Say ‘buenas’ to Panama City, also known as 'the Crossroads of the Americas.' Gain firsthand insights into the country’s political importance and connect with business leaders from various sectors, such as logistics, trade, tourism and agriculture. While you're there, immerse yourself in Panamanian culture by exploring historic Casco Viejo or strolling the scenic Cinta Costera — you’ll feel like a local in no time!
* Please note that this is only a sample itinerary for an ISP Go program. While our itineraries are tailor-made and can accommodate any academic level and theme, these itineraries offer limited changes, depending on the needs of the client. All itineraries are subject to change.
Day 1: Saturday, April 26Sat April 26Day 1: Bienvenidos a Ciudad de Panamá!
orientation talkorientation talk by ISP Program Manager & faculty
ONE WEEK PRIOR TO DEPARTURE: Get familiar with the upcoming schedule and activities, uncover the secret ingredients for a successful trip, and learn some useful tips from where to take the best photographs to what’s happening in the city, do's & don'ts and more.
Panama City, Panama
Panama is perfectly situated for regional as well as international trade. Added to its immediate connectivity to the Americas and both the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean, it is known as a popular spot for businesses thanks to the ease of registering a new business. This is largely due to its tax system and a straightforward company incorporation process. Panama is a perfect location for English speaking entrepreneurs and business leaders since a large part of the population is bilingual in Spanish and English which adds to the country's expat friendliness.
intercity transfersarrive Panama City
Own arrangements
meet assistance at the airport
own arrangements
transportationtransfer to hotel, check-in
bus transfer
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for welcome dinner
bus transfer
evening
mealswelcome dinner with traditional Panamanian food
Enjoy the first evening in local restaurant. Try some typical Panamanian food and discuss upcoming days with your friends and colleagues.
restaurant
Day 2: Sunday, April 27Sun April 27Day 2: immerse yourself in Panamanian culture
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for cultural events
bus full day
morning
cultural eventPanama through the eyes of local
Explore the city with our guide learning about the most important sights, such as Casco Viejo - the first settlement from 16th century, the old city center Casco Antiguo with its colonial buildings, the cathedral and San José church. You will also enjoy the view of Panama City skyline.
mealslunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
afternoon
cultural eventGamboa Rainforest Reserve
Near the Panama Canal and Río Chagres junction lies the magical Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, offering eco-adventurers a magnificent range of activities and natural attractions to explore. Take an aerial tram over the Gamboan forest canopy.
bus/aerial tram/walk
rest fo the day at lesiure
ISPer's recommendation: If you're looking for an activity to unwind, be like a local and take a stroll or a run on the Cinta Costera. With stunning views of both the old and new town, this is one highlight of Panama City not to be missed. Go around 5-6 pm to avoid the heat and enjoy this beautiful place with Panamanian locals! For soaking up the relaxing sunset, Panama City has you covered! The tropical climate means rooftop bars are open and pumping all year around. Check out Selina or El Faro!
Day 3: Monday, April 28Mon April 28Day 3: business scene in Panama
Panama is the biggest Central American market with huge potential and one of the most stable economies in the region. The country benefits from its strategic location on the world map and the ongoing boom in globalization. Thus, it's not surprise that the economy of Panama is based mainly on the services sector. How is the country reacting to disruptive technologies and how is digitalization changing this hub for world trade?
presentation, discussion
hotel conference room
mealslunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
bus half day
afternoon
visitunderstanding the Panamanian market and Panamanian consumerPopcorn Labs
Business marketing is one of the keys to successful company. Find out what makes Panama's market specific and what unique consumer behaviours and habits exist. Dive into marketing topic and enjoy this case study focused on a branding product lifecycle, from its start to finish and how does marketing team in the company develop it.
management presentation, case study, discussion
rest of the day at leisure
Day 4: Tuesday, April 29Tue April 29Day 4: learn about Panama Canal
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for cultural event
bus half day
morning
cultural eventsailing to success - visit to the Miraflores Center
The Panama Canal remains one of the world’s most critical trade routes, facilitating 5-6% of global trade and serving as a key link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The canal also supports 40% of U.S. container traffic. Discover the Miraflores Center, where you can learn all you ever wanted to know about the history of the Panama Canal, its current operations, and its future expansion project. You might even witness vessels passing through the Miraflores Locks to and from the Pacific! While in the Miraflores Center, visit the IMAX theater, one of the largest cinema screens in the world, which was specially built to show a 45-minute-long documentary about the Panama Canal in 3D, narrated by Morgan Freeman.
mealslunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
free afternoon to explore & discover the city
ISPer's recommendation: Visit one of the museums - Panama City’s museums explore the country’s natural and social history – worthwhile primers if you intend to get a deeper understanding of the Central American destination; Museo de Arte Contemporáneo: best for contemporary art; BioMuseo - best for ecological history; Afro-Antillean Museum of Panama: best for social history.
