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a young Embera Boy from the rain forest area

Twelve distinctly different Peoples are at home in the general area of your EduQuest programs. Of course the region is quite geographically diverse and this helps explain some of the individuality, yet some patterns don't seem to follow any reason ... at first glance.

EduQuest will help you see up-close and understand how people are different, what makes them the way they are. You'll see how different cultures and believes have adapted to their environment, from islands, to rainforests, to highlands. Perhaps after getting to know some of these different peoples, you'll see what our common needs are and how we are all alike.

The best part of the EduQuest program is yet to come...

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The Embera Rainforest People

are found in the rainforest area about 30 minutes from the EduQuest base camp. Their home is straight out of a Tarzan movie, with canopy jungle all around and diverse wildlife. The only way to safely get to their village is by navigating the rivers.

Here EduQuest gives you the opportunity to meet a family and eat a meal with these quiet and proud people. Part of the visit ritual is to have a design painted onto your arm by the young women of the tribe. The dyes they use are all natural, and last about two weeks or so, a great souvenir to show off back home.

You'll also get a chance to have a photograph taken with them. These pictures will seem right out of National Geographic... and you're really there!

You'll get to see a traditional dance, try some food and trade with these people for exotic hardwood and tagua nut carvings.

These artpieces have brought much fame to this tribe due to the intricate carved design and coloring.

Many people talk about Rainforest awareness and conservation, these people live it and so will you!

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The Kuna Yala people

live on an archipelagos of some 365 island along the caribbean coast, very close by the EduQuest dive school facilities. The climate here is warm year round, yet the women are clothed from head to toe in wrap-around skirts and "mola" blouses. Each day they travel by dugout to the mainland where they have their farms and hunt. Fishing is also a big part of their life as well as trading for coconuts.

Why such a cumbersome dress for this active lifestyle? You'll get to meet them first hand and ask them!

Examples of "Molas" both as blouse and art form. Different colored pieces of cloth have slits and shapes cut-out and are sewn in layers with colors showing through according to the artisan's design. No two are alike and themes are at the artist fancy, from animals to geometric to story-telling panels.

The MoMA has included "molas" in their collection of outstanding art forms.

The Kuna Yala have their own semi-autonomous reserve where they keep with old traditions and lifestyles. Although they do allow trade, they have not taken "western ways" into their culture. Savvy students will try their hand at trading for these "mola" art pieces. Colorful and unique, they make a great embroidery accent for clothes and backpacks or just framing as gifts. The waters around these islands are some of the most beautiful in the world...crystal clear and full of marine life. Part of the unforgettable EduQuest experience is the thrill of sailing up to these islands for a visit, not unlike Columbus when he first arrived to these same islands in his New World.

Other groups that you'll come across

on your EduQuest Program include:

the Antillians from Isla Grande, with their colorful conga dancing and celebrations;

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The Campesinos, the salt of the earth people that work the inland farms and ranches but that have also a lively spirit as seen in their dances and their elegant "pollera" dress. During Carnival time these people become even more alive...if that's possible!

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the Spanish Colonialists -living a tranquil life on Taboga island in the Pacific, where cars are not allowed and the juiciest pineapples grow.

Also nearby are:

the Bocatorenos of the islands of Bocas Del Toro, with their green gold economy and mangrove channels

the Ngobi People of the Central Highlands, traditionally in long multi-colored embroidered "muu-muu" style dresses and wide bead "chaquira" necklaces

the Teribe People of the Caribbean Highlands and their round houses

the Boketes People also of the hill country of the caribbean side,

...and others that make up the diversity of cultures of this unique land.

Special extensions are available for a more intensive look into these and other indigenous cultures.

You'll never meet so many different kinds of friendly people in one place like with your EduQuest program!

EduQuest@mail.serve.com

Tree Canopy Jungle Rivers Trek Wildlife History Sea & Island Scuba Diving