Activities

Activities in Panama City

At EPA! Spanish in Panama, we believe that achieving full Spanish immersion goes beyond the classroom. Learning the language also means experiencing the culture of the country. That’s why EPA! organizes weekly cultural activities every Thursday for our students. You will attend group classes in the morning and then take part in the selected activity for that day.

EPA! covers transportation, and students only need to pay a small additional fee for the activity itself. Don’t worry—most activities are low-cost or free.

Here are some examples of the activities you can enjoy during your cultural immersion program:

Visit to the Emberá-Wounaan Indigenous Community

Cave exploration

Enjoy scenic hikes in one of Panama City’s three national parks

Visit a museum or a national heritage site

Enjoy a local meal at one of the city’s traditional restaurants

Visit the Panama Canal and the Miraflores Locks

Visit a zoo

Immerse yourself in Panama’s flora and fauna

Enjoy dance classes such as salsa, merengue, reggaetón, and more

Visit an artisanal chocolate factory

Learn how to make a tembleque, a traditional accessory worn by women as part of Panama’s national dress, La Pollera

Monthly Excursions

We also offer one excursion per month, usually on Saturdays or over the weekend. These excursions include visits to the beautiful San Blas Islands, Pacific and Caribbean beaches, indigenous communities, and the mountains near the city.

Visit the beautiful San Blas Islands, located in the Caribbean

Visit an indigenous community

Visit one of the many beaches on the Pacific or Caribbean coast

Visit one of the many mountains near the city

An unforgettable trip to the Kuna Yala Islands

Learn about traditional art in the Emberá-Wounaan region

Ready for your adventure?

Check out our monthly activity calendar and join us for this amazing cultural immersion experience.

Activities in Playa Venao

Playa Venao is internationally recognized for its surf competitions and its lively nightlife.

Discover pristine beaches such as Isla Iguana, famous for its crystal-clear waters and rich marine life. The island is home to the largest and oldest coral reef in the Gulf of Panama, as well as numerous birds and iguanas. It is an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving.

Experience the thrill of whale watching, an unforgettable opportunity to see these magnificent marine mammals in their natural habitat between July and October.

Another breathtaking natural event is the nesting of thousands of sea turtles at the Isla Cañas Wildlife Refuge and La Marinera Reserve, which takes place between July and November.

Other nearby beaches such as El Arenal, Los Destiladeros, and Punta Mala attract visitors from all over the world who enjoy activities like birdwatching, surfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and boogie boarding.

You can also enjoy hiking, visit waterfalls near Cambutal, go horseback riding, practice yoga, cycling, and experience an authentic local lifestyle in a safe and welcoming environment.

The provincial capital, Las Tablas, is considered a sanctuary of Panamanian culture and is famous for the art of crafting the pollera, Panama’s traditional women’s dress. Every January, the city hosts the spectacular “Las Mil Polleras” Parade.

Additionally, every February or March, visitors from around the world come to Las Tablas to enjoy its famous Carnival celebrations, known for their lively water festivities (culecos) and impressive nighttime parades.

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    Activities in Boquete

    At ¡EPA! Español en Panamá, we believe that if you are looking for a full Spanish immersion experience, learning the language alone is not enough—you also need to experience the country’s culture.

    That is why ¡EPA! organizes weekly cultural activities for our students, scheduled on Thursdays. Students attend their group classes in the morning and then take part in the selected activity for that day.

    ¡EPA! covers transportation, and students may pay an additional fee for the activity itself. However, most activities are low-cost or free, so you can enjoy the experience without worry.

    Here are some examples of the activities you can enjoy during your immersion program:

    Coffee Tasting & Learning Experience

    Boquete has been awarded some of the best coffee in the world, and you can visit several local farms to take guided tours and enjoy coffee tastings.

    El Explorador Themed Garden

    This incredible garden is open for you to explore hundreds of flowers and birds. It is entirely focused on recycling and sustainability, making it a wonderful place to relax and connect with nature.

    Public Library

    Recently built, this public library is an excellent place to visit and admire its modern architecture, read a good book, or bring your own.

    Hiking on Multiple Trails

    A true hiking paradise, with multiple trails that can be completed in just 1 to 2 hours. We can take you there and also recommend amazing routes for you to explore on your own.

    Waterfall Adventure

    If you enjoy fresh, crystal-clear rivers, you will love visiting several waterfalls with us, where you can swim or simply relax surrounded by nature.

    Boquete Bees & Butterflies

    This property is incredible, and the butterfly area is one of the most beautiful in Panama. You can see hundreds of different butterfly species, learn about them, enjoy honey tastings, and discover the entire beekeeping process.

    Strawberry Harvest

    You will have so much fun here! Imagine harvesting the most delicious strawberries yourself—and taking them home. You will also learn how strawberries and other vegetables are grown in Boquete.

    The Farm Experience

    Get your hands dirty and learn about the agricultural process in Boquete. You will also have the chance to feed animals and participate in farming activities.

    Boquete Flower & Coffee Fair

    Here you will find hundreds of flower varieties, along with local handicrafts, plants, and many products made in the area or by nearby indigenous communities.

    Hanging Bridges Tour

    You will love this adventure! Explore the beauty of nature from above. The bridges range from 10 to 135 meters in length and reach heights of 10 to 75 meters above the ground. From here, you can even see the famous Barú Volcano.

    Canopy in the Clouds

    In this thrilling adventure, you will experience 12 platforms full of adrenaline and excitement. The route is 4.5 kilometers long, allowing you to fly safely through the forest with expert guides.

    Boquete Craft Brewery

    This is where we have fun! Enjoy local craft beer, live music, bands, and delicious food from food trucks. It is the perfect place for entertainment and nightlife.

