Chagrea NP is the most accessible national park from Panama City and the perfect nature-filled day trip for the whole family.

The Emberá people, one of Panama’s most authentic indigenous groups, live along the Chagres River within the lush rainforest of the Chagres National Park. They preserve a traditional lifestyle deeply connected to nature, building their homes from palm leaves and wood, navigating the river in hand-carved canoes, and relying on fishing, hunting, and crafts for their livelihood. The Emberá are known for their rich cultural heritage, expressed through vibrant handmade baskets, wood carvings, and tattoos made from natural dyes like jagua, which are used for both decoration and spiritual protection. Visitors are welcomed with rhythmic traditional dances, music played on handmade drums and flutes, and freshly prepared local dishes such as fried fish and plantains. The community proudly shares their ancestral knowledge of medicinal plants and their deep respect for the rainforest, offering an inspiring glimpse into a way of life that remains harmonious with nature.