Alci was a great guide and had a full day visiting the waterfall and village. Great day trip out of Panama City!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Bottled water
- Kayaks and lifevest provided
- Fried fish, plantains or cassava and fruits in season
- Certified Guide (Spanish, English)
- Pick up from stays in downtown Panama City or Casco Viejo
Excludes
- Embera handicrafts (souvenirs)
- Embera Community and Chagres National Park entry tax should be paid cash to the guide upon pick up (USD $35 per person).
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Welcome to an experience like no other in Panama, awesome blend of kayaking and culture in the stunning rainforest of the Chagres river. This adventure begins with the ease of pick-up from your accommodation in downtown Panama City or Casco Viejo. After a 50-minute van ride, you'll find yourself at the shore of the Chagres River. A canoe will take us to a higher point for our kayaking adventure. As you glide along the river, the stream will assist you so this adventure is suitable for participants without previous kayaking experience and safe for non-swimmers, minimum age for the kayaking is 12 years old.
After the kayaking, we'll make our way back to continue our journey down the river until a village of the Embera tribe. There, you'll have traditional lunch and have the opportunity to change to dry clothes in the available bathrooms before exploring their beautiful handicrafts and participating in a chat about the Embera culture with one of their leaders. After a day of adventure and cultural immersion, a canoe will take us back to the van, then relax and rest as we return to your accommodation. Recomendations: Wear water shoes or sport shoes with good grip that you don't mind if get wet. Bring sunscreen. Mosquito repellent is not required. You can swim in the river with clothes or you could bring a swimsuit under clothes because there is no place to change during the kayaking. Bring cash in case you want to buy souvenirs.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
A delightful tour guide Alci was very knowledgeable. Going down stream and canoeing were fun. Good, indigenous people, dancing and shopping was the climax. I’d recommend this tour guide and activity to anyone. Bosnia….
It’s a very well organized tour with clear communication to the rain forest. It started with canoe ride then hiking through the forest over the rocks and river to reach the waterfall where you can swim. We also kayaked for a short distance and ended with dance and lunch at the Embera village. We had Alci as our guide. He was very tentative and answered all our questions about the Embera culture and life. Highly recommended the tour if you like outdoor activities and learn about different culture.
Today was amazing, it was an experience like no other. We hiked, we swam, we got some amazing photos and got to see a bit panamas heritage. I suggest going with a smaller crowed it was only 5 of us and we didn’t have mouth of a wait like the others did. The tour itself was about 3-4hr the ride to the destination was atleast 1.5hr to the location. They provided us with water and traditional foods. Walk with extra cash to tip the driver and the boat men along with supporting their hand crafted goods. The driver Alci was amazing and very informative. Ps ensure to walk with hiking/water shoes. Don’t be like us we wore our sneakers.
Alci our guide was amazing!!! Funny, engaging and he pays attention to everyone and their needs. Highly recommend him
An amazing experience from start to finish! Our guide was knowledgeable, attentive, and spoke perfect English. Everything was perfect: the pick-up, the hike, waterfall, canoes, and the visit to the Embera village. Lunch was provided and served in the grand hall of the village prior to the dancing. Fried plantains and tilapia with a large plate of fruit. We were impressed and will recommend to our friends!
Alci was Very informative great experience very friendly people hospitality is great
It was such a great experience. The food was good, the people were extremely and it was worth every penny. Alci made us feel safe the entire time.
Beautiful views, the Embera village was fascinating & everyone was so kind, and Reuben was a fantastic tour guide! Would absolutely recommend
From start to finish the experience was fun, our guide Alci made us all feel like friends from the beginning. The travel was safe in a nice van. Once we hit the water in the canoes it was amazing. The weather was perfect, we went on a small hike to a swimming hole and waterfall, then kayaked back down the river where we met the canoe which picked us up and we headed for lunch and learning with the Embera Tribe which was an experience not to miss- the music, the dancing and the laughter was felt in your soul ❤️
This was an amazing experience and one of the highlights of our trip! The kayaking was fun, the waterfall was beautiful, and we loved being able to swim there. It was a little crowded, but it was still well worth the visit. Our guide was fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and made the entire day enjoyable. Visiting the Emberá village was a unique and memorable experience, and we really appreciated learning about their culture and traditions. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Panama!
Great experience, Alcides was out tour guide very helpful. Took us to a water fall and hiking. Our kayaking experience was also very cool.
Our guide, Alci was amazing! He really had our backs! The canoes, kayaks and hike was a beautiful experience! The Embera people were so welcoming and kind to share their history and traditions with us! Best thing I’ve done in Panama so far!!! Gracias a todos!
Had the best time with Alci for my birthday! Highly recommend.
