Discover the native Embera community amidst scenic nature. Journey along the river in a canoe, visit the local settlement, observe a cultural dance, and savor an authentic meal.
On this tour, we will visit the Waterfall if the weather conditions permit.
Start with a pickup and a 1-hour drive from Panama City to the Chagres River, the largest river in the Panama Canal watershed.
Board a motorized canoe for a 40-minute trip along the river, then stretch your legs on a short walk around the community, where if weather conditions permit, you can take a dip in a small river.
Return to the canoe for the 45-minute ride to an Embera village, who have traditionally lived and worked at the edge of rivers, and are known throughout Panama for their distinctive songs, dances, and costumes.
The Embera tribe originates from the Darien region in Panama and the Choco region of Colombia. They have lived in this area for centuries, long before the first Spanish explorer set foot in the new world.
You’ll have 3 hours to explore the village, get to know some local people, and learn about life in the community. Sit down for a traditional lunch, then watch a dance that depicts the Embera’s relationship with the natural world.
Before departing the village, shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs made by the local people. Head down the river by canoe, and board the vehicle for the return trip to the city.
- Round trip air-conditioned transportation
- Bilingual guides
- Lunch (fried fish and plantain)
- Seasonal fruits (pineapple, banana, orange, and tangerine)
- $35 per adult & $25 per child (Protected park and community fee)
- Rain ponchos (from July to Nov)
- If the water level of the river is too high or too low, this tour does not include the tour to the waterfall. We will attempt to substitute the waterfall with another option where guests can bathe in the Chagres River. During the rainy season, with high amounts of rain or during dry seasons with drought like conditions, we reserve the right to skip this part of the tour for the safety of our guests
- The 45-50 minute hike to the waterfall involves walking on a jungle path that may be slippery and have larger rocks that travelers need to step over. We DO NOT recommend this waterfall portion of the tour to those who have mobility issues, back problems, knee or foot injuries or any other medical concerns that would limit your hiking ability. Please use caution and judge your own abilities. Those who choose not to participate in the waterfall portion of the tour can stay back and wait in the piragua boat with one of the Embera guides
- The tour can include some activities that can be challenging for very young children. The suggested age is 2+ years old
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
