Gap Year Programs in Panama

Panama is an isthmus, connecting the very southern end of Central America to the South American continent where it borders with Colombia. With the exception of the slightly cooler highlands area, Panama experiences a steamy, tropical climate year-round. Panamanian weather can be variable, with sudden downpours common. However, rest assured that your gap year will be unspoiled by seasonal evacuations as Panama is located completely outside the hurricane belt that impacts much of the Caribbean. Destinations within Panama are reached through the relatively modern bus system or regional flights within the country. 

Panama City. This modern capital of nearly a million residents sits on the Pacific Ocean entrance of the Panama Canal. Towers of steel and glass dominate the Panama City skyline, alluding to the big business conducted here in the banking, shipping, and tourism industries. However, colonial charm still abounds, tucked into famed neighborhoods such as Casco Viejo. Panama City is the center of culture, education, and transportation in the country, and offers easy access to the tropical resorts of both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

Bocas del Toro. Colloquially known as Bocas Town, this year-round tourist destination of 13,000 residents, is located on Bocas del Toro archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. Traditional clapboard beach shacks on stilts, fantastic scuba diving, and laidback locals, make Bocas del Toro the idyllic Caribbean locale of your dreams. Accessible only by boat or plane, Bocas del Toro has relatively basic amenities, but its isolated beauty is part of the appeal. 

Rural Areas. While most gap year programs in Panama are based out of Panama City or Bocas Town, opportunities do exist in rural areas. Boquete, for example, is a charming mountain community popular with expats, and also known as Panama's Eco-Adventure Capital.