Culture and Conservation in Panama

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Panama City

Depart from the USA. Upon arrival in Panama City, meet your ACIS Tour Manager, transfer to your hotel and begin to explore this vibrant capital city.

Day 2: Panama City

Following breakfast, your first stop is the Panama Canal's Miraflores Visitor Center, where you'll sit back in an IMAX theatre and enjoy a movie about the fascinating history and construction of this engineering marvel, which changed the face of international trade and economics when it opened in 1914. From the center's observation decks, you can watch ships navigate through the Miraflores locks. After your visit to the Canal, enjoy a boat ride with lunch included on the Gatun Lake, an artificial lake forming part of the Panama Canal that was created by damming the Chagres River during the canal's construction.

Day 3: Panama City

Today's highlight is an immersive cultural exchange at the Emberá Indigenous Village. You'll learn about the history, culture, food and customs of this river-centric tribe, which has lived deep in the Panamanian rainforests for centuries. After an included lunch, you'll return to Panama City and have time to explore the lovely and historic Casco Viejo area at your own pace, perhaps taking in the Panama Canal Museum, admiring the district's Spanish Colonial architecture, or browsing for souvenirs like a classic Panama hat or gorgeous embroidered molas.

Day 4: Chitre

Travel to Chitré, the largest city on the Azuero Peninsula, renowned for its vibrant tradition of mask-making and painting, essential to the captivating diablitos dance. Immerse yourself in the local culture by joining in a mask creation workshop at the home of one of the town's most celebrated artists. Your visit will be enriched with a traditional lunch shared with the artist's family, offering a true taste of Chitré's hospitality and heritage.

Day 5: Chitre

Journey further inland to discover the heart of rural Panama, home to the world-famous polleras—celebrated as some of the most beautiful and expensive traditional dresses in the world. Spend the day engaging in a dress workshop and cultural exchange with a family renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship. You'll also enjoy a unique experience that blends artistic exploration with a delightful dive into local culinary traditions as the pollera workshop is blended with a Panamanian cooking lesson and lunch. Return to Chitré, with the late afternoon and evening yours to explore more at your own pace.

Day 6: Azuero Peninsula

Venture deeper into the captivating Azuero Peninsula this morning. Your destination is a groundbreaking conservation project dedicated to protecting the endemic spider monkey, where you will join forces with local experts who harness the power of cutting-edge scientific research and STEM-guided investigations to help safeguard these fascinating primates. Begin your spider monkey conservation workshop with an engaging lecture that unveils the details of their efforts, followed by a face-to-face introduction with the project’s innovative approaches.

Day 7: Azuero Peninsula

Shift gears slightly today as you immerse yourself further in an environmental conservation service project, engaging in a diverse array of eco-friendly activities that vary with the seasons, each contributing significantly to the region’s biodiversity. Depending on time of year and where the current needs lie, you might find yourself meticulously collecting seeds to preserve native plant species, nurturing saplings in the tree nursery to replenish forests, participating in reforestation efforts by planting young trees, or taking part in crucial sea turtle conservation work during the nesting season. These experiences not only provide invaluable support to local ecosystems but also offer you a comprehensive understanding of Azuero community efforts toward sustainable practices.

Day 8: Panama City

Today you’ll journey back to Panama City, marking a reflective transition after a week of enriching experiences dedicated to preserving the region’s social heritage and fostering sustainability in its lush tropical forests. The evening is yours to explore more at your own pace before coming together for a final dinner.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.