Understand

Before you embark on your journey to Bayamon or Cerro Naipe, it's essential to know that the people of these villages eagerly welcome visitors. The Embera people, proud of their culture and identity, are ready to share their world with open arms. Although Bayamon may be considered economically disadvantaged by certain standards, you will never encounter a community richer in hospitality, friendship, and laughter than the Embera.

Get in

Embarking on the journey to the village of Bayamon is an adventure in itself, with several stops along the way. The journey begins with a boat ride that departs only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at approximately 6 am, so plan your trip accordingly. If you're starting from Panama City, you'll need to catch a bus from the Albrook National Bus Terminal heading to Darien. The bus ride costs $9 and takes around 5 hours. Upon reaching Meteti, Darien, it is recommended to spend the night in a hotel (approximately $20) before heading to Puerto Quimba the next morning. Alternatively, you can take the overnight bus from Panama, arriving in the Meteti terminal around 4 am. Once you arrive in Meteti, it's crucial to be in Puerto Quimba before 6 am to catch the boat. To reach Puerto Quimba from Meteti, you can either hire a taxi for a guaranteed arrival or opt for a cheaper van ride ($2) from the bus terminal. Make sure to catch the van between 4:30 am and 5 am to ensure ample time for the journey. Upon reaching Puerto Quimba, check-in with the local frontier police and enjoy some local food and coffee while waiting for the boat. It's essential to confirm with the locals which boats are heading to Sambu to avoid confusion. The boat ride to Sambu costs $20 and takes approximately 3-4 hours. Once you arrive, head to the mango tree and wait for a vehicle heading to Bayamon. The short drive to Bayamon costs $1 and takes around 10 minutes. In case you miss the Sambu boat, you can consider taking a boat to Garrachine, although transportation from there to Bayamon may be less reliable. To reach Cerro Naipe, take a boat from Puerto Quimba to Guarachine. Boats operate daily between 6 am and 7.30 am, so plan to arrive in Puerto Quimba around 6 am. The boat fare is $20. From Guarachine, you can take a Chiva to Calle Larga, and depending on the season, you may need to hike for about an hour. During the dry season, there may be cars available to offer you a ride, eliminating the need for hiking. Alternatively, you can also enter from Sambu by catching a chiva and getting off at Calle Larga or Rio de Jesus to begin the hike. [Source: Bayamon Journey]

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Saganaki is a traditional Panamanian dish consisting of marinated pork chops grilled over an open flame. The pork is tender and juicy, with a slight char from the grill. It's seasoned with a blend of local herbs and spices, giving it a unique and flavorful taste.

Ceviche is a refreshing seafood dish native to Panama, made with fresh fish marinated in citrus juices, typically accompanied by onions, cilantro, and coconut milk. This light yet tangy dish often features a combination of fish and shellfish, providing a burst of flavors that reflect the country's coastal influence.

Gallo Pinto is a staple breakfast dish in Panama, consisting of rice and black beans cooked together with onions, peppers, garlic, and other seasonings. Often served alongside fried plantains and toast, this hearty meal provides energy for the day ahead. Although typically not containing meat, some variations may include ground beef or sautéed chicken.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing