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Panama Indigenous Trail Tour- 8 Days / 7 Nights

The Indigenous Trail is for the traveler looking for a path less traveled; this itinerary takes you into the
areas of the country where rich indigenous culture still exists. High in the hills or in between mangroves
and ocean, discover Panamá’s hidden secrets.

Day 1: Arrive to Panama
A representative will meet you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel in Panama City.

Day 2: Embera & Wonaan Indigenous Encounter
In the morning after breakfast you will be met in the lobby of your hotel by your guide. Then you will have an approximately 45 minute transfer through the Soberania National Park to Gamboa Town. Here you will be met your indigenous hosts to begin your cultural encounter with two diverse tribes. You will learn about their artwork, history and their way of life all in one day. The Emberá Indians are accomplished crafts workers and produce elaborate and detailed tagus carvings from seeds of the Tagua tree. These people are generally quite small and sinewy, and dress as they did when Columbus arrived in the 1500s. Wounaan indians live in remote areas, and survive therefore very much as the Spaniards found them early in the 16th century. They are a proud, peaceful, honest, people who live a day-to-day existence with few economic pressures. Their government is by General Chiefs who hold the main authority and there are sahilas for each village. They usually make their own laws. Both men and women go about practically naked. The men are short, muscular with straight black hair, earrings, a small loin cloth and dark body paint made from the dye of a native berry from the genip tree. They also use a red body paint made from achiote, the seed pod which is used to give colour and flavor to Panamanian cooking. Women wear colourful dresses, plus flowers on their heads and necklaces. Afterwards you will be transferred to your hotel. (BL)

Day 3: Chiriqui Highlands
In the morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to David, located in the heart of the Chiriqui Province, which boarders Costa Rica. Upon your arrival you will be transferred by our local hosts to the town of Boquete. Check into your hotel. Today you will also learn about the history of the Ngobe Indians who live in this beautiful area of the country. The Ngöbe Buglé Indians have dark skin, thick lips, wide backs and flat noses. Women wear gowns of bright colors and geometric shapes. However, during their ceremonies the men they will dress themselves with exotic bird feathers and paint their faces with geometric shapes, usually black, white and red. They retain many of their aboriginal customs and practices. The Ngobe-Bugle's chaquira (They are lovely necklaces constructed with colorful beads.) was first mentioned by European historians the 17th Century. The original necklaces were dull and made of pebbles, pieces of bone, seeds, and sea shells which the Indians colored with homemade dyes. The brightly colored beads and designs of the modern chaquiras have come about because the indians can now buy beads of a shape, size, or colour to suit. (B)

Day 4: Free Day
Today you will have a free day to explore Boquete at your leisure. Optional tours are available to coffee farms, flower gardens, river rafting, hiking, hot springs and much more.(B)

Day 5: Bocas Archipelago
At the appropriate time you will be transferred back to the David Airport for your flight to the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. Check in to your hotel. (B)

Day 6: Salt Creek
In the morning you will be met by our local host to visit Salt Creek. On this adventure you will be able to admire the distinct ecosystem of the area and you will visit with the local Ngobe community in Salt Creek. (B, Box Lunch)

Day 7: Return
At the appropriate time you will return to Panama City. Upon your arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Optional folkloric dinner at Tinajas Restaurant (B)

Day 8: Transfer Out
Transfer to the international airport approximately two hours before your scheduled departure time. (B)

2011 Prices per person in US$: US$1875 each for 2 people, US$1745 each for 4, US$1625 each for 6

Program includes:
* meet and greet upon arrival
* 7 nights lodging
* private air-conditiooned transportation throughout tour
* meals as specified
* entrance fees to national aprks and other attractions, as speicified
* English-speaking guide
* domestic flights
* information kit
* lodging and indigenous taxes

Program does not include:
* optional activities
* international airfare and taxes
* departure taxes ($20 per person for Panama)
* meals not specified
* alcoholic beverages
* personal equipment
* extras in hotels and gratuities