Travel to Panama with a group of volunteers to learn about environmental issues like conservation and preserving endangered wildlife! From exploring beaches for turtle eggs to hiking through nature reserves, you'll earn 24 service hours. See how local youth are getting involved with issues they care about while staying with a host family in a rural community. Enjoy Panama's unspoiled Pacific beaches and immerse yourself in the tropical forests of the Veraguas Province. Sessions A and C are for 15-19 year old volunteers and Session B is for 13-14 year old volunteers.
Length Requirements Dates Ages Application
Deadline
Price
Session A 2 Weeks

No Spanish Requirement

Passport valid 6 months after project end date

Pre-departure training, online or in-person

Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

June 20–July 4, 2024

15-19 National Chapter: April 16

$4,375 – National Chapter

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included.

Session B 2 Weeks

No Spanish Requirement

Passport valid 6 months after project end date

Pre-departure training, online or in-person

Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

July 11–July 25, 2024

13–14 National Chapter: May 14

$4,375 – National Chapter

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included.

Session C 2 Weeks

No Spanish Requirement

Passport valid 6 months after project end date

Pre-departure training, online or in-person

Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

July 31–Aug 14, 2024

15-19 National Chapter May 14

$4,375 – National Chapter

Fees include all in-country expenses

Fundraising Support Available

Flight costs are not included.

  • Session A
  • Length
    2 Weeks
  • Requirements

    No Spanish Requirement

    Passport valid 6 months after project end date

    Pre-departure training, online or in-person

    Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

  • Dates

    June 20–July 4, 2024

  • Ages
    15-19
  • Application Deadline
    National Chapter: April 16
  • Price

    $4,375 – National Chapter

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included.

  • Session B
  • Length
    2 Weeks
  • Requirements

    No Spanish Requirement

    Passport valid 6 months after project end date

    Pre-departure training, online or in-person

    Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

  • Dates

    July 11–July 25, 2024

  • Ages
    13–14
  • Application Deadline
    National Chapter: May 14
  • Price

    $4,375 – National Chapter

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included.

  • Session C
  • Length
    2 Weeks
  • Requirements

    No Spanish Requirement

    Passport valid 6 months after project end date

    Pre-departure training, online or in-person

    Attend Health and Safety and Project webinars in the Spring

  • Dates

    July 31–Aug 14, 2024

  • Ages
    15-19
  • Application Deadline
    National Chapter May 14
  • Price

    $4,375 – National Chapter

    Fees include all in-country expenses

    Fundraising Support Available

    Flight costs are not included.

Find out more about our programs

Join an online info session!

RSVP HERE

About the Project

Project Type

Group Travel with Homestay

Who is this project good for?

Students who are looking for an introduction to travel and service abroad. Volunteers will travel with the group and AMIGOS staff for the duration of the program. Students who are looking for an introductory experience living with a host family.

Food and Dietary Restrictions

Most meals will be typical Panamanian food which can include a protein (meat or eggs), a side of rice and beans or fried dough, a salad, and either fried plantains or yucca. This project is vegetarian friendly.

Homestay and Lodging Info

Volunteers will participate in a 5-6 day homestay in groups of 2 or 3 per host family. All host families will be nearby in the same community as staff.

Climate and Terrain

This program is primarily located in the Anton Valley and Pacific coast of Veraguas Province. Rain and high humidity are common in the summer months with temperatures ranging from the low 70’s in Valle de Anton, to the mid 90’s in the rest of project sites.

Slang

aguacero = rain shower
ofi = okay

Service Hours

Earn 24 service hours.

AMIGOS History in the Region

AMIGOS originally worked in Panama from 1981 to 1987. We returned in 2004, when we opened a project in the provinces of Veraguas and Coclé. AMIGOS worked in Coclé for 16 consecutive years and we are excited to continue working in this region.

What makes this project unique?

You’ll get to practice your Spanish while making new friends and volunteering with two amazing community-based organizations! Travel to the crater of an extinct volcano surrounded by mountains and cloud forests! Learn about orchid conservation and visit butterfly haven. Then, travel to help protect sea turtles and learn about marine conservation from experts at a local agency.  

Azuero Peninsula, Panama
Apply Now

Click here

Climate Change and Conservation

VALLE Y VERAGUAS REGION  

You will spend part of your time in one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world surrounded by mountains and clouds. Then, live like a local in a rural community on the Pacific Coast. 

