Embera Village Excursion Plus Waterfalls Experience Private Tour

The excursion was absolutely amazing! We had such a great time. It started early enough in the morning that we were able to enjoy the experience and still have the rest of the day to explore. This experience was everything I hoped for when visiting Panama. I truly wanted to experience the culture, meet the people, and learn more about their way of life, and this excursion delivered all of that and more. The people were so welcoming and amazing! Ricardo was absolutely awesome from the moment he picked us up until he dropped us back off. He made us feel comfortable, welcomed, and taken care of the entire time. I would definitely recommend Ricardo to anyone looking for an authentic and memorable experience in Panama. If you’re looking for someone who will make you feel comfortable while giving you an incredible cultural experience, Ricardo is your guy! 🇵🇦❤️ Request “Rick” Ricardo (el rickiton)

Very cool tour. A bit of a track to get back to the waterfall at this time of year, but definitely worth it. Ricky was a fantastic guide. And meeting the Embara was amazing.

Very informative. Was a great experience. Definitely recommend! If you're doing the waterfall, be prepared to hike.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ricky was hands-down one of the best parts of our time in Panama. We laughed the entire time, but somehow walked away having learned SO much. It never felt like a typical tourist experience—it felt like spending the day with an old friend who reminded us to slow down and appreciate the people, the culture, and the beauty of a simpler way of life. Full hearts, sore cheeks from laughing, and memories we’ll keep forever. ❤️ 10/10 — would absolutely wander around Panama laughing with Ricky again. 😂

Had a great time and Ricky was very helpful throughout the trip , I will be back again in the future

Fantastic experience taking the boat rides to and from the waterfalls and the villages. Our tour guide @Eduardo Serrano provided unmatched customer service and assistance. He knows the history of the city and surrounding areas. Looking for to Eddy’s services on our next trip.

*Overall Experience* This was the highlight of our trip to Panama. We did this on our final day and it was a wonderful grand finale to our vacation. Do not skip this! *Our Guide: Julio* Our guide Julio was exceptional throughout the day. He arrived on time for our hotel pickup and provided excellent guidance and support. He was particularly attentive, providing our group with water after the hike and assisting us throughout the entire experience. Our diverse group—including a small child, an older adult, and three young adults—all thoroughly enjoyed his service. *The Embera Village Experience* The indigenous people we met from the Embera village were kind and welcoming. They shared fascinating and interesting information about their history and culture, making this a truly enriching cultural experience. At the end of the tour, there's an opportunity to purchase local crafts from the villagers. Prices start as low as $5. Note that some vendors accept card payments, but bring cash if you can as it's more convenient and likely preferred. *The Hike & Difficulty Level* The hike to the waterfall is not difficult if you are moderately active/fit. However, be aware that the path was a bit slippery at certain points, so wearing appropriate hiking shoes is important. *Energy Level & Timing Consideration* This is a full day activity. Be prepared, you WILL be tired at the end. Our family only had energy for dinner afterward (barely). Plan accordingly and avoid scheduling anything demanding after this tour. Important Cost Information ⚠️ In addition to the quoted Viator price, there are additional fees to the village and park authorities that total $40 USD per person. Please factor this into your budgeting and planning. *Final Verdict* A must-do experience that combines excellent guided service, meaningful cultural immersion, and natural beauty. Highly recommended for groups of all ages and fitness levels.

Be prepared with water shoes and it helps if you’re a hiker. It was a long ride getting there for it was all worth it.

Our Emberá Village tour was absolutely amazing, and our tour guide , Jorge, played a huge part in making the experience a memorable one. Jorge was incredibly knowledgeable, personable, and attentive from beginning to end. What impressed me most was how he seemed to anticipate the needs of my family before we even had to ask. He made sure we were comfortable, informed, and able to fully enjoy every part of the experience. His knowledge of Panama, the Emberá culture, and the surrounding area added so much depth to the tour. I really wished we could've booked him as our personal guide for the entire trip. If you are visiting Panama and considering visiting the Emberá Village, I highly recommend Jorges' tour. His professionalism, knowledge, kindness, and attention to detail made our experience an unforgettable one. The experience was 10/10 and one of our favorite memories from Panama! 🇵🇦❤️

It was a one of a kind experience! Our tour guide Eddie was attentive and knowledgeable. He also was really funny.the hike to the waterfall was a little challenging for some .. but worth it at the end. Loved the dances the villagers did for us. And the food was very tasty. Absolutely would recommend.

However expensive was amazing, The tour guide Ricky made it memorable. He’s was alway with us to help us translate. Our experience was 10/10

Awesome experience. Our tour guide was Jorge. He was prompt, knowledgeable, organized and friendly. It was definitely the highlight of our trip to Panama. I took my Dad who is 84. It was a bit of a challenge in some Areas because of the slippery mud but we made it. Highly recommend this tour!

Experience was excellent. Our guide Jose for the private tour was friendly, knowledgeable and easy to talk with. We were picked up, had a comfortable ride to the Arjauela area for a hike up the river and then to the Embera village. The visit to the indigenous village was a highlight of our vacation. The simple meal prepared for us a the village was delicious. Would recommend this tour highly.

