This seven-day trip in the San Blas Archipelago of Panama includes four days of kayaking, nights camping on the beach, and a full day exploring the Embera Native Village. The San Blas Archipelago contains over 350 islands scattered along the Caribbean. This area is home to the Kuna Natives, a group that has managed to preserve its own identity, maintaining their own language, culture, and laws. The first road connecting the Kunas with the rest of Panama was not created until 2007. The Kunas are well known by their molas, a bright and colorful fabric that is woven and worn by the women. The Embera Native Village was created a little over a decade ago when several families of Embera Indians migrated to the Chagres River bank from the remote Darien jungle. The Chagres River is the main water source of the Panama Canal, and in 1984 the Chagres National Park was created to protect this watershed. Our day at Embera Native Village, located about an hour and a half from Panama City, will begin at the “Natural Bridge” – a bridge carved naturally over the La Puente River – followed by a short trip in motorized dugout canoes to the village. At the village the Embera Indians will demonstrate some of their celebration and curative dances, and we will have time to learn about their society and customs. During our time at the village we will also have the chance to go on a short hike to learn of the local plants used by the Embera for medicine, have lunch in the village, and peruse their handicrafts.
We will pick you up from the Panama City Airport and take you to your hotel, where you will be able to unpack and explore the area. Early the next morning we will depart from the domestic 
airport in Panama City for a short (20-30 minute) flight to El Porvenir, arriving in time for breakfast. We will then head to our campsite and set up camp, and basic paddling and safety instruction will be given. This day and the next three days will be spent kayaking from our base campsite, with time to explore the beaches and even snorkel. On our fifth night we will lodge near the El Porvenir Airport, flying back to Panama City the next morning. The sixth day will be spent exploring the Embera Native Village, with a return to a hotel in Panama City for the night.
Kayaking is an activity that any reasonably fit person can enjoy. This expedition kayak trip (kayak camping) is designed for beginning paddlers, and basic paddling and safety instruction will be given at the beginning of the trip. You should be in good health and accustomed to regular exercise.
This trip includes four days of kayaking, with beach camping in tents for three nights. Three nights hotel lodging (two nights in Panama City, one night in El Provenir) are also included. The cost of the trip includes kayak, paddling accessories, tents, lodging, local transportation (including transportation to and from the Panama and El Provenir airports), bilingual guides, and all on-water meals and the lunch at Embera Native Village. Not included in the cost is air or land transportation to Panama City, any meals not previously mentioned, alcoholic beverages, gratuities for the guides, or medical expenses due to injury or illness. Participants will need to bring their own expedition sleeping bags, camping pillow, and sleeping pad.
There is a minimum number of participants required to confirm this tour. Therefore please do not make any travel arrangements (airline flights, etc.) until you have received confirmation from us that the trip has fully booked. A 50% deposit is due at time of reservation, with payment in full due 60 days prior to the trip’s start date. For reservation, deposit, refund and cancellation policies, as well as information on travel insurance, click here.
For more information or to make a reservation, please e-mail us at info@adirondackexposure.com, or call 315-335-1681.
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