Embera Village Day Tour, Chagres River & Waterfalls + Lunch, Fruits & Water
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Step off the beaten path just 1 hour from Panama City and immerse yourself in the stunning rainforest of Panama. On this unforgettable day tour, you’ll visit a traditional Embera village, meet the community, and discover their rich culture through music, handcrafted art, and daily life.
Nature lovers will be amazed by the incredible biodiversity of the region, from playful spider monkeys and other wildlife to colorful tropical birds, reptiles, and amphibians, along with lush plant life. You’ll also enjoy a refreshing waterfall along the Chagres River, where you can walk along the riverbed and cool off in the natural pools.
This tour offers a perfect mix of culture, adventure, and nature, giving you an authentic Panamanian experience away from the crowds. Ideal for day trips from Panama City, family-friendly adventures, wildlife spotting, and cultural immersion, it’s a must-do for travelers seeking an authentic Embera village experience.
Additional Info
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
IMPORTANT - FOR LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS ONLY: You need to obtain a verbal confirmation from our office to confirm your tour. If you have not received our confirmation or an itinerary from our office team, the tour is NOT CONFIRMED and it will be scheduled for the following day.
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 Gamboa 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
THERE IS A SURCHARGE FOR PICK UP AND DROP OFF AT HOTELS OUTSIDE OF PANAMA CITY, SUCH AS TOCUMEN, COSTA DEL ESTE, PLAYA BONITA AND OTHERS. Please select the relevant booking option or kindly send us a message.
The 15–20 minute hike to the waterfall involves walking on a jungle path that may be slippery and have larger rocks, so we strongly recommend wearing water shoes or Crocs. This portion of the tour is not recommended for travelers with mobility issues, back problems, knee or foot injuries, or any other medical concerns that could limit your hiking ability. Please use caution and judge your own abilities. Guests who prefer not to participate in the waterfall hike can remain in the piragua boat under the supervision of one of the Embera guides.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Transportation from Hotel to Tour Starting Point
Bottled water
English speaking tour guide
Seasonal fruits (pineapple, banana, orange, and tangerine)
Traditional Fried fish and plantain
Not included: Rain ponchos (please bring your own if desired)
Not included: Optional henna tribal tattoos at the community
Not included: Chagres National Park
Not Included: Emberá - Comarca
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
You’ll start with a visit to an authentic Embera village, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by the community. Learn about their unique customs, traditions, and handicrafts, and gain insight into their daily life. Enjoy a delicious traditional Embera meal, freshly prepared by the villagers, accompanied by tropical fruits and refreshing water.
Chagres National Park
Next, we’ll head to a refreshing waterfall along the Chagres River. Depending on the season, you’ll enjoy a short 5–20 minute walk along the riverbed, surrounded by lush jungle scenery. Be sure to bring water shoes or Crocs, as parts of the trail may be slippery or wet. Take a moment to cool off in the natural pools and capture some unforgettable photos!
Options
Embera Village Day Tour & Waterfalls
Duration: 6 hours
Lunch, fruit, water
comfortable car with AC
Pickup included
Pick up in Playa Bonita
Duration: 6 hours
Lunch, Fruit & Water
Comfortable car with AC
Pickup included
Reviews
112 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour!
Yahima M,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Richard was an amazing guide. It was personalized, everyone was very attentive and nice. The waterfall was amazing. Highly recommended.
The best tour ever
Barry S,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A great experience. Ali was an excellent guide. We were so fortunate to have had no one else on our tour group and had a private tour. Swimming at the waterfall was a unique experience and the Embera village people were wonderful!
Embera waterfalls and village
Sandra S,
Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This one is a must do for all, pleasant experience from start to finish, Daniel and the Embera family took excellent care of us, atmosphere, food, people were all excellent in providing the knowledge and experience of it all
Our guide was Very...
Shonique b,
Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was Very patient, helpful, friendly and took the time to educate us each way. It felt like we were at home
Lovely Trip
MysticTraveler28,
Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonderful honor to be able to learn about the Embera tribe's history and way of life. I am thankful that they allowed us to spend the day with them.
Unforgettable Cultural & Nature Experience
MarvaB916,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I started the day with a peaceful boat ride through Chagres National Park—absolutely stunning and so serene. After a trip to the rainforest and waterfall, we visited the Emberá village, where we were welcomed with warmth, music, dancing, and a delicious local meal for fresh fried fish and plantains. It was an unforgettable way to experience Panama’s natural beauty and rich Indigenous culture. Highly recommend!!
A trip worth the money
Roam801081,
Jul 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great experience. The views were amazing. Our guide Richard did a good job. He took good care of us. We learned a lot about the Embera and enjoyed the waterfall.
Trip
MargaretS707,
Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great trip , refreshing good food overall great service from pick up to drop off.Our tour guide Dan was exceptional I give him 10⭐️gave a detailed tour was extremely happy to had him.
Wonderful!
758shazw,
Jun 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous! We were met at our hotel by our Tour Guide Mario promptly as arranged. He gave us a great history review of various landmarks on route to our excursion too. Upon arrival to the river, we took a canoe and how beautiful the 20 minute journey in the powered canoe was to the creak. You feel so at one with nature. Be prepared to get your feet wet and wear aqua sandals - take your chances wearing anything else as you will walk across rocks and stones up to knee high. It's a 15 minute walk through little streams and up mini rock hills to get to the waterfall but once there....take a breath and take it all in. We did a private tour which was great and arrived just before the big groups. I can imagine that during peak season that it will be very busy. On the way back, we stopped at an Embera Village and was given a private history about the people, their land, their crafts. A simple lunch of fried talipia and plantain was served in leaves and was surprisingly delicious and comes from someone who's sceptical about where I eat. This was followed with fresh fruit and water and then a dance by the Embera people and then finally, the opportunity to spend some cash buying their crafts. A worthwhile trip! Thank you!
Please get back to me :)
Yona P,
Jun 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hi, tomorrow is me and my husbands last day in Panama and we really want to do this tour. Is there anyway you can help us, it says there is no availability for tomorrow. My number is 1516-668-5892
From US$69.99
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by Tao Travel 365