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‘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
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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 Spanish
Shared
12 people maximum per group
Pickup included
Private Experience in English
Private vehicle and guide
Customizable: 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
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
Pickup included
Small group in English
Shared
10 people maximum per group
Pickup included
Private Experience in Spanish
Private vehicle and guide
Customizable: 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
Reviews
933 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Really really cool
C K,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was better and more adventurous than I expected. It drizzled a bit on and off. I recommend wearing a rain jacket or poncho. Lunch was amazing.
A must-do when in Panama City
Heather F,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best time! Our driver/guide Kevin was so friendly and helpful. The tropical forest is so beautiful and stunning. And we learned a lot about the indigenous communities which was super fun as well. Definitely try kayaking if the weather permits. But honestly everything in this trip was great and we are so thankful for this wonderful experience!
Great
renanaK1658VA,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience, it is really worth it. Nice boat ride, nice walk on the river, great waterfall, you can swim. Bring your shoes for walking on water! This is really important, normal shoes will get wet and with no shoes hurts your feet. Meeting the Embera was an incredible experience. The only negatives was that the guide was a little ansios, driving too fast, doing things while driving, showing an incredible amount of videos on his Ipad, it was a little overwhelming. But he was super polite, gave us lots of informations, but please, go to the canal museum in casco viejo, that is the best place to get information from panama.
10/10 Experience
Melissa G,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Pick up was on time & Alex was an exceptional guide. Well spoken and very attentive, especially on the hike to the waterfall. The village was such a beautiful experience, I recommend to anyone visiting Panama.
Alcy was an excellent...
rx6cvty95m,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Alcy was an excellent guide and driver. He’s knowledgeable and was able to answer all the questions asked. Enjoyable experience overall.
Never regret
Shingo F,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Best Cost Performance Trip in Panama! You will see many locals with great quality culture experience.
Natural beauty nestled in paradise
priscillaj726,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Truly a great experience especially sailing the river & spending time with the residents of Embera. There is a trek to the waterfall which includes going through the river and rocks hence may not be suitable for the very young or elderly unless very fit.
Great Experience
Dylan R,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour has a little bit of everything and the guide Alex knew a lot about the river and the people
very energetic and...
Shiloh R,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00very energetic and knowledgeable guide! was a fun experience. unfortunately we only got the boat ride, lunch and trip to embera village since waterfall route we couldn’t go on due to flooding.
Excellent tour
Daniel C,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, Fernando was one of the best tour guide I ever had. Great communicator and knowledgeable. The cascade was the best part of the tour
From US$43.00
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