with company founder and Emberá family member, Anne Gordon de Barrigón as your guide, guaranteed.
(Subject to availability and Anne's schedule. We recommend a minimum of 2-4 weeks advance notice to book your tour with Anne.)
Day Tour
Adults
1 person $350
2 people $275 per person
3 people $240 per person
4 people $230 per person
5+ people $220 per person
Kids 5-12 years old half price
Kids under 5 free
Overnight Tour
Adults
1 person $450
2-8 people $300 per person
Kids 5-12 years old half price
Kids under 5 free
Large group prices available upon request
Private tours, VIP tours and Helicopter tours to the village are available.
We donate 10% of all profits back to the Emberá Children's Education Fund.
Experience the Emberá village with company founder and owner, Anne Gordon de Barrigón who is married to one of the men from the village of Emberá Purú. Anne has a unique perspective of the Emberá people as she is both a foreigner, being born and raised in the USA and as a family member or close friend to each person in the village. Anne loves to share what she has learned from being completely immersed in the Emberá culture since she met and married her husband, Otniel in 2004.
Your adventure will begin when Anne picks you up at your Panama City or Colon hotel or cruise ship port around 8:00 am. You drive for about an hour along the canal and Soberania National park while Anne shares interesting information about Panama and prepares you for your visit with the Emberá people. You arrive at the shores of Lake Alajuela where the Emberá will meet you with their handmade dugout canoe. Anne will introduce you to the boat captain and boatman who will take you up river to the village.
The 30-60 minute boat ride (time depends of water level in the river) passes through virgin rain forest to see many birds, such as herons, egrets, osprey, possibly toucans and wild parrots, as well as turtles, maybe a caiman and if you are lucky a sloth, otter or monkeys from the boat. If the water level is high enough you can stop at a local waterfall for a quick dip on the way to the village.
Upon arrival in the village you are greeted with a traditional greeting of music and seated in a typical community hut where you are treated to a fascinating presentation by the Emberá about their history, culture and how they live. After the presentation you will be served a delicious lunch of fresh fish, fried plantains and local fruit.
After lunch, you will have the option to take a 20-30 minute hike with one of the village elders to learn about their medicinal plants. Then you will be given free time in the village to look at or purchase any of their exquisite hand woven baskets, plates or masks made from palm leaf fibers or Cocobolo wood (rosewood) or Tagua nut carvings, get a cultural temporary tattoo, swim in the river, play with the Emberá children, interact with the villagers or take pictures.
Your day tour will end with a display of shamanic and celebrational music and dancing by the villagers. After the dancing it is time to say goodbye to your new Emberá friends who will stay in your heart forever. Anne will drive you back to your hotel or ship between 4:00-5:00 pm filled with fond memories of your day with the Emberá tribe in Panamá.
Embera Experience with Anne Gordon de Barrigón
for more information about the experience of a lifetime!
to book your tour now
Anne with her father-in-law, Aseroy, teaching about medicinal plants.