Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport, you'll be met by a World Expeditions Schools representative and transferred to your hotel in Panama City. After checking in and settling into your accommodation, take part in a brief safety and trip orientation before heading out for an evening of Panamanian cuisine and culture at a traditional local restaurant. Sample classic dishes such as sancocho, tamales, fresh seafood, plantains, and tropical fruits before enjoying a vibrant folkloric performance featuring traditional dances, colourful costumes, and live music. Overnight in Panama City.

Meals:  L,D

Experience both the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and the incredible wildlife of the surrounding rainforest. Board the Pacific Queen at Flamenco Marina and transit the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, rising 27 metres (81 ft) as the vessel makes its way toward Gamboa. Cruise beneath the Centennial Bridge and through the historic Gaillard (Culebra) Cut while learning about the canal's history, construction, and importance to global shipping from your onboard guide. After disembarking in Gamboa, travel to nearby Soberanía National Park and board a private boat to explore Gatun Lake. Formed during the construction of the canal, the lake is now home to an abundance of wildlife. Cruise through quiet channels and around forested islands while searching for howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, Geoffroy's tamarins, sloths, crocodiles, green iguanas, and colourful tropical birds. Along the way, learn how the protected rainforest plays a vital role in maintaining the canal's watershed and supporting one of Panama's most important ecosystems. Overnight in Panama City.

Meals:  B,L,D

Leave Panama City behind this morning and travel across the isthmus from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast, passing through the historic town of Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as one of the Spanish Empire's most important ports in the Americas. On arrival, board a boat with the guides from SCUBA Panama and head out to explore the warm, clear waters of the Caribbean. Snorkel over colourful coral reefs while learning about the area's diverse marine life, reef ecosystems, and ongoing conservation efforts. Depending on conditions, the day may also include a hands-on citizen science activity, such as identifying marine species, assessing coral health, or contributing to reef monitoring. After time to relax on the beach, enjoy lunch at a waterfront café before returning by boat and travelling back to Panama City in the afternoon. Overnight in Panama City.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, travel to Chagres National Park and continue to El Corotu, where you'll board a motorized piragua for a journey along the Chagres River through lush tropical rainforest. Keep an eye out for herons, kingfishers, ospreys, and other wildlife as you make your way to a traditional Emberá village. Meet community members and learn about their culture, traditions, and deep connection to the rainforest through music, storytelling, basket weaving, wood carving, and tagua jewellery. You can even try traditional jagua body painting before enjoying a home-cooked Emberá lunch. In the afternoon, work alongside the community on a local service project, which may involve planting trees, helping with a community or school garden, painting a shared space, or taking part in an environmental clean-up. It's a rewarding opportunity to experience everyday life in the village while contributing to a project that benefits the community. Overnight in Panama City.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, depart Panama City for Chitré, a journey of approximately 254 km (159 mi) (3.5 hours) through Panama’s countryside. This afternoon, there will have some free time to explore Chitré at our your own pace, with plenty to see and do depending on what the interests are. A wander through the historic town centre is a great place to start, with the Catedral San Juan Bautista, lively Parque Unión, and streets lined with traditional buildings and local shops. For those curious about the area's past, the Museo de Herrera offers an interesting look at the history and traditions of the region. Anyone interested in arts and crafts might like to visit nearby La Arena, known for its colourful pottery and ceramics, where they can see local artisans at work and perhaps pick up a handmade souvenir. There's also the chance to browse the local markets, try some traditional Panamanian food and snacks, or simply find a nice spot to relax and watch the world go by. It's a fun, easygoing afternoon that gives students the freedom to follow their own interests and experience a little of everyday life in Panama. Overnight in Chitre.

Meals:  B,L,D

Travel to the Azuero Peninsula this morning before boarding a boat to Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge, one of Panama's most important marine protected areas. Surrounded by white-sand beaches and clear Pacific waters, the island is home to thriving coral reefs, seabirds, iguanas, and more than 300 species of fish. Spend time exploring the island's walking trails before snorkeling over colourful reefs in search of tropical marine life. Between July and October, keep an eye out for migrating humpback whales, which visit these waters each year to breed and raise their calves. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach before returning to the mainland, taking in the beautiful coastal scenery along the way. Overnight in Chitre.

