Authentic Emberá Community Tour from Panama City
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Visiting the Emberá community in Chagres is a unique experience that immerses you in the ancestral culture of this indigenous people. Here's why it's worth it:
1. Connect with a Living Culture
The Emberá are one of the seven indigenous ethnic groups of Panama and have preserved their traditions for centuries.
You'll learn about their language, dances, traditional music (with flutes and drums), and their lifestyle in harmony with nature.
2. Canoe Adventure on the Chagres River
Access to the community is usually by traditional canoe (piragua).
The Chagres River is vital to the functioning of the Panama Canal, and the Emberá have been its historical guardians.
3. Unique Arts and Crafts
The Emberá are famous for their chunga (plant fiber) baskets and cocobolo wood carvings.
4. Pure nature in Chagres National Park
The community is surrounded by tropical rainforest, with hidden waterfalls and trails to explore.
5. Responsible community tourism
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Includes: 1. Comfortable air-conditioned transportation (pickup time from 8:00 AM) Safe, climate-controlled vehicle for a pleasant trip. Professional driver with knowledge of the route and safety regulations. 2. Specialized ecotourism guide Bilingual guide (Spanish/English) Safety and guidance throughout the excursion. 3. Hike through the Panama Canal Rainforest Tour along a nature trail where you can appreciate: The dense tropical vegetation 4. Time to relax in the waters of Cascada Bonita Stop at a crystal-clear waterfall within the forest. 5. Cultural introduction by the Emberá natives Interactive talk on: Traditions and customs (rituals, beliefs, social organization). Traditional clothing (parumas, beads, and jagua body paint). Sustainable ways of life (hunting, fishing, agriculture). Demonstration of traditional music and dance. 6. Typical lunch by the Chagres River. Main course: Patacones (fried plantain) with fresh tilapia caught in the river. Side dishes: Seasonal fruits (pineapple, mango, watermelon, etc.). Drinks included (water and soda). Free time to shop for handicrafts (optional, not included in the price).
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Meals
Pick up outside the city (estimated airport $30, Playa Bonita $20, Gamboa $30)
Entry fee per visit to the indigenous community
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Authentic Emberá Community Tour from Panama City
Pickup included
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Travel back in time to the native Indian village of Panama.
Anthony E,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00If you are even remotely interested in local culture this is an excellent trip. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the area and the native people and made the day very memorable. The village and the people are truly amazing and so friendly.
It was an excellent trip the waterfall, the community, the people, the attention, the staff of Latino Travel 10/10.
Brayan A,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00All very well excellent service by Latino Travel the exceptional guide, would definitely travel with them again..
Tradición!
F5077NJpault,,Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A unique experience. I was able to learn a little about the Emberá culture, its traditions, and its internal organization. The staff was very attentive and friendly throughout. I definitely recommend it!
A delightful glimpse of the native Embrera culture.
O6593XLvictorl,,Feb 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were picked up at our hotel by our personal guide, a Panamanian man who grew up speaking a lot of English in the Canal Zone. He had many insights into Panamanian history and culture and even ventured some cautious statements about the recent politics affecting Panama. He drove us into the Chagres National Park to start our boat tour. The beginning of our tour took us in skinny dugout-style boats to a charming jungle waterfall on a tiny creek that flows into the Chagres River. Some of our fellow tourists were dressed to take a chilly dip in the water, but I struggled not to fall on the slippery rocks that comprised the trail leading up to the waterfall. I fell anyway, in spite of the tread on my so-called hiking shoes. Our next stop: the Embrera village. We were greeted with a flute and percussion ensemble and dancing women. The village leader spoke to us in Spanish (with a translator) and then we were treated to lunch in the local style. Afterwards we roamed the local crafts tables and joined the villagers in group dances. For what seemed to be a delightfully full day, we actually returned to our hotel quite early. I highly recommend this experience, but the short jungle hike on the rocky trail may be a challenge for those with ambulatory or balance issues.
Absolutely Amazing!
jandrews340,,May 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From the time my wife and I arrived in Panama, we could feel the atmosphere was simply amazing. We made contact with our guide, George over whattsapp, and took care of all our booking arrangements just the day before our tour. I can say enough good this about our guide George. He made us feel safe and comfortable the entire time! He arranged our lunch for the tour, and he even stopped and grabbed me two ice cold beers for the trip. He's very kind, knowledgeable, and the locals seem to love him. The ride on the river in a canoe was breath taking. We went to a waterfall in the jungle before visiting an Embra tribe at their village. They talked about their way of life, and prepared us one of there traditional dishes of fry fish and plantains. This was followed by the most AMAZING spread of fresh fruit for dessert. We were then treated to a performance involving a number of traditional dancing by the Embra tribe after which we were allowed to join in!! I can't say enough about this tour except just do it. You will not be sorry you did. We're playing our second trip again in August!
Excellent
ChiemekaPaul,,May 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I visited this wonderful location. We truly had an amazing experience with our tour guide Jorge Gonzalez as well as the tour guides from the Embera Community. My wife and I enjoyed sailing on the canoes, hiking to and bathing at the waterfall. The tasty food. The song and dance of the indigenous folks. It was truly an awesome and humbling experience. We recommend tourists to visit the Embera Community at Chagres River. :)
Don't miss experience.
steveandmarciaa,,Mar 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous time. Jorge was the perfect guide. The river trip and Embrero culture were amazing. The Embreros were warm and welcoming.
Visit to Embera
carlosjR1915CO,,Nov 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were delighted. A 100% recommended and essential experience on our visit to Panama! We thank Jorge, our guide from Latino Travel Panama for his great attention and for helping us enjoy this experience to the fullest.
Amazing experience at the Emberá community with Jorge from Latino Travel
E2880MTml,,Nov 20, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I went on this excursion with Jorge our tour guide (Latino Travel). We went first for a hike in the rain forest and got to swim at the waterfall. Then we went to the tribe, where we received a warm welcome with music. The lunch they gave us was fish & plantain and fruits. The fish was amazing!!! They teach us the daily life and history of the Emberá community, you could get temporary “tattoos” and at the end they danced for us, and we also got to dance with them. And all of the woman received a flower crown to put on their heads. You can also see and buy their handicraft. It was an unforgettable experience.
Incredible
jalexlopez89,,Nov 20, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible. A very emotional visit. We explain their culture and your food We were able to dance with them. The bath in the waterfall was great
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Operated by Latino Travel Panama