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for foodie tour
bus transfer
evening
cultural eventfood tour: taste of Panama City in Panameña style
Experience the ultimate fusion of culture, history and gastronomy in Panama City, specifically in the charming neighborhood of Casco Viejo. As you walk, you'll learn about the rich history of the area, including its significance as a key port during the Spanish colonial era and its transformation into the vibrant cultural hub it is today. Throughout the tour, you'll make several stops at carefully selected establishments that offer delectable treats representing Panama's culinary highlights.
bus/walk
Day 5: Wednesday, April 30Wed April 30Day 5: agriculture in Panama
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
The pineapple business in Panama has been thriving over the years, with the country being known as one of the top exporters of this tropical fruit. Panama's favorable climate and fertile soil provide an ideal environment for pineapple cultivation, leading to high-quality and flavorful fruits. The pineapple industry has also contributed significantly to the country's economy, generating employment opportunities and increasing export revenue. Visit this pineapple farm with learning about their brand, their export, logistics and their business strategy.
management presentation, discussion
mealslunch on the farm
afternoon
cultural eventpineapple farm tour
After the delicious meal, you can have a look around the farm. You will be acquainted with the different stages of the fruit: planting, growth and all the agricultural processes involved in the harvesting of the fruit. You will also enjoy the tasting of freshly harvested pineapples while learning about sustainable agriculture.
rest of the day at leisure
Day 6: Thursday, May 1Thu May 1Day 6: from local success to global opportunities
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
bus half day
morning
visitinternational presence and understanding the local marketDicarina
This session begins with a guided tour of a local foodservice distribution warehouse, offering a closer look at the company’s operations and brand portfolio. After the tour, meet the company representatives and gain insights into the strategies behind business growth, identifying market opportunities, and building long-term customer trust. Discuss what challenges and opportunities the current economic and political situation brings.
management presentation, discussion, tour of facilities
mealslunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
free afternoon
ISPer's recommendation: Amador Causeway is a popular destination among locals. Spanning 3.9 kilometres, it connects the mainland with three islands in the Pacific Ocean, including the lively Isla Naos, Isla Perico, and the peaceful Isla Flamenco. The causeway offers breath-taking views of the bay and the city's skyline, making it a favourite spot for jogging, cycling, and leisurely strolls. Additionally, it boasts a variety of restaurants and shops, where you can indulge in delicious seafood or pick up souvenirs.
Day 7: Friday, May 2Fri May 2Day 7: making a lasting social impact
breakfast
hotel
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
bus half day
morning
volunteering experiencemaking a difference through education, health and community involvementGlasswing
Chronic and acute exposure to violence results in trauma, and the most effective way to address trauma is to re-establish healthy, strong social connections. Today you will visit a non-profit that has been working in adolescent education for years to make children more connected to school and establish deeper social ties. You will be working in a school along with Glasswing to assist in activities and workshops with the students to ensure that coming to school is an exciting and memorable experience for them. Examples of your work might include helping students with English, playing educational games, and doing science workshops.
management presentation, discussion, volunteering
mealslunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
free afternoon to enjoy last bits of Panama City
ISPer's recommendation: For those seeking a breathtaking panoramic view of Panama City, Ancon Hill is the ultimate destination. Rising above the cityscape, this tropical hill offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. As you hike your way to the top, the verdant foliage and the harmonious sounds of wildlife guide you along the path. The reward at the summit is simply unparalleled. Standing atop Ancon Hill, you will witness a majestic panorama that stretches from the gleaming skyscrapers of downtown to the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean.
transportationmeet in hotel lobby, depart for farewell dinner
bus transfer
evening
mealsfarewell dinner and wrap-up
Wrap up your unforgettable experience by sharing a final evening with your peers over a delicious meal. Begin with a taste of Panama’s iconic ceviche, then head to a beautiful local restaurant to enjoy a thoughtfully prepared farewell dinner. Savor the last flavors of this vibrant country as you reflect on the journey and say adiós to an amazing adventure.
restaurant
Day 8: Saturday, May 3Sat May 3Day 8: depart for USA
