Panama City Visit an Indian town Embera and waterfall with lunch
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Panama City, Panama
- 7 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- LunchVIP Lunch: Proteins (Tilapia Fish and Chicken) For vegetarians we include Panamanian white cheese Accompaniments (Patacones, yuca, ripe plantains)
- SnacksBowl with 7 different seasonal fruits
- Lemonade
- Extra charge of Indian Community and National Park Chagres in Cash 35usd Adults and 15usd children
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Travelers must wait in the hotel lobby and the guide will arrive with a sign with the client's name. At the airport, the guide waiting with a sign with the client's name at the exit
Operating hours.8:00 am
Itinerary
1
Panama City
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Mercado de Abastos
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Chagres National Park
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
4
Embera Drua Villiage
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Panama City
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- It is recommended to wear water shoes or sneakers you don't mind getting them wet due to sharp, slippery rocks on the way to the waterfall, in addition bringing spare clothes to change after swimming and cash for local purchases.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Toni_E
This experience should not be missed. We learned so much about this indigenous community. They shared their dance, art and culture with us. The tour included a great lunch prepared on a wood fire that was delicious. Our tour guide, Reuben took us to a waterfall where we swam and laughed. He was kind as well as funny. We cannot wait to bring our friends on this tour
Reviews
4.9
based on 1,364 reviews
Bernice_M, Mar 2026
Had a great experience learning about the Embera Tribe. Our guide and driver Robert and Jorge were excellent at guiding us along the tour and very knowledgeable along the way!
Stoyan_R, Mar 2026
This is the best tour if one wants to meet native people and their neighborhood (jungle). Pristine clear nature blended with hospitality of local people. They cooked for us, danced and sang. We had the opportunity to swim in local river with nice waterfall.
Shashij_S, Mar 2026
Incredible value for the combination of boat ride, hike, swim, cultural show, and lunch.
Knowledgeable and friendly guides who make the experience fun and informative.
Perfect for families, couples or friends , or solo travelers
A genuine glimpse into Embera life that goes beyond typical tourist traps.
Only thing is we have pay extra $35/person. I wish it should be included in total payment during booking.
Matina_S, Mar 2026
This was such a unique experience getting to meet and learn more about the Embera. The canoe ride, waterfall and village were beautiful and so were the people we met. The food was amazing, I had some of the best fresh fish I’ve ever had! Our guide, Ruben, was super friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgable about Panama and Embera. He was easy to communicate with beforehand to arrange pickup. Take some cash with you to buy some beautiful handcrafted items. Really recommend this experience!
Janelle_H, Mar 2026
Definitely an adventure; very authentic. Waterfall is beautiful, Emberá culture and food are unforgettable. Bring water shoes, the rocks are uncomfortable to walk on. Bring a towel as you will get splashed on the canoe trip, perhaps a hat for the village tour.
Leslie_F, Mar 2026
Good experience to see how the indigenous people of Panama live. The ride to the waterfall was nice & so was the waterfall. The waterfall is not a big falls but it was just right to cool off in. It was great to see the indigenous kids playing, talking & taking pictures with the tourist. After the waterfalls, we went to the huts where the indigenous people live, got the history, ate food & danced. They also have souvenirs there for purchase. You were able to walk around the village & also go back in the water to wait for your ride back to get on your bus back home. Orlando was my driver, was good a very knowledgeable of the village & the people.
Alexis_A, Mar 2026
Very good tour. Food was tasty and plenty. Definitely a trip worth taking. Gives good insight at how the Embera Wounaan tribe live.
Sierra_M, Mar 2026
We had a wonderful time! The waterfall was stunning, but the highlight was being welcomed into the village by the warmest, most genuine people. Highly recommend!
Eleanor_U, Mar 2026
Such a cool experience. The guide was very knowledgable, every person we met in the village was welcoming and kind. I was nervous on the boat ride but we were helped on and off. There’s a little bit of standing around, which was difficult in the heat, but very worth it overall. The waterfall was beautiful also - we went at the end of the day when we were the only group there.
Miguel_Q, Mar 2026
Amazing doesn't begin to describe this experience. This should be your number one tour when visiting Panama. Request a tour with Robert (the Jamican-Panamanian). It'll be a memory that you will keep for a lifetime!
Travis_M, Mar 2026
A very nice experience! Everyone was great and explained the culture and the importance every step of the way! Also the food was delicious!! I would 100% recommend!
Lauren_W, Mar 2026
Communication was so poor. When we booked, it said the trip started at 8am. At 06:35 I had a WhatsApp message (which I didn’t receive until I got off the ship as I didn’t have internet access). As soon as we got off the ship, I had 9 missed calls and my phone was bombarded as I was ‘LATE’. I got through passport control and had met the tour guide by 07:45 so in my eyes, was still on time, if not early. Due to all of the miscommunication with everyone on the trip, it didn’t actually start until 09:00 once he had eventually picked everyone up. So the first nearly 1.5 hours of the tour was just sat in a bus, waiting, going and back and forth to collect people.
