Private tour

Panama: Private Embera Indigenous Village and River Eco Tour

4.7 / 5

11 reviews

Activity provider: R&E Transfer Panama
Private tour

Panama: Private Embera Indigenous Village and River Eco Tour

Activity provider: R&E Transfer Panama

From US$ 135 per person

Learn about and meet the indigenous Embera people in a beautiful natural setting. After a canoe ride down the river, explore the village, watch a dance performance, and enjoy a traditional lunch.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 6 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
Spanish, English
Pickup included
Meet your driver at your hotel in Panama City.
Private group

Experience

Highlights
  • Visit the village of the ancient Embera Tribe
  • Take a beautiful panoramic ride through a national park
  • Learn about life in the Embera community and taste a traditional meal
  • Canoe ride along the main river that connects to the Panama Canal
  • Walk in the lush jungles and swim in refreshing river
Full description

Ride a canoe up the Chagres River, and visit the traditional Embera village on a full-day tour. Learn about their traditional food, see their lively dances, and immerse yourself in their fascinating traditions.  Start with a pickup and a 1-hour drive from Panama City to the Chagres River, the largest river in the Panama Canal watershed. Board a motorized canoe for a 20-minute trip along the river, then stretch your legs on a short walk around the community , where if weather conditions permit, you can take a dip in a small river. Return to the canoe for the 45-minute ride to an Embera village, who have traditionally lived and worked at the edge of rivers, and are known throughout Panama for their distinctive songs, dances, and costumes.  The Embera tribe originates from the Darien region in Panama and the Choco region of Colombia. They have lived in this area for centuries, long before the first Spanish explorer set foot in the new world.  You’ll have 2 hours to explore the village, get to know some local people, and learn about life in the community. Sit down for a traditional lunch, then watch a dance that depicts the Embera's relationship with the natural world.  Before departing the village, shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs made by the local people. Head back down the river by canoe, and board the vehicle for the return trip to Panama City.

Includes
  • Pickup and drop-off service
  • Shared transport by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Guide
  • Embera community entry fee
  • Water
  • Traditional lunch (based on fish and plantain)
  • Pickup from outside Panama City area
  • Temporary tattoo
  • Tips
Not suitable for
  • People with back problems
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Hiking shoes
  • Cash

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • On this tour you might be merged with another group at the Embera site
  • Swimming is possible at the river (depending on water and weather conditions)
  • Tour can include some activities that can be challenging for very young children. The suggested age is 2+ years old
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 11 reviews

Review summary

  • Service
    4.6/5

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Star rating:

Taking this trip privately was the best decision we could have made. The trip was my absolute highlight. Since we were completely alone with the village, it was very informal. Our guide Edwin was super accommodating and patiently translated everything for us. We were able to immerse ourselves in the world of the Embera. Many thanks also to Frank from the village - everything was done to make us feel comfortable. Just perfect - I recommend everyone to put the few dollars on it and book this tour privately.

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November 5, 2022

January 3, 2022

January 1, 2022

Product ID: 389134