Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Your adventure begins as we take you away from Panama City to the pristine wilderness of Chagres National Park. Here, the Embera people will welcome you aboard a traditional canoe for a journey up the river that feeds the famous Panama Canal.
Prepare for breathtaking scenery as you glide through the lush rainforest. Your guide will then lead you on a short hike to a hidden waterfall where you can plunge into its cool, crystal-clear waters.
After your refreshing swim, the Embera community will welcome you into their village to share their ancient culture. Enjoy a delicious, traditional lunch, listen to a breef about their culture from one of the village's leaders, and get captivated by their traditional music and dances, and don’t be shy—they’ll invite you to join in!
This isn't just a tour—it's a genuine connection with nature and an ancient way of life.
Ready for an unforgettable experience? Book your spot now and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
EMBERA COMMUNITY AND CHAGRES NATIONAL PARK ENTRY TAX (USD $35 PER PERSON) IS NOT INCLUDED AND MUST BE PAID CASH
Bring water shoes with good grip, hiking sandals or sport shoes that you don't mind if get wet, avoid beach sandals, flip flops or Crocs like because you will be walking on mud, slippery rocks and through water
You can swim in the waterfall with clothes or you could bring swimsuit under clothes because there is no place to change there. There are proper bathrooms at the village where you can change at the end and bring an extra change of clothes for the way back to your accommodation.
Bring cash in case you want to buy souvenirs or have a temporary tattoo.
Mosquito repellant is not needed. Bring sunscreen and hat
Not recommended for travelers with mobility impairment
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Chagres National Park
Recognized with the Badge of Excellence on TripAdvisor, this experience is truly one-of-a-kind and promises an exciting day that begins with the transfer by car from your hotel or accommodation in Panama City to the Chagres National Park, the most important rainforest and water reserve in Panama. Enjoy a canoe ride surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the rainforest in Panama and stunning landscapes, then we will hike real jungle, it will be 20 minutes walking over mud, through water and slippery rocks to a beautiful and pristine waterfall where you have a refreshing bath or just enjoy the scenery.
You'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Embera people in conversation with one of the leaders of the community followed by their captivating music and dances in a traditional hut, enjoy a delicious traditional lunch (fried fish, plantains and fruits), appreciate their unique clothing and the incredible handcrafts they create. Witness firsthand how the Embera people embrace a simple life, harmoniously coexisting with their environment in a genuine native village, all while appreciating the contrast between their tranquil life and our modern lifestyle. This is not just a trip; it's an invitation to connect with nature, culture, and the warm-hearted Embera community.
Bottled water
Pick up from accommodations in downtown Panama City and Casco Viejo
Lunch (Fried fish and plantains with fruits in season)
Handcrafts (optional)
Embera Community and Chagres National Park entry tax should be paid cash to the guide upon pick up
Select a pickup point
No pickup from cruise terminal
Shared
12 people maximum per group
Pickup included
Private vehicle and guide
No pickup from cruise terminal: As a private tour, you can skip the waterfall is needed, just let us know that in advance so we can plan ahead.
Pick up from Playa Bonita: Pick up from Playa Bonita available for Private Tours only and has additional cost of USD $30 cash per group including return
Pickup included
Kayaking in the Chagres river: Slide in a kayak by the river and shorter time at the village, perfect for action lovers, safe for non swimmers or beginners.
Duration: 7 hours
No pickup from cruise terminal
Pickup included
Private vehicle and guide
No pickup from cruise terminal: As a private tour, you can skip the waterfall if needed, just let us know that in advance so we can plan ahead.
Pick up from Playa Bonita: Pick up from Playa Bonita available for Private Tours only and has additional cost of USD $30 cash per group including return
Pickup included
No pickup from cruise terminal
Shared
12 people maximum per group
Pickup included
1,046 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
gottaeat17,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I read several reviews and was a little skeptical when booking. The bad reviews were wrong. Our guide Dan Taylor was great! He was very friendly, knowledgeable and had great rapport with the Embera people. We had an elderly person in our group and Dan made sure that he was safe and cared for through our jungle trek. The experience is so unique. The Embera people are a real tribe and they make a living giving these tours to their village. It is not overly commercialized in my opinion as they explain why the items they sell are the price that they are. The food was exactly as promised - fresh fried tilapia (local), fried plantains, and some of the most delicious fruit you’ll ever try. They are very friendly and we interacted with many of the villagers and children. What a memorable experience! If you’re thirsty, ask your guide for water. It’s available.





Karen F,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
Interesting to learn about the native people. See their dance and eat their food. Waterfall stunning and refreshing. Tour guide very attentive.
Stacy C,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
Tour was excellent. To be with the natives and share their culture was one of my best experiences. I give it 11 out if 10. I will visit there anytime. Love it to all. Tour guide Fernando was great.
684talithaw,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had an unforgettable day! Everything so well arranged and it was very special all. Recommended





Ramses B,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
It was a great trip. We enjoy the waterfall, the food and the village visit. Not too much history telling except for the village woman telling us about them.
Haydee F,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
Fernando our guide is phenomenal connoisseur of his work as well as the places to visit to get to Embera greet him as a family. He took the trouble to stop at a fruit sale to show the seasonal fruit.We hope to see him again on our summer vacation❤️
kairR8135BD,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Dan was nothing short of amazing! While being so warm and inviting which made me feel as if we already knew each other. While driving up the mountain he explains the history of Panama and the canal. The food that was provided was incredible!!!!!! I would definitely do this again
GrandTour40182579769,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our tour guide Dan was the best and the Embera community were nice and amazing. I really enjoyed my time here!
265markusv,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
The tour was very well put together. After a canoe trip over the Chagres followed a bath in the river with waterfall. That was very refreshing in the temperatures. Afterwards we visited a village where we learned a lot about Embera life. There was a delicious traditional meal followed by dance performances in which the guests were also allowed to attend at the end. Many thanks to our driver and companion Alci. He completed the experience perfectly. Bia Bua Alci.
684dorotas,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Alsy was the grate guied; tour was interesting. People in the Village were very friendly. Lunch was delicius and nice prepared and friuts was delicius.
-10% off
From US$40.50Was US$45.00
Operated by Safe Transportation Panama