Kayaking, Waterfall Swim & Embera Village Full Day Adventure
About this experience
Experience the ultimate Panama rainforest adventure combining kayaking, waterfall swimming, and authentic indigenous culture all in one unforgettable full-day tour. Your adventure begins with convenient pickup from downtown Panama City or Casco Viejo. Travel to Chagres National Park, one of Panama's most important protected areas and the source of fresh water for the Panama Canal. Board a traditional dugout canoe (piragua) carved by the Embera people and glide upriver through pristine rainforest. The journey itself is magical as you pass towering trees draped in vines and spot wildlife along the riverbanks. Switch to kayaks for an exhilarating paddle downstream, navigating gentle rapids and enjoying the stunning jungle scenery. The river is suitable for beginners with your experienced guide providing instruction and support. After working up an appetite, hike through the jungle to a hidden waterfall. The trail involves walking through mud, sand, rocks, and shallow water - bring appropriate footwear! Cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear pool beneath the cascading falls. The adventure continues with a canoe ride to an authentic Embera village. The Embera are one of Panama's seven indigenous groups, known for their intricate body art, traditional dress, and deep connection to the rainforest. Enjoy a traditional lunch of fresh fish wrapped in banana leaves, watch cultural performances featuring music and dance, and browse beautiful handmade crafts. This is the complete Panama rainforest experience - adventure, nature, and culture combined into one incredible day.
What you'll do
157 reviews
William
Fayetteville, GA
This is a great experience. I recommend this if you love the ocean and you want to have a good time. The music and environment were great, and I'd definitely do it again. Thanks for the experience
Christian
Greensboro, NC
Our guide was very great. He gave clear instructions and was also very fun. I really recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good time and also some peaceful kayaking
Rebecca
Federal Way, WA
Fantastic tour with a wonderful guide!!! A very unique experience and a great combination of different things. Kayaking was great and swimming in the waterfall afterwards was perfect. Embera village was a wonderful ending to the day…and the fish was very very tasty! Highly recommend!!!
Fabiola
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
A unique and unforgettable experience! 100% recommended if you want to fall in love with Panama. Special mention to our guide Fernando who made everything perfect! Our respects to the Embera people 🫡❤️ Translated from Spanish.
Laura
It was a fantastic experience, we had a great day, everything was very well organized Translated from Spanish.
William
Fayetteville, GA
This is a great experience. I recommend this if you love the ocean and you want to have a good time. The music and environment were great, and I'd definitely do it again. Thanks for the experience
Christian
Greensboro, NC
Our guide was very great. He gave clear instructions and was also very fun. I really recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good time and also some peaceful kayaking
Rebecca
Federal Way, WA
Fantastic tour with a wonderful guide!!! A very unique experience and a great combination of different things. Kayaking was great and swimming in the waterfall afterwards was perfect. Embera village was a wonderful ending to the day…and the fish was very very tasty! Highly recommend!!!
Fabiola
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
A unique and unforgettable experience! 100% recommended if you want to fall in love with Panama. Special mention to our guide Fernando who made everything perfect! Our respects to the Embera people 🫡❤️ Translated from Spanish.
Laura
It was a fantastic experience, we had a great day, everything was very well organized Translated from Spanish.
Abdullah Mohammed A
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
One of the most beautiful experiences of my life!!! I had a lot of fun and we met new friends. The time and place were well worth it. My only negative comment, and I don't consider it very negative, is that the prices of the souvenirs offered by the villagers were a bit expensive, but I respect their decision and their prices that they see fit for them and I wish them all the best and success and safety. In general, I strongly recommend this experience. It's really fun!🔥🫶 Translated from Arabic.
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
Free pickup from hotels in downtown Panama City or Casco Viejo. Alternative meeting point at Starbucks Albrook Mall available upon request.
Things to know
Guest requirements
Ages 12 and up. Must be able to complete moderate hiking on uneven, wet terrain.
Activity level
Moderate - kayaking, hiking through mud/water, and swimming. Beginner-friendly kayaking with guide instruction.
What to bring
Water shoes or wet-friendly sport shoes, hat, sunscreen, change of dry clothes, waterproof phone case, $35 cash for community fee.
Additional cost
Embera Community fee of $35 per person paid in CASH at pickup. This goes directly to the indigenous community.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Things to know
Guest requirements
Ages 12 and up. Must be able to complete moderate hiking on uneven, wet terrain.
Activity level
Moderate - kayaking, hiking through mud/water, and swimming. Beginner-friendly kayaking with guide instruction.
What to bring
Water shoes or wet-friendly sport shoes, hat, sunscreen, change of dry clothes, waterproof phone case, $35 cash for community fee.
Additional cost
Embera Community fee of $35 per person paid in CASH at pickup. This goes directly to the indigenous community.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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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