Embera Quera village Panama

Embera Quera village is a community of indigenous living like in their origins, settled close to the city of Colon.

Embera Quera village Panama

The Embera are original from the wild region of Darien where they still live. During the seventies this region at the border with Colombia turned dangerous for local wars and drug traffic, so that some Embera families decided to move closer to the cities of Colon and Panama. They established small villages in the area of Gatun lake and Changres river, where they live today, respecting their traditions.

Embera Quera village day trip

We started our tour to Embera Quera village from Sierra Llorona lodge, where we made the reservation. We were taken from the lodge to the Embera Quera meeting point, at the bridge on Gatun river, along the highway Colon-Panama. From there we started a thirty minutes trip along the river on a motorised canoe, guided by an Embera Quera member. This canoe ride itself was an exciting moment. We enjoyed spotting animals and plants  on the river banks. When we finally approached the village: the view of it from Gatun lake was just breathtaking. The Green hill with the Embera Quera huts appeared beyond a cover of hundreds waterlilies on the waters.

Embera Quera people

Once at the village we were welcomed by the Embera Quera with music and dances.

Embera women dancing at the village

The visit begun with the story of the tribe and their purposes retold by a member of the village. Than there was a small lunch made of fried fish and fried platano, with the company of a curious and possessive toucan.

Our lunch at Embera village

 After lunch we were taken to the village medicinal plants garden by an old member of the tribe, who explained us all the use they make of it. After that we were given some time off to wander around the village and see the life going on as normal.

The Embera Quera make their living by taking tourists to their village and by selling the famous handicrafts they make. Embera women pass most of their time creating masks and vases with palm leaves fibre, meanwhile men are more expert in carvings.

Embera Quera masks and handicrafts

Embera Quera dances

Before to leave: all the village will participate at the last dance in which the visitor is expected to join.

Inside the Embera Quera community, children live happily. Free to play outside and safe from modern danger, they also benefit of the protection of an enlarged family.
They receive a primary education from a teacher coming to the village. Later they can go study in the city and decide about their future.

Embera Quera children at school

Embera Quera huts

The arrival at Embera Quera village

The cost of the Embera Quera tour was about 70 dollars per person for two persons but could be cheaper for a more numerous group of people. The duration of the trip was about 4 hours.