Panama City: Cosmopolitan, Historic, and Vibrant
Why study in Panama City?
- Connected: A natural link between North and South America, and between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It’s the ideal destination for those dreaming of discovering Latin America.
- Culture and history: Explore Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colonial plazas, churches, and museums.
- World icon: Visit the Panama Canal, one of the greatest marvels of modern engineering.
- Gastronomy: Enjoy a culinary scene that blends international flavors with local delights like sancocho and fresh seafood from the Fish Market..
- Urban life: Shops, skyscrapers, and a lively nightlife. Dance salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and traditional Panamanian music.
- Nature just minutes away: Discover the Metropolitan Natural Park, the Frank Gehry–designed Biomuseo, or hike up Cerro Ancón for a panoramic view of the city.
- Nearby beaches and islands: From the city, escape easily to the San Blas archipelago — home to the Guna community and pristine turquoise beaches — or visit Contadora Island in the Pearl Islands, or the Caribbean beaches of Colón.
- Charming towns nearby: The interior of the country is easily accessible from the capital. Explore traditional towns, fairs, artisan markets, and folkloric festivals just a few hours away.
- Cultural diversity: Panama is home to seven indigenous communities, as well as influences from Spain, the United States, the Caribbean, and Asia — creating a multicultural society rich in traditions.
A Cosmopolitan City with a Latin Soul
Panama City is a crossroads of cultures. Its unique position in global trade routes has attracted people from around the world, creating a multicultural meeting point where history, architecture, and modern life coexist in a fascinating way.
Boquete (Chiriquí): Mountains, Coffee, and Adventure
Why study in Boquete?
Located in the province of Chiriquí, in western Panama and close to Costa Rica, Boquete is a charming town surrounded by mountains, volcanoes, rivers, and breathtaking landscapes. With a population of around 25,000 and a privileged climate (between 18°C and 24°C / 64°F–75°F during the day), Boquete is considered one of the best places to live and retire in Latin America—a destination loved for its nature, its people, and its quality of life.
A Natural and Cultural Paradise
- Mountains, volcanoes, and natural parks:
Boquete is the gateway to the majestic Barú Volcano, the highest point in Panama, where you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea in the same sunrise. - Nearby beaches and islands:
From Chiriquí you can visit beaches such as Boca Chica, Las Lajas, and La Barqueta, and explore protected islands like Paridas, Bolaños, and Gamez, or even the Coiba National Park and the Gulf of Chiriquí. - Indigenous communities:
The Ngäbe-Buglé people preserve their traditions, crafts, and culture, creating a unique connection between past and present.
Coffee Culture and Local Gastronomy
Boquete is famous for producing some of the best coffee in the world, including the renowned Geisha variety, known for breaking records in international auctions. Here you can visit coffee farms, learn about the cultivation process, and taste gourmet varieties. You can also enjoy artisanal honey, cacao, fresh strawberries, and other local products.
Activities and Adventure
- Hike scenic trails like the Pipeline Trail or the Quetzales Trail, where you may spot the iconic quetzal.
- Enjoy canopy ziplining, rafting, rock climbing, and immersive nature tours for adventure seekers.
Experience local festivities and fairs, such as the famous Flowers and Coffee Festival in January, which fills the town with vibrant colors and aromas.
A Place Everyone Falls in Love With
Boquete is one of Panama’s most beloved tourist destinations and home to people from many nationalities, drawn by its hospitality, tranquility, and opportunities. The gentle mist known as bajareque keeps its landscapes lush and green, creating a magical atmosphere where nature blends beautifully with the life of the town and its visitors.
Playa Venao: paradise of surf, nature, and adventure
Why study in Playa Venao?
Are you looking for a truly local experience to learn Spanish while exploring a tropical paradise? Welcome to Playa Venao! EPA Español’s new school in Panama opens its doors in one of the country’s most charming destinations—a small coastal town in the province of Los Santos, famous for its beaches, pristine nature, relaxed atmosphere, and authentic Panamanian spirit.
Just a 5-hour drive from the cosmopolitan Panama City, Pedasí is the perfect escape.
- Enjoy warm tropical weather year-round.
- Discover untouched beaches like Isla Iguana, famous for its crystal-clear waters and marine wildlife. It is home to the largest and oldest coral reef in the Gulf of Panama, and a sanctuary for birds and iguanas that inhabit the island. It’s the perfect spot for snorkeling and diving.
- Playa Venao is internationally known for world-class surf competitions and its lively nightlife.
- Experience the thrill of whale watching, an incredible opportunity to see these majestic marine mammals in their natural habitat from July to October.
- Another natural spectacle is the nesting of thousands of sea turtles at Isla Cañas Wildlife Refuge and La Marinera Reserve, from July to November.
- Other beautiful beaches in the area include El Arenal, Los Destiladeros, and Punta Mala, popular among travelers from around the world who enjoy birdwatching, surfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, or boogie boarding.
- You can also go hiking, visit the waterfalls near Cambutal, horseback ride, practice yoga, cycle, and immerse yourself in authentic local life in a safe and welcoming environment.
- The provincial capital, Las Tablas, is considered a sanctuary of Panamanian culture and is famous for the crafting of the pollera, the traditional national dress for women. In January, it hosts the renowned Thousand Polleras Parade.
- Every February or March, Las Tablas also becomes the stage for Panama’s iconic Carnival celebrations, attracting visitors from around the world who come to enjoy the daytime water festivities (culecos) and spectacular nighttime parades.
Traveling Through Panama (Multi-Destination):
Imagine learning Spanish in a vibrant cosmopolitan city, then continuing your classes in the mountains surrounded by coffee farms, and finishing your program by the ocean on a stunning tropical beach. With ¡EP! Español in Panama, you can do exactly that by combining our three schools: Panama City, Boquete, and Playa Venao.
How does it work?
With a single registration and no extra cost, you can split your program across our three campuses.
You choose the journey: spend a few weeks in the city, then the mountains, then the beach—or any combination that fits your travel plans.
Our team will help you coordinate transportation and activities so you can enjoy each destination to the fullest.
Benefits of the Multi-Destination Program
Three experiences in one trip:
- Panama City, known for its history, local and international gastronomy, nightlife, the historic Casco Viejo, and the iconic Panama Canal.
- Boquete, in the Chiriquí highlands, the country’s main coffee region and home to Volcán Barú, the highest point in Panama.
- Playa Venao, in the province of Los Santos, birthplace of Panamanian folklore, famous for its surf, beautiful beaches, and lush wildlife.
Full cultural immersion: each region offers a different perspective of Panamanian culture.
Total flexibility: decide how many weeks you want to study at each school.
