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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
Options
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
Small group in English
No pickup from cruise terminal Shared 12 people maximum per group Pickup included
Reviews
1,069 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience trekking...
Nandita S,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience trekking through the woods getting to waterfall , lunch with natives who are so welcoming and warm plus the lush beauty we observed through the boat ride. Our guide Ruben was fantastic . Would recommend him without any hesitation
Great Tour Guide who spoke great English
Sandy D,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The van was on time. Our tour guide was very polite and answered all questions. He helped during the hike and waterfall to make sure everyone was safe. Thank you so much for a truly memorable day! I highly recomment this tour operator. :)
mus do !
Jimmy S,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00demitri our tour guy is the best..tour for us exceptional to experience it ..the village people are friendly and beautifull people s well ..for travellers this tour we recommend..greetings from suriname travellers
Nice experience in the Panama jungle to meet the Embera people
seabirdie0A,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice visit and very welcoming village people. This excursion is well organised. Demetrio was a nice driver and guide. Despite the fact that we've faced a very unfortunate flat tyre on the way back, this was well taken care and solved. Nice local lunch prepared by the village. A special thanks to Samuel who was very helpful with my wife on the way to the waterfall.
Fun in Panama
Saqqara S,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was nice and informative. The kayaking and hike to the waterfall wasn’t too demanding, and I would do it again. Also, I learned a lot about the Embera culture, and the food was good.
Waterfall tour
ladykb,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an awesome experience with our Waterfall tour. Alex was our guide and we couldn't have hand-picked a better guide. He was awesome! Jonny was our native guide. He didn't speak to us (because of the language barrier) but he took excellent care of us!! I am not sure we prepared for the physical part of the hike but we all enjoyed it. Our group had 9 women of varying physical ability levels, and we all made it through! I would highly recommend this experience.
Dan was such a...
Taylor C,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Dan was such a high-energy, informative guide from the moment he fetched us from our hotel to the moment he dropped us back off. We enjoyed the waterfall and our time learning about the Embera culture and way of life. Our group size of 7 adults was absolutely perfect and the day didn’t feel too long. Would absolutely recommend this tour!
Not to be missed in Panama
Adrian J,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing tour, the adventure of crossing the jungle with rain, mud, walking between the river and cooling off in a waterfall was wonderful. The foods they prepare taste exceptional. It is a tour full of culture, adventure and gastronomy. Hopefully they get the fortune to have a guide like Felipe.
Great time
alonig2023,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Has a great time but did not have enough time to get a tattoo and shop. People, culture, and land was beautiful
Waterfall and Indigenous Tour
Ria A,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience. The tour guide was on time for pickup and very accommodating. He was well informed about the history as well as the indigenous people. Absolutely enjoyed this experience and I think everyone should experience this!
-10% off
From US$40.50Was US$45.00
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