It took us over an hour by taxi to get out of the city. Outside the city center, the roads are not well maintained and the rules of the road play out more like a video game--driving to avoid cyclists, oncoming motorists, buses, and the occasional boulders in the middle of the road. It made for an interesting drive. Luckily, we had an awesome driver, Francisco. He was our very chatty unofficial guide, and we learned all about his family and Panamanian life while he navigated the roads like a pro.
The scenery changed quickly. It went from skyscrappers to humble dwellings in scattered villages. Besides the humidity, the other thing that is immediately noticeable about Panama is the overwhelming greenery. The ride may have been a little bumpy, but the views from the window more than made up for it.
The Embera Village was a cool experience. It felt like something straight out of the Discovery Channel. We learned a lot and got great insight into the indigenous culture and their melding of traditional and modern ways. I thought it was very ingenious and industrious of the tribe to open themselves up to tourism as a way of revenue and a way to preserve their culture and keep some of their traditions alive.
It was a very educational and rewarding experience and we felt honored to be given the chance to interact with the people, share in a meal, learn about their past and present, and dance with them. Even if it is an experience catered to tourists, there is still something very genuine about the people and their willingness to openly share their culture. Although a part of us wondered if they breathed a sigh of relief once all the tourists left, tore off their costumes, and transformed their village, much like the changing of a movie set...
As if the dancing, eating, and learning weren't enough for one day, we continued our adventureous canoe ride upriver to a little hiking spot that led to an amazing waterfall and swimming area. 
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