Leadership Conference, Panama City, Chitré & Sarapiquí
Culture is the cornerstone of a vibrant society, shaping the way we remember the past and build toward a more sustainable future.
Kick things off in Costa Rica harnessing The Power of Environmental Stewardship at our inspiring leadership conference. Then, bring your cultural journey to Panama, where you’ll discover the country’s colonial history in the Casco Viejo district, learn about symbiotic living from members of an Emberá Indigenous village, and delve into traditional arts and folklore in Chitré. Along the way, you’ll see how cultural preservation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.EF Summits are open to rising 9th graders through graduated seniors.
-
Day 1: Fly to Costa Rica
Meet your Tour Director at the airportEnjoy a Costa Rican folklore evening
-
Day 2: San José • Sarapiquí
Travel to Sarapiqui
Take a tour at Tirimbina Biological Reserve where you will:
- Hike across a suspension bridge to a former cocoa-growing plot
- Learn about the cocoa tree and the history of chocolate
- Enjoy a chocolate tasting
-
Day 3: Sarapiquí • San José • Leadership Conference
Travel to San José
Participate in an activity centered around The Power of Environmental Stewardship
Kick off your leadership conference experience
-
Day 4: San José • Leadership Conference
-
Day 5: San José • Leadership Conference
-
Day 6: San José • Panama City
Fly to Panama City
-
Day 7: Panama City
Take a walking tour of Casco Viejo with your Tour Director, where you’ll explore an Indigenous arts and crafts market
Participate in a cultural exchange with locals
Visit the Biomuseo to learn about the ecology of Panama and the importance of biodiversity conservation
Enjoy time to explore the Amador Causeway
-
Day 8: Panama City • Chagres National Park
Take a day trip to Chagres National Park, where you’ll go canoeing on the Rio Chagres
Visit an Emberá Indigenous village to see how their way of life respects their natural surroundings
-
Day 9: Panama City • Chitré
Travel to Chitré
Visit a farm that exemplifies the rich agricultural heritage of the Azuero Peninsula, where you will:
- Feed the animals
- Discover how generational farming methods promote soil fertility and biodiversity
- Help to prepare lunch and share a meal with local farmers
-
Day 10: Chitré
Visit with local artisans to learn the art of pottery and the crafting of traditional Diablicos folk masks
Participate in a painting workshop and explore the art history of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas
Enjoy a folklore performance that showcases local dances like the Tamborito or the Punto
-
Day 11: Chitré • Panama City
Travel to Panama City
Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center to learn about the operation and engineering of the Panama Canal
-
Day 12: Depart for home
-
Day 1: Fly to Costa Rica
Meet your Tour Director at the airportEnjoy a Costa Rican folklore evening
-
Day 2: San José • Sarapiquí
Travel to Sarapiqui
Take a tour at Tirimbina Biological Reserve where you will:
- Hike across a suspension bridge to a former cocoa-growing plot
- Learn about the cocoa tree and the history of chocolate
- Enjoy a chocolate tasting
-
Day 3: Sarapiquí • San José • Leadership Conference
Travel to San José
Participate in an activity centered around The Power of Environmental Stewardship
Kick off your leadership conference experience
-
Day 4: San José • Leadership Conference
-
Day 5: San José • Leadership Conference
-
Day 6: San José • Panama City
Fly to Panama City
-
Day 7: Panama City
Take a walking tour of Casco Viejo with your Tour Director, where you’ll explore an Indigenous arts and crafts market
Participate in a cultural exchange with locals
Visit the Biomuseo to learn about the ecology of Panama and the importance of biodiversity conservation
Enjoy time to explore the Amador Causeway
-
Day 8: Panama City • Chagres National Park
Take a day trip to Chagres National Park, where you’ll go canoeing on the Rio Chagres
Visit an Emberá Indigenous village to see how their way of life respects their natural surroundings
-
Day 9: Panama City • Chitré
Travel to Chitré
Visit a farm that exemplifies the rich agricultural heritage of the Azuero Peninsula, where you will:
- Feed the animals
- Discover how generational farming methods promote soil fertility and biodiversity
- Help to prepare lunch and share a meal with local farmers
-
Day 10: Chitré
Visit with local artisans to learn the art of pottery and the crafting of traditional Diablicos folk masks
Participate in a painting workshop and explore the art history of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas
Enjoy a folklore performance that showcases local dances like the Tamborito or the Punto
-
Day 11: Chitré • Panama City
Travel to Panama City
Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center to learn about the operation and engineering of the Panama Canal
-
Day 12: Depart for home
Reviews
Refer a friend or colleague to EF and we’ll thank you with $1,000. Learn more
Your experience includes
-
Airfare & transportation
Round-trip flights on major carriers; internal flight; comfortable motorcoach
-
Hotels
11 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms
-
Regional-style meals
Breakfast and dinner daily; lunch on days 4, 5 & 9
-
Full-time Tour Director
Your bilingual, culturally connected Tour Director stays with you 24/7 to handle all on-tour logistics and provide knowledgeable insights everywhere you go.
-
Student Leadership Conference
Conference registration, keynote addresses, expert-led workshops, and design thinking workshops are included.
-
Entrances
Tirimbina Biological Reserve tour and chocolate tasting; Summit-themed activity; Casco Viejo tour; Biomuseo; Chagres National Park; Rio Chagres canoe ride; Emberá Indigenous village; agriculture tour and animal feeding; meal with local farmers; visit with local artisans; painting workshop; folklore performance; Miraflores Visitor Center
-
Continuous Support
Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.
-
Worldwide Presence
EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too.
-
24-hour Emergency Service
Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.
-
Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about your flexible options at eftours.com/peaceofmind.
Lowest price
Price is valid for students under the age of 20 at the time of travel that room in triples and quads. Minimum participation is required. Change and cancellation fees of up to the total price will apply. Applicable airline baggage fees are not included and can be found at www.eftours.com/baggage. Program price is valid today only.
Price displayed includes an Early Enrollment Discount; restrictions apply. To determine if you qualify, please contact your Tour Consultant. Tours departing between 10/1/2023 and 9/30/2024 may be eligible for a $100 discount. Tours departing 10/1/2024 and beyond may be eligible for a $200 discount; restrictions apply.