Emberás Indians are open and gentle people and it’s not difficult to establish contact with them.

GETTING THERE Tocumen International Airport located at 27 km from the capital (by taxi costs some US$25), this is the point of international arrivals. Travelers can reach Panama city with COPA Panamanian airline from Latin-American main capitals. Other companies that regularly fly all over the world also land here as Iberia, Cubana de Aviación, Continental Airlines and United Airlines. To get in contact with Emberás Indians you can call the Instituto Panameño de Turismo (IPAT) on the phone number: 2267000. Travelers can also use the services provided by these travel agencies: Experience Panamá Tours, phone: 264-6297. Pesantez Tours, phone: 263-87771 and 223-5374. Servitur, phone: 264-3014.

CLIMATE The average temperature is 26°C all year round, but rainy season, ranging from May to December, —when heavy tropical rainfalls occurred—should be taken into account. PURCHASES The indigenous population makes its own and singular craft for visitors. Panama hats, wooden decorative items, soap, the famous little hens made of clay, hammocks and others.

WHAT TO CARRY Documentation: Passport, tourist ticket and return card card (the charge will be some US$20 upon leaving Panama). Clothes to wear should be light and comfortable. It is recommended to wear a hat and sun glasses. PRACTICAL INFORMATION National phone code is: 507. Panama currency in parity with the US dollar is Balboa. There is no need to exchange. Electricity is 110W and 60 Hz. Spanish is the official language, though many Panamanians also speak English.

TRANSPORTATION Boats: Not all the boats offered to tourists comply with safety standards. It is better to contact an especialized agency or IPAT, they will help visitors to get in contact with the Indians. Roads: It is not possible to have access by car to the most interesting areas. Aeroperlas Phone: 263-5363 and 269-4555. It offers an airtaxis service from Marco A. Guelabert Airport at Paitilla (Panama City)

ACCOMODATION Some of the most recommended hotels on which we can also have a price to guide you are: El Panamá (US$140-155). Phone: 269-5000. Suites Ambassador (US$85) Phone: 263-7274. Plaza Paitilla Inn (US$90) 269-1122. Marbella (US$35-40) Phone: 263-2220. Central Park Hotel Suites ($129) Phone: 223-3100.

Where to eat Of typical Panamanian cuisine in the capital: El Trapiche. Vía Argentina 10. Phone: 269-4353. Mi Pueblito. Avenida de los Mártires. Phone: 228-2124. Las Tinajas. Bella Vista and Calle 51. Phone: 269-3840. La Cascada. Avenida Balboa. Phone: 262-1297 and 262-9963.