Lake Alajuela

Nestled in the lush rainforest of Chagres National Park, this unique journey to the heart of Embera culture through the famous Chagres River offers a unique opportunity to connect with the Embera people, famous for their rich traditions and deep spiritual connection to the natural world. Accompanied by our expert guides, you will delve into the ancestral lands of the Embera, where you will attend vibrant traditional ceremonies and dances, and learn about their ancestral customs, such as intricate crafts and traditional medicine. This transformative encounter with the Embera community will leave you with a deep appreciation for their harmonious way of life and a deeper understanding of their enduring cultural heritage.

Join us for an immersive day of adventure and cultural discovery in the heart of Chagres National Park, as we visit the indigenous Emberá community. Your journey begins with a convenient pickup,we will drive approximately one hour by car to the port of the national park, where we will be greeted by members of the community.Followed by a scenic boat ride along the majestic Chagres River, offering stunning views of Panama’s lush rainforest. We’ll take a guided hike twenty minutes walking aprox to a hidden waterfall, where you can swim in its crystal-clear waters. Afterward,we’ll navigate aprox twenty minutes more to the comunity, you’ll be welcomed by the Emberá community to experience their rich traditions and way of life. Enjoy cultural presentations that include traditional dances, music, and storytelling, offering insight into the history and customs of the Emberá people. You’ll also have the chance to participate in local activities, such as dance or handcrafting, and learn about their sustainable relationship with nature. A delicious, locally-prepared lunch will be served, giving you a taste of Emberá cuisine. At the end of the day, we’ll return by boat to your starting point, concluding a unique experience that blends adventure, culture, and nature into an unforgettable day trip.

Start with the morning pickup service from your hotel, hostel, apartment in Panama City. Relax on the comfortable ride that takes you out of the city to the lush Chagres Rainforest. Pass through the picturesque countryside and stop to pick local fruit along the way. Climb aboard a traditional canoe or pirogue and let the indigenous men paddle you through the green heart of the rainforest on Lake Alajuela. Arrive at an impressive waterfall, where you can take amazing photos, before going to meet the Embera indigenous community, refreshing yourself in these waters. They will welcome you to the community with traditional music and dances. Learn about their culture before sitting down to enjoy an indigenous lunch of fried fish (tilapia) and patacones (green plantains). Finish your meal on a sweet note with a bowl of sliced seasonal fruit. Attend a cultural performance of dance and music before having free time to explore the community, shop for handicrafts, and have the opportunity to paint your body with jagua ink. Return to your lodge with souvenirs of this beautiful experience.

Embark on a unique journey through the Panama Canal on this 5 to 6-hour partial transit boat tour. Starting from Panama City, you'll travel through the historic Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks, experiencing the engineering marvel of the canal's operation firsthand. As you glide along the water, enjoy included refreshments and a delicious buffet lunch, making this a perfect outing for families and history enthusiasts alike. Your tour begins at the Amador Causeway, offering stunning views of Naos, Perico, and Flamenco Islands, linked by a road built from materials excavated during the canal's construction. As you pass under the iconic Bridge of the Americas, appreciate its vital role in connecting North and South America. The tour continues past the skyscraper-lined skyline of Panama City and into the bay's protective island group. Inside the Miraflores locks, witness the impressive process of raising the ship 9 meters above sea level. You'll navigate the entire Pacific entrance, including the Pedro Miguel locks, where you'll see the new third set of locks that accommodate today's mega-ships. The journey concludes with a passage through the Corte Culebra, or "Snake Cut," a critical section cut through the Continental Divide, fed by the mighty Chagres River.

We will begin our adventure by picking up clients from their hotels or designated meeting points in comfortable vehicles. After approximately one hour, we will arrive at the port on the Chagres River, where we will be welcomed by members of the Emberá community. We will then board a boat and enjoy a beautiful 30-minute ride along the calm waters of the majestic Chagres River, surrounded by pristine jungle. Our first stop will be at a strategic point from which we will embark on a 25-minute hike through the jungle to a hidden waterfall. Along the way, you can take in the natural surroundings, observing the local flora and fauna. Upon arriving at the waterfall, you'll have free time to swim, relax, and enjoy this natural oasis—a perfect spot to connect with nature and refresh in the crystal-clear waters. After enjoying the waterfall, we will hike back to the boat and continue our journey on the river for about 15 more minutes until we reach the Emberá community. Upon arrival, we will be greeted with ancestral songs, a warm welcome that reflects the hospitable spirit of this indigenous community. We will unpack our belongings and settle into traditional houses, offering an authentic yet comfortable experience of how the Emberá people live. Next, we will enjoy a cultural talk given by the community members. You will learn about their rich history, traditions, connection to nature, and way of life. This is an ideal opportunity to ask questions and gain a deep understanding of the Emberá worldview. We will then head to the river to participate in a traditional fishing activity, using the techniques that the Emberá have employed for generations. What we catch will be part of our dinner, making this experience even more special as we get to enjoy a fresh, local meal prepared by the community. After dinner, you will have free time to relax, take photos, walk around the village, or even swim in the river. As night falls, we will gather to witness and participate in the traditional Emberá dances, a vibrant expression of their culture through music and movement. Weather permitting, we will also enjoy a bonfire, adding a magical touch to the evening under the stars. After this day filled with adventures, we will head to our traditional houses, where we will spend the night in the Emberá style but with all the necessary comforts to ensure a restful sleep. At dawn, we will start the day with a delicious traditional breakfast prepared by the community, the perfect way to recharge for what's next. After breakfast, we will pack our belongings and prepare for a new adventure: a hike through the jungle. During this approximately 1-hour and 45-minute walk, you will learn about medicinal plants, giant trees, and the incredible biodiversity of the region. Guided by the Emberá, you will immerse yourself in the secrets of the tropical rainforest. At the end of the hike, we will return to the boat for a final ride back to the port where our adventure began.