EDUCATIONAL TRIP TO PANAMA

CANALS, CULTURE AND THE TROPICS

[TRIP LENGTH: 7 DAYS]

Includes Airfare ● Itinerary can be customized to fit within your time frame or budgetary needs

At Appleseed Expeditions we believe that student travel combined with service can change our global communities in a positive way. Our educational trips to Panama are meant to inspire students to use their gifts and talents to make a difference in this global community. We choose specific experiential programs that immerse students in this Latin culture while teaching them about endemic rainforest habitats. It is our hope to shape the lives of students while on this school trip to Panama to become future leaders who fight against social injustice and promote global conservation.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival and Orientation

The school group flies into Panama City, Panama.   You will have a team orientation followed by a visit to the central market (if time permits). The group will learn first hand about local economic and social issues that Panamanians deal with on a daily basis.

Day 2 – Panama City Landmarks

During the days in Panama City your student group will explore a variety of landmarks. These include a Panama City guided sightseeing tour, a visit to the Casco Viejo, handicraft market, Biomuseo, Punta Culebra Nature Center and a visit to the Panama Canal.

 Day 3-4 Volunteering at a Local School and Community Exchange

In Panama City, you will be introduced to community based projects to be undertaken throughout the day. On this educational trip you will get to work and assist the local school with infrastructure, repair projects and find time to interact with the students during games and activities.  You may also have time to mentor and interact with local children through homework assistance and games.

Day 5 – Journey to Isla Galeta

This morning your student group will head to Isla Galeta Marine Science Center. Galeta Island Marine Education Center is adjacent to a fringing coral reef, mangrove forest, and seagrass communities. The site of an intense study of the biological effects of a major oil spill, Galeta continues to serve as a location for marine environmental monitoring. Later in the day you will partake in an intertidal marine science program.   Your evening program will include a night hike to study night predators which include bats, cats and other night dwelling species.

 Day 6- Zip Line Adventure and Rainforest Trek

Today your school group will take in an amazing zip-line adventure through a tropical rainforest. On this adventure you may see howler monkeys, sloths and a variety of birds. After lunch you will take in a rainforest trek with a local naturalist. On this rainforest journey you will learn about tropical ecology, symbiotic relationships, and animal behaviour. If it is the right time of the year you will explore the beaches and learn about nesting sea turtles.

 Day 7 – Shopping and Then Head Home

This morning, if time permits, head to some shopping areas near Panama City and then fly home.

Itinerary subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including availability with vendors, weather conditions and flight schedules.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Take in a boat trip on the Panama Canal
  • Explore the rainforest with local naturalist
  • Spanish Cultural Immersion Programs
  • Explore colonial pre-Columbian artisan centers
  • Zip line through the forest
  • Hike trails along El Valle de Antón
  • Snorkel on the reef at Boca Del Toro

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Qualified trip leader – Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts from naturalists to regional specialists who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes and local culture. Your guide is with the group 24/7 and also staying with you at the same hotel
Daily reflections lead by your tour leader
Overnight stays are in hotels with private bathrooms rated 4 star or more on Trip Advisor
All Meals are included but please note: On arrival day only dinner is provided; on departure day, only breakfast is provided
Tour Journal, T-shirt and Luggage tag
Note: Tour cost does not include airline-imposed baggage fees, or fees for any required passport or visa.