Alci was an AMAZING guide. The best I’ve had in panama thus far - personalized experience, good vibes, informational/communicative, took great photos… the kayak trip was good value for the money because we were a bit apart from the other large groups (we would arrive to points of interest slightly before or after other groups) so it felt less crowded. The food at the village was great, especially the fruit. The Embera community was very welcoming. Overall, it was a quick trip from Panama City and well worth it. Adventure, tranquility, and cultural information about Panama all in the same day trip… Que más quiere?
This was a fantastic trip. ALCI was our guide. I give him 5 stars. Very professional, knowledgeable and kind.. I highly recommend touring with him. I love the Embrea village. Thw best part of the trip was the canoe ride. I strongly recommend you be in relatively good shape and have good balance to take this tour. There is hiking in very rocky and muddy terrain. Must bring water shoes, and i would recommend a change of lignt clothes because you will get wet. This tour is for those who like adventure off the beaten path. Thank You KELLYB
Alex was a great tour guide and I had a fun experience as a solo traveler. I had to change my reservation and the company was very accommodating
Our guide Alci is was great! Wonderful experience with everything : adventure, culture, good food and nature.
Incredible experience for a wild crew! As two boy moms traveling with a pair of energetic 6-year-olds, we needed a minor miracle of a tour guide, and Alci delivered! He was absolutely excellent and incredibly patient. From handling extra bathroom stops to waiting patiently while guiding us through the forest and waterfalls, he kept us completely safe (mostly from ourselves!). We had a great time, and Alci’s calm, patient guidance made a very difficult trek feel totally doable. Highly recommend!
Great experience. I highly recommend this tour.
Wonderful tour with very knowledgeable guide. Learned a lot. Saw a lot. Highly recommend.
This was such a wonderful experience. I highly recommend everyone to do it, if you are able. The Embaro people are amazing and so welcoming. They were so kind and helpful. Alce our guide went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience possible. He even jumped into water fall with us to give us a full waterfall photoshoot we will never forget! He was funny and fun and full pf information. The Embaro people have tons of great things for sale at much cheaper prices than in town-bring lots of cash to support them! Also ask for one of their tattoos-give gotten so many compliments! Bring cash and wear water shoes.
This tour exceeded my expectations in every way. Alci, our guide was so incredible. He even got into waterfall clothes to help us get the photos we wanted! We noticed no other guides were getting in :) the kayaking was easy and very enjoyable. And the village was amazing! We loved the dancing and the food and the tattoos. We had a blast! Don’t skip this tour and ask for Alci! A tip: bring WATER SHOES. You walk in a lot of water and the waterfall is sharp and spiky. They are necessary!
Alci was THE best!!! He was SO patient with me taking photos and took my photo at least 100 times. This far exceeded my expectations. I could not have asked for more. Do NOT wear flip flops. You need to be able to hike moderate levels. Tevas or keens would be the ideal shoe to wear. But our tour guide was THE BEST
The experience was awesome ! Our guide was kind, patient and very helpful! It was only three of us in the group and we had plenty of room in the van. I think I can speak for the three of us.. we had a great time!
The whole experience was optimal, from the very knowledgeable tour guide Alci to the tribe members. Would most definitely recommend it!
What an incredible experience visiting the Embera Village! We made our trip back in March, and the memories are still so vivid—it was truly one of the highlights of our time in Panama. From the moment we were picked up at our hotel, our guide Dan Taylor made the day special. The drive itself was so enjoyable as he shared fascinating stories and insights that kept us entertained the entire way. Once we arrived, we hopped on a boat and headed to the waterfalls first. The falls were absolutely breathtaking — one of those places that makes you stop and simply take it all in. From there, we continued on to the Embera community where we received the warmest welcome with live music and beautiful flowers. The Embera people generously shared their culture and traditions with us, and treated us to a delicious meal of freshly fried fish, plantains, and a platter overflowing with fresh fruit. Everything was so fresh and flavorful! The entertainment was another highlight. The community performed traditional dances for us and then invited us to join in the fun. There was so much laughter and joy. The little kids were absolutely adorable, and it was especially heartwarming to see Dan thoughtfully bring treats for them. This was much more than a tour—it was a meaningful cultural experience filled with beautiful scenery, wonderful people, delicious food, and unforgettable memories. Thank you, Dan, and the Embera community, for such a warm and memorable day! Until we visit again….Lots of love from Toronto❤️
Fantastic day with Alci. Boat ride-kayak-waterfall-village. Beautiful scenery, clear direction and expectations. Lunch was delicious fried fish. The waterfall duration was at your leisure. The kayaking was with the current, so as easy as paddling a boat on a river could be expected. Would highly recommend !!
