Embera Village Cooking Class Experience in Chagres National Park

Panama City , Panama

Embera Village Cooking Class Experience in Chagres National Park

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(41 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Journey deep into Chagres National Park for a truly immersive cultural and culinary experience. In the riverside village of Emberá Drua, you’ll learn firsthand how the Emberá people prepare their traditional meals using locally sourced ingredients and ancestral techniques. This interactive cooking class offers not only delicious food but a meaningful connection to one of Panama’s most vibrant indigenous communities.

Available options

Cooking Class

Morning<br/>Pickup included

What's included

The Lunch and drink its the 5 course meals cooked in the Cooking class

Professional guide

Bottled water

Transport by air-conditioned minibus

Tour is guided in English

Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Detailed itinerary

We will depart from Panama City at 8:00 am, and drive to Puerto Corotu on the Chagres River. You will ride in a dugout canoe called a piragua up the river to the village of Embera Drua. You will start your experience with a cooking class where you will learn to make local Embera dishes sourced with ingredients from the rainforest.

What's not included

Gratuities

Due to heavy traffic, no free pickup from hotels located near Amador Causeway, Clayton (City of Knowledge) Playa Bonita. Separate transportation for the an extra charge

Playa Blanca, or Rio Hato, Metromall or Tocumen Airport need to arrange own transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

19 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

22 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

If you will be staying at a hotel that is not on the list, please contact your local operator prior to booking the tour

Important notes

• You can expect your hotel pickup to be between 8am and 8:20am. We will not know your exact pickup time until the afternoon before the tour (around 4:30pm) and at that time we will send you an email with your hotel pickup details
• Your shoes will get wet! If you would like to swim at the river please bring a bathing suit.
• During the tour we will be entering some remote areas and it is up to you how much you want to explore outside of the bus. A short sleeve shirt and shorts are fine, but if you are the types who would like to get out and walk off the trails around the jungle, please wear long pants and closed toe shoes that you won't mind getting muddy
• If you want to buy anything in the village make sure you bring small bills. They will not have change for large bills.
• If you have any dietary restrictions please let us know so we can make arrangements
• In case of emergency call either +507 6411-3075 or +507 6213-5989
• Due to heavy traffic, we absolutely cannot pick up from hotels located near Tocumen Airport, Amador Causeway, Clayton (City of Knowledge), Playa Bonita, Playa Blanca, or Rio Hato

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

About Panama City

Panama City, the capital and largest city of Panama, is a vibrant metropolis where modern skyscrapers meet historic colonial architecture. Situated at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, it offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and tropical charm, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Panama Canal

One of the most significant engineering feats in history, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Historical Half-day to full day Free to visit locks, tours vary

Casco Viejo

The historic district of Panama City, Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half-day to full day Free to explore, entry fees for museums

Biomuseo

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate

Ancon Hill

A popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of the city and the Panama Canal.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Panama Viejo

The ruins of the original Panama City, founded in 1519, offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, entry fee for museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sancocho

A hearty chicken and root vegetable soup, often served with rice and corn.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Ceviche

Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.

Appetizer Contains seafood, can be made with various types of fish

Ropa Vieja

Shredded beef stew with vegetables, served with rice and beans.

Main Course Contains meat

Hojaldres

Fried dough pastries, often served with cheese or jam.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Soberanía National Park Kayaking in the San Blas Islands Beach day at Playa Blanca Spa day in a luxury hotel Exploring Casco Viejo Visiting the Biomuseo Snorkeling in the San Blas Islands Boat tours through the Panama Canal

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with sunny days and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Panamanian Balboa (PAB)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Panama City is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Tocumen International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from city center

By bus

Albrook Terminal, Panama Viejo Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Modern, efficient, and air-conditioned. A convenient way to travel within the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Casco Viejo El Cangrejo Bella Vista San Francisco

Day trips

San Blas Islands

300 km (186 miles) from Panama City • Full day to overnight

A group of islands known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and Guna Yala culture.

El Valle de Antón

80 km (50 miles) from Panama City • Full day

A picturesque mountain town surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls.

Soberanía National Park

30 km (19 miles) from Panama City • Half day to full day

A lush rainforest offering a variety of wildlife and hiking trails.

Festivals

Panama Carnival • February (4 days before Ash Wednesday) Panama Jazz Festival • January Festival de las Mil Polleras • July

Pro tips

Visit the Panama Canal early in the morning to see ships pass through the locks
Explore Casco Viejo on foot to discover its hidden gems and vibrant street life
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience
Use the metro for efficient and affordable travel within the city
Book tours and activities in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment