Where We Travel

Panama

Experience Panama

Panama is a place of connection. It is a bridge between North and South America, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, rainforest and city life, global trade and local traditions. From being in cloud forests to coastal communities, AMIGOS participants experience Panama through daily life with local families, youth, and partner organizations. Depending on the program, they may support projects like sea turtle habitat protection, sustainable agriculture, environmental education, and community beautification.

Along the way, students will practice Spanish, build confidence, and learn from the people leading change in their own communities. Whether they are working on a farm, helping with conservation efforts, or spending time with a host family, each day offers a new way to connect.

Did you know?

AMIGOS first worked in Panama in the 1980s. Today, AMIGOS continues to grow its work with partner agencies and communities across Panama.

AMIGOS Project Sites

Explore Programs

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Panama: El Pacifico

AMIGOS Discover – High School (15-19)

Discover Panama’s Pacific coast through sea turtle conservation, coastal stewardship, and cultural exchange while exploring how local communities protect their wildlife and natural heritage.

Cultural Connection Hands-on Conservation Wildlife Protection

Sessions

June 9 – 23 2 Weeks open

June 29 – July 13 2 Weeks open

July 19 – August 2 2 Weeks open

Panama: El Valle

AMIGOS Explore – High School (15-19)

Explore El Valle’s unique blend of biodiversity and culture while supporting local initiatives that strengthen environmental stewardship, community resilience, and opportunities for future generations.

Cross-Cultural Understanding Rural Community Service Youth Engagement

Sessions

June 18 – July 2 3 Weeks open

July 8 – 22 3 Weeks open

July 28 – August 11 3 Weeks open

Panama: Tierras Altas

AMIGOS Discover – High School (15-19)

Discover Panama’s highlands through sustainable agriculture, climate action, and community-led initiatives that celebrate local traditions and strengthen the region’s connection to the land.

Climate Action Food Justice Sustainable Food Systems

Sessions

June 17 – July 1 2 Weeks open

July 6 – 20 2 Weeks open

July 26 – August 9 2 Weeks open

Not Sure Where to Start?

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The Amigos Difference

Why AMIGOS?

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AMIGOS’ History in Panama

AMIGOS’ history in Panama spans more than four decades.

1981

First Panama Program

AMIGOS originally worked in Panama from 1981 to 1987.

1987

Programs Paused

Following the U.S. invasion of Panama and the political upheaval that followed, AMIGOS suspended its projects in the country.

2004

Return to Panama

Projects launched in partnership with the Ministry of Health in the provinces of Veraguas and Coclé, both of which are close to the Azuero Peninsula.

2008

New Partnership with the Ministry of Social and Economic Development

AMIGOS launches a new collaboration with MIDES to broaden the program’s focus.

2020

Total Program Suspension

All AMIGOS projects for 2020 were suspended due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2022

Programs Reopened

Panama was the second host country to reopen post-pandemic.

2025

AMIGOS hosts custom program with Duke University

AMIGOS hosts the Athlete’s Civic Engagement program in Panama.

Volunteers collaborate with local organizations in service work

A Culture of Community Partnership

AMIGOS partners with Panamanian organizations and communities already leading work in conservation, sustainability, agriculture, and youth development. Volunteers join as learners but also as collaborators, supporting local efforts and building connections through shared goals and everyday community life.

Partner Organization Themes

Sea Turtle & Wildlife Conservation

Sustainable & Organic Agriculture

Rural Community Development

Environmental Education

Latin American Youth also participate in AMIGOS programs

Opportunities for Latin American Youth

AMIGOS is committed to providing opportunities for Latin American youth to join our programs.

Each year, more than 50+ students from Latin America are trained and serve as AMIGOS Youth Leaders on our programs. New virtual programs provide additional opportunities for Latin American youth to participate in AMIGOS programs. AMIGOS seeks partnerships with organizations and funders to open more pathways for students from the region to join our programs and staff leadership.

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Scenes From Panama

From green volcanic valleys to Pacific beaches and mountain farms, Panama gives AMIGOS students a close-up look at conservation, culture, and community-led action. Each day brings hands-on project work, Spanish practice, time with host families, and connection with local youth, leaders, and partner organizations.

Visit Panama city and its historic center

Volunteers lead activities with local kids

Panama’s population is spread across busy cities, quiet rural communities, coastal towns, highland farms, and rainforest regions. Students may experience a very different side of Panama depending on their program site.

A busy capital where historic neighborhoods, modern skyscrapers, and the Panama Canal all come together. Most international travel begins in or near Panama City before students continue on to their project communities.

Panama is generally warm and tropical (varies by region), with rainy and dry seasons. Students should be ready for heat, humidity, rain, and cooler conditions at higher elevations.

Panama is shaped by forests, mountains, rainforests, farms, coastal communities, and the canal that connects two oceans.

Hear from Recent Volunteers

Get a real look at life in Panama through stories from AMIGOS students. Read about project work, Spanish practice, host family connections, new friendships, and what volunteers learned while exploring community life from the highlands to the coast.

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Not Sure Where to Start?

Talk to an Advisor

Schedule a 1:1 Call

Where We Travel

Panama