Tour to a waterfall and Embera village with lunch included
Description
Your adventure begins as we take you away from Panama City to the pristine wilderness of Chagres National Park. Here, the Embera people will welcome you aboard a traditional canoe for a journey up the river that feeds the famous Panama Canal. Prepare for breathtaking scenery as you glide through the lush rainforest. Your guide will then lead you on a short hike to a hidden waterfall where you can plunge into its cool, crystal-clear waters. After your refreshing swim, the Embera community will welcome you into their village to share their ancient culture. Enjoy a delicious, traditional lunch, listen to a breef about their culture from one of the village's leaders, and get captivated by their traditional music and dances, and don’t be shy—they’ll invite you to join in! This isn't just a tour—it's a genuine connection with nature and an ancient way of life. Ready for an unforgettable experience? Book your spot now and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Recognized with the Badge of Excellence on TripAdvisor, this experience is truly one-of-a-kind and promises an exciting day that begins with the transfer by car from your hotel or accommodation in Panama City to the Chagres National Park, the most important rainforest and water reserve in Panama. Enjoy a canoe ride surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the rainforest in Panama and stunning landscapes, then we will hike real jungle, it will be 20 minutes walking over mud, through water and slippery rocks to a beautiful and pristine waterfall where you have a refreshing bath or just enjoy the scenery.
You'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Embera people in conversation with one of the leaders of the community followed by their captivating music and dances in a traditional hut, enjoy a delicious traditional lunch (fried fish, plantains and fruits), appreciate their unique clothing and the incredible handcrafts they create. Witness firsthand how the Embera people embrace a simple life, harmoniously coexisting with their environment in a genuine native village, all while appreciating the contrast between their tranquil life and our modern lifestyle. This is not just a trip; it's an invitation to connect with nature, culture, and the warm-hearted Embera community.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up included fro free from all buildings, hotels or accommodations in downtown Panama City and Casco Viejo. Transportation from Playa Bonita is available for Private Tours only for an extra cost of USD $30 per group to be paid cash. Pick up for Group Tour starts at 8:00AM, exact pick up time will be informed by email after 8:30PM the night before your tour date. Pick up time for Private Tour 8:30 AM. Embera Community and Chagres National Park entry tax should be paid cash to the guide upon pick up (USD $35 per person).
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- EMBERA COMMUNITY AND CHAGRES NATIONAL PARK ENTRY TAX (USD $35 PER PERSON) IS NOT INCLUDED AND MUST BE PAID CASH
- Bring water shoes with good grip, hiking sandals or sport shoes that you don't mind if get wet, avoid beach sandals, flip flops or Crocs like because you will be walking on mud, slippery rocks and through water
- You can swim in the waterfall with clothes or you could bring swimsuit under clothes because there is no place to change there. There are proper bathrooms at the village where you can change at the end and bring an extra change of clothes for the way back to your accommodation.
- Bring cash in case you want to buy souvenirs or have a temporary tattoo.
- Mosquito repellant is not needed. Bring sunscreen and hat
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility impairment
Reviews(1,129)
This was a great multi-activity excursion that I would recommend for those who like to hike and engage in other outdoor activities. We started off taking a nice ride down river to the starting point in a wooden canoe. We then conducted a moderate hike to the waterfalls and got ample time to swim and take pictures there. After that, we got a chance to kayak down the river a little ways before heading to the Embera village. At the village we were treated to a history about the Embera people, have a lunch of fried fish and fresh fruit, and participate in a dance with the local tribe people. Alci, our guide was fantastic throughout the whole day and really made the trip more enjoyable. He friendly, personable, gladly took pictures, and ensured we were taken care of. This was a full-day activity I would do again.
From pick up to drop off was an amazing experience. I would definitely do it again. Our driver Alci was prompt with the pickup and helpful throughout the day. I'd highly recommend taking water shoes with good grip as there are areas that are wet and muddy. The hike is not difficult and the journey on the river was truly special. The food at the village was very good with very high quality fruit for dessert. I handmade craft on offer at the village was exceptional, take at least US$20 to get yourself a lasting souvenir. Temporary henna tattoos are also available. The cultural presentation was really good, be ready to participate and join the fun.
Great experience. The your guide Dan was friendly and informative. Loved the experience. A must do....totally worth it!
It was truly a very enriching and pleasant experience. The guides were very pleasant and ready to help with everything. The members of the Embera ethnic group were very friendly. This was a day where we became aware of the value of taking care of our planet and respect for our ancestors. Thank you for such a wonderful day.
What an amazing experience from start to finish!!!! My sisters and I had such a greattt timee..from interacting with our driver to the waterfall and then the village omgg..10000% recommend!!
Such a great experience! Alex was our tour guide and very knowledgeable and attentive to our group! Pick up and drop off was perfectly
From pick up to drop off great experience. Alex was amazing and guided all of us through the beautiful landscape including the boat ride, hike and the waterfall. PThe food, the cultural experience was all superb. You will enjoy it.
I spend an excellent moment our drive and guide Alci was amazing I highly recommend this tour
Incredible day!! biabua Alci!
The experience has been incredible, and our guide even more so. Fernando is not only an excellent person, but also an excellent guide. Thanks to him, we have learned a lot about the Emberá culture. It has been a pleasure to have you as a companion on our visit to the indigenous village. The community has also been very kind to the visitors, and the food they offered us was spectacular. A 100% recommended experience.
