From Chagres River to Emberá community: An experience connecting with Panamanian roots

Far from the city's hustle, nestled along the Chagres River and surrounded by lush nature, lies the Emberá Puru community. This destination within the Chagres National Park offers a unique blend of adventure, tradition, and culture, providing a pathway to reconnect with Panamanian heritage.

The journey begins at Puerto Corotú in Caimitillo, where visitors board a dugout canoe for a tranquil ride along the river. The scenic route winds through natural landscapes, leading to the "Cascada Bonita" waterfall. Depending on the season, the final stretch to the waterfall may involve a 20-25 minute hike or a direct canoe approach.

Kevin Chami, an Emberá guide, explained that the waterfall offers a refreshing escape from urban stress. "The attraction is for you to come and shower, to spend a moment free from stress and the city. This is a very different world," he said. The experience emphasizes disconnecting from daily pressures and immersing oneself in nature's calm.

Upon reaching the Emberá Puru community, visitors are welcomed with traditional music and the characteristic hospitality of its people. Community leader Eliécer Ruiz highlighted that tourism is a vital tool for cultural preservation and community development. "Our interest in tourism within the Chagres National Park is to motivate our young people to maintain our culture, our language, and also the economic sustenance we get from our visitors, which we use for our children's education," Ruiz stated.

The cultural immersion includes a traditional lunch served on plantain leaves and interactions with the community members. Tourists from Panama, Peru, Spain, and Mexico have joined this adventure, seeking to experience Emberá culture and the region's natural richness firsthand.