Worth the time and money! Super authentic experience. Went as a group of six adults, and the whole experience was super fun!

Julio was a fantastic TOUR GUIDE! On time, kept us updated, and made sure we always had water and snacks. We are a few couples that travel a lot from the United States, and Panama was a great host city! Definitely recommend booking this tour!

My friends and I had an exceptional, memorable day. Jorge Salazar, our tour guide, was excellent throughout, so knowledgeable and good natured. On canoe trips and the hike to the waterfall we saw some marvelous scenery and relished being so deep into unspoiled nature. The hike was challenging for us 70-somethings but Jorge always kept a close eye and helped us whenever we needed a hand. The cultural exchange with our indigenous hosts was both educational and great fun. The fresh tasty lunch and the dancing especially. This was my favorite of the several tours I took in Panama.

Loved our adventure in the National Park and being introduced to the Embera people! Everyone was so kind. I loved riding in the canoe style boats with motors. I’m glad I wore hiking shoes for the jungle hike. Visiting the Embera people’s village with traditional food, lots of delicious fruit, dancing and shopping their beautiful beading and more was my favorite part!

It was definitely an eye-opening experience to the past in Panama. The tour guide we had was awesome and very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend Ricky to anyone that is considering doing this excursion.

I am immensely grateful for having Ricky as my tour guide on my remarkable excursion to the Embera Village Waterfalls and Alajuela Lake, complete with a delicious lunch, along with a visit to the Panamá Canal. His extensive knowledge of the history of the Embera Village and Panorama added incredible depth to the experience, and his professionalism, kindness, and respectfulness made the day truly exceptional. Ricky demonstrated outstanding hospitality by lending me his backpack when I needed extra space for my belongings. He also catered to my dietary needs, ensuring that my fish was prepared without gluten, which was greatly appreciated due to my sensitivity. Ricky went above and beyond to make my birthday unforgettable, arranging for the Embera village to perform a special traditional dance in my honor. While the beauty of the village and waterfall was astounding on its own, Ricky's exceptional service and attention to detail truly enhanced the entire journey.

I had and amazing time this was the experience of a lifetime My Tour guide Ricky was the best and if and when I come back again I would choose him . Ricky was amazing this was worth every penny I spent

It was a great experience, I loved the people, food and culture. It is a great tour to take learn about Panama’s community. Also, our tour guide Rickey was amazing.

The Embera Village excursion for my aunt’s 70th birthday was the best part of our entire visit to Panama. I left my soul there. Everyone is still talking about it. It was made even more special by our guide, Jorge who is simply phenomenal. The Embera people’s hospitality is beyond none. I wish there is a way to spend a week living there and blotting the entire world. Long live the Embera people.

This experience was absolutely amazing. From the moment we were picked up at our hotel to our return. Jorge, our driver/guide is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and professional. On our ride to board our boat to the Emberá village, Jorge shared information about what to expect. His knowledge of the Emberá people and his knowledge about Panama in general made our journey better than what we could’ve imagined. The Emberá village experience was wonderful. The Emberá people are friendly, warm and kind. We enjoyed learning about their culture and seeing their pride in sharing who they are as a people. The lunch was also quite delicious. I highly recommend this tour. Having Jorge as our guide made it that much better.

Unforgettable Panama Adventure with Carlos Alberto! Carlos is a world-class, well-connected guide who brought the history of Panama and the Indigenous communities to life. He provided incredible peace of mind, ensuring my husband and I (recovering from hip surgery!) navigated the stunning waterfall safely so I could enjoy a fantastic swim. Meeting the Emberá Tusipono tribe was a highlight—from the warm welcome and fascinating cultural insights to the delicious fresh-cooked food and vibrant dancing. Pro tip: Save your shopping for the village; the authentic crafts are beautiful and a fraction of the price in Old Town!.

Great experience. Our guide, Jorge, was extremely helpful and informative. He showed up right on time and looked after all our needs and safety. The day was educational and relaxing. Highly recommend.

It was life changing and eye opening it was so peaceful seeing these people I wish I could have stayed and never go home!

I was told this was going to be a private tour instead it was only private transportation. Once we got to the locations the driver just threw me into the other tourist groups there. Since the entrance fees for the Embera village ($35) and National Park $5 (which they did not take me to) are not included in the price, I don’t think booking with this group was worth it at all. Additionally the drive charged me an additional $30 the day of for “transportation.” If I have to pay the driver for transportation and all the entrance fees myself what exactly was my $91 for booking this tour used for? It would be a lot cheaper to go to these places on your own. I don’t recommend it at all.

Aura and Roderick were (once again) a great team getting us to and from the Embera village and translating whilewe were there. . We were allowed plenty of time in the Embera village to learn how they have adapted and continue to adapt to changing circumstances in order to maintain a village way of life and preserve their language and core elements of their culture. A good lesson for us all that you can adjust with grace AND preserve what is important to you. Time we'll spent.

