Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Panama City

Meals Included: Dinner

Your journey begins in Panama City, a dynamic capital where global trade, modern development, and centuries of history intersect. Upon arrival, meet your local Program Director and transfer to your hotel. After time to rest and settle in, head out on an orientation walk to begin exploring the city’s contrasts—from sleek skyscrapers to historic streets that hint at Panama’s colonial past. In the evening, gather as a group for a welcome dinner, setting the tone for the cultural discoveries and shared experiences ahead.

Overnight: Panama City

Day 2 – The Panama Canal & Gatun Lake

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today brings an in-depth look at one of the world’s most important engineering feats: the Panama Canal. Visit the Miraflores Locks to watch massive ships transit between oceans, and experience the IMAX presentation that explores the canal’s construction, geopolitical impact, and role in shaping global trade. In the afternoon, shift from engineering to ecology with a boat expedition on Gatun Lake, traveling through rainforest waterways created during the canal’s construction. Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and tropical birds as students examine the relationship between human innovation and environmental change.

Overnight: Panama City

Day 3 – Caribbean Island Life in Bocas del Toro

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, take a short domestic flight to Isla Colón in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. After checking into the hotel, enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the island—by beach, bicycle, or on foot. Students begin to experience Caribbean island life, learning about Afro-Caribbean culture, coastal economies, and the slower rhythms of life shaped by geography and climate.

Overnight: Bocas del Toro

Day 4 – Marine Exploration & Red Frog Beach

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Head out by boat this morning for a marine exploration, searching for dolphins in their natural habitat while learning about marine mammal behavior and conservation. Continue to Punta Coral for snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, home to colorful tropical fish and other marine species. The day concludes at Red Frog Beach, where students may encounter monkeys and other wildlife while enjoying one of the region’s most iconic landscapes. This hands-on experience deepens understanding of marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship.

Overnight: Bocas del Toro

Day 5 – Crossing Borders & Macaw Conservation

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel by land from Panama into Costa Rica, crossing international borders and observing how landscapes, architecture, and culture shift along the way. Arrive in Puerto Viejo, a laid-back Caribbean town known for its cultural diversity and strong environmental values. In the afternoon, visit Ara Manzanillo, the Great Green Macaw Conservation Project, where students learn about endangered species protection, habitat restoration, and community-led conservation initiatives critical to preserving Costa Rica’s biodiversity.

Overnight: Puerto Viejo

Day 6 – Agriculture & Journey to Arenal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue inland toward the San Carlos / Arenal region, stopping at a pineapple plantation along the way. Students explore Costa Rica’s agricultural economy, examining export systems, sustainability practices, and the global demand that shapes farming in the region. Arrive in the Arenal area in the afternoon and settle in, surrounded by rainforest and volcanic landscapes.

Overnight: Arenal / San Carlos Area

Day 7 – Rainforest Adventure & Hot Springs

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a zip-line adventure through the rainforest canopy, offering a bird’s-eye view of forest ecosystems and an introduction to biodiversity found at different canopy levels. Continue to La Fortuna Waterfall, where students explore volcanic terrain and discuss the geological forces that have shaped the region. In the evening, relax at Baldi Hot Springs, soaking in naturally heated mineral pools while learning about geothermal activity and the role of volcanoes in Costa Rica’s landscape.

Overnight: Arenal / San Carlos Area

Day 8 – Sustainable Farming & San José

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit Don Juan Organic Farm for a hands-on exploration of sustainable agriculture and Costa Rican food culture. Students learn about organic farming methods, traditional cooking techniques, and the importance of environmental responsibility in food production. Afterward, travel to San José, Costa Rica’s capital. The evening offers time for group reflection, allowing students to connect themes of culture, conservation, and global citizenship from throughout the journey.

Overnight: San José

Day 9 – Departure Day

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for departure. Students return home with new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a deeper understanding of Central America’s cultures, ecosystems, and global connections.