Overview
Panama is an exciting eco-tourism destination steeped in adventure, wildlife, and culture! Join Global Family Travels to Learn, Serve & Immerse in this vibrant country that offers many opportunities to discover and learn about the diverse wildlife, indigenous cultures, and adventure in a beautiful tropical rainforest. As special part of this journey is the immersive experiences with the indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé people in the village of Soloy, where we will learn about their natural and cultural heritage.
Dates for this trip are custom, and pricing is based on number of people and days and additional experiences. Click below and learn more, or contact us for more information!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS are below, click on ITINERARY to see all the details.

Learn, Serve & Immerse
Through our Learn, Serve & Immerse travel pillars, we have developed a unique journey to this vibrant country that offers many opportunities to discover and learn about the diverse wildlife, indigenous cultures, and adventure in a beautiful tropical rainforest.
Highlights and Learning themes unique to this tour include:
- Panama culture and history
- An Immersive two-day homestay in the indigenous village of Soloy, and discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Ngäbe-Buglé people.
- A lovely hike along the Achiote Trail through the Tucán Center, to learn more about the 400 bird species in a lush 4,000-acre protected reserve.
- Explore the Biodiversity Museum
- Harvest coffee beans and learn about coffee plants
- Sustainable tourism and its impact on the local economy

Global Family Travels
Much more than a traditional tour operator, Global Family Travels’ mission is to “Learn, Serve and Immerse” through culture and community-based travel programs. In partnership with non-profit organizations and schools, we offer family-friendly and sustainable travel experiences in support of education, gender equality, access to clean water, preservation of local cultures, conservation, and economic growth, all of which foster cross-cultural understanding and global citizens.
Our trips include a unique mix of cultural and educational activities, homestays, and participation in local service projects aimed at improving the lives of people in the communities we visit.
Expect to expand your family circle when you embark on a Global Family Travels trip! Visit our website for more information: Global Family Travels
Panama Canal Tour (optional)
As one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal is a must-see for anyone traveling in the country. Built to dramatically decrease the travel time for ships between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the Canal has seen over 900,000 vessels and counting.
On this tour, you will visit the different attractions related to the Panama Canal such as: the Panama Canal Administration Building, The Goethals Monument, The Stevens Circle Monument, the former Albrook US Military air force and Clayton US Military base and The Miraflores Locks where you will learn the about the operations of the Canal and have time to admire this manmade invention.
Metropolitian Park & Ruins of Panama City
In the morning our guide will meet you at your hotel and head to the Metropolitan Natural Park for a hiking and bird watching tour on a short nature trail. You will experience the incredible unity of a metropolitan city adjacent to the lush rainforest.
While hiking to the mirador (lookout point), you will be fascinated by the beautiful views of Panama City, its bay, the Panama Canal and the national parks that protect the Canal’s watershed.
Afterwards, you will be visiting Panama La Vieja, the first city founded on the isthmus by the Spanish at the beginning of colonization. The remaining ruins are the vestiges of the city left by Pirate Henry Morgan, who sacked the town in 1671. You will have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs near the ruins.
- Start time: 8:00am hotel pick up.
- Duration: Full day (up to 8 hours).
- What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, hat, raincoat, sun protection and insect repellent.
- Includes: Private transportation/driver, expert guide, entrance fees, art workshop, snacks, bottled water, and lunch.
Portobelo Cultural Day
Today we will head to Portobelo to begin our exploration. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Portobello served as a Spanish fortress and Caribbean port. Products such as spices, gold and silver that came from Peru and other Spanish Colonies passed through the country, along a trail called the Royal Path, and then were boarded on ships to be transported to Spain.
Because of the riches stored in the Portobello Customs House, pirates attacked the town on various occasions; the best-known attack was by Henry Morgan. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and colonial fortifications of San Geronimo and Santiago de la Gloria.
Afterwards, liberate your creativity and create your own work of art. Under the guidance of a local artist, elaborate your own souvenir.
- Start time: 8:00am hotel pick up.
- Duration: Full day (up to 8 hours).
- What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes, hat, raincoat, sun protection and insect repellent.
- Includes: Private transportation/driver, expert guide, entrance fees, art workshop, snacks, bottled water, and lunch.
Full Day Scuba Diving in the Caribbean Coast
Spend your day exploring the wonders of the warm Caribbean Sea off the sun-drenched coast of Panama on a guided scuba adventure. Jump into the crystal-clear waters of the bay near Portobelo and immediately discover an underwater world filled with colorful wildlife and fascinating historical treasures. Among others, the sea here has come to be the final resting place of a 110 ft freighter and a C-45 airplane.
The colorful coral reefs surrounding Portobelo are home to a number of fish species, including black-tip reef sharks, eagle rays and nurse sharks. The renowned Salmenda reef and Drake Island are among the local favorites, but there are plenty more sites to be discovered. After an excitement-filled day you will be privately transferred back to your accommodation.

Optional Ziplining
Zip lining in Finca Oasis (note, then can be done on same day of Sunrise volcano excursion)
We will then head to our second adventure of the day: a journey in the highest zip line in all of Central America. At around 10 in the morning, we will be arriving at Finca El Oasis which is right on the slopes of the Baru Volcano. With nine platforms located between 2,400 and 2,800 meters above sea level, you will have the opportunity to see the landscape from the perspective of birds.