Ever since the discovery of Panama and the nearby Pearl archipelago in 1513 by Vasco Nunez Balboa, Panama is steeped in history with many yet to be explored islands inhabited by indigenous people. Many of them live in deep jungles and are still maintaining their age old culture and customs untouched by the modern world. Some of these communities are the Emberas in Darien and Chagres River National Park, Ngobe - Bugle of the Chiriqui, Bocas and Veraguas provinces and Kunas in San Blas. It is fascinating to know about their customs and traditions which a tourist should not miss.

Just 40 minutes drive from Panama City is the Chagres River National Park containing some of the most pristine rain forests in the world. One has to travel by canoe along the Chagres River to meet the Emberas community. Guided tours are available for tourists interested in visiting them and know about their tradition and culture. They can stay one whole day with the community. The villages are surrounded by thick luscious green vegetation and clear water. The weather here is typical tropical weather, warm and humid.

The folks in the village are traditionally dressed in colorful loin cloths with the women in skirts and jewelry made of coins and other metals on top. They have their bodies painted in vegetable ink called "jagua". They live in huts made of straw and built on stilts. The main occupation of these communities is agriculture, fishing, handicraft and tourism. The women folk make beautiful straw bowls and plates from the locally available trees and dye them with vegetable ink to make them look colorful. The forest is home to a variety of unique herbs and medicinal plants from which the community prepares medicines right from healing wounds, treating skin diseases to native equivalent of Viagra. The tourists are also treated with the special lunch made of fresh fish and fried platanos, the fruit of a native plant. The visitors are also entertained with traditional dance and music of the Emberas community at the end of the guided tour.

The Contadora Island is part of the Pearl Islands Archipelago containing more than 200 islands and is just 15 minutes flight away from Panama City. These islands were famous for pearls which the Spanish pirates looted and took them to Spain centuries ago. Punta Galeon and Contadora Island Beach Resort are two big hotels in the Contadora Island. The hotels have nice private beaches, tennis courts, swimming pools, golf course and restaurants and provide entertainment to visiting tourists during the high season - December to March / April. There is also variety of water sports - ranging from scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling, and boating that a tourist can indulge in. One can easily spend 2 to 3 days in Contadora Island exploring the various beaches. Playa Cacique is a long beautiful beach, in fact the second longest in the island. A camera would be handy to take pictures of pelicans and iguanas that are found in abundance. It is an ideal place to have a nice relaxing holiday.

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