Coclé Province: Understand the importance of natural resource conservation to community well-being and native flora and fauna. Hear from local people about the challenges of climate change and its impacts on people’s lives.   

Veraguas Province: Learn about climate change and its impact on mangroves and on endangered wildlife. Explore sea turtle conservation and participate in night patrols and nesting activities. Spend time with local youth leaders and dive into the Panamanian traditions.  

PARTNER AGENCIES 

Volunteer with a sea turtle protection organization and a sustainable development organization. Earn 24 service hours while supporting local initiatives. 

EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES

  • Reforestation work with the Ministry of the Environment
  • Beach cleanup and trash disposal
  • Nocturnal turtle monitoring (we cannot guarantee that volunteers will get to see turtles nor turtle egg).
  • Learn about how mircoplastics are damaging the oceans
  • Environmental activities on sea turtle nesting beaches

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Panama City – Arrival Day!
Day 2-5: Valle Anton – Group will stay together in dormitory-style lodging. Briefing activities and team building. Service opportunities doing reforestation work and working with a recycling center. Activities such as hiking and visiting a butterfly haven, orchid nursery, and local markets.
Day 6 – 11: Veraguas Province – Homestays with 2-3 volunteers per household. Work and learn from an organization supporting sea turtle conservation, beach cleanup, nocturnal turtle monitoring, and youth engagement/cultural activities. Excursion to “secret beach” and visit to cane milling plant.
Day 12-13: Panama City – Group stays in a hostel. Panama Canal and Casco Viejo tour, debriefing activities.
Day 14: Fly home, adios AMIGOS!
*Itineraries are subject to change.

Field Notes

El Pacífico: Mata Oscura

El Pacifico, Panama


Read More
El Pacífico: Exploring El Valle

El Pacifico, Panama


Read More
El Pacífico: Our Days in Valle de Antón

El Pacifico, Panama


Read More

First days at Mata Oscura. Pacifico C is having a great time 🇵🇦🫶

Nuestros primeros días en Mata Oscura. Pacifico C está teniendo grandes momentos 🇵🇦🫶

#amigosdelasamericas
#elpacificopanama
...

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My time in Panama with AMIGOS was one of the most incredible, life-changing experiences I have ever had. Immediately meeting the other Amigos I was on the trip with, I knew I had found my life-long friends.

—Eliza, Volunteer in Panama

Program Requirements
  • Meet the health criteria for AMIGOS participation
  • Receive required immunizations
  • Be age 13-14 on the project start date
  • Passport valid 6 months after project start date
  • Complete pre-departure training, online or in-person
Apply Now

Program Pillars

Ethical Service

Learn how to create ethical service initiatives by working with–not for–a community, engaging local organizations and partners, and evaluating the impact of your work. AMIGOS works with trusted local partners that are passionate and committed to working with our volunteers on community service projects.

Cultural Humility

Cultural humility is a process of both self-reflection about your own culture as well as learning about other cultures. You will examine your own beliefs and cultural identity and gain an understanding of how structural racism has impacted societies and the roles that communities can take to lead systemic change.

Leadership

Learn, grow, and discover your leadership potential! Explore your sense of purpose and start to establish your personal goals and values through introspection and inquiry.

Why Choose AMIGOS?

Have an Adventure

Travel off the beaten path and to must-see spots in Panama! You’ll travel as a group to experience unique destinations like extinct volcanoes, cloud forests, and waterfalls. You’ll get to see these places from the distinct perspective of someone who has spent time in that country and learned about the culture firsthand. Plus, you’ll bond with their fellow volunteers and have fun!

Travel with Trust

AMIGOS is the industry leader in health and safety management. Our staff is prepared to help you with any situation that may arise. Each volunteer receives a personalized emergency plan, as well as support from local staff teams and a professional 24-hour On-Call Safety Team of travel specialists, doctors, and mental health specialists. A Health and Wellness Coordinator is on staff with the group throughout the duration of their stay. AMIGOS also has an established network of vetted medical clinics and hospitals throughout the region.

Training for AMIGOS and Beyond

Prepare for AMIGOS through guided training in topics like: cultural humility, health and safety, emotional intelligence, travel safety, Spanish, leadership, and team building.

Upon arrival in the field, you’ll start country-specific training with your group. During your time abroad, you’ll meet regularly with an AMIGOS staff member who serves as your mentor.

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