That being said, as frustrating as it was; once we got to the waterfall and the tribe, it really was amazing. The tribe are so generous and welcoming, it’s wonderful to see how they live. I really would recommend this tour if you’re in Panama, just be weary of times potentially changing last minute.
Cindy_C, Mar 2026
I enjoyed this tour from when Kareem, our guide, and Javier, our driver, picked me up at my hotel to the boat ride to the Embera village. We were greeted with song and invited to tour their village. They explained their customs, gave us traditional food( which was VERY delicious) and then danced for us. People were invited to dance with them. Bring extra money if you want a tattoo (lasts around 10 days) or their beautiful crafts. The Embera people were very sweet and friendly. Our guide was very entertaining and helpful.
After the village visited, we were taken by boat further up the river to swim at a beautiful waterfall. This was a highlight of the trip, especially after being hot and sweaty from our travels. Kareem took pictures if people wanted them and then we returned. Javier was an excellent driver and had us back fast considering rush hour PC traffic. All in all, a very memorable day!
PJ_D, Mar 2026
Wonderful experience. Well worth the price for the amazing day tour.
I enjoyed the Indian village and the waterfall, and my tour guide was very cool and informative.
Steven_M, Mar 2026
Great trip, our guide and driver, Kareem and Javier, made this experience awesome. Getting into the Ferrari was exciting. Cruising up the river was an experience sitting in the man-made boats by the Embera tribe. We we lucky to have the tribe leader be our host. They showed us how they prepared the meal in their house over open fires. We then toured their gardens and some of the land. Then we sat down where the tribe served us lunch. Do not get me started on the chicken, wow.... watch out KFC. The tribe then did a couple of dances and included the guests to dance with them. After lunch and the dance, we got back in the Ferrari and went to the waterfall. A short 5 minute walk once we go to the spot, and nothing but amazing. Awesome cool water picture inside the waterfall, thanks to Kareem, then back to our bus to come to the resort. This experience we had, was mostly because of Kareem, a member of the tribe/community. I would do t his again, as long as Kareem was my guide. Thank you..
Abigayil_A, Mar 2026
It was a great trip and a definite must for a very enjoyable and relaxing experience. Don't skip the waterfall, it was worth the swim and mini hike. I brought chocolate mini's to share and the bag was gone in 30 seconds since candy is a rare luxury. The school house has two rooms and there is a small soccer area with a makeshift ball. I am sure any school supplies or a few soccer balls would be appreciated by the children if anyone is going.
Zhi_L, Mar 2026
Orlando was very knowledgeable of the city. I booked the trip without waterfall so I went straight to the embera village with another group of people. Once there, our local tour guide took us on a tour of the village and we got to learn their way of life. We also had a delicious lunch provided by the locals. Overall it’s a very unique experience!
Sheena_G, Mar 2026
We had an amazing experience on this tour! Our guide, Orlando, was incredibly friendly, helpful, and made the entire day enjoyable from start to finish. He kept the energy fun with his sense of humor and made sure everyone was comfortable throughout the trip.
One thing we really appreciated was how he took the time to capture so many great photos for us and even sent them afterward — that was such a nice touch and made the experience even more memorable.
Overall, it was a great experience, and I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Panama!
Amber_L, Mar 2026
The boat ride to, the people, the FOOD was amazing. Robert our guide was great and welcoming. Worth it. If you go to the waterfall make sure to wear water shoes and be aware that it is a rocky and rugged terrain to get to the waterfall.
Ella_P, Mar 2026
Exploring and learning about the indigenous people was extremely interesting! Beautiful sights, warm people and delicious food! Our guide Roberto was very accommodating and informative. Highly recommend!
Derrick_C, Mar 2026
We were super fortunate to have Orlando as our guide for the day( he is super friendly, easy to talk to and very knowledgeable) . He picked us up from The Westin Playa Bonita on time , we then picked up the rest of our guests and headed out to the river. We did stop along the way at a supermarket to use the bathroom and pick up supplies for the village. My partner and I also brought candy for the children in the village - but we should have brought small toys, crayons, books etc for the kids ( they live with minimal items) .
Our trip up the river was breathtaking thru the jungle , we were greeted on shore by the villagers, with a warm welcome at the 3rd village .
The food was delicious and well prepared, and had plenty of time to look around the village and ask them about their lifestyle . Orlando translated the teachings that the villagers presented.
We then left and went to the waterfall, and with the river being so high, we didn’t have to walk thru the jungle path , had easy access to the area. The swim was absolutely refreshing before we returned by boat to the van.
Orlando then dropped everyone off at their respective locations.
A perfect day with perfect weather - did not disappoint. Would highly recommend this trip .
