{"id":4201,"date":"2013-04-08T07:02:33","date_gmt":"2013-04-08T13:02:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/?p=4201"},"modified":"2013-04-08T12:28:15","modified_gmt":"2013-04-08T18:28:15","slug":"embera-indian-tribe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/?p=4201","title":{"rendered":"Embera Indian Tribe"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every young boy remembers the time at elementary school when his friend showed up during library time and showed him a picture of some topless native Americans from the most recent National Geographic. \u00a0It brought a whole new meaning to a weekly trip to the library.<\/p>\n

\"National

My Family with the Embera Indian Tribe<\/p><\/div>\n

Even though those days are long past, I’ve always wanted to visit a native tribe like those pictured in the National Geographic magazines. \u00a0(Not because I could see some topless native American, I’ve matured since those days) The idea that tribes still live as hunters and gatherers in remote parts of the world like Papua New Guinea or the Amazonian rainforest has long intrigued me.<\/p>\n

Simply stumbling on a tribe like this was unlikely, and flying to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea isn’t a cheap endeavor. \u00a0For a long time I had accepted that we probably wouldn’t be seeing any native tribes like I had always wanted. \u00a0It felt depressing.<\/p>\n

Embera Indian Tribe<\/h2>\n

Then, as we were researching our trip to Panama, we stumbled across the Embera Village Tours<\/a> company that offered guided tours of the Embera Puru village deep within the Chagres National Park<\/a>. \u00a0Our excitement grew as we discovered that the prices to visit the tribe were rather reasonable.<\/p>\n

Although there are other companies that can take you to visit the Embera Puru, this is going to be your best option. \u00a0Anne, who is the guide is married to a tribe member, which makes the experience so much more legit. \u00a0She understands the culture and can help explain anything in perfect English.<\/p>\n

Getting to the Embera Puru Tribe<\/h2>\n

You’ll meet with Anne at your hotel in either Colon or Panama city and they’ll pick you up. The drive will take a bit, but you can enjoy the scenery. Finally you’ll arrive at a boat dock where two of the Embera Tribe members will be there to load you in the boat. \u00a0 Oh yeah, you heard that right. \u00a0It’s a tree that they’ve carved out and made a boat. \u00a0“This is my kind of National Geographic moment”<\/strong> was my first thought.<\/p>\n

The ride is smooth like an old Cadillac even though you’d assume it would be rough as you ride up the Chagres river toward the tribe. \u00a0It’s about a 45 min ride, so settle into your seat and enjoy the scenery. \u00a0Soon you’ll be greeted by the tribe members. \u00a0You’ll probably experience a warm welcome like this:<\/p>\n