Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Spend the day stepping back in time with the Emberá tribe, deep in the tropical rainforest of Panama. You will be welcomed and immersed in their culture and allowed to interact with them, take photographs, observe traditional music and dancing and have an opportunity to purchase their beautiful handmade crafts.
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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 with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Local guide
National Park fees
Driver/guide
Lunch
Small-group
Live commentary on board
Local taxes
All activities
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Outlying areas such as Playa Bonita and Tocumen have a USD 50 surcharge
Select a pickup point
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 option to stop by a beautiful waterfall (based on natural conditions and accessibility) where you can take a refreshing dip in the cool water. Upon arrival in the village you receive a traditional greeting of music and all the villagers welcoming you to their community. After about 10 minutes to wander around and explore the village on your own, you are given a short presentation about the Emberá culture and traditions and their crafts. After lunch you can take an optional short hike in the jungle with one of the village elders to learn about medicinal plants. You are given more free time to wander around, purchase any of their exquisite crafts or receive a temporary tattoo or have a conversation with the Emberá people. Finally the villagers perform some of their traditional shamanic and celebratory dances and music before we climb back in the dugout and head back down river and return to Panama City. This is a group tour, there may be others joining you for this unforgettable experience with the Emberá.
Pickup included
Embera day tour for 3+ adults: This price is for our Embera day tour for 3 adults.
Pickup included
This price is for our Embera day tour for 4 adults.
Pickup included
99 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lori R,
Mar 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
We had an excellent tour, especially with Gino as our tour guide! He is the best! Very informative and funny. Everyone knew him in the village and the other tour guides respected him and followed his lead. Gino was very quick to send all the videos and photos he took during our tour. Very appreciated and would recommend Gino to everyone looking to have an easy going, but very educational tour.
N1319AVwilliamp,
Feb 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Worthwhile especially if you talk with the people. Like many other "visits to indigenous people" there is an element of staging for the visitors. After the festivities take a walk up the hill all the way to the butterfly house and then beyohd along a jungle path as far as you care to go.
Dreamer47247222352,
Feb 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent trip ,great people,friendly,humble very educational,tour guide excellent Jonny Pinto ,pick up us at the hotel very knowledgeable clear explanation
gloriasJ3059XS,
Oct 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
First they take you by dug out canoe to a place where you walk to an amazing waterfall. My grandkids loved and swam in the water. Then they took us to their village where we had the best meal of fresh caught fish and fresh fruit. My grandkids played with the little Indian children and then they danced. We purchased some of the things they made. We all had so much fun. They then took us back to where the picked us up. Everyone needs to go on this trip!
Richard W,
Sep 11, 2024
- Review from Viator
The word for this tour is unexpected. We expected a tour of a local village. This was so much more. Jose picked us up and started talking to us about what we were going to experience and the history of the people. The ride out took about an hour and was packed with information. The motorized canoe ride up the river was fun and gave us a look at the area and the importance of the river for the canal. The village was friendly and welcoming to us as visitors. We learned about their way of life and history. Lunch was great. More than we could possibly eat and freshly prepared. The presentations, music and dancing were fun. The best part of our experience occurred as we left the village to go back. A normal afternoon thunderstorm stayed with us the entire way back. The rain was warm and even with our ponchos we were drenched. We learned a new Spanish word, aguacero. (Downpour). A truly fun day.
Shawna H,
Jul 24, 2024
- Review from Viator
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.
Rick S,
Jul 5, 2024
- Review from Viator
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.
Kaijai pa,
Feb 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
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.
dajanacesic,
Aug 16, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
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
cappyg2016,
Jun 9, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
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.
Operated by Embera Village Tours