Anna_C, Mar 2026
The good. The canoe ride and waterfall were great.. Meeting the indigenous people and touring the area and learning about plants was interesting. The not good: Very poor communication with the tour operator about pick up and our departure was quite delayed. However the driver was lovely and apologetic. You need WhatsApp to communicate with them, which we did not know until the day we were searching for information about our pick up. They should probably have us meet at a certain place where we would be picked up. Parts of the visit felt staged and very touristy. They pack in so many people I wondered about the impact on the community. I did not realize that the total cost of the trip does not include $35 per person payable at the village. Not sure the cost was worth the adventure. We did not learn very much about the indigenous peoples history either. The meal was OK. The fruit was nice, but the fish was dry. I didn’t try the fried chicken. All of that said, I am happy to support the community.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the canoe ride, the waterfall, and the opportunity to visit the rainforest and the indigenous community.
We would like to clarify a few important points for future readers. The Emberá people genuinely live in this community, and the cultural activities you see are part of how they proudly share their traditions and way of life with visitors. Tourism plays an important role in supporting their families and preserving their culture.
The $35 fee paid at the village is the official entrance fee set by the Emberá community and goes directly to them. This fee helps support the community, their cultural activities, and the maintenance of the area.
Regarding communication, we normally contact our guests in advance with pickup details. WhatsApp is commonly used because it allows faster communication with international travelers, but we understand that not everyone uses it and we will continue improving our communication process.
We also want to clarify that the number of visitors is carefully managed by the community themselves, as tourism is one of their main sources of income.
We appreciate your feedback and we are happy to hear that, despite some concerns, you were still glad to support the community.
Kind regards,
Let's Enjoy Panama Tours
Emre_D, Mar 2026
It was a fantastic tour, I highly recommend it to everyone, The guide was wonderful, thank you to him/her.
Karen_A, Mar 2026
This was such an incredible experience, seeing, learning, and participating with the Emberá indigenous! Ruben, our tour guide, was incredibly knowledgeable, energetic and a gem of a personality. He taught us about the history of Panama, and about the Emberá communities. The tour itself consisted of a stop at the market, travel by a long motorized canoe, trip to the waterfall and then village. It was 7 hours in total, but flew by and I had wished it was a little longer :) Our lunch was also incredibly delicious and I enjoyed myself plenty!
edwina_o, Mar 2026
It was such an amazing beautiful experience. Our tour guide Ruben was funny, knowledgeable and entertaining.
Krishaveni_D, Mar 2026
An Unforgettable and Educational Experience!
We had an absolutely excellent day with Orlando. From start to finish, this was a beautiful, immersive, and very educational experience. Orlando was punctual for pick-up, professional, and extremely knowledgeable about the area and culture.
The waterfall stop was incredible! What truly stood out was his attentiveness and care — he even got into the water to assist those of us who can’t swim (like myself). That level of support made the experience feel safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.
The visit to the Emberá village was both educational and interactive. We learned so much about their traditions, daily life, and cultural practices in an authentic and respectful way. The community did a wonderful job preparing the meal. The food was absolutely excellent — fresh, flavorful, locally sourced, and there was more than enough to go around. Everything tasted amazing.
Another huge bonus: Orlando takes fantastic photos! You don’t have to spend time worrying about pictures — he captures great moments so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience.
I highly recommend booking this tour. It was meaningful, well organized, and truly unforgettable.
barbara_m, Mar 2026
From start to finish, the experience was amazing our tour guide Kareem was the best , it’s worth going to learn about the first people of Panama.we learned a lot,
Gabrielle_M, Mar 2026
Great experience no problem my tour guide was excellent Must wear comfortable clothes and shoes and be patient.
Anita_C, Feb 2026
Perfect mix of adventure and culture for our family. The canoe ride felt magical, the waterfall was so refreshing, and visiting the Embera village was truly special and authentic. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, and the lunch in leaf bowls was such a unique touch.
One of our favorite days in Panama – highly recommend!
tracey_b, Feb 2026
A very fulfilling day. The waterfall was refreshing and we were lucky that most of the other tourists were leaving when we arrived so we had the area to ourselves which made it more enjoyable. The village visit was educational and the people were extremely friendly. The meal they served was delicious and filling
From $49.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Panama City Visit an Indian town Embera and waterfall with lunch
1,364
7 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$49.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
Attractions in Panama City, Panama
- Amador Causeway (Calzada de Amador) Tours & Tickets
- Chorro el Macho Waterfall Tours & Tickets
- Biomuseo Tours & Tickets
- Embera Village Tours & Tickets
- Punta Culebra Nature Center Tours & Tickets
- Panamá Viejo (Old Panama Ruins) Tours & Tickets
- Panama Canal Museum (Museo del Canal) Tours & Tickets
- Presidential Palace (Palacio de las Garzas) Tours & Tickets
- Bridge of the Americas (Puente de las Americas) Tours & Tickets
- Mi Pueblito Tours & Tickets
- Gatún Lake (Lago Gatún) Tours & Tickets
- Casco Viejo Tours & Tickets
- Miraflores Locks Tours & Tickets
- El Nispero Zoo and Botanical Garden Tours & Tickets
- Plaza de Francia Tours & Tickets
- Metropolitan Cathedral Tours & Tickets
- Afro-Antillean Museum of Panama (Museo Afro-Antillano de Panama) Tours & Tickets
- Contadora Island (Isla Contadora) Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Panama City, Panama