
Manuel Antonio Zarco
Manuel Antonio Zarco, a prominent figure from Río Chico in Panama, was a tribal leader, shaman, and skilled survival instructor for the U.S. military. Known for his deep understanding of the jungle, he trained American astronauts in survival techniques prior to their lunar missions, imparting invaluable knowledge that helped ensure their safety. Despite his significant contributions, Zarco remained largely unrecognized in Panama, where his legacy as a bridge between indigenous culture and space exploration is only beginning to be acknowledged.
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Manuel Antonio Zarco was a respected survival instructor for the U.S. Army and played a crucial role in training astronauts for jungle survival.
La historia del hombre que entrenó a los primeros astronautas que llegaron a la lunaLa Prensa – leading Panamanian daily, est. 1980·
Panama· 2026-06-01






