Embera Village Traditional Experience: Immersive Day Trip in Panama's Tropical Rainforest

Immerse yourself in a day-long journey into the past alongside the Emberá people nestled within Panama’s lush tropical rainforest. Experience a warm welcome into their way of life, engage with the community, capture moments on camera, witness authentic musical and dance performances, and acquire exquisite handcrafted artifacts.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

We will come to pick you up at your hotel around 8:00 AM and drive for about an hour to a boat ramp on the shore of Lake Alajuela, part of the Panama Canal watershed, where the Emberá meet us with their dugout canoe. Then we head across the lake and then upriver for about 45 minutes or so (depending on the level of the river). Along the way you have the…

What's Included
  • Local guide
  • National Park fees
  • Driver/guide
  • Lunch
  • Small-group
  • Live commentary on board
  • Local taxes
  • All activities
  • Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Outlying areas such as Playa Bonita and Tocumen have a USD 50 surcharge
Additional Information
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • A minimum of people per booking is required
  • Collapsible wheelchairs…
Location
Embera Tours Panama
One hour from Panama City,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(96 Ratings)
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Shawna_h
Jul 24, 2024
One of my greatest experiences. - Jose was the best. We hiked 2.5 miles into the jungle after a 45 minute boat ride. The waterfall was amazing. The village was an awesome experience. Make sure you wear the proper footwear you will cross the river on foot.
Review provided by Viator
Rick_s
Jul 5, 2024
Where different worlds meet - Excellent trip. Jose was extremely knowledgeable and fluent in English. He was very punctual and professional while still relaxed in demeanor. Rodolfo was an excellent driver and got us from point A to point B and back safely and timely. The overall experience was incredible and unique. The culture of the Emberá is very warm and inviting. I recommend to everyone. We were able to bring our kids with us without issue- ages ranging 1-8- but there were also college athletes in attendance as well as retirees that visited. An experience for all ages. Also, make sure to see the waterfall on your way in.
Review provided by Viator
Kaijai_pa
Feb 25, 2024
Trip to Embera village - This was one of our favorite excursions that we've taken over the years! Our guide was very informative, describing much of Panama history and giving us a great overview of life in Panama today. This tour allowed us to see what the interior looked like as we traveled to the village from our cruise-ship. The village itself was a great experience. We arrived at the river and climbed into a facsimile of a dugout canoe ( it had a motor on it), which then took us on, maybe, a ten minute ride to the village. If you are sitting at the front, you will probably get wet! At the village we were allowed to wander around until the villagers put on a presentation that included a snack of tilapia and plantain, a talk (sales pitch?) about how tourism is how they now survive, and a dance demonstration that we were encouraged to participate in. after the presentation, we were able to browse the venders that were set up with their items for sale. We did really enjoy this tour as it did give you an idea of what their life may have been like at one time. However, we questioned the authenticity of what we saw. We noticed that the boys all had nice haircuts, their were no older people that we saw, and their outfits all looked the same, and probably were not handmade. We also saw people at the Colon cruise port dressed the same and selling the same "homemade" items! Aside from our questioning the realism of the village, it really was an educational and enjoyable excursion that I would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dajanacesic
Aug 16, 2023
Visit Embera in Chagres Region - I visited Embera village in Chagres river area. It is only about one hour drive away from Panama City but million light years away in living lifestyle. Love, love this experience. It should be must for everyone visiting Panama City
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cappyg2016
Jun 9, 2023
Definitely recommend - Great experience! Started with a motorized canoe ride and short hike to a water fall. Returned to the Embera village where we had a delicious fried fish, plantain and fruit lunch. A tour around the village, dancing, tattoos, shopping and more. Embera people were very welcoming. It was a beautiful day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancy_b
Mar 27, 2023
The whole trip was great.... - The whole trip was great. It is not for people with mobility issues. They would never make the dugout canoe trip.
Review provided by Viator
Princetonbelle
Mar 18, 2023
Amazing tour! - Lovely day. Learned a great deal. Village was interesting and lunch was delicious. Thank you for sharing your culture with us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Glassartlover
Feb 1, 2023
Wonderful Experience - This really is the only way to go for an embera experience. We talked to other tourists later in the week who were with large tourist groups at villages that were more modern than this one. We were the only 10 tourists there. We learned a lot and it was a great experience. Also by booking with this embera-owned company, all the money goes to them. We liked that.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Orrdin
Dec 26, 2022
Fabulous and authentic experience - Over the years we’ve visited several indigenous villages and always felt like it was very commercialized and that they dressed up for us and after that switched back to their western lives but not here. True indigenous people in their local village. Yes they wear special traditional clothing for the visitors but it’s a very authentic experience. We also liked their food and the dancing and we loved the local arts and crafts. Definitely a great day trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melvin
Feb 24, 2023
Embera hoax - We were shown how the Embera people lived. Their tribal clothing and work. I am quite sure that after we left they put on normal clothing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor