Embera Village and Waterfall Adventure
About this experience
Travel by traditional dugout canoe through the lush Chagres River rainforest to visit an authentic Embera indigenous village. This immersive cultural experience connects you with one of Panama's original peoples who have lived in harmony with the rainforest for centuries. Your certified guide Roderick brings nine years of experience sharing Panama's history, culture, and nature with visitors. The adventure begins with a scenic boat ride through Chagres National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions in Central America. Watch for wildlife as you navigate the winding river surrounded by pristine rainforest. At the Embera village of Puru Biakiru, receive a warm welcome from the community. Learn about their rich traditions, daily life, and role as protectors of Panama's land and water. Participate in traditional ceremonies and dances, and discover their knowledge of medicinal plants and handcrafted goods. Browse beautiful handmade crafts including intricate baskets, tagua nut carvings, and traditional jewelry. Hike through the jungle to a beautiful waterfall where you can swim in the refreshing waters. The trek follows the riverbed, so water shoes or sandals are essential. Local guides provide trekking sticks and stay close to assist along the way. A delicious traditional lunch with fresh fish and tropical fruits is included. This is more than a tour. It is an authentic connection with indigenous culture and pristine nature. Note: Village and national park admission fee of $35 per person is paid separately in cash. Solo travelers: $50 additional fee applies.
What you'll do
14 reviews
Sekile M.
Chicago, IL
Heavenly (tour guide), Nelson (Embera & Chagres River guide) and Roderick (tour organizer) were all incredible!!! My whole experience was not only smooth but thoughtfully planned and executed. I felt cared for and learned so much about the Embera people as the protectors of Panama’s land and water. The trek to the water fall was amazing and if you are brave, I invite you to do it barefoot like our guides do! They made sure a 54 year old woman like me made it to the falls and back upright and in one piece. They have life vests for the canoe ride and trekking sticks to help navigate the river bed trek to the water fall. Nelson also stayed right beside me and offered his hand when I needed it. I bought lovely earrings, danced, ate delicious food and learned about the daily life of the Embera people of Puru Biakiru! Truly one of the best travel experiences of my life. Thank you, Heavenly & Roderick! I can’t wait to return to go on your other tours! Highly recommend!
Javan Khalil
Very very cool experience being able to learn more about this unique culture and check out a really cool waterfall. Definitely bring water shoes or sandals if you plan on doing the hike.
Heather
St Petersburg, FL
A wonderful experience with lovely people. The tribe was warm and welcoming. The lunch was amazing. Best fish I’ve had in a long time. Our guide Caesar, was fantastic. He had a great deal of history of Panama and the tribe. Caesar was absolutely accommodating. It all felt like a VIP outing.
Katrina
Carolina Beach, NC
One of the most unique experiences I’ve had in Panama with a very personable, knowledgeable host and driver. Would definitely recommend!
SewSanSew
Upper Marlboro, MD
This is a must experience… not only I’ve learned so much about their culture, my host Aura made it so exciting with her welcoming personality and she did not miss a bit with her translation. I would definitely go back there again and I feel like my host was not just a host, she was a family/friend guiding me and helping make the right decision. Thanks again Aura for your kind personality and a great laugh. I can’t wait to book you again.
Sekile M.
Chicago, IL
Heavenly (tour guide), Nelson (Embera & Chagres River guide) and Roderick (tour organizer) were all incredible!!! My whole experience was not only smooth but thoughtfully planned and executed. I felt cared for and learned so much about the Embera people as the protectors of Panama’s land and water. The trek to the water fall was amazing and if you are brave, I invite you to do it barefoot like our guides do! They made sure a 54 year old woman like me made it to the falls and back upright and in one piece. They have life vests for the canoe ride and trekking sticks to help navigate the river bed trek to the water fall. Nelson also stayed right beside me and offered his hand when I needed it. I bought lovely earrings, danced, ate delicious food and learned about the daily life of the Embera people of Puru Biakiru! Truly one of the best travel experiences of my life. Thank you, Heavenly & Roderick! I can’t wait to return to go on your other tours! Highly recommend!
Javan Khalil
Very very cool experience being able to learn more about this unique culture and check out a really cool waterfall. Definitely bring water shoes or sandals if you plan on doing the hike.
Heather
St Petersburg, FL
A wonderful experience with lovely people. The tribe was warm and welcoming. The lunch was amazing. Best fish I’ve had in a long time. Our guide Caesar, was fantastic. He had a great deal of history of Panama and the tribe. Caesar was absolutely accommodating. It all felt like a VIP outing.
Katrina
Carolina Beach, NC
One of the most unique experiences I’ve had in Panama with a very personable, knowledgeable host and driver. Would definitely recommend!
SewSanSew
Upper Marlboro, MD
This is a must experience… not only I’ve learned so much about their culture, my host Aura made it so exciting with her welcoming personality and she did not miss a bit with her translation. I would definitely go back there again and I feel like my host was not just a host, she was a family/friend guiding me and helping make the right decision. Thanks again Aura for your kind personality and a great laugh. I can’t wait to book you again.
Leandra
Bridgetown, Barbados
We had an incredible experience! From the moment we booked, Rroderick was friendly and quick to respond. Aura was our guide during the tour and went above and beyond—answering all our questions about the history, helping us carry our two six-year-olds during the hike to the waterfall, translating, and taking great care of us throughout. She even captured plenty of amazing photos and videos without us having to ask. Pickup was punctual, and the tour itself was fantastic. The Embera people were warm and welcoming, and it was truly fascinating to witness their way of life. Highly recommend this tour!
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
Chagres, Panama Province, Panama
Pickup from Panama City hotel or designated meeting point. Exact location and time sent after booking confirmation.
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Vetted for quality
Every experience on Bandits is reviewed by our team to ensure it meets our quality standards. Learn more