Sambu

Sambú: The Temporary Home During the Darien Expedition

To fill your pockets with cultural prosperity, come to loot the pristine town of Sambú. Sambú is no ordinary town; it’s a peaceful harmony played together by the vibrant indigenous communities including the Embera, the Wounaan, and the Cimarrones. Each community has unique traits and all the traditions are stirred together to form an extraordinarily luscious dish, served on the magnificent plate of the Darien Province. In each of the communities, the river plays an integral part and as such, their home is the pretty riverside town of Sambú. 

In Sambú, you can witness the exquisite rainbow of different cultures and traditions. Amidst the verdant and vibrant blessings of nature resides this town, promoting the unblemished greenery and preserving tradition. Sambú paints the perfect portrait, displaying both the wonders of nature as well as those that are manmade. For enthusiastic wanderers, this place contains legions of opportunities to fulfill their thirst for adventure and mystery.

Sambu - Panama

Along with the opportunity to explore the communities, Sambú offers you numerous chances to unleash the beauty of nature. A boat trip to the neighboring Rio Sambú is an exhilarating experience and the sight of the sterling river is astounding. And then comes the luscious wonders of nature that flank the pretty town. While staying in Sambú, you can explore the Darien forest. You can plan tons of exciting activities, ranging from a hiking trip in the surrounding rainforest to the soothing art of fishing and birdwatching. Admiring nature while you are perched comfortably amidst the warm ambiance of Sambú is the perfect plan for your Darien expedition.

In order to experience this splendid blend of cultures, you have to stay in the adorable town for a few days. Don’t worry – Sambú has got you covered. Sambú is the town where you can avail wild recreational pleasure as well as mild luxurious services. The following are places you can rely on while you are on your expedition exploring the extensive culture.

Mi Lindo Sueno

Be ready for a novel experience that involves struggles as well as exciting tasks. You will get a comfortable room equipped with fans, but your task would be finding a public bathroom. This stay won’t be easy, but it will be joyous. At the end of your trip, you will be grateful for having had such a unique experience. Mi Lindo Sueno is in a perfect location. Since it is perched alongside the airstrip, you will face no difficulty in reaching the airport.

Sambú Hause

Where will you find a comfortable air-conditioned stay amidst the extensive jungle of Darien? The answer is an American-owned lodging facility called Sambú Hause. The owner himself was an enthusiastic explorer of the mystical rainforests in Darien, but he realized the need for a semi-luxurious lodge for travelers to relax their tired muscles. This is the place where visitors come to calm their weary minds and muscles after an adventure through the forest and the wavy rivers. Sambú Hause is the only bed and breakfast lodging you will find in Darien. 

The well-equipped guesthouse provides a range of accommodations from affordable to semi luxurious. Along with a peaceful stay, Sambú Hause also offers its visitors numerous trips to explore the vibrant and extensive Darien Province. Special events can be arranged for the convenience of visitors as well. Adventurous day trips and thrilling overnight jungle trips are also available. 

While a river trip offers recreational moments, a jungle trip would allow you to witness the unique wildlife. A village trip would give you the chance to explore the indigenous communities. Sambú Hause warmly welcomes its guests, offering the best facilities in the whole region. If you want to explore the extensive forests of Darien, then Sambú Hause is the best option to sit back and appreciate the beauty of Darien while relaxing.

Along with the exemplary staying facilities, Sambú Hause also offers a restaurant serving the authentic flavors of Panama.

Sambu - Panama

Comidas Benedicta

You will surely want to visit the restaurant where the American celebrity chef, Anthony Bourdain, dined when he was in Darien. The famous dining in Sambú offers up the best flavors popped from the Panamanian cuisine. If you want to quench your desire for luscious dishes without draining your pocket, then consider Comidas Benedicta. If you are staying in Sambú for your Darien expedition, then this restaurant is a must-visit.

While you are in the town of Sambú, you will be definitely find yourself intrigued by the lives of the vibrant indigenous communities. Your stay in the town will provide you an insight into the sober yet tough lifestyle of these culturally diverse communities. Before going to the pious land of Sambú, let’s learn about the indigenous communities residing there.

Embera

The Embera community settled in the Darien Province in the 17th century. This community thrives off the river. Fishing and constructing canoes are considered the main skill for Embera men. And fish and plantains are important staples of the Embera diet. Embera people carry out many domestic chores using the river. The word Embera essentially means ‘good man’ or ‘good friend’. The Embera people warmly welcome visitors to their rich culture and the beauty of Darien. One intriguing fact about the Embera community is that they practice shamanism.

Wounaan

The Wounaan utilize nature like no other community does. It’s a basic tradition in Wounaan to maintain diverse gardens in the exterior of their house. They gather wild fruits and medicines; they plant bananas, corn, plantains and root crops using small forest clearings. They also paint themselves with intricate designs with the inks extracted from jungle fruits. Also, Wounaan people use numerous palm and other plant fiber to give shape to baskets of different kinds for all kinds of purposes.

There are several similarities between these two indigenous communities. For instance, women belonging to each community are known for basket weaving. In addition, the carving of seeds derived from the Tagua tree into small rainforest animal sculptures is also an exclusive form of art practiced by these communities. Both communities promote traditional art and craft cultures. While exploring the communities, make sure to purchase handmade souvenirs. Sambú also provides shelter to the Cimarrones, the community of enslaved Africans who fled from their Spanish masters and built their homes in Panama. ​

Conclusion​

If you are planning an expedition to Darien, the most affordable and convenient plan is to settle at Sambú. Sambú offers abundant opportunities for bonding with nature as well as experiencing the rich cultures of the various communities. You will also find the perfect souvenir from your Darien trip right here in Sambú in the form of tight intricate multicolored baskets and many more different authentic handmade crafts.

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