Discover rainforest scenery and living Indigenous traditions on an Embera village tour from Panama City. Travel along the Chagres River in a traditional piragua boat, meet your Embera hosts and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. When river and trail conditions allow, visit Mono waterfall for a refreshing swimming stop.

Your day begins with pickup from your Panama City hotel and an air-conditioned drive toward Chagres National Park. At the river, meet your boat crew and board a traditional motorized dugout canoe. Watch the forest-lined riverbanks as you travel through the rainforest with your guide.

When conditions permit, leave the boat for a short jungle walk to Mono waterfall. The route can involve slippery rocks, mud and uneven ground, so secure footwear and a steady footing are important. Enjoy the waterfall and swim only when your guide confirms conditions are suitable. Waterfall access and swimming cannot be guaranteed; high or low river levels may require this stop to be changed or omitted.

Continue to the Embera village, where community members welcome you and introduce their culture. Learn about their homes, daily life, traditional clothing and handmade crafts through stories and explanations shared by your hosts and guide.

Enjoy traditional music and dance, with opportunities to ask questions and learn about customs passed between generations. Please ask permission before photographing residents.

Sit down to an included lunch of fried fish and plantains, accompanied by seasonal fruit. Bottled water is also provided. Tell us about dietary requirements before traveling so we can check available alternatives.

Browse locally made handicrafts and learn about traditional temporary body painting. Purchases and optional body painting cost extra; bring cash if you would like to participate.

After your village visit, return along the river and continue by road to your Panama City hotel.

Important cost information
The protected park and community fee is not included: $40 per adult and $30 per child under 10, payable in cash to your guide. Pickup from Playa Bonita, Costa del Este and Amador Causeway carries an additional charge.

The order of activities may change with weather, river levels and local conditions.