Insider's 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: Pacific Coast

Today visit a local school in rural Panama to practice your Spanish and engage with students and teachers. This enriching experience offers unique insights into the local education system as you compare and contrast their daily routines with those of your own school. Afterward you will journey to the Pacific coast to witness a breathtaking sunset on the beach.

Day 7: Pacific Coast

Learn to ride the waves of the Pacific Ocean with an interactive surfing lesson that reveals why people from around the world are drawn to this stunning Panamanian coastline. Following your lesson, enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the beach, soaking up the sun and the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 8: Panama City

Journey this morning to Playa El Palmar, a tranquil white sand beach that’s also on Panama’s Pacific Coast. Relax and enjoy the sun and smooth surf. Then continue the rest of the way to Panama City for a memorable final dinner accompanied by a captivating folklore show.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.