This was an amazing experience. Our guide Eddie picked us up from the cruise terminal and took care of everything. The waterfall was a lot of fun. The water was a nice cool temperature and the hike to get there was short. It was cool to see a native village. The fresh fish and fruit lunch was really good and safe. The canoe ride included beautiful scenery through the jungle. Definitely worth it!

I can’t say enough about this experience and about Rodrick he was great, knowledgeable and so friendly and fun!!! I would do this again in a heartbeat!

Auora was amazing. Great conversations in the car, nice car, a lil history, the stop for fruits of just in case we're hungry. She was a great tour guide.

"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!"

A great experience in the village. We were not prepared for the waterfall, but we had a great time dancing and getting the history of the village. The lunch was delicious. Fried fish and plantain with fresh fruits.

We had a very good time. Our tour guide Cesar was very helpful, professional, but also very funny. Embera village - very nice people . Swimming under the waterfalls - wow super.

A very unique experience with an opportunity to learn about a beautiful culture while basking in the glory of nature! The host and driver were extremely knowledgeable and professional. The Embera people were kind and welcoming. Highly recommended!

Keep in mind there are extra charges for the waterfall and village fees. It's a very costly visit. There were 3 people in our group and the cost was $225 for the car ride then for village it was $120. We skip the waterfall. The cost totally was $325 plus the expense for souvenirs we bought and the tip for driver$60. Over all was a very costly visit. I don't think it worth the price. I did enjoy hearing about there lives and culture. Be aware when booking this it is only for the car ride over there 2 other entry fees on top. That said I love our driver Aura she was so welcoming and was very informative on the trip over and back. She explain alot about the culture of the tribe and of her Panamanian culture as well. If you can request a driver Aura is your person. I would to do another tour and request Aura as our guide. She explain she had been doing this for 8 years and enjoyed it. I can see she does she very nice person with a very good demeanor. She does speak very good english.

The views were amazing and the waterfall was breathe taking.Visiting the Emberá tribe in Panama is a peaceful and unique experience full of culture and nature. Our tour guide Jorge was awesome 👌 👏 👍.

Absolutely a culturally invigorating experience. Cesar(our tour guide) was polite & patient from start to finish, providing information about the surrounding locale & Embera people. He was professional & able to easily switch between Spanish & explanations in English. He was able to provide the cultural nuances seen with the indigenous people of the seven tribes & was one of the translators that led the dialogue in explaining the origins of the Embera people. We had time to stop for fruit, go to the waterfall for a refreshing dip in the water & enjoy a dance from the Embera people with an opportunity to shop homemade souvenirs. I love the hospitality & warmth of the Embera people in allowing us a snapshot into their lives. The only critique I will say is that I wish Cesar was able to climb in the water & enjoy the waterfall & take pictures of us closer to the waterfall. He most likely was tired & wanted to guard our belongings but other tour guides took the extra initiative in ensuring their guests had quality pictures near the waterfall. But overall, I would always recommend his services!!

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!

The Embera Village itself was great. Learning about these Indigenous people was amazing. The boat ride was beautiful and peaceful. I do however want to stress that this is not an easy/moderate walk/hike if you are headed to the waterfall. Lots of slippery rocks and trekking through water. Holding on to ropes to climb. Had we known this earlier, my husband would have opted to stay back. Would definitely recommend if you are able for the trek.

The experience was beyond my expectations. I met an elder, and he took his necklace off, and sold it to me. It has his spirit animal on it. The people in the village were incredible. The trip to the waterfall was an experience, in itself. I highly recommend doing this experience.

I did a solo trip on March 23, 2025. Caesar was my private guide. His car was clean and comfortable. He brought a cooler of chilled water bottles which was much appreciated after the hike to the waterfall. I enjoyed the hike to the waterfall. Jorge was our indigenous guide and he helped me with some of the trickier sections on the hike. I’m 70 and it is definitely doable if you are halfway in good shape. I can’t emphasize enough to have good water hiking shoes. There are areas that are slippery and places where you sink in the mud. There is also sections that are rocky, uneven and potentially slippery. This is where Jorge came to my rescue making sure I didn’t slip or fall. The meal consisted of delicious fruit (watermelon, pineapple, melon) and freshly fried patacones and tilapia. Everything was delicious. I would rate this as one of the best experiences in Panama.

Our visit to the village was pleasant the pick up and drop off were on time the welcome to the village was warming the dance was interesting the food was hood to the all visit was a nice a experience.

Wow the experience was awesome our tourguide Elmer took care of us. Can't find words to describe how i did enjoyed myself.

I've never had an experience quite like this! I had an amazing time and would highly recommend booking. It was truly one of a kind.

Very great experience ! The waterfall, the culture, and the Indian was perfect. Not to mention the food. Be mindful of the additional fees relating to this.

It's something different than other excursions. Get you a nice boat ride as well and typical village back old days experience.

It was a fun filled day while learning of an interesting culture. Jordi the tour guide was a pleasure and knowledgeable about the area and customs.

Excellent excursion! The food and fruit was delicious. Waterfall was super cold! Canoe ride was relaxing. 10/10 recommend