Tesoros - Panama

Student Fees

DAY ONE - 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. Students normally share with one or two other group members of the same general language ability. All homes are within a 10-20 minute walk from the school.

DAY TWO - Cooking / Panama Canal
Morning practicalities briefing followed by a walking orientation of your neighborhood and El Dorado shopping district. After your cooking

, visit the Panama Canal, where you'll witness mammoth ships as they pass through the Miraflores Locks. There's a spectacular outside terrace for amazing views of the ships and locks in action.

DAY THREE- SOMOS Humanitarian & Cultural
Your program includes Cultural

as well as your exclusive SOMOS humanitarian total experience. After arrival, you'll receive a list of the most needed items and specific service projects. Visit a modern 'super', where you'll purchase those supplies ($10 or more per student is recommended). Finally, complete your SOMOS experience as you interact with the children (subject to school calendar availability) while painting, or gardening. Later today, enjoy your dance

, including Salsa & Merengue!

DAY FOUR - Jungleland Tour
Get ready for a fascinating day in Lake Gatun and the Panama Canal. As you explore in fast boats, see ships transiting the canal and witness history in the making with the expansion of the canal. You'll find yourself immersed in the magnificent natural surrounding, gliding past lush rainforest to a secluded region of the lake where you'll witness first-hand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloth, iguanas and crocodiles are just a few of the animal species you might witness in their native habitat. Next, board the double decked houseboat for lunch. Later, select your favorite (included) activity, such as kayaking or fishing.

DAY FIVE - Casco Viejo / Amador Causeway
Experience Casco Viejo, a unique walled city consisting of 16th & 17th Century Spanish Colonial Architecture. Recently, UNESCO named Casco Viejo a World Heritage Site. Meander by cafes, boutiques, shops, and beautiful buildings surrounding the plazas. Later, visit Amador, a beautiful and picturesque causeway, lined with tropical palm trees and magnificent views of the Canal and the Panama City skyline. Plus, you'll be among the first to photograph the fabulous new Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry, best known for the Guggenheim Museum in Spain.

DAY SIX - Guided Adventures / Optional Excursions
Today is ideal for having fun with Interact's exclusive Guided Adventures or selecting a popular full-day excursion such the Embera Indian Village or zip-line. Contact ITI for availability and student fees.

DAY SEVEN - Pacific Playa Resort
Enjoy a scenic drive over the Bridge of the Americas and along the Pan America Highway on your way to San Carlos, Playa Ensenada. Your beach pass includes access to all facilities, lunch, snacks, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. Relax, swim, or participate in beach volleyball or soccer.

DAY EIGHT - Return to USA

	8 days/7 nights
	7 NIGHTS Panama Homestay	7
	MEALS All meals are included

Valid 10.7.18 for travel 2020-2022