Amazing day with our tour guide, Alsi. The kayaking was quick but really pleasant. The waterfall was beautiful, definitely swim! And the embera village was incredible. Very grateful for the opportunity to learn more and enjoy delicious food.
This was a wonderful experience. Our driver and guide, Alci, was very accommodating, kind, and knowledgeable. I traveled alone, but was able to still get any photo or video I wanted. The waterfall was simply amazing along with the Emebera village and people, that fish we had was delicious.
Outstanding experience. Great great guide (Alci). Was great fun. Enjoyed and learned a lot. Very special
Our guide Alci was outstanding. He made the day run perfectly. The trip itself was incredible. Gorgeous scenery and opened up a new world to us. Really must see for first time visitors to Panama (and ask for Alci)
Highly recommend this tour, Alci was amazing tour guide, really appreciate his knowledge and experience, made for very enjoyable journey, thanks again.
An amazing experience great company overall and a great host. Lots of joy and laughs
Our guide Alci went up and beyond any expectation for the tour. The variety of activities for the tour was amazing and kept you looking forward to what is next. Exploring a village of Indigenous culture opens your eyes to the society in which we live in today. Do yourself a favor and book today to immerse yourself in kayaking, dancing, waterfalls and hiking in Mother nature's fabulous Rainforest. Lunch was delicious and healthy and remember to bring cash For authentic souvenirs and Please remember gratuity for the village and your tour operator
Our guide Alci went up and beyond any expectation for the tour . The variety of activities for the tour was amazing and kept you looking forward to what is next . Exploring a village of Indigenous culture opens your eyes to the society in which we live in today . Do yourself a favor and book today to immerse yourself in kayaking, dancing , waterfalls and hiking in Mother nature’s fabulous Rainforest. Lunch was delicious and healthy and remember to bring cash for authentic souvenirs.
This was a great experience to get out of the hustle and bustle and enjoy an easy outdoor day on the Chagras River and take in some culture. Alci and his crew were fantastic hosts.
Alci picked us up on time and set the tone for the day with his relaxed and cheery manner. It was a packed day of kayaking, swimming in waterfalls and eating fresh fish and fruit at an embera village. The day left me with a taste for more. The rainforest is jaw dropping. Thank you for such a wonderful experience.
Picked up on time by the very cheery and relaxed Alci. Our group was 6 which was a perfect size. We travelled by dugout canoe to a quiet clearing where we travelled in individual kayaks downstream. From there it was a short and manageable yet breathtaking trek in the rainforest until we arrived at a beautiful natural pool and waterfall for swimming. We jumped back into the dugout to arrive at an Embera village where we had a delicious lunch of fresh tilapia and fruit, followed by a dancing and shopping of local crafts. Absolutely wonderful day an an unforgettable experience. Extra thank you to Alci who was so kind and knowledgeable. 🙏
The visit to Embera Village and the waterfalls was an excellent choice. The lunch provided was delicious with the fruit being outstanding on its own. On most excursions, the travel guide is pleasant at best. But our travel guide Dan, was absolutely the best. He was equal to the actual excursion itself, with a great sense of humor and a vast knowledge of Panamanian history and culture. When an insider like Dan is able to share his perspective with anyone, you can't help but gain a deeper insight of his passion and empathy towards Panama and the Embera people, giving a greater understanding and respect of what has transpired and what is to come. Increasing a deeper connection and unbreakable bond truly shows kindness and purpose to educate others to benefit their wellbeing – to this, that presents as having a heart of gold. Nicely done Dan, very impressed and would recommend time and time again.
Very nice and highly recommended
Our tour guide was amazing and funny. He was professional all while also being personable. He is a native of Panama which made him very knowledgeable of the country. I am looking forward to redoing this particular excursion so that my two daughters next year can join us. Thanks again for the wonderful tour guide and the wonderful people of the rainforest.
It was a amazing time. Had a blast, a must do experience if in Panama. The water fall was beautiful and the lake as well!
We had a wonderful day with Alci our guide. Alci was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to answer all of our questions. We loved the kayaking and the waterfall. Learning about the Embara people was fascinating and we enjoyed their hospitality.
A perfect day! Our guide Alci was wonderful- he made everything easy and wonderful. We loved this tour. Highly recommend.
It was an awesome trip and our guide was excellent
We had a fabulous time. Alex was an excellent guide--personal, very informative, warm. Our group was just 11--a perfect size! Everything was as good as advertised. definitely recommend!
Incredible, highly recommend. Food was great, tour was great, not a bad drive, really cool experience. Our guide Alci was great with us and helped us with everything we needed.
Overall very good. The quide operator was spot on.
Such an amazing day in the rainforest
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