Panama
Panama is home to some of the most incredible sights in Central America. The Panama Canal, a famous feat of human engineering, cuts through its center, linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to create an essential shipping route. In the capital, Panama City, it is a completely different experience – modern skyscrapers, casinos and nightclubs contrast with colonial buildings in the Casco Viejo district and the rainforest of Natural Metropolitan Park
About Panama
Boasting a rich history that spans centuries, Panama is renowned for the iconic Panama Canal, a feat of engineering that revolutionised global trade. This waterway not only defines Panama’s identity but also symbolises its commitment to progress and innovation.
Beyond the engineering marvel, Panama offers breathtaking natural beauty, from lush rainforests to pristine beaches along both coasts. Its biodiversity is among the world’s richest, making it a haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Panama is the only country in the world in which you can see the sun rise in in the Pacific Ocean and set on the Atlantic Ocean from the top of the highest point in the country, Volcan Baru.
The Panama Canal, a famous feat of human engineering, cuts through its center, linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to create an essential shipping route, with between 13,000 and 14,000 ships using the canal every year.
In the capital, Panama City, it is a completely different experience – modern skyscrapers, casinos and nightclubs contrast with colonial buildings in the Casco Viejo district and the rainforest of Natural Metropolitan Park.
Our Challenges Abroad projects will take you to El Valle de Anton, a town located in Central Panama, just two hours drive from the capital, Panama City. El Valle de Anton is a small town of just 7,000 inhabitants. It sits in the crater of an inactive volcano which last erupted 300,000 years ago. El Valle is a popular weekend getaway for urban dwellers in need of fresh air and scenery, and is also a retirement community for foreigners, with some 200 resident expats from more than 40 countries.
With an extensive network of trails, it is a superb place for walking, hiking or horseback riding. Nearby forests offer excellent birdwatching, and the valleys are home to an impressive set of waterfalls and natural pools.
Key Information
Bordered by : Colombia and Costa Rica
Population : 4.5 Million People
Language : Spanish
Currency : US Dollar
Call us on +44 (0) 1635 88 93 93 to speak with one of our team and join our community of Global Citizens
Your Opportunities In Panama
Panama: Social Impact in the Community
- Location: Panama
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Purpose: Improve access to quality education
Panama: Sustainability and Conservation
- Location: Panama
- Duration: 2 - 4 weeks
- Purpose: Improve climate awareness and knowledge of sustainability practices
Panama: Engineering, Social and Cultural Impact
- Location: Panama
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Purpose: Support local communities through education and problem-solving
How To Get Involved
Make a sustainable impact
Short-term programmes to make an impact leading activities in local communities.
Take part in one of our 1-2 Week Global Challenges and embark on an incredible adventure, where you can make a real difference! Learn about international development and make an impact on our long term goals and objectives.
- Programme length of 1-2 weeks
- Experience new countries and cultures
- Student-led challenges
- Support activities in the local community
Call us on +44 (0) 1635 88 93 93 to speak with one of our team and join our community of Global Citizens
The FutureSense
Foundation In Panama
Challenges Abroad supports 500 students and their families along with the wider community of Panama, working on projects that include STEM, English, Climate Action, WASH, Women’s Health, and Wellbeing support.We also provide free daily education for the students that cannot afford this themselves. When you visit Panama, you will be able to contribute to long term programmes and see first-hand the work FutureSense Foundation do.
- Our programs are focused in El Valle de Anton
- We support rural villages in the district, focusing on projects ranging from recycling to teaching English skills
