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Panama

Rainforest Explorers: The Best of Panama With Your Family

Program No. 23615RJ
Search for tropical wildlife alongside your family in Panama while also meeting members of an Indigenous tribe, venturing through the jungle and voyaging part of the canal together.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
10 days
Program Begins
Panama City
Program Concludes
Gamboa
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
26 ( 9B, 8L, 9D )
Activity Level
Did you know that Panama has over 975 different bird species, more than the U.S. and Canada combined? And that’s just one reason why this awesome country is perfect for every wildlife lover. On this exciting adventure with your family, journey into the jungle and rainforest to search for awesome animals like sloths, monkeys and iguanas. Along the way, get a temporary tattoo from an Indigenous tribe, learn cool pirate history and spot marine life through your snorkeling mask as you make lifelong memories in this tropical paradise.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Experience a partial transit through the legendary Panama Canal and search for wildlife as you pass through its many lakes and locks.
  • Take your learning nice and slow at a sloth sanctuary, where you’ll get up close and personal to these gentle creatures.
  • Enjoy a boat ride to an Emberá village – one of seven local Indigenous tribes – to play fun games and learn about their traditions.
Profile Image
Abdiel Luis
Abdiel Luis studied tourism and hospitality management at the Universidad Interamericana de Panama. He is a licensed guide and has been leading educational groups since 2003. Two of Abdiel's favorite subjects are history and geography, and he particularly enjoys using his knowledge in these areas to enhance his groups' educational travel experience.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Gabriel Ortiz
Gabriel Ortiz
Gabriel Ortiz is a certified Panamanian expedition leader and naturalist. He honed his skills while working as a resident naturalist at a rainforest eco-resort and on board expedition-style cruises, including Lindblad/National Geographic. Gabriel acknowledges that many visitors from abroad are drawn primarily to the Panama Canal and are not even aware of the country's great biodiversity. He finds it especially rewarding to play a part in educating visitors about all of Panama's treasures, from the Canal Zone and beyond.
Profile Image of Luis Melendez
Luis Melendez
Luis "Tavo" Melendez is a Panamanian expedition leader with a passion for travel, history, and culture. He attended Lindenwood University in Missouri and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Luis spent many years living abroad in Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the U.S. before returning permanently to Panama in 2008. When Luis is not leading programs or spending time with his family and various pets, he can likely be found practicing his surfing and body-boarding techniques at the beach.
Profile Image of Alexis Guevara
Alexis Guevara
Alexis “Alex” Guevara is a certified Panamanian expedition leader and a birding enthusiast. After training in environmental stewardship and accounting at the Instituto Profesional Técnico de Metetí, he earned a scholarship to study natural resources and technology at Mt. Hood Community College, Oregon. There he received his first formal training in ornithology and became hooked on birds. In addition to leading educational groups throughout Panama and Costa Rica, Alex has worked as a resident naturalist at eco-lodges and as a consultant on environmental impact studies.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles daily over uneven terrain; getting in and out of canoes/kayaks/motorboats; ascending/descending an 86-step canopy tower; snorkeling; some city walking and intermittent standing.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Family Program
Share your love of learning with your family. These programs are designed for any combination of generations: grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and children.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (21 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.