Panama: Embera Tribe & River Swimming with Lunch

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the rainforest and the rich indigenous culture of the Embera tribe on this eco tour from Panama City. Explore the village, enjoy traditional food and dances, and shop for unique handicrafts.

Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chagres River - Ride a canoe up the Chagres River for 30 minutes to get to the Embera Tribe
What's Included
  • Round trip air-conditioned transportation
  • Bilingual guide English or Spanish
  • Seasonal fruits (pineapple, banana, orange, and tangerine)
  • Lunch
What's Not Included
  • $35 per adult & $25 per child (collected to support the Embera preservation efforts)
  • Most people can participate as we DO NOT visit the Waterfall
  • Rain ponchos (please bring your own if desired)
Additional Information

On this tour is designed for people who do not want to go to the waterfall or take risks.

Start with a pickup and a 45-minutes drive from Panama City to Chico River, inside the Panama Canal watershed.

Board a motorized canoe for a 40-minute trip along the river, then stretch your legs on a short walk and meet 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. 

You’ll have time 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

  • We recommend to wear water shoes, hiking sandals or sport shoes that you don’t mind if get wet, avoid beach sandals, flip flops or crocs similars because you will be walking on mud, slippery rocks and water.
  • We suggest to bring US dollar cash in case you want to buy souvenirs or have a temporary tattoo.
  • NOT pickups offered for Amador Port
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(66 Ratings)
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Msjudah41
Jul 16, 2024
Phenomenal experience - Rafael was a marvelous tour guide. He spoke clear English, was courteous, professional, and made this such a exceptional experience. He provided the guide of information about the land, embera people, showed us the wildlife as we passed by in the boat which by the way was handcrafted by the embera people. The lunch of fish and fried green plantains was out of this world delicious, along with the succulent fruits. Cold bottled water was provided. The water was too low for us to take a swim by the waterfalls, but they plan to resume by December. I would highly recommend this tour and the price is so much lower than similar tours providing the same experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Geovannia_w
Jul 4, 2024
This tour was amazing! - Our most memorable experience was interacting with the Embera Indigenous Tribe and being introduced to their way of life.
Review provided by Viator
Kathleenrk8100zc
Jun 26, 2024
Absolutely worth the rain - Absolutely worth the rain. Best Tilapia I have ever tasted. People were nice, it was a very enjoyable and informative visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J5642niandrewp
Jun 5, 2024
A must do in panam!! - Visiting the Embera native village in the rainforest of Panama was an extraordinary experience that deeply moved me. Seeing the culture of the Embera people was both enlightening and humbling. The warmth and hospitality they extended to was nothing short of amazing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gina_l
Jun 4, 2024
a neat experience! - had a great time. it was a beautiful ride in the canoe. the embara people were super nice. the food was excellent.
Review provided by Viator
Kristy_c
May 29, 2024
Awesome day for adventurous travelers! - If you are worried about the heat or getting wet or looking cute, this trip is not for you. BUT if you want a memorable adventure of a lifetime, then put on your Gilligan hat and slather on your sunscreen, and take this tour. It is amazing. There's a long relaxing canoe ride on the river with jungle sounds all around. Then you get to spend the day with the Embera tribe. Spend some time talking with them to see just how different your life is from theirs, how simple and fulfilling. Get a tattoo that will last 8 days and is made from ink that keeps mosquitos away And leave them a big tip. Eat the simple but delicious meal with your fingers and rinse off in the cool, refreshing river. If you are an adventurous soul and can forgo some creature comforts for the day, do this excursion!
Review provided by Viator
Kayla_h
May 17, 2024
Did not disappoint. Amazing - The tour was amazing. Saul really knows the culture and it was very evident that the members of the tribe know and love him. Such a great interaction between them. The ride up river was wild but so so much fun. Coming back was more calm but still amazing. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Randall_h
May 7, 2024
A great way to spend the day - I enjoyed the whole experience from pick up to drop off. Levy was a great host, knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. The tribal experience was wonderful. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Review provided by Viator
Raynell_w
May 1, 2024
Amazing experience - Saul was an amazing host. He kept us engaged every step of the way. We saw a few crocodiles on the river ride. They food was tasting and the indigenous people were very welcoming. We had a great time. Highly recommend. Tip - carry hand sanitizer and cash for souvenirs
Review provided by Viator
Angeli_l
Apr 26, 2024
Wonderful - Great Experience. I gained a lot of knowledge. It was a nice experience to see how people live differently. Without modern technology.
Review provided by Viator
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