Embera Indigenous Village Tour with Rainforest Hike
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable cultural immersion into one of Panama's most fascinating indigenous communities. This full experience takes you deep into the Chagres National Park to visit an authentic Embera-Wounaan village accessible only by traditional dugout canoe. Your adventure begins with convenient hotel pickup in Panama City at 8am. Travel through the lush Panamanian countryside before arriving at the riverbank where your canoe awaits. Glide along the tranquil waterways of the Chagres River, surrounded by towering rainforest and the sounds of exotic birds. Upon arrival at the village, you will be welcomed by community members dressed in traditional attire. The Embera people have maintained their ancestral way of life for centuries, and they graciously share their culture with visitors. Watch captivating performances of traditional music and dance, with rhythmic drums and chanting that echo through the jungle. Learn directly from community members about their unique customs, spiritual beliefs, and daily life in the rainforest. Discover how they use medicinal plants, create intricate handicrafts, and live sustainably with nature. Browse beautiful handmade baskets, wood carvings, and traditional jewelry crafted by village artisans. Enjoy an authentic Embera lunch featuring freshly caught fried fish, plantains, and seasonal tropical fruits prepared in the traditional style. After your meal, take a guided hike through the surrounding rainforest, learning about the incredible biodiversity and medicinal plants used by the Embera for generations. This experience is led by a professional biologist who provides expert insight into the wildlife, ecosystems, and cultural significance of this remarkable region. Available in English and Spanish.
What you'll do
71 reviews
Shang
Chicago, IL
This is definitely a very special tour. Being able to visit the Wounaan people's village in a very raw/primitive form is what's so unique. Our guide Sharon is very accommodating and made sure everything run smoothly and she is very punctual. The hike in the forest was also a good learning for us, especially the kids. It was a tour you would not be able to find anywhere else and I would definitely recommend it to my friends who plan to visit Panama.
Huiqi
Memphis, TN
Our best tour in Panama, an unique experience to explore Embera Indigenous village, easy communication with the host, would definitely recommend!
Shonen
Berkeley, CA
Sharon was a wonderful host for our tour of the Emba Village. Both driving to the experience and coming back from it. She had a wealth of knowledge about Panama and the canal zone and the people living there both historically and in the present. She was very open to answering questions And able to give us unique background that I would not have been able to find anywhere else she was very respectful of the Emba people also and was on quite good terms with them. I especially enjoyed interacting with one of the teenage boys there who was gentle and kind and curious about my life in the United States and he Very patiently guided me along the trail and made sure that I was safe and taken care of. Also, they have very beautiful hand crafts to sell, and I purchased a few things for gifts when I returned home, which were very much appreciated for their craftsmanship. Also the explanation by one of the members of the group about their lifestyle and their customs was very interesting and histor
Nastya
Odessa, Ukraine
It was very interesting experience, out quise Sharon is very lovely, and all people at the village were kind and open too! Unique experience and a very good memory I definitely recommend it if you are in Panama High quality car, pick up on time, very tasty food, super good
Lietta
Richmond, VA
It was such a beautiful experience to learn about the Embera people. They were so kind and friendly and open to sharing their lives and culture with us. I do want to give a heads up about the forest walk. Make sure you wear sneakers and bring plenty of bug spray. You’re walking uphill and then down. We went the day after it rained so it was a bit slippery, but we survived. lol. I recommend booking this 100%!
Shang
Chicago, IL
This is definitely a very special tour. Being able to visit the Wounaan people's village in a very raw/primitive form is what's so unique. Our guide Sharon is very accommodating and made sure everything run smoothly and she is very punctual. The hike in the forest was also a good learning for us, especially the kids. It was a tour you would not be able to find anywhere else and I would definitely recommend it to my friends who plan to visit Panama.
Huiqi
Memphis, TN
Our best tour in Panama, an unique experience to explore Embera Indigenous village, easy communication with the host, would definitely recommend!
