Into the Jungle

Panama

Duration 10 days

Suggested group size 12 - 20 students / 2 Envoys Field Staff

Suggested ages 14 - 18

Experience Adventure
Indigenous Land Rights
Ecological Research in the Jungle

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Into the Jungle

Panama I

Immerse in the Panamanian Jungle with the Mamoní Valley Preserve, a non-profit organization committed to promoting bio-cultural leadership, large-scale land conservation, and habitat restoration within the 11,500-hectare Upper Mamoní Valley Watershed and beyond. The Mamoní Valley Preserve (MVP) aims to safeguard the Valley's land and inhabitants, serving as a buffer zone to shield Guna Yala indigenous territory and Chagres National Park from hasty development along the Panamerican Highway.

“In the heart of the Americas, where the Panama Canal unites oceans, Panama's crossroads tell a tale of engineering marvels and the vibrant soul of Central America.“

“Amidst rainforests and colonial streets, Panama's cultural fusion reflects in the rhythm of salsa and the stories of a nation at the crossroads of past and future.“

Impact Statement Everywhere we go, we carry a promise – to engage with respect, act with purpose, and leave a positive imprint. As envoys of our journey is more than travel; Our footprint is light, but our impact is profound, creating bridges of cooperation and mutual growth across the globe.

Day 1

Students are warmly greeted by their Envoys educators and transferred to their accommodations. Later they receive a safety briefing and an activity that builds the group dynamic and sets some shared agreements. After exploring the surrounding neighborhood, the day concludes sampling local cuisine.

Day 2

In the morning, we explore the revolutionary Panama Canal locks, analyzing their history and ecosystem impact. After lunch at City of Knowledge, we hike through the urban jungle of Parque Metropolitano. At the highest point, we rest and discuss the program's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Day 3

Students stroll the Cinta Costera, a land reclamation project on the oceanfront, and conduct a people-watching activity to understand the culture of the city. We then explore the Punta Culebra Nature Center. After lunch on the Amador Causeway, they enjoy an afternoon bike ride in the area.

Day 4

We travel to the Mamoní Valley Preserve in the Guna Yala region. Following a safety briefing, students settle into open-air houses with scenic views and later participate in a bamboo boat-building challenge. In the evening we explore our surroundings and discuss the current projects of the Preserve.

Day 5

Students engage in citizen science and conservation efforts in the Mamoní Valley Preserve. Connecting with locals, they learn about the land, biodiversity challenges, and foster strong connections. On the last day, they bid farewell to the jungle and the Preserve community, returning to Panamá City.

Highlights

Lenses of Inquiry

Ecological Research

Students experience how Mamoni’s conservation model of collaboration between organizations, businesses, local communities and the state has ensured the success of their aims. Students engage with people who love and protect this land and participate in biological research that benefits the preserve.

Indigenous Land Rights

The Mamoní Preserve, only two hours away from Panama City, conserves the Chagres National Park border and Guna Yala territory. Students explore the land grant partnerships with the government, reflecting on indigenous ties to land and the preservation of culture and identity.

Adventure

The Preserve is accessed through adventurous truck journeys along rugged roads and river crossings. Rustic accommodations prioritize harmony with nature over modern amenities. We guide students to extend their comfort zones, allowing them to experience a true adventure in the jungle.