Guided by one of the knowledgeable Ngöbe villagers, you will discover the tropical plants and products that are gathered for medicine, food, dyes, and other daily needs, as well as some of the healing secrets of the community. Enjoy a traditional meal and crafts demonstration by the Ngöbe women wearing their unique, colorful dresses.

The Village

As you sail through the mangroves to the entrance to the community of San Cristóbal, your boat will be greeted by wide-eyed Ngöbe children, excited to lead the visitors up to their village. This community of around 800 people sprawls down a hillside, with gorgeous views of the surrounding islands across the bay.

Highlights

• Hike a unique tropical medicinal plant trail and learn the medicinal secrets of the Ngöbe community.
• Participate in the preparation of a fresh home-made lunch
• Learn about the Ngöbe crafts, made with materials from the forest
• Tour the community: Visit the local handicraft huts and school, and catch a glimpse of the spectacular view of the archipelago from the top of the hill
• Meet and speak with the villagers: Most of the villagers speak fluent Spanish, although Ngöbe is their native tongue.

Itinerary

This tour runs every Wednesday

9:45  Meet at BSTA Tourist Information Center between Calle 1 and 2, on the road to the airport.

10:00 Leave Isla Colón

10:30 Arrive at San Cristóbal

10:40 Medicinal plant trail

12:30 Lunch

1:30  Crafts demonstration

2:00  Community Tour

2:30   Free time to talk to villagers and purchase local handicrafts

3:00  Return to Isla Colón

Package Includes

Return boat transportation, medicinal trail tour, community tour, lunch and bottled water, handicraft workshop, coffee and snacks.

What to Bring

• Suitable walking shoes
• Sun screen
• Insect repellent
• Bottled water
• Plastic bags to protect cameras and other equipment.

Price

$36 per person, based on six passengers. Rates vary according to the number of people.

Sustainability

This Ngöbe village relies on the surrounding land and natural resources.  Many of the vegetables and herbs used in the meals are grown on Isla San Cristóbal, and fish and lobster is caught by local fishermen.

The handicrafts displayed and sold are made from seeds, plants and fruits collected from the surrounding jungle. The money generatedfrom the sale of the artisan products is shared between the community and the artist. Additionally, five dollars of every tour package purchased goes towards the education of youth dancers, to maintain this traditional form of expression.

In addition, several green practices have been implemented throughout the Ngöbe village. Electricity is only used in the evenings, while showering and washing facilities are communal, aiding water conservation. There are composting toilets shared in several locations throughout the community, reducing water use as well as water pollution. The villagers rely on hand-paddled cayucos (traditional wooden boats) and take minimal trips to other islands by motorboats.

Reservations

Please contact BSTA to reserve this tour, or visit their Tourist Information Center between Calle 1 and 2, on the road to the airport.

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