Ride a canoe along the Chagres River for stunning views, walk in a rainforest, swim at a waterfall, and learn about Embera culture.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 7 hours: Check availability to see starting times
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide: English, Spanish
Pickup optional: Get picked up from your hotel in downtown Panama City.
Private group available

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Carmen – United States

It was an amazing tour. You should tell people the items for sale a bit expensive on the land, so people will have enough cash. Fernando was an AMAZING tour guide very attentive to all of us!!!

Jamila – Jamaica

It was beautiful. I loved being on the canoe and going down the river. My favourite part was the water fall. The guide Demetrio helped me a lot on the hike and the waterfall. Even though it rain, it didn’t change the vybe of the activity but enhanced it. Loved it!!!

Itinerary

Pickup location:
Panama City
Van
(50 minutes)
Chagres National Park
Boat cruise, Hiking, Swimming (3 hours)
Chagres River
Visit, Lunch, Arts & crafts market visit, Traditional dance show (2 hours)
Extra fee
Van
(50 minutes)
Arrive back at:
Panama City

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

Experience a nature walk in the middle of a tropical rainforest as it is
Enjoy a refreshing swim at a waterfall and meet the Embera culture
Enjoy a delicious fish and plantains served with a variety of local fruits

Full description

Explore Chagres National Park on a day trip from Panama City. Enjoy a traditional canoe ride on the Chagres River and hike to a preserved waterfall for a swim. Have lunch in an indigenous Embera village and find out about their culture.
The day begins with a transfer by car from your hotel or residence in Panama City to the Chagres National Park, the most important rainforest and water reserve in Panama. Embera Community entry tax (USD $30 per person) should be paid cash to the guide upon pick up.

Enjoy a traditional canoe ride on the Chagres River, followed by a half-hour walk through the jungle, walking on mud, water and slippery rocks to a beautiful and pristine waterfall. Take a refreshing some free time at the waterfall to swim, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

Then, walk back to the canoe and continue to visit a real Embera indigenous community that will welcome you to enjoy lunch, traditional music and dances in a hut. Afterward, learn about the culture and way of life of this tribe via a conversation with the chief or one of the leaders before returning to Panama City.

Pick up included from all buildings, hotels or accommodations in downtown Panama City and Casco Viejo.
Pick up for Group Tour starts at 8:00AM, exact pick up time will be informed by email after 8:30PM the night before your tour date.
Pick up time for Private Tour 8:30 AM.

Includes

Entrance to Chagres National Park
Pickup from all buildings, hotels or accommodations in downtown Panama City and Casco Viejo
Transportation by car and canoe
Lunch (fried fish, plantains, and seasonal fruits)
Bottles of water
Traditional music and dance performance
Kayaking experience (if option selected)

Embera Community entry tax (30 USD per person and should be paid cash to the guide upon pick up)
Souvenirs (each purchase helps families living in the village)

Not suitable for

Pregnant women
People with mobility impairments
Wheelchair users

Important information

What to bring

Change of clothes
Towel
Sports shoes
Water shoes
Cash

Not allowed

Sandals or flip flops
Pets
Baby strollers

Know before you go

The walk is somewhat difficult, walking on mud, sand, slippery rocks, and through water, therefore bring shoes with good grip that you do not mind if get wet.
There are no changing facilities at the waterfall; you can either swim in your clothes or wear a swimsuit under them
There are proper bathrooms in the village where you can change at the end and bring an extra change of clothes for the way back to your accommodation

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Panama City: Waterfall and Embera Village Tour with lunch