Shonen
Berkeley, CA
Sharon was a wonderful host for our tour of the Emba Village. Both driving to the experience and coming back from it. She had a wealth of knowledge about Panama and the canal zone and the people living there both historically and in the present. She was very open to answering questions And able to give us unique background that I would not have been able to find anywhere else she was very respectful of the Emba people also and was on quite good terms with them. I especially enjoyed interacting with one of the teenage boys there who was gentle and kind and curious about my life in the United States and he Very patiently guided me along the trail and made sure that I was safe and taken care of. Also, they have very beautiful hand crafts to sell, and I purchased a few things for gifts when I returned home, which were very much appreciated for their craftsmanship. Also the explanation by one of the members of the group about their lifestyle and their customs was very interesting and histor
Nastya
Odessa, Ukraine
It was very interesting experience, out quise Sharon is very lovely, and all people at the village were kind and open too! Unique experience and a very good memory I definitely recommend it if you are in Panama High quality car, pick up on time, very tasty food, super good
Lietta
Richmond, VA
It was such a beautiful experience to learn about the Embera people. They were so kind and friendly and open to sharing their lives and culture with us. I do want to give a heads up about the forest walk. Make sure you wear sneakers and bring plenty of bug spray. You’re walking uphill and then down. We went the day after it rained so it was a bit slippery, but we survived. lol. I recommend booking this 100%!
Leia
Raleigh, NC
This was one of the greatest excursions I’ve ever been on. It was great to meet the indigenous people and learn about their culture and history. Our host was amazing. I can’t say enough about Sharon. The car was really nice. She was prompt. Very knowledgeable. She normally does tours in Spanish and I appreciated her willingness to practice her English with us and translate. Be sure to bring cash to purchase items from the indigenous people. Their crafts are marvelous and it also helps them.
Meet your host
Carlos
Local Guide
Reviews
Rating
I'm a biologist and Certified Nature Specialist accredited by the Panama Tourism Authority. Living near Panama City, I've spent 10+ years studying the biodiversity of Soberania National Park. Join me to spot monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and unique plants around Gatun Lake. My passion is sharing Panama's incredible wildlife with visitors from around the world.
To protect your payment, never transfer money or communicate outside of the Bandits website or app.
About your guide
To protect your payment, never transfer money or communicate outside of the Bandits website or app.
I'm a biologist and Certified Nature Specialist accredited by the Panama Tourism Authority. Living near Panama City, I've spent 10+ years studying the biodiversity of Soberania National Park. Join me to spot monkeys, birds, crocodiles, and unique plants around Gatun Lake. My passion is sharing Panama's incredible wildlife with visitors from around the world.
Where you'll be
Panama City, Panama Province, Panama
Convenient pickup from any hotel or address in Panama City. Exact pickup time and vehicle details provided upon booking confirmation.
Things to know
Guest Requirements
Guests ages 5 and up can attend, up to 10 guests total per tour.
Activity Level
Light activity, beginner skill level. Involves boat ride and jungle walking on uneven terrain.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, camera, and cash for handicrafts.
Accessibility
Designated sighted guide available. Quiet retreat space in village. Contact us for specific needs.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. No refund within 24 hours.
Things to know
Guest Requirements
Guests ages 5 and up can attend, up to 10 guests total per tour.
Activity Level
Light activity, beginner skill level. Involves boat ride and jungle walking on uneven terrain.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, camera, and cash for handicrafts.
Accessibility
Designated sighted guide available. Quiet retreat space in village. Contact us for specific needs.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. No refund within 24 hours.
Every experience on Bandits is covered by our Bandit Guard protection. If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.
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Art & Culture vetted for quality
Every experience on Bandits is reviewed by our team to ensure quality, safety, and authenticity. Learn more
Vetted for quality
Every experience on Bandits is reviewed by our team to ensure it meets our quality standards. Learn more