Meals:  B,L,D

Spend the day exploring the peaceful mangrove forests and coastal landscapes of Isla Cañas, an important wildlife refuge on Panama's Pacific coast. After a boat transfer from Puerto Sigua, set out by kayak or small boat to explore winding mangrove channels while learning about the vital role these ecosystems play in protecting coastlines, filtering water, and providing habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Along the way, local guides share insights into the area's biodiversity, traditional fishing practices, and the importance of conserving this unique environment. Continue exploring the island by vehicle, visiting quiet beaches and nature trails where there are more opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the surrounding scenery. After a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, return to the mainland with a greater appreciation for Panama's remarkable coastal ecosystems. Overnight in Chitre.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, transfer to Boquete, approximately 300 km (188 mi) and 4 hours driving time. After lunch, spend time exploring Panama’s cloud forest on a guided hike through a lush natural reserve. The 4.8 km (3 mi) trail crosses six hanging bridges, giving you a chance to walk among the treetops and see the forest from a different perspective. Along the way, keep an eye out for colourful birds and other local wildlife as your guide points out some of the plants and animals that make this ecosystem so unique. There will also be plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views across the forest and surrounding mountains. Overnight in Boquete.

Meals:  B,L,D

Leave the highlands behind and head to the Gulf of Chiriquí for a guided paddle through its mangrove-lined waterways. After a 1.5-hour transfer and a short safety briefing, set out at high tide to explore the calm channels where the rainforest meets the sea. Along the way, look for shorebirds, crabs, fish, and other wildlife living among the mangrove roots. Stop at a quiet sandbar to enjoy the coastal scenery before continuing to a viewpoint with views across the jungle and towards the volcanic peaks in the distance. Overnight in Boquete.

Meals:  B,L,D

Spend time exploring Bocas Town on Isla Colón with a local guide and learn more about the Afro-Caribbean heritage, history, and everyday life of this colourful island community. Walk through the lively waterfront area, passing traditional wooden houses, local markets, small shops, and churches that reflect the town’s diverse cultural influences. Visit local artisan workshops, meet some of the people who live and work here, and sample popular snacks such as patacones and fresh tropical juices. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the island’s past, its Caribbean traditions, and how Bocas has developed over the years. Finish with views across the town and surrounding islands before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Bocas del Toro.

Meals:  B,L,D

Set out by private boat to explore some of the beautiful coastal areas and marine environments of the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Begin at Dolphin Bay, a sheltered area surrounded by mangroves where bottlenose dolphins are often seen swimming and feeding in the calm waters. Spend some time watching for dolphins before continuing through the islands to Coral Cay. Here, enjoy a guided snorkeling session in clear Caribbean waters, exploring coral reefs that provide habitat for colourful tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, and other marine life. Your guide will help identify some of the species you encounter and explain the importance of the reef ecosystem. Afterwards, stop at an overwater restaurant for lunch, enjoying local Caribbean dishes and views across the surrounding reefs and islands. In the afternoon, continue to the Zapatilla Keys, two small, largely undeveloped islands known for their white-sand beaches, mangroves, and clear shallow waters. Spend time walking along the beach, swimming, exploring the shoreline, or simply relaxing before returning by boat to Bocas Town. Overnight in Bocas del Toro.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today, at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Bocas Airport for your flight back to Panama City. Upon arrival, continue with a hands-on introduction to Panama’s culinary traditions, led by local chefs. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients, learn how to prepare a selection of traditional dishes while discovering some of the flavours and techniques that are central to Panamanian cooking. Along the way, learn how Indigenous, Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, and other cultural influences have helped shape the country’s diverse cuisine. In the evening, head to historic Casco Antiguo for a guided walking tour through one of Panama City’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods. Wander along narrow streets and through lively plazas as your guide shares stories about the city’s colonial past and its development into the modern capital you see today. Stop at landmarks and viewpoints such as Plaza de Francia and the Metropolitan Cathedral, with time to enjoy views across the bay as the sun begins to set. Finish the evening at a local restaurant, where you’ll sit down together for dinner featuring Panamanian flavours and contemporary influences—a relaxed way to round out the day and experience another side of the city’s food and culture.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today marks the end of your Panama journey. Depending on your flight time, there may be some free time to relax at the hotel or take a last look around the city. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Tocumen International Airport for check-in and your departure flight, bringing your time in Panama to a close.

Meals:  B