll learn about traditional cuisine, clothing, and ancestral customs.

To reach Isla Bastimentos, take a water taxi from Isla Colon. The ride takes approximately 10 minutes.

Other Ngäbe-Buglé communities where you can enjoy a cultural exchange in the Bocas del Toro archipelago include Sandubidi, on Isla Popa 2, as well as San Cristobal and Solarte, located on the islands of the same names. You can reach them by water taxi from Isla Colon, with travel times of no more than 30 minutes.

On the Mainland

You can also continue your cultural experience with the Ngäbe-Buglé communities on the mainland. In the community of Oreba, along the banks of the Oeste Arriba River, locals will share the secrets of cacao cultivation, its artisanal production processes, and guide you through trails where you can observe the incredible wildlife that surrounds them.

Oreba is located 10 km (6.2 miles) from Almirante. If you book the tour directly with community leaders, transportation from Almirante is included. You can reach Almirante by direct flight from Panama City or by land.

Within the Ngäbe-Buglé territory, which stretches across mountains and coastal areas of the mainland, you can also visit the communities of Silico Creek, Rio Cañas, and Kusapin. From Kusapin, you can take tours to Playa Uvas and to more remote islands in the province, such as Isla Tiburón and Escudo de Veraguas.

Open your mind to these experiences and discover Bocas del Toro hand in hand with its Indigenous peoples.