Visit the mangrove

Enjoy a pleasant promenade by the mangroves, on the islands or the coasts, known by the Kunas as home of the sardines. You can distinguish the red, black and white mangrove. The eco-system of the mangroves serves as a spawning area for many aquatic animals, as the larvae and other small species are reproduced here and protected by the roots.

These forests are the habitat for a immense variety of fishes of alimentary value, crayfish and "guabinas" (delicious fish from the river), and other wild animals such as the heron and the pelican. It also serves as a resting area for many migratory birds.

Hike in the forest
The major part of the area is covered by primary forests with an immense diversity of flora and fauna. Amongst the species that can be observed in the area are; arborescents ("rosa de monte", alecost, medlar, "espavé", mahogany, oak, "maría", lignum vitae) and valuable plants (liane, the "jira" palm, "caña blanca", annatto tree and many others), medicine plants etcetera.

Many of the species mentioned are utilised by the Kunas as forestry products for the construction of houses, boats, tools, artisan´s work and medicine. The very few alterations that the forest has faced makes it very attractive to ecologists and scientists, as well as for adventurers. There is also a huge amount of wild mammals, reptiles, insects and birds in the forest.

Bird Watching
The marine birds can be observed from the island of Yandup, but for a greater diversity the visitor can get up in the early morning and observe the birds at daybreak from a boat in the river. "Tangaras", hummingbirds, gull´s, woodpeckers, parrots, macaws, toucans, and pelicans are some of the species of birds that you can encounter.

Do you want to know something about the Kuna culture? Here we present some tour options that will allow you to experience some traditions, customs and rituals from this indigenous millenium culture
The "kammu burwi" dance
A dancing representation of everyday situations, imitations of certain animals or histories. It stems from the word "kammu" which is a sacred flute that evokes strength when accompanied by the dance. It resembles the movement of the wind. The music is generated with small flutes (kammu burwi) played by men and with maracas (nasis) played by women.
Handicrafts
A sale of handicraft is established in the community for the benefit of the locals. You can acquire such famous handicraft articles as the "molas" and other objects such as wicker baskets and figures made of mahogany, "balso", "espavé", "amarillo" and other materials.
 
Visit to the cemetery
The Ukupseni cemetery is situated on a crest near the coast. A visit with explanations about the significance of the death and the rituals surrounding the traditional funeral is complemented with the excellent panoramic view from the cemetery. From here you can see the small archipelago surrounding the community of Ukupseni and Yandup.

Visit to the community
You can observe the everyday life in the community and the architecture of the houses, constructed with local materials. But you can also go for a walk to see the congress house (Onmaket Nega) where the community members hold their daily meetings and sing traditional and religious songs.
And you can see the "Chicha" house (Inna Nega) where the traditional rites are performed to celebrate the "chicha" in honor of the children and the youth .