On the Costa Arriba near Colón

An Embera Indian village enters the tourist business

Dressed up for dancing, village
girls pose before their show.

The enterprising son of the cacique (chief) of an Embera Indian Village on the Caribbean Coast, near Colon has convinced the elders to open the village to visitors.

Surrounded by virgin jungles, flanked by the Piedra River, in Costa Arriba to the east of Colón, Embera Errebachi Tulio Village, is now on the tourist map. The visitor will be able to see how these Indians live and at the same time discover the flora and fauna of the Caribbean coast.

This traditional village offers the tourist an alternative so he can experience the Embera customs, food and handicrafts without having to go to Darién, the main habitat of the Emberá.

Temporary tatto
When you arrive at Embera Errebachi Tulio Village, which is only an hour and half away from Panama City, you will be welcomed with traditional music, and later on if you like, you can get a "jagua" done (temporary tattoos ) and buy handicraft.

They will serve you lunch maybe fish with roasted plantain, beef with "bollo"(a kind of corn dough pone) and "patachuma", a soup made with wild game.

You can swim in the river or watch games, such as archery. There are also tours on the Piedra River, with boats which will accommodate up to 15 people and from which you can spot wild life.

Camping too
The prices for the Embera experience are between $25 and $35 per person, depending on how long you stay in the village. There are also camping facilities for $55 per night which includes tent and various activities including snorkeling, tubing and kayaking.

To get to Embera Errebachi Tulio Village you must drive for 41 miles on the Trans-isthmian highway towards Colón, turn right when you arrive at Sabanitas, pass the beach of María Chiquita and turn when you see signs for Piedra River. Once there you will find the village.

For more information call: 275-3076 or 6733-8014.