12 days
Panama, Costa Rica

Culture is the cornerstone of a vibrant society, shaping the way we remember the past and build toward a more sustainable future.

On this tour, you’ll see how Panama’s cultural preservation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Discover the country’s colonial history in the Casco Viejo district, learn about symbiotic living from members of an Emberá Indigenous village, and delve into traditional arts and folklore in Chitré. Complete your cultural journey in Costa Rica, where you’ll harness The Power of Environmental Stewardship at our inspiring leadership conference.

EF Summits are open to rising 9th graders through graduated seniors.
destinations visited on tour shown on map
  • Day 1: Fly to Panama

    Meet your Tour Director at the airport
  • Day 2: Panama City

    Take a tour of Casco Viejo with your Tour Director, where you’ll explore an Indigenous arts and crafts market  

    Participate in a cultural exchange with locals 

    Visit the Biomuseo to learn about the ecology of Panama and the importance of biodiversity conservation  

     Enjoy time to explore the Amador Causeway  

  • Day 3: Panama City • Chagres National Park

     Take a day trip to Chagres National Park, where you’ll go canoeing on the Rio Chagres 

    Visit an Emberá Indigenous village to see how their way of life respects their natural surroundings 

  • Day 4: Panama City • Chitré

    Travel to Chitré

    Visit a farm that exemplifies the rich agricultural heritage of the Azuero Peninsula, where you will: 

    • Feed the animals 


    • Discover how generational farming methods promote soil fertility and biodiversity  


    • Help to prepare lunch and share a meal with local farmers  
  • Day 5: Chitré

     Visit with local artisans to learn the art of pottery and the crafting of traditional Diablicos folk masks 

    Participate in a painting workshop and explore the art history of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas 

     Enjoy a folklore performance that showcases local dances like the Tamborito or the Punto  

  • Day 6: Chitré • Panama City

    Travel to Panama City

    Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center to learn about the operation and engineering of the Panama Canal 

  • Day 7: Panama City • San José

    Fly to San José 

    Enjoy a Costa Rican folklore evening

  • Day 8: San José • Sarapiquí

    Travel to Sarapiqui

    Take a tour at Tirimbina Biological Reserve where you will:

    • Hike across a suspension bridge to a former cocoa-growing plot
    • Learn about the cocoa tree and the history of chocolate
    • Enjoy a chocolate tasting
  • Day 9: Sarapiquí • San José • Leadership Conference

    Travel to San José 

    Participate in an activity centered around The Power of Environmental Stewardship  

    Kick off your leadership conference experience 

  • Day 10: San José • Leadership Conference

  • Day 11: San José • Leadership Conference

  • Day 12: Depart for home

Interested in learning more about this tour?
  • Day 1: Fly to Panama

    Meet your Tour Director at the airport
  • Day 2: Panama City

    Take a tour of Casco Viejo with your Tour Director, where you’ll explore an Indigenous arts and crafts market  

    Participate in a cultural exchange with locals 

    Visit the Biomuseo to learn about the ecology of Panama and the importance of biodiversity conservation  

     Enjoy time to explore the Amador Causeway  

  • Day 3: Panama City • Chagres National Park

     Take a day trip to Chagres National Park, where you’ll go canoeing on the Rio Chagres 

    Visit an Emberá Indigenous village to see how their way of life respects their natural surroundings 

  • Day 4: Panama City • Chitré

    Travel to Chitré

    Visit a farm that exemplifies the rich agricultural heritage of the Azuero Peninsula, where you will: 

    • Feed the animals 


    • Discover how generational farming methods promote soil fertility and biodiversity  


    • Help to prepare lunch and share a meal with local farmers  
  • Day 5: Chitré

     Visit with local artisans to learn the art of pottery and the crafting of traditional Diablicos folk masks 

    Participate in a painting workshop and explore the art history of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas 

     Enjoy a folklore performance that showcases local dances like the Tamborito or the Punto  

  • Day 6: Chitré • Panama City

    Travel to Panama City

    Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center to learn about the operation and engineering of the Panama Canal 

  • Day 7: Panama City • San José

    Fly to San José 

    Enjoy a Costa Rican folklore evening

  • Day 8: San José • Sarapiquí

    Travel to Sarapiqui

    Take a tour at Tirimbina Biological Reserve where you will:

    • Hike across a suspension bridge to a former cocoa-growing plot
    • Learn about the cocoa tree and the history of chocolate
    • Enjoy a chocolate tasting
  • Day 9: Sarapiquí • San José • Leadership Conference

    Travel to San José 

    Participate in an activity centered around The Power of Environmental Stewardship  

    Kick off your leadership conference experience 

  • Day 10: San José • Leadership Conference

  • Day 11: San José • Leadership Conference

  • Day 12: Depart for home

Interested in learning more about this tour?

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Your experience includes

  • Airfare & transportation

    Round-trip flights on major carriers; internal flight; comfortable motorcoach

  • Hotels

    11 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms

  • Regional-style meals

    Breakfast and dinner daily; lunch on days 4, 10 & 11

  • Full-time Tour Director

    Your bilingual, culturally connected Tour Director stays with you 24/7 to handle all on-tour logistics and provide knowledgeable insights everywhere you go.

  • Student Leadership Conference

    Conference registration, keynote addresses, expert-led workshops, and design thinking workshops are included.

  • Entrances

    Casco Viejo tour; Biomuseo; Chagres National Park; Rio Chagres canoe ride; Emberá Indigenous village; agriculture tour and animal feeding; meal with local farmers; visit with local artisans; painting workshop; folklore performance; Miraflores Visitor Center; Tirimbina Biological Reserve tour and chocolate tasting; Summit-themed activity

  • Personalized Learning Support

    Our personalized learning experience engages students before, during and after tour, with the option to create a final, reflective project for academic credit.

  • Continuous Support

    Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.

  • Worldwide Presence

    EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too.

  • 24-hour Emergency Service

    Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.

  • Peace of Mind Program

    Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about your flexible options at eftours.com/peaceofmind.

Lowest price

Includes airfare, hotels, meals, full-time Tour Director, and more.
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      $5,499*
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      Price is valid for students under the age of 20 at the time of travel that room in triples and quads. Minimum participation is required. Change and cancellation fees of up to the total price will apply. Applicable airline baggage fees are not included and can be found at www.eftours.com/baggage. Program price is valid today only.

      Price displayed includes an Early Enrollment Discount; restrictions apply. To determine if you qualify, please contact your Tour Consultant. Tours departing between 10/1/2023 and 9/30/2024 may be eligible for a $100 discount. Tours departing 10/1/2024 and beyond may be eligible for a $200 discount; restrictions apply.

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