We typically leave on the Thursday right before Spring Break, and return on the final day of the break. Students will need to check with their professors that they are able to miss the classes immediately before Spring Break, but this has not posed any difficulty in the past. We would be happy to work with you on this.
Below is a proposed itinerary. Please note that this itinerary is subject to change and a final program itinerary will be provided to participants before our departure at the pre-trip meetings.
Day 1: Panama
- Your dedicated Kagumu tour guide will meet you at the airport,
- Check in to your accommodation and relax before exploring the city
- Evening meal & introduction to the program. Enjoy mouth-watering Panama cuisine. Afterwards, the guides will introduce the program and the aims of the next 10 days.
- Overnight at a hotel in Panama City
Day 2: Old Town Tour & Hike in Soberania National Park
- Embark on an adventure to explore one of the most important National Parks of Panama. You will gain appreciation the tropical forest and fauna that surrounds the Panama Canal.
- Lunch in Old Town
- Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town with the MOLA Museum and explore the main city Plazas.
- Explore UNESCO- site Casco Antiguo where students will visit the incredible streets and buildings of Casco Viejo to witness centuries of devotion, community and the architectural evolution of Panama.
- Evening dinner on your own. You will be given a variety of restaurants to choose from in the city center.
- Overnight in Panama City
Day 3: Panama City: History, Innovation & the Panama Canal
- Begin the day with a guided walk to Ancon Hill, where students will enjoy panoramic views of Panama City. Here get the first look at the area's biodiversity and an overview of the city.
- Continue to the Panama Canal Administration Building and the Panama Canal Library for a conversation with historians. Students will explore the historical relationship between Panama and the United States, with a focus on the Canal's legacy and its impact on both nations.
- Following lunch at the City of Knowledge, students visit a former U.S. military base, now transformed into a thriving hub for education, research and entrepreneurship.
- In the afternoon, visit the Miraflores Visitor Center to gain a deeper understanding of the engineering, history, and global importance of the Panama Canal as one of the world's most strategic maritime trade routes. Afterwards, our guiding team will lead a reflection session.
- Evening dinner on your own. You will be given a variety of restaurants to choose from in the city center.
- Overnight in Panama City.
Day 4: Colon: One of the world's most vital free trade zones
- Depart for Colón, Panama's second most important province and a vital gateway to the Caribbean. Students will board a boat where you will discover and learn about the Chagres River and its magical aquatic history and biodiversity and also get to have sweeping views of the San Lorenzo castle.
- Students will enjoy a traditional Caribbean lunch.
- Students visit the Colón Free Zone, the second-largest free trade zone in the world. Through a workshop with representatives from its Educational Department, students will learn about the Free Zone's strategic role in international commerce.
- After a reflection session in the afternoon, students hop aboard a private transfer to head to Portobelo.
- Students will enjoy an evening meal in Portobelo.
- Overnight stay in Portobelo
Day 5: Portobelo: Drumming Workshop & Dance Class
- Portobelo is one of Panama's tropical treasures and the heart of Afro-Panamanian culture. With its white sand beaches, charming islands, and picturesque town, Portobelo will leave you captivated by its beauty. Students will enjoy a local tour of the area.
- Students enjoy a traditional Caribbean lunch.
- Students will partake in a drumming workshop. During the workshop they will be guided by local young artists. Students will learn how to play the congo drums, how to dance congo and dress like a Congo. This is an important part of their afro descendant history and also gives them the opportunity to interact with the local people of Portobelo that work hard to preserve their traditions.
- Enjoy a local group dinner before a reflection session as
students reflect upon the day’s activities.
- Overnight stay in Portobelo
Day 6: Portobelo: Swimming & Snorkeling in the Caribbean
- This morning, students will head to Portobelo Bay and explore the beaches of Playa Blanca, where they can enjoy the blue water by swimming, snorkeling and laying on the beautiful beach.
- Enjoy a local lunch bear the beach.
- Students have a free afternoon to experience the Caribbean vibes of Portobelo. Hang out with friends, walk the beach, visit the village and enjoy the surrounding area.
- Come back together for a local group dinner.
- Overnight in Portobelo.
Day 7: Embera Village: Embera Cultural Immersion & Solar Panel Project
- After an early breakfast, the group hops aboard a bus to travel to the Emberá village. This will be the group’s home for the next couple of days.
- Students meet members of the community and dine like a
local! Share a traditional Emberá lunch.
- While here, students will install solar panels in the community's public space. Therefore, n the afternoon, we will start the technical orientation (with a local technician and bilingual facilitator) and tour of the communal area where solar panels will be installed.
- Enjoy a local group dinner before a reflection session. Reflections are a key part of any Kagumu service project and offers students the ideal opportunity to truly understand the impact of the day’s activity and develop an understanding and appreciation of new cultures.
- Overnight stay in the Embera community in traditional housing at a community members home.
Day 8: Embera Village: Solar Panel Project & Cultural Evening
- Today, students begin the solar panel installation. Students team up with community volunteers and tech supervisors. Tasks include: mounting brackets, panel setup, and wiring preparation.
- Students will enjoy another home-cooked lunch in the community.
- Students continue the panel assembly, inverters, and battery setup. Community youth may assist or observe for training purposes. The group will finish with a short educational exchange on sustainable energy.
- Cultural night and reflection dinner with a Emberá dance and music presentation. Students will share reflections, songs, or cultural elements in return.
- Overnight stay in the Embera community in traditional housing at a community members home.
Day 9: Embera to Panama City: Hike/Waterfall
- After breakfast, the group will be led by Emberá guides through a pristine rainforest on a stunning hike. Students will get the chance to swim and relax at a beautiful jungle waterfall.
- Students lunch with members of the community and dine like a local! Share a traditional Emberá lunch.
- Students are transferred by bus to Panama City.
- Students have a free evening to dine and explore and pick up some locally-made gifts for friends and family back home.in the city. Note: this dinner is not included.
- Overnight stay in Panama City.
Day 10: Departure Day
- Your guides will take the group to the airport for your flight back home.