Getting There At 8:00 am your friendly, bi-lingual guide will pick you up from your Panama City hotel. Sit back and relax in our comfortable, air-conditioned car while gazing at the various sites we will pass on our 40 minute drive to our tour starting point in the Chagres National Park. The Embera tribe lives in remote areas of the rainforest, and the only way to reach them is by boat. However, the journey is part of the adventure, and you'll get to see some of the stunning scenery that Panama has to offer. The Boat Ride At the port of the Chagres River, an Embera Indian will take you and your guide in a traditional boat called "piragua" on a 20 minute ride upstream to the Mono waterfall, where you can take a refreshing plunge (note: only available during the Dry season months from December through April. During the Wet Season months we may not be able to visit the waterfall due to strong currents). As you make your way through the rainforest, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of wildlife. The boat ride is a great opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the jungle and to snap some incredible photos. Meeting the Embera People Once you arrive at the Embera village, you will meet the Tusipono Embera Indian tribe that has managed to reject our modern, technological ways of life and maintained its simple traditions. Once you step off your boat, you will be greeted by the friendly and welcoming Embera people. They'll introduce themselves, and you'll have the chance to ask questions and learn about their way of life. The Tour After our little hike and a delightful refreshing dip under the waterfall, we will continue to the Embera community. The tour will take you through the village, where you'll get to see how the Embera people live, work, and play. You'll see how they build their homes, cook their food, and make their crafts. You'll also get to witness traditional dances and music performances. One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to see the Embera people's intricate body art. The Embera people have a long tradition of using natural pigments to create intricate designs on their skin. You'll be able to see some of these designs up close and learn about the significance of each one. For a small fee, you can have the Embera design a body painting for you. The paint will be a temporary remembrance of your visit to the Embera tribe and will slowly fade away after a few days.