Availability
This tour requires minimum 2 Guests to operate. Solo travelers please inquire before booking.
We are sorry, this tour is not available to book at the moment
Embera Indian Village, Chagres River and Waterfall
If you're looking for a unique and authentic cultural experience in Panama, look no further than the Embera tribe. With a small population of 12,358 (in 2023), the Embera people are an indigenous group that live in the rainforests of Panama and Colombia. They have a rich cultural heritage and have managed to maintain their traditions and way of life despite modernization and outside influences.
Visiting the Embera tribe is an opportunity to learn about their customs, beliefs, and way of life, and to witness their traditional dances, music, and crafts. As a guest on a tour, you'll be welcomed into the tribe and given a firsthand look at their daily routines.
TOUR OVERVIEW - Embera Indian Village, Chagres River and Waterfall
Getting There
At 8:00 am your friendly, bi-lingual guide will pick you up from your Panama City hotel. Sit back and relax in our comfortable, air-conditioned car while gazing at the various sites we will pass on our 40 minute drive to our tour starting point in the Chagres National Park. The Embera tribe lives in remote areas of the rainforest, and the only way to reach them is by boat. However, the journey is part of the adventure, and you'll get to see some of the stunning scenery that Panama has to offer.
The Boat Ride
At the port of the Chagres River, an Embera Indian will take you and your guide in a traditional boat called "piragua" on a 20 minute ride upstream to the Mono waterfall, where you can take a refreshing plunge (note: only available during the Dry season months from December through April. During the Wet Season months we may not be able to visit the waterfall due to strong currents). As you make your way through the rainforest, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of wildlife. The boat ride is a great opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the jungle and to snap some incredible photos.
Meeting the Embera People
Once you arrive at the Embera village, you will meet the Parara Puru Embera Indian tribe that has managed to reject our modern, technological ways of life and maintained its simple traditions. Once you step off your boat, you will be greeted by the friendly and welcoming Embera people. They'll introduce themselves, and you'll have the chance to ask questions and learn about their way of life.
The Tour
After our little hike and a delightful refreshing dip under the waterfall, we will continue to the Embera community.
The tour will take you through the village, where you'll get to see how the Embera people live, work, and play. You'll see how they build their homes, cook their food, and make their crafts. You'll also get to witness traditional dances and music performances.
One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to see the Embera people's intricate body art. The Embera people have a long tradition of using natural pigments to create intricate designs on their skin. You'll be able to see some of these designs up close and learn about the significance of each one. For a small fee, you can have the Embera design a body painting for you. The paint will be a temporary remembrance of your visit to the Embera tribe and will slowly fade away after a few days.
TOUR SUMMARY - Embera Indian Village, Chagres River and Waterfall
- Shared Tour
- Tour (minimum 2 guests)
- Price - $69 per adult, $64 per child (until age 10)
- Duration - 6 hours
- Start time - 8:00 am - daily
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Pick-up and drop off at your Panama City lodging
- Well-maintained, air-conditioned car
- Bi-lingual guides (English/Spanish)
- Tour of Mono waterfall, Embera village and Lake Gatun
- Seasonal fruits (pineapple, banana, orange, and tangerine)
- Traditional Lunch (fried river fish with patacones)
- Bottled Water
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Protected park and community fee ($40 per adult and $30 per child under 10, to be paid to the guide in USD, cash only)
- Henna tribal paintings (optional)
- There is a surcharge for pickup from hotels outside of Panama City such as Costa del Este and Santa Maria, Tocumen Airport & Playa Bonita
- Rain ponchos (please bring your own if desired)
WHAT TO BRING
- Comfortable and adequate clothing to protect yourself from the sun and thus avoid the use of sunscreen. Creams (even biodegradable ones) are polluting and for that reason we do not promote their use
- Comfortable and safe footwear (sandals or water shoes)
- Swimwear
- Sun glasses
- Towel
- Camera
- Cap or hat
- A reusable bottle to fill with water during the day
- Cash for tips and souvenirs
Please Note:
- There are no ATMs in the area, vendors do not accept card payments either. Cash Only!
- ATTENTION LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS: Bookings made after 6:00pm for the following day are NOT guaranteed until we respond and explicitly confirm your tour itinerary. If your booking is not confirmed by one of our booking specialists, your tour will be scheduled for the subsequent day.
FAQ
What can I expect during an Embera Tribe tour?
