Water activity

From Panama City: Chagres Rainforest and Embera Village Tour

Water activity

From Panama City: Chagres Rainforest and Embera Village Tour

Activity provider: Safe Transportation Panama

From US$ 119 per person

Visit an Embera indigenous village located in the jungle an hour from Panama City. Enjoy a ride on the Chagres River, stop at a waterfall and more.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 7 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, Spanish
Pickup optional
Pick up at hotels or accommodation in downtown of Panama City is provided.
Small group available

Experience

Highlights
  • Visit a village of the Embera tribe and get to know the local culture
  • Experience a nature walk in the middle of a tropical forest
  • Enjoy a refreshing swim at a waterfall
Full description

Explore Chagres National Park on a day trip from Panama City. Enjoy a traditional canoe ride on the Chagres River and hike to a preserved waterfall for a swim. Have lunch in an indigenous Embera village and find out about their culture.

The day begins with a transfer by car from your hotel or residence in Panama City to the Chagres National Park, one of the most important forest and water reserves in Panama. Enjoy a traditional canoe ride on the Chagres River, followed by a half-hour walk through the jungle, walking on mud, water and slippery rocks to a beautiful and pristine waterfall that’s hidden from civilization. Take a refreshing some free time at the waterfall to swim, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Then, walk back to the canoe and continue to visit a real Embera indigenous community that will welcome you to enjoy lunch, traditional music, and dances in a hut. Afterward, learn about the culture and way of life of this tribe via a conversation with the chief or one of the leaders before returning to Panama City.

Includes
  • Transportation by car and canoe
  • Guide
  • Lunch
  • Seasonal fruit
  • Bottle of water
  • Souvenirs (each purchase helps families living in the village)
Not suitable for
  • Pregnant women
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Important information

What to bring

  • Change of clothes
  • Hiking shoes
  • Sports shoes
  • Water shoes
  • Cash

Not allowed

  • Sandals or flip flops
  • Pets
  • Baby strollers

Know before you go

  • The walk is somewhat difficult, walking on mud, rocks, and through water
  • There are no changing facilities at the waterfall; you can either swim in your clothes or wear a swimsuit under them
  • There are proper bathrooms in the village where you can change at the end and bring an extra change of clothes for the way back to your accommodation
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 87 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Service
    5/5
  • Organization
    4.8/5

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We were thrilled with the trip and enjoyed every aspect of it. The hike to the waterfalls was great and while a little challenging at times the hikers were taken such good care of by the guides. The experience at the village is so authentic and genuine and the villagers are gracious and wonderful hosts. We want to say a special thanks to Estoban as he was an exceptional guide. His knowledge of the history of panama and his passion for his country was so evident and he genuinely cared about the welfare of those he is providing service to.

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March 27, 2023

Ceasar picked us up from our hotel and gave all of us a 15 minute grace period. On the way to the river, we stopped to get fresh fruit from street vendors. We then took a canoe so that we could hike to this beautiful waterfall. We hiked back and took the canoe to the village where we learned about the Embera village and people. You could also shop, get a native temporary tattoo, and enjoy some traditional dancing. Definitely a fun time. Bring water shoes that you can hike in, bug spray, towel, bookbag (waterproof if possible), and change of clothes.

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March 27, 2023

What an adventure! Cesar (our guide) was wonderful. Group of 7 and pick up was directly from the hotel. Drove to the Chagres National Park, from their took a motorized canoe to the trail. Gorgeous ride through the forest. The hike was a medium, if you are used to an uneven, slippy, rocky path. Lots of wading through water, in some spots just below the knee. Wear waterproof non slip shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting wet. The scenery was fantastic and the reward of swimming at the waterfall, priceless! Boat ride back to the Embera Village for a great freshly prepared lunch of fish, plantains and fresh fruit. The villagers welcomed us and spent time telling the group about their culture. It was so interesting. Time to buy the crafts they make and enjoy a performance of music and dance. I cannot recommend this tour enough. Worth every penny. Thank you for an unforgettable experience. Julie

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March 27, 2023

Product ID: 110779