Tour to a waterfall and Embera village with lunch included
Overview
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!
Additional Info
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
What To Expect
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.
Options
Small group in English
No pickup from cruise terminal Shared 12 people maximum per group Pickup included
Waterfall + Kayaking
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
Small group in Spanish
No pickup from cruise terminal Shared 12 people maximum per group Pickup included
Private Experience in English
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
Private Experience in Spanish
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
What‘s Included
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
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,077 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Simply Amazing
Nehemiah G,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I was truly an amazing experience we got to see their culture, crafts , food and the waterfall a really well orchestrated experience 10/10
Super insightful and fun experience
taniapX2478NO,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an incredible experience both for fun and also education. Alci our guide was super informative and full of energy. Would 100% recommend.
An Adventure to Remember
mbkris,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great time and our guide Dimitrio was amazing with answering all of our questions - very knowledgeable about Panama’s history and geography! Our guide had to attend to one of the group member’s injury and a member of the Embera tribe, Caleb/Kamal, took over and was very helpful in assisting us on our hike! It’s a great time with a lot of unique experiences - riding in a native canoe, hiking, swimming in the waterfall, and finishing everything off with a great freshly caught and prepared fish lunch! Would highly recommend!
Memorable in a great way!
Shauna F,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I enjoyed this experience. The hike was good too but I wish I would have been told that my feet and my jeans would get wet during the hike. We didn't plan to swim so we just wore jeans and sneakers. Our guide stopped so that we could purchase plastic shoes on the way. I really appreciate that!! I wish we had known before though and that way we would have dressed differently. Otherwise we had a lovely time. Travelling in the canoe was wonderful and meeting the Embera people too. I enjoyed the food and fruits, they were delicious. I also enjoyed learning about their customs and seeing the dances. I also note that the entrance fee of $35 was not highlighted initially when I booked the tour. This gave the illusion that this tour was cheaper than others. That can be misleading for people who are on a budget.
Must do while in Panama
Journey35641220086,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ruben is an excellent tour guide with fluent English 🤗🤗🤗🤗… we had a blast, my best experience thus far🎉🙏
Ruben for the win!
Trip15335289720,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I appreciate that Ruben was not only punctual, but also very personable and welcoming throughout the tour. He has a genuine connection with the indigenous community and is very knowledgeable about their customs, traditions, and practices, which made the experience feel authentic and meaningful. His soft skills are top tier, and he was truly a delight to be around. I highly recommend booking with Ruben!
BEWARE OF CASH ONLY FEES@
abetterbrain,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Beware. We were charged $35 for the park admission fee which had to be paid in cash the day of the tour. Thst brought the total cost of our tour to $148! The exact same tour goes for as little as $108. Stick with providers that are all inclusive. Something a bit Fishy about this provider and their cssh only fees for admissions. Shop around. Wish I had!!!
Exceptional Tour with Demetrio!
Julianne B,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The most exciting tour ever! Great guide Demetrio was fantastic! He was veryknowledgeable and loadsof fun!! Van was comfortable. The hike was challenging and loads of fun. The Embera people are truly gusrdians of Mother Earth. A must do in Panama!
Fun to do with family
daanj361,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was very nice to see the wealth of this country. Quite a tourist destination but still genuinely fun to experience
Must do when you go to Panama!
Fabinne A,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a wholesome experience. We started off by taking a canoe to the point to kayak then we kayak to the waterfall then it was like a 20-30 minute hike to the waterfall. We spent some time there and went back to the village and ate and dance with the people it was really nice and very adventurous, brace yourself. It’s a lot of physical activity had a great time and our tour guide was so nice. 10/10 recommend especially if you love adventure.
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