Student Fees
SUNDAY- Arrival Panama City /Homestay
Panama is a treasure. Although it’s a small country, it has exotic tropical rainforests, beautiful mountain refuges, beaches, islands, seven living
Indian cultures, a sophisticated capital city, scads of Spanish colonial historical sites and that 8th wonder of the world and engineering marvel, the Panama Canal.
Greeting by Interact’s Representative in the airport lobby. Transfer to Altos de Bethania, a friendly, quiet middle class residential community. ILERI
Institute serves as the meeting point and social center for all activities. Meet the Program Director as you’re introduced to your host families.
MIDDLE CLASS HOST FAMILIES are neighbors or friends of our homestay director. Regardless, all families are monitored and continually
evaluated. Host families provide daily breakfast and dinner. Student bedrooms are equipped with fans. Everyone speaks Spanish in the home. All homes are within a 5-20 minute walk from ILERI.
MONDAY – Orientation /  / Hike
Morning practicalities briefing followed by a walking orientation of your neighborhood and El Dorado shopping district. After your Panamanian
cooking , drive to nearby Parque Natural Metropolitano. Hike the “Cienaguita” trail and enjoy breathtaking vistas at the top.
|
TUESDAY- Humanitarian
Your Homestay Director coordinates your humanitarian with Aldeas Infantiles SOS.
Please bring basic school items. Interact provides a monetary donation. Interact with the children while playing games.
WEDNESDAY – Canal, Casco Viejo & Amador
Visit the Miraflores Locks. There's a spectacular outside terrace for amazing views of the locks in action. Next, discover Casco Viejo,
the 333 year old Spanish colonial sector perched on a piece of land that juts out into the bay.
Finally, explore the popular Amador Causeway with souvenir shops, restaurants, scenic bicycle path, and a Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research aquarium.
THURSDAY- Options / Dance
Today is available for optional excursions such as Monkey Island, Embera Indian Village, Panama Canal Train, or kayaking on the canal.
Groups may also elect an additional ½ day humanitarian (at no additional cost). Tonight, enjoy your dance , including Salsa & Merengue!
FRIDAY- Caribbean Coast
Enjoy your day on a Caribbean Island. Isla Grande is popular because of its tranquility and beauty.
The island's name doesn’t really reflect its size, but in comparison to the other islands that surround it, it is the biggest. Hike the island, swim, snorkel, fish, and listen to the sea.
SATURDAY- El Valle & Pacific Coast
Relax on your scenic drive into the cooler, refreshing mountain air in El Valle. This picturesque town is nestled in the crater of a giant extinct volcano.
Browse the outdoor market and souvenir stores. Later, visit El Nispero Zoo, where you’ll see the famous "golden frog," a brightly gold colored frog with black
spots that lives only in this region and is in danger of extinction. Lunch is included. Consider a popular canopy option $60: hike through the jungle to the first
platform for your zip-line through the rainforest canopy. Swoop from platform to platform high among the sturdy cloud forest trees as you pass over the waterfall not once, but twice.
After a memorable morning like that, enjoy a short drive for a few hours of R&R on the beautiful Pacific beach of Santa Clara.
SUNDAY - Return to USA
Itinerary effective May 1, 2010
 |
DEPARTURES
SATURDAY or SUNDAY
8 days/7 nights |
 |
7 NIGHTS
Panama Homestay |
7 |
 |
MEALS
Daily breakfast & dinner are provided by your host family.
Lunches as specified
|
|