The tour offers a unique opportunity to visit the Embera people in their rainforest village. You’ll experience a canoe ride along the Chagres River, traditional Embera dances and music, a guided tour of their community, and an authentic lunch. You’ll also have the chance to purchase handcrafted items and, during the dry season, and swim in a nearby waterfall.
Is the tour physically demanding?
Yes and No. While the actual visit the the village only involves a mellow canoe ride and walking around the village, the hike to the waterfall can be a bit challenging as it involves stepping over slippery rocks and hiking through the rainforest for about 15 minutes. However, those who want to skip the hike are welcome to hang back in the canoe and enjoy the lush jungle surroundings.
Why is the waterfall sometimes inaccessible during the rainy season?
During Panama's rainy season (typically May to November), heavy rainfall can cause high water levels and strong currents in rivers and streams. These conditions make it unsafe to hike to or swim at the waterfall, as paths may become slippery, and water flow can be unpredictable. In this case we offer an alternative swim at a different location.
Are the Embera villages authentic?
Yes, the Embera people maintain their traditional way of life and are welcoming to visitors who respect their customs. This experience provides an authentic glimpse into their culture and lifestyle.
Is the tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the Embera Tribe tour is family-friendly and educational, offering kids the chance to learn about a different culture while exploring the rainforest.
What should I bring?
Pack light but include essentials like comfortable clothes, swimwear, a towel, change of clothes, sandals or water shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Don’t forget cash for tips and souvenirs, as there are no ATMs in the area.
To learn more about the fascinating Embera tribe, please visit our comprehensive article in the blog section.
OTHER TOUR SUGGESTIONS
Enhance your Panama experience with these additional tours, each designed to complement your visit and offer even more insights into the country's rich history, diverse landscapes, and iconic sites. Check out the links below for more unforgettable adventures! We personally believe that the following adventures should not be missed while travelling to Panama.
San Blas Day Tour – Explore a New and Exclusive Paradise Island - $109
Discover an exclusive and newly opened Paradise Island, only available with our company
Anton Valley Hiking Day Tour - $111
Join us on an active day in Anton Valley, hiking the crater and exploring the town. We offer two tour options for more variety.
Ultimate Monkey & Sloth Adventure: Explore Monkey Island in Panama - $119
Visit Monkey Island, Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary and the Orchid, Butterfly & Frog exhibitions
Bioluminescence Tour - $39
Dive into another world as you float in a sea of glowing lights
CANCELATION POLICY
Please read our Tour Cancelation Policy before booking.
×
TOUR CANCELATION POLICY
Tao Travel 365 strives to deliver the best possible customer experience. If at any point you have a question or concern about our service, please call us by phone at +1 (805) 826-3657 or email us at sales@taotravel365.tours.
The following cancellation policy applies only for Day Tours (DOES NOT apply for Multi-Day Tours).
TOUR POLICIES
Due to the nature of our business, the logistics involved with organizing tours and the high reservation demand following refund policies apply:
- 100% refund less credit card processing fees will only be granted if booked via our website www.taotravel365.tours AND if canceled more than 24 hours before the start of the tour.
- No refund will be granted for cancelations received less than 24 hours before the tour start date.
All sales are final.
For all bookings made via outside portals such as, but not limited to Viator, Expedia, Airbnb, please refer and adhere to the respective cancellation policy of the portal that you booked with.
If you are unable to realize the reservation, contact us as soon as possible and we will try to arrange and reschedule the same or different tour for you.
If you are not at the designated meeting point by the time of your scheduled reservation or pick up, Tao Travel 365 reserves the right not to provide a refund. However, we will always try our best to locate you at the meeting point and call your WhatsApp number, if one was provided. After all, we want you to participate in our tour and have fun. That is our goal!
CANCELED OR POSTPONED TOURS
Occasionally, tours are canceled or postponed due to weather or ocean conditions, mechanical failure, or other unforeseen events. Should this occur, we will attempt to contact you about the cancellations and to inform you of refund or exchange procedures for that tour. For exact instructions on any canceled or postponed tour, please contact us. In the case of a cancellation of your tour by Tao Travel 365, we will refund your tour or schedule you for another tour, as detailed below.
REFUNDS
All sales are final. No refunds are available unless a tour is canceled or postponed, or we are given 24 hours advance noticed whereby a 100 percent refund will be awarded. We will offer refunds of the full face value of the tour(s) that are canceled or postponed (or, if a discounted tour, then instead the discounted tour price paid). No refunds are offered on any service, payment processing or convenience fees. To receive a refund for a canceled or postponed tour, contact us at sales@taotravel365.tours within 2 days of the tour cancellation and write "refund" in the subject line. Instructions will be provided in order to obtain your refund.
