RedTuri
Indigenous Tourism Network of Panama
Discover RedTuri
Indigenous Tourism Network of Panama, or RedTuri, is a 100% Indigenous non-profit organization that represents a network of Panamanian Indigenous communities dedicated to the development of sustainable, community-based tourism. The communities in REDTURI’s network span the isthmus of Panama, and represent numerous Indigenous groups: the Guna, Emberá, Ngäbe, Bugle, Naso Tjër Di and Bribris.
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Guna Yala, which means “Land of the Guna,” was Panama’s first semi-autonomous comarca, established in 1938. The Guna Yala archipelago is world-renowned for its stunning Caribbean islands and beaches. The Guna people are known for their fierce independence and their mola textiles.
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Guna Yala Ancestral
Embera Drua Maje
The Emberá Maje Drua is situated along the banks of Bayano Lake, the second largest in Panama. This community has spearheaded conservation and sustainability efforts in the region.
The Icandi community is situated on the banks of Bayano Lake, Panama’s second largest. Icandi is also located within the Comarca Kuna Madungandi, which is home to several inland Kuna communities.
Madugandi Kuna
The Emberá Drúa community is situated within the Chagres National Forest, along the banks of the Chagres River, the largest in the Panama Canal watershed. This community was one of the first Emberá communities in the area to welcome tourists.
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Embera Drua Chagres
Ngäbe Bugle
Soloy is a peaceful village within the Comarca Ngäbe-Bugle, which is the largest and most populous of Panama’s various comarcas. Soloy is the perfect place to enjoy nature, culture, and community. The area is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including its stunning waterfalls.
Within their comarca, the Naso Tjër Di are stewards of two of Panama’s most important protected areas, both teeming with flora and fauna: Friendship International Park (PILA, a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Palo Seco Forest Reserve. The community of Bonyic is located on the banks of the legendary Tjër Di River, which serves as the pillar and lifeblood of the Naso people.
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Naso Tjër Di
The Nusagandi forest, situated within the Comarca Guna Yala, is one of Panama’s few virgin tropical rainforests. The Nusagandi forms part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, and is home to abundant flora and fauna. Hiking trails within the forest offer access to the area’s majestic natural beauty, and showcase the area’s rich biodiversity.
Nusagandi Guna Yala
Chunga is an Emberá village located on the banks of the Sambu River and surrounded by the magnificent and mysterious Darién jungle. The beauty of the mangroves, birds, and other plant and animal life is stunning. Due to the village’s relative isolation, visitors have the opportunity to experience Emberá culture in a community less touched by external influences.
Embera Chunga
Visitor Stories
“Guna Yala is a perfect destination for visitors who want to connect with nature and culture. It is simple and more spiritually nourishing than the vapid resort towns that pervade the world.”
“I feel like I never really thought about indigenous communities prior to my trip, but now that they are on my radar, I feel as if their culture is really interesting to experience and a really good change of pace from the hustle of being from a big city. I think its a really good tourist activity to interact with them.”
“My favorite part was snorkeling. Seeing the underwater life, especially the coral, was amazing, and I haven't experienced something like it.”