Gamboa Town and El Renacer Prison Gamboa is a small town located within the Panama Canal watershed, surrounded by the tropical rainforest of Soberanía National Park. Originally developed as a community for workers during the American administration of the Panama Canal, it has a rich history connected to Canal operations. Gamboa is also home to El Renacer Prison, a correctional facility inaugurated in 1912. Although it houses people convicted of different crimes, it has also held high-profile politicians and former government officials convicted of offenses such as corruption and money laundering.

Chagres River Boat Ride and the Panama Canal Watershed The Chagres River is an important part of the Panama Canal watershed, supplying water essential to the operation of the Canal. Visitors enjoy a 10-minute ride in a small covered motorboat from the public dock to the Emberá village. This is a covered motorboat, not a traditional Indigenous canoe or piragua.

Ella Puru Emberá Village – A Short Cultural Experience Ella Puru is the smallest and closest Emberá village to Panama City that we visit. It offers a brief introduction to Indigenous life in Panama, near the Colombian border. This cultural experience allows visitors to discover Emberá traditions and daily life without dedicating an entire day. The visit includes a 10-minute ride in a small covered boat through the lake and river within the Panama Canal watershed to reach the community. There are no jungle trails, extensive rainforest walks, or waterfall activities. With minimal physical effort, it is a comfortable option for visitors of different ages, including families with children and older travelers. It is ideal for those who want a glimpse of Indigenous culture while making the most of their time in Panama.