Private Emberá Village Day Tour

Your private day trip starts with hotel pickup in Panama City in the morning for the 1-hour drive to Lake Alajuela, part of the Panama Canal watershed, where members of the Emberá village will meet you with their dugout canoe. Head across the lake and upriver for about 45 minutes or so (depending on the level of the river) toward the village. Along the way, you have the option to stop by a waterfall (based on the weather conditions and accessibility) for a dip in the cool water.

Upon arrival at the village, receive a traditional greeting of music as the villagers welcome you to their community. Wander around for about 10 minutes to explore the village on your own before a short presentation about Emberá culture, traditions, and crafts. After lunch, you can take an optional short hike in the rainforest with one of the village elders to learn about medicinal plants, and then enjoy more free time to walk around, purchase crafts, get a temporary tattoo, or have a conversation with some of the Emberá people.

Finally, the villagers perform traditional shamanic and celebratory dances and music before you climb back in the canoe to return downriver and on to Panama City.

Note: This is a private tour, meaning all transportation and your guide is just for you and your group. However, it does not mean that the Emberá village will be closed to other tour groups; there may be tours in the village from other tour operators. If you are interested in arranging a private tour with the village closed to any other outside tours, this can be arranged directly with this local tour operator and is subject to availability.