Deep in the heart of the Panamanian jungle, along the Chagres river in the 300,000 acre Chagres National Park, live the Embera tribe of indigenous people. Except for a few modern amenities, the Embera live much as they did for centuries, in primitive thatched huts raised on stilts to ward off predators and flood waters. Tourism has allowed the Embera to maintain their way of life in this nature reserve. Visitors can share a delicious meal of fish and plantains, view their mystical shamanistic dances and observe the intricate basket weaving craft as well as traditional tattoo and body-painting art.
