The natural beauty of Panama and its people
Lee_C, Jun 2022
Tour at the Chagres Rainforest and Embera Indigenous Village
After mounting one final boulder, we were greeted by the sight of the waterfall and the pool below it.
This was an exceptional experience, strongly recommended - read on for details...
Here's our trip in more detail than what you can find from the tour descriptions - note that your specific trip iteniary may be different. We booked a private tour and our driver Dan was waiting downstairs at our hotel promptly at 8am. We drove out to Chagres National park in his Toyota Rav4. All along the way, Dan engaged with us in conversation, talking about recent developments in Panama, as well as what needs improvement. He pointed out sights along the way, and talked about other things we may be interested in seeing in Panama on our vacation. I don't recall exactly but it seemed like we were on the road for an hour and half.
We arrived at Puerto Corotú, which is a small rudimentary port of sorts. Our guide Dan changed into water shoes, grabbed some fruits and water, and led us down the embankment towards the Chagres River, where a slew of Embera wooden canoes with small outboard engines was waiting for visitors. Each canoe is manned by an engine driver in the back and a spotter at the front, both Embera tribe members in traditional clothing. We motored upstream along the Chagres River, taking in the beautiful rainforest scenery along the way, watching people fishing, washing clothes, and kids playing on the banks.
The boat trip took about 30 minutes and we docked at the entrance of a tributary, and the spotter lead us off on a trail along the creek, with Dan following behind everyone to make sure no one fell behind. The trail was mostly bare dirt, with some very rocky parts, and involved a few water crossings. After mounting one final boulder, we were greeted by the sight of the waterfall and the pool below it. We didn't go for a swim, just waddled around in the shallow parts of the pool. The water was very clear and would have certainly made for a refreshing swim. The hike back to the canoe took about 15-20 minutes, though time always seem to pass more quickly on the return trip.
The canoe then took us to the Embera village, which we had passed along the way up the river. A group of Embera folks came out to greet us from the river. At the village, we were treated to an explanation of some aspects of the Embera people, how they live, their customs, and a light lunch of fried fish, those heavenly fried plantain round things, and fresh fruit. Dan made sure we had water and urged us to help ourselves to more food. Rolling out of the lunch hut, we carried ourselves to the humongous entertainment hut, where the tribe members performed some music and danced for the visitors. The tribe members then invited the visitors to join them in dancing - we had a blast and really enjoyed ourselves. After these official events were over, we browsed and purchased some craft items and took a stroll through the village. Dan was always around to help take group photos, help translate, and answer any questions.
A group of tribal people walked us down to the river and waved goodbye as we motored away down the river wearing comical orange life floaties. At the car, Dan helped us do a final check that everyone has their belongings, including phones, and we drove back to Panama City, with more conversations about Panama and Central America along the way.
In all, it was a very good tour. We didn't find it physically demanding and our tour guide Dan provided the perfect balance between being helpful and letting us experience things directly. We strongly recommend this experience to anyone who has a day in the Panama City area and is looking to explore the natural beauty of Panama and its people.