Escape to a destination where you can engage in responsible sea turtle watching, with immersive experiences in local communities – that's the main allure of the Turtle Eco Route. This circuit features a sea turtle conservation project led by local organizations, allowing you to witness the nesting and hatching of these species (depending on the season).
Additionally, the circuit boasts other natural resources such as mangrove forests, gallery forests, and rich terrestrial and marine biodiversity. The communities, with their significant natural potential, make them ideal tourist spots for adventure activities and experiences like hiking, kayaking, waterfall tours, beaches, and the observation of native fauna and flora.
The area is home to the nesting of four species of sea turtles, corals, a variety of bird species (lowland, highland, mangrove, marine, and coastal birds), three species of monkeys (white-faced, howler, and spider monkeys), caimans, among others.
In the cultural and community experience aspect, four agrotourism farms offer immersive experiences with the community. These include sugar cane milling in traditional mills, artisanal sugarcane honey production, traditional cooking classes, cow milking, and the production of cheeses, yogurt, and natural hard cheeses. Additionally, experiences are offered that combine rural traditions, and crafts using ancestral techniques, folk dances, traditional costumes, local cuisine, fairs, and more.
Learn
The journey to Panama provides an exceptional opportunity for travelers to engage deeply with both the cultural heritage and the environmental challenges of the region. Starting with the Turtle Eco Route presentation in Mata Oscura, guests gain an educational overview of local wildlife conservation efforts, specifically the protection and monitoring of sea turtles. The visit to the Biodiversity Museum in Panama City further enriches this learning experience by showcasing Panama’s unique position in the global ecosystem, housing diverse species that bridge the Americas. These educational elements are designed not only to inform but also to inspire a greater appreciation and understanding of biodiversity and the need for sustainable practices.
Serve
Immersion in local culture is a pivotal part of this journey, achieved through various interactive experiences that allow travelers to live alongside the people of Panama. From participating in early morning yoga on the beach to learning the art of tamale-making from local experts, guests are invited to partake in the daily lives and traditions of the Mata Oscura community. Staying in community lodges rather than conventional hotels, dining on local cuisine, and engaging in traditional activities help travelers connect on a personal level with the community, fostering understanding and respect for different ways of life. This immersive approach ensures that the journey is not just a visit but a deep, meaningful integration into the fabric of the local culture.
Immerse
Service forms a core component of this trip, focusing on active participation in environmental preservation. This is exemplified by the sea turtle release activity, where travelers directly contribute to conservation efforts by helping to safely guide newly hatched turtles into the ocean. This hands-on involvement provides a tangible way to support wildlife and reinforces the impact of individual actions on global conservation. Additionally, engaging in traditional activities and supporting local enterprises like the Sugar Cane Mill allows travelers to contribute economically to the community, promoting sustainable tourism and community development.
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 
Priced by time of year and size of your group
