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Panama

Rainforest Explorers: The Best of Panama With Your Grandchild

Program No. 23614RJ
Search for tropical wildlife with your grandchild in Panama while meeting members of an Indigenous tribe, venturing through the jungle and voyaging along part of the canal together.

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Protecting the Environment

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At a Glance

Did you know that Panama has over 975 different bird species, more than the U.S. and Canada combined? And that’s just one reason why this country is perfect for every wildlife lover. On this exciting adventure with your grandchild, journey into the jungle and rainforest to search for awesome animals like sloths, monkeys and iguanas. Along the way, get a temporary tattoo from an Indigenous tribe, learn cool pirate history and spot marine life through your snorkeling mask as you make lifelong memories in this tropical paradise.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles daily over uneven terrain; getting in and out of canoes/kayaks/motorboats; ascending/descending an 86-step canopy tower; snorkeling; some city walking and intermittent standing.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Experience a partial transit through the legendary Panama Canal and search for wildlife as you pass through its many lakes and locks.
  • Take your learning nice and slow at a sloth sanctuary, where you’ll get up close and personal with these gentle creatures.
  • Enjoy a boat ride to an Emberá village — one of seven local Indigenous tribes — to play fun games and learn about their traditions.

General Notes

Program is intended for grandparents and grandchildren ages 9-12 & 13-15. If you have grandchildren 16 and over, or a family with mixed ages, please see "Rainforest Explorers: The Best of Panama With Your Family (#23615)".
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Abdiel Luis
Abdiel Luis studied tourism and hospitality management at the Universidad Interamericana de Panama. He is a licensed guide and has been leading educational groups since 2003. Two of Abdiel's favorite subjects are history and geography, and he particularly enjoys using his knowledge in these areas to enhance his groups' educational travel experience.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Abdiel Luis
Abdiel Luis View biography
Abdiel Luis studied tourism and hospitality management at the Universidad Interamericana de Panama. He is a licensed guide and has been leading educational groups since 2003. Two of Abdiel's favorite subjects are history and geography, and he particularly enjoys using his knowledge in these areas to enhance his groups' educational travel experience.
Profile Image of Patricio Roca
Patricio Roca View biography
Patricio Roca is a Panamanian expedition leader with expertise in environmental education and sustainability. Before beginning his career leading groups in 2000, he was an operations specialist in the U.S. Army. He is bilingual in English and Spanish and majored in elementary education at the National University of Panama. Patricio regularly volunteers to help with environmental projects such as tropical reforestation and beach clean-ups. In his free time, he enjoys adventure activities such as trekking, rappelling, and swimming.
Profile Image of Cristian Moreno
Cristian Moreno View biography
Cristian Moreno began his career as a naturalist expedition leader in 1995. As a boy, he enjoyed camping and learning about ecology, conservation, and survival techniques while a member of a Pathfinder’s Club. He holds degrees in metallurgic civil engineering, tourism and hospitality management, plus graduate degrees in higher education and human resources management. Cristian is a certified interpretive guide and a birder trained by the Audubon Society of Panama. He is also a PADI rescue diver and emergency responder.
Profile Image of Abdiel Aizpurua
Abdiel Aizpurua View biography
Abdiel Dario Aizpurua began his career as a Panamanian naturalist in 2000. He received his training and certifications from the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute at Barro Colorado, Panama. Abdiel also holds a degree in tourism and hospitality management from the Universidad Interamericana de Panama. When he's not on the road, he likes to spend quality time with his family and friends. He is the father of two charming girls who he proudly calls his princesses.
Profile Image of Alexis Guevara
Alexis Guevara View biography
Alexis “Alex” Guevara is a certified Panamanian expedition leader and a birding enthusiast. After training in environmental stewardship and accounting at the Instituto Profesional Técnico de Metetí, he earned a scholarship to study natural resources and technology at Mt. Hood Community College, Oregon. There he received his first formal training in ornithology and became hooked on birds. In addition to leading educational groups throughout Panama and Costa Rica, Alex has worked as a resident naturalist at eco-lodges and as a consultant on environmental impact studies.
Profile Image of Ella De Gracia
