Vacation and Language School in Panama

Hello travelers!

I am traveling to the Central American country of Panama in January 2023. I am exploring the areas of Panama City, the Panama Canal, and other sites around the city. In addition, I will be attending the Spanish Panama Language School on the week of January 15, 2023. This meetup is a discussion for anyone who is interested in traveling to this destination, whether it be to attend the language school or just to tour and sightsee. (I will be attending the language school while I am there and the school is optional if you just want to see the sights. In addition, you do not have to travel and depart on the exact dates that I am traveling, as you may travel whichever dates that you wish during that week, and we can discuss a meeting place to sightsee).

Travel Dates and Meeting Time

The date that I am traveling to Panama is from Sunday, January 15th, to Saturday, January 21st. I will hold a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, November 14th at 7:00PM, for those who may be interested in going to Panama. At this meeting, I will discuss details such as points of interests, flight and hotel information, travel itinerary and schedule, and other important information. I will also answer any questions and concerns from those who attend.

Here are some of the more important sights that are present in Panama:

Panama Canal and Miraflores Locks – the famous 50-mile man-made waterway that connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean. The canal contains two canal locks: the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side near Panama City; and the Gatun Locks on the Atlantic side near Colon. Both locks contain a visitor's center that details the history of the locks and contains observation areas where visitors can see the ships pass through the canal locks.

Spanish Panama Language School - The Spanish Panama Language School has been in operation for 20 years in the heart of Panama City, offering a wide range of courses to students of all levels. They offer Spanish lessons for both private and group classes, for beginners to the most advanced students. They also offer optional private personalized excursions, salsa dance classes, and accommodations advice. A one week language course starts at $230, which includes learning materials and 4 hours a day of instruction in a small group setting. Visit www.spanishpanama.com for more information.

Casco Viejo - an old Spanish colonial section and Panama historic district founded in the 16th century. This area also features vibrant plazas and brick-paved streets surrounded by colorful buildings and is the center of the city’s gastronomic scene and nightlife.

Biomuseo - Biomuseo is a museum focused on the natural history of Panama, and highlights Panama's natural and cultural history. Its galleries tell the story of how the rise of the isthmus of Panama changed the world.

Panama Viejo - the oldest European settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas founded in 1519 by conquistador Pedro Arias Dàvila.

Other Points of Interests in Panama City

Panama Canal Museum – located in the old quarter of the city, the museum is devoted to the history of the construction of the Panama Canal in its various stages.

Cinta Costera - a long waterfront park against a cityscape of skyscrapers, where people also play sports and watch the ocean views.

Soberania National Park (Possible) - consist of 55,000 acres of steamy rainforest ribboned with rivers. The park contains over 400 species of birds and two walking paths: The Pipeline Road for those wishing to watch from very close a variety of different birds; and the Plantation Road, offering visitors a view of many animals, including monkeys, white-faced capuchins and agouti.

Punta Calebra – The Punta Culebra Nature Center contains short forest trails, a small beach, touch tanks and a small zoo with sea turtles. The site also contains displays that profile Panama’s biodiversity, as well as the different environments and ecosystems in the country.

The Cathedral – A historic Catholic church located in the Old Town, and built between 1688 and 1794.

Iglesia del Carmen – This Gothic architectural style cathedral is located in the center of Panama City and is the most visited church in Panama by international tourists.

Metropolitan Natural Park - a tropical rainforest park that consists of trails and numerous wildlife – including capuchin monkeys, sloths, toucans and trogons.

Museum of Contemporary Art - the only museum of contemporary art in Panama, the museum’s collections consist of more than 700 works created by Panamanian and Latin American artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Hope to see you there!