Sambú Valley

The Sambú river runs north through the Darién lowlands to the Gulf of San Miguel, and Emberá communities live along it, reached by dugout from the town of Sambú at the river's lower end, which is itself reached by light aircraft or a long boat run from La Palma. Above the villages the forest is largely intact. Visits are arranged with the communities and involve staying in village houses and travelling by dugout.

The main sights

• The river villages - Emberá communities strung along the Sambú upstream.
• The dugout travel - the boats that are the only way between them.
• The Darién forest - largely intact woodland above the settlements.
• The remoteness - a valley reached only by air or a long boat run.

When to go

December to April is the dry season and the practical window. Wet season rain makes travel difficult and flights unreliable. Visits need arranging well ahead.

Before you go

Access is genuinely difficult and expensive, by light aircraft or a long boat journey. Accommodation is basic village housing with no facilities. Everything must be arranged in advance through the communities.

Nearby

La Palma is north across the gulf, and Punta Patiño is northwest.