    High-Quality Restaurants

    We organize group dinners at some of the best restaurants Boquete has to offer, from the famous Panamonte to The Rock, Donde Gisselle, Tre Scalini, Valle Escondido, and many others—home to some of the best chefs in Panama.

    Once a month, we also organize excursions on Saturdays or over the weekend. Some of these activities may include:

    White-water rafting on thrilling rivers in one of the best rafting destinations in Central America

    Visits to nearby mountain areas surrounding the region

    Barú Volcano hike, trekking through tropical rainforest to experience breathtaking views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea

    Volcán town and Cerro Punta, known for their cool climate, landscapes, and local culture

    Bocas del Toro (Caribbean Sea), famous for its islands, beaches, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture

    Incredible full-day hiking trails for nature and adventure lovers

    Ready for your adventure?

    In addition, we also organize various social events such as barbecues, bowling nights, pub crawls, and more. Click here to see our monthly events calendar.

    Panama City Guide

    The 11 must-do experiences during your studies in Panama City

    Once a month, we also organize excursions on Saturdays or over the weekend. Some of these activities may include:

      1. Access all the activities around the Panama Canal, including a canal transit, jungle tours, river rafting, mountain hiking, water skiing, rock climbing, and many more.
      2. Discover indigenous communities and stunning beaches less than two hours away. Choose between the Caribbean or the Pacific coast.
      3. Sail on a catamaran through some of Panama’s most breathtaking islands in the Pearl Islands archipelago.
      4. Explore Panama City’s contrasts—from the historic Casco Viejo with its impressive colonial architecture to the modern financial districts filled with skyscrapers. You’ll be living in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America.
      5. Visit the ruins of Panamá Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just minutes away from the school by bus.
      6. Enjoy an early morning walk along the trails of Metropolitan Natural Park or Soberanía National Park before classes begin.
      7. Choose from over 100 international restaurants while still enjoying authentic Panamanian dishes such as sancocho, patacones, and ceviche.
      8. Take part in cultural events, concerts, and art festivals happening every weekend in the city center.
      9. Feel the Latin rhythm by dancing at one of the many nightclubs on Calle Uruguay or in Casco Viejo.
      10. Make the most of your weekends by traveling to Bocas del Toro, Boquete, or the central provinces using domestic flights or buses.
      11. Travel to Colombia or other Central American countries, taking advantage of great deals from local and international airports.

    Playa Venao Guide

    Top 10 things to do in Playa Venao
    1. Surf lessons on the beach
      Playa Venao is famous for its consistent waves, perfect for both beginners and advanced surfers.
    2. Sunrise or sunset yoga
      Relax with yoga sessions by the ocean and enjoy the unique energy of Panama’s Pacific coast.
    3. Explore Iguana Island
      Take a boat trip to this protected island featuring coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and abundant marine life.
    4. Jungle hiking in Los Santos
      Venture into nearby trails to discover rivers, waterfalls, and the region’s rich biodiversity.
    5. Horseback riding on the beach
      Enjoy an unforgettable experience riding along the coastline at sunset.
    6. Parties and nightlife in Venao
      Experience live music, international DJs, and the multicultural vibe that defines Playa Venao.
    7. Local cuisine and food tours
      Taste fresh seafood, ceviche, and traditional Panamanian dishes at local restaurants and eateries.
    8. Kayaking or paddleboarding
      Explore the calm waters of the bay and observe marine life up close.
    9. Visit Pedasí, a charming nearby town
      Discover local culture, meet friendly people, and experience authentic Panamanian traditions.
    10. Latin dance and cultural classes
      Learn salsa, bachata, or traditional Panamanian tamborito to enrich your cultural immersion experience.

    Boquete Guide

    Top 11 things to do while studying in the town of Boquete
    1. Surround yourself with incredible nature everywhere you go
      In Boquete, you’ll see flowers, hear birds, and listen to the sound of rivers no matter where you are.
    2. Discover islands, indigenous communities, and epic hikes within two hours
      Explore waterfalls, volcanoes, and adventure activities just a short distance from town.
    3. Enjoy mild spring-like weather all year round
      Temperatures range between 18–23°C (64–73°F) during the day, with cooler evenings perfect for fresh, star-filled nights.
    4. Walkable, charming town lifestyle
      Boquete is a beautiful town where you can walk everywhere from the school, located right in the center. Its unique architecture is home to some of the country’s best boutique hotels and restaurants—at very affordable prices.
    5. World-class coffee experiences
      Visit one of the best coffee farms in the world just a short walk or drive away (even on horseback). Enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the river, or take it up a notch with a zipline adventure through the jungle.
    6. Wellness and self-care paradise
      From amazing day spas offering massages, saunas, pools, and jacuzzis, to highly trained massage therapists available at very reasonable prices—this is the place to treat yourself.
    7. Diverse and affordable dining scene
      Choose from over 20 restaurants serving local dishes like seafood, sancocho, and Panama’s unique corn tortillas, or enjoy gourmet meals by top chefs in stunning locations—without breaking the bank.
    8. Outdoor events and multicultural atmosphere
      Take part in open-air festivals, events, and community activities. Boquete and its province are a true melting pot of nationalities.
    9. Relaxed nightlife and social scene
      If you enjoy going out, there are great spots to dance, enjoy local craft beer, or simply chat with friendly people from Chiriquí, the rest of Panama, and around the world.
    10. Perfect base for weekend getaways
      Visit nearby provinces like Bocas del Toro (just 2 hours by car) or explore Veraguas, which has plenty to offer. The David airport also connects you quickly to Panama City.
    11. Easy international travel
      Thanks to Panama’s excellent airline connections, you can easily and affordably travel to destinations like Colombia or Costa Rica.