Left : Traditional clothing of the |
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Guna Indigenous community |
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In the Ceremonial House , the cacique ( village chief ) introduces himself and his family , then describes the flow of their days — detailing their heritage , customs and beliefs . After taking questions , the chief invites guests to participate in festive storytelling dances set to the soundtrack of their harmonious music using instruments like flutes , drums and maracas .
Here , Emberá women weave chunga palm fibres into handicrafts as a means of supporting their community so they can buy supplies like cooking oil and diesel for the piraguas . Some artisans choose to reflect their immediate environment by creating weavings with the faces of monkeys , toucans or sloths . Others fashion plates , bowls and
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serving vessels with geometric patterns and use natural dyes from local seeds and flowers to enhance their designs . Masks , baskets and purses are common handmade souvenirs .
Lunch is representative of local fare : fresh fish line-caught from the nearby river and fried over an open fire , as well as tropical fruit and patacones ( fried green plantain patties ). If the mood strikes , take part in a symbolic ritual of the Emberá by getting a temporary tattoo . Men , women and children of the village decorate their faces , arms and legs with body painting using natural dyes made of plants and charcoal . Don ’ t worry — it ’ ll wash off in a few weeks .
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ESSENTIALS
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When to go : Visit between January and April to enjoy the tropical climate before the rainy season , which runs May to December . Currency : Panamanian balboa , but
U . S . dollars are widely accepted Language : Spanish , though English is
spoken in tourist areas Getting around : Casco Viejo is easily
covered on foot . A car rental offers flexibility for further exploration .
BOOK IT NOW
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See the Panama Canal and island hop around the Caribbean with Celebrity Cruises . As a complimentary gift from our agency , get a US $ 50 shipboard credit per stateroom on an 11-night Panama Canal & Southern Caribbean cruise aboard Celebrity Beyond . Departs Fort Lauderdale , FL on April 7 , 2025 .
CALL US
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Contact our agency to book your trip to Panama City .
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image : AWL IMAGES . ILLUSTRATION : LIS WATKINS |
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