Included/Exclude
Included:
- Guided village visit
- Round-trip river transport
- Bilingual guide
- Cooking class
- Lunch
- Cultural exchange
Cost Excludes:
- Alcoholic drinks
- Souvenirs
Trip Info
Guide
Professional boat captains as guides
Departure City
Pickup from Panama City
Language
English, Spanish
Payment Method
Visa, Mastercard, Paypal
Meals
Includes lunch (Please notify us of any special dietary needs)
Duration
Full-day (8 hours including travel)
Emberá Cooking Experience in Chagres National Park – Learn Traditional Cuisine in Emberá Drua
Journey deep into Chagres National Park for a truly immersive cultural and culinary experience. In the riverside village of Emberá Drua, you’ll learn firsthand how the Emberá people prepare their traditional meals using locally sourced ingredients and ancestral techniques. This interactive cooking class offers not only delicious food but a meaningful connection to one of Panama’s most vibrant indigenous communities.
What to Expect
- Scenic dugout canoe ride along the Chagres River to the remote Emberá Drua village
- Warm welcome by community members and a short introduction to Emberá traditions and daily life
- Hands-on cooking class with Emberá women, where you’ll prepare typical dishes like fresh river fish, fried plantains, and seasonal fruits
- Learn about the Emberá’s natural ingredients, cooking methods, and food culture
- Enjoy your meal served in the traditional style on banana leaves, followed by optional interaction with artisans and village leaders
- Experience the sounds, tastes, and rhythms of the Emberá world, surrounded by rainforest and river views
Highlights
- Hands-on ancestral cooking class with Emberá women Learn to prepare traditional dishes like fresh river fish, fried plantains, and local fruits using time-honored techniques and natural ingredients.
- Scenic dugout canoe ride along the Chagres River Travel through the lush rainforest to the remote Emberá Drua village in a handcrafted canoe, surrounded by breathtaking nature.
- Authentic cultural immersion Connect with community members, discover Emberá customs and way of life, and enjoy your meal served in the traditional way—on banana leaves.
Menu
Chianzo Baa (Guarapo): A refreshing, traditional beverage, Chianzo Baa (Guarapo) is made from fresh sugarcane juice, expertly pressed and served chilled. This sweet and invigorating drink carries the natural essence of sugarcane, with a hint of earthy richness, making it the perfect thirst-quencher. Often enjoyed as a revitalizing treat during warm weather, Guarapo is a beloved staple in many Caribbean and Latin American cultures.
Bewida Bydome (Tortilla con Sofrito): Bewida Bydome, or Tortilla con Sofrito, brings together the comforting, hearty flavors of a golden, crispy tortilla infused with the rich, aromatic depth of sofrito. This beloved dish is a savory symphony of sautéed onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs, sautéed in olive oil until fragrant, and served as a luscious topping for the tortilla. It's a true celebration of flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of meats or enjoyed as a vegetarian delight.
Nemb0a (Sancocho): Nema, or Sancocho, is a soul-warming stew that embodies the heart of home-cooked meals. A fragrant blend of root vegetables, such as yam, plantains, and cassava, mingle with tender cuts of chicken, pork, or beef, simmered slowly in a savory broth. This comforting dish is often enriched with a variety of herbs and spices, creating a complex, hearty flavor profile. A true emblem of Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, Nema is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy meal.
Bedaa Curumana Pada Tiadame (Pescado Ahumado con Patacones): Bedaa Curumana Pada Tiadame, or smoked fish with patacones, is a mouthwatering dish that marries the rich, smoky flavor of freshly smoked fish with the crispy, golden delight of fried plantain. The smoky fish offers a deep, savory bite, complemented by the crunchy sweetness of patacones—twice-fried plantain slices that provide the perfect texture contrast. This dish, rooted in the culinary traditions of the region, delivers an unforgettable, robust flavor that is both comforting and bold.
Pada Emparida (Plátano Asado): Pada Emparida, or roasted plantains, is a simple yet irresistible dish that highlights the natural sweetness and texture of plantains. The plantains are carefully roasted to perfection, caramelizing on the outside while remaining soft and sweet inside. Served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, Pada Emparida is a staple in many Latin American and Caribbean kitchens, offering a deliciously satisfying balance of sweetness and savory depth.
Why Travelers Love It
“This is not your average tour—it’s real, immersive, and deeply human. Learning survival skills from the Emberá and spending time in their village was eye-opening and unforgettable.”