TOUR EXCHANGES
No tour exchanges are offered by Tao Travel 365. While in some extreme cases we may offer this service (such as a cancellation by Tao Travel 365), it is not guaranteed and often impossible. Contact us directly by phone at +1 (805) 826-3657 or by email at sales@taotravel365.tours to inquire about tour exchanges. Fees may apply.
Reviews
EXCELLENT
1162 reviews
Posted on Google
Laura DassingAugust 14, 2025
I had a wonderful time on the Umbrerro/ waterfall tour. Our guide Ali Douglas was interesting and shared many facts throughout the tour starting in the van. He helped everyone on the hike and I understand over the rocks at the end of hike to the main waterfall. I am 74 and he helped me several times times but I did not go over the rocks because that would have been to difficult for me. He and the villager Lewis were incredibly kind. I would do it again if I'm ever back in Panama.Posted on GoogleTeresa JonesAugust 14, 2025Ali was simply amazing and made the trip so much fun! The villagers were so welcoming!Posted on GoogleLea LucyAugust 14, 2025On 07/27/2025 my friends and I went on the best trip ever. We were picked up at our hotel and off to the rain forest we went. Our tour guide Ali was very knowledgeable of the surrounding area and very helpful with getting us in and out the van safely. When we arrived at the dock to get on our canoe he helped everyone one of us with our life vest and getting on safely. Now the walk to the waterfall was long and strenuous for some of us. Ali stayed close helping us up and over the rocks and thru the water. The fish at the village was so yummy too. I would definitely recommend anyone to use these guys and ask for Ali he’s the best. It’s a memory I will always remember.Posted on Tripadvisor
Angie JAugust 3, 2025Verified
Lovely Trip It was a wonderful honor to be able to learn about the Embera tribe's history and way of life. I am thankful that they allowed us to spend the day with them.Posted on GoogleMarva - PIAT MiamiAugust 2, 2025My husband and started the day with a peaceful boat ride through Chagres National Park—absolutely stunning and so serene. After visiting the rainforest and waterfalls, we visited the Emberá village, where we were welcomed with warmth, music, dancing, and a delicious local meal of fresh fried fish and plantains. Our tour guide Mario was enjoyable to be around ad full of knowledge. It was an unforgettable way to experience Panama’s natural beauty and rich Indigenous culture. Highly recommend!Posted on TripadvisorMarvaB916August 2, 2025Unforgettable Cultural & Nature Experience My husband and I started the day with a peaceful boat ride through Chagres National Park—absolutely stunning and so serene. After a trip to the rainforest and waterfall, we visited the Emberá village, where we were welcomed with warmth, music, dancing, and a delicious local meal for fresh fried fish and plantains. It was an unforgettable way to experience Panama’s natural beauty and rich Indigenous culture. Highly recommend!!Posted on GoogleSimone MeikleJune 9, 2024We had a great time on our trip to the Embera Village and waterfalls. It rained on our way to the falls but we continued on. Our awesome guide Aura was with us getting wet too.Posted on GoogleSabine JeremiasMay 8, 2024Sehr interessant und informative Tour mit unserem Guide Mario. Absolut empfehlenswert 😃Posted on GoogleOdyle de RoosMay 4, 2024We hadden een mooie tour naar een Embera village met stop bij een waterval. Ali was een fijne gids die goed reed, veel vertelde en humor had. De boottocht was mooi, de wandeling naar de waterval is goed te doen en het is heerlijk om daar even te zwemmen. We vonden het zeer interessant om het Embera dorp te zien, te leren over een leefwijze en genoten van de lunch met vis.Posted on GoogleE WilliamsJrApril 29, 2024Visiting the Changra river waterfalls and the Embera people was a phenomenal experience. Our tour guide Ana Lorena was absolutely knowledgeable and a wonderful person overall. Our indigenous guide Aldo assured we were safe as we hiked and climbed the terrain. The food was delicious and the people welcoming. It was a trip we will never forget. This tour is highly recommended.Posted on GoogleAsztalos JuditApril 15, 2024Our tour with Ali was wonderful. He was punctual, he was attentive to us throughout the tour, he knew the best time to visit the waterfall so we could enjoy it without any other tourists. Thank you very much Unsere Tour mit Ali war wunderbar. Er war pünktlich, er war aufmerksam auf uns während der Tour, er wusste die beste Zeit, um den Wasserfall zu besuchen, so dass wir es ohne andere Touristen genießen konnten. Herzlichen Dank!Posted on GoogleCarolyn SnyderJanuary 26, 2024Mario was a great guide and driver. Very nice tour.Posted on GoogleRoman BurchJanuary 24, 2024
Toller Ausflug mit Mario, einem sehr netten und zuvorkommendem Guide.Posted on GoogleSBUSHEAJanuary 23, 2024This was an amazing tour with an awesome tour guide. Ali was very attentive, informative and went above and beyond for my husband and I. We recommend highly to anyone wanting a true taste of Panama.Posted on GoogleCassandra MoralesJanuary 19, 2024Ha sido un tour maravilloso, tanto por la experiencia vivida, como por la guia Ana Lorena y por el pueblo Embera. Aconsejariamos sin duda hacer este tourPosted on TripadvisorDean BJanuary 17, 2024Best trip ever It was a great trip with the village and trip to the water falls. Very interesting to meet and hear about this tribe, not a tourist trap or put on experience.Posted on GoogleFabrice A.January 16, 2024Une très belle expérience, Armando a tout fait pour nous faire profiter au maximum de notre excursion. Je la referais sans hésiter !Posted on GoogleCoralie LassourceJanuary 5, 2024C’était une excursion très enrichissante, j’aime la découverte du monde. De découvrir une tribu, comment ils vivent, s’instruisent, s’organisent etc… C’était super. Je remercie notre guide, qui était super sympa, elle était aux petits soins avec nous ! Elle nous a expliqué beaucoup de choses aussi ! Vraiment merci Ana LorenaPosted on GoogleChivorne JosephJanuary 2, 2024Our tour guide Ali was awesome. He was on time and very personable. He was knowledgeable of area, the culture and even explained some of Panama’s history along the way. Couldn’t ask for a better guide. The trip to the waterfall was sensational and time spent with the Embera tribe was just great.Posted on GoogleJay AndreDecember 30, 2023The tour to the Embera Village and Waterfall tour was so much fun! Our guide Ana was amazing and so knowledgeable. Highly recommend!Posted on GoogleMeryl GlickmanDecember 8, 2023This was an amazing tour. Aura was a great guide and Miquel was a really good driver. Very interesting and relaxing at the same time Aura answered every question and translated wherever needed. Truly worth your time.Posted on GoogleAlex MYRTHILNovember 26, 2023It was an awesome experience we had so much fun & Ali our tour guy was awesome, we can't find the word to describe how awesome he was so thank you so much Ali for making this experience an unforgettable experience. And if you travel to Panama parara puru is the place to go the people are awesome & amazing all at once and the food are sooooo good. Don't take my words for it just go try itPosted on GoogleLaShawn RiggansNovember 19, 2023OMG!!! The Embera Day Tour! This tour was amazing. It was such an adventure. The dip under the waterfall was so worth it! You MUST wear water shoes or shoes you don’t mind getting wet and muddy. Clothes that you’re okay getting wet as you must get in the river to get to the waterfall. The Embera people were so nice and the fish absolutely delicious. Please bring cash and support their beautiful crafts. If you want something really nice I suggest bringing at least $50. Their crafts are priced by how long it took to make. I bought a beautiful piece, it was $35 because it took 35 days to make. I highly recommend this tour. Also, if you can request Aura as your guide!!!! She was absolutely amazing. Great personality and lots of fun. She even got wet with me under the waterfall.Posted on GoogleAndreas KemperOctober 26, 2023Had a great time with Ali our guide! Very knowledgeable and nice guy to be around! Highly recommended!Posted on GoogleJavier TorresAugust 2, 2023Amazing experience! The experience with the agency was extraordinary. Our guide Ali was super kind and communicative at all times. He taught us a lot about the culture of Panama. Our tour to the waterfalls and the Embera community was wonderful and exciting. Our hosts in the Embera Community were friendly and were aware of our safety at all times. It is a very noble people and they know how to treat visitors. Thank you very much for such a beautiful experience.Posted on GoogleKajetan ApostolidisJuly 5, 2023Fantastic people lovely experiences!Posted on GoogleTobias HoJune 30, 2023Very good Service and Tourguide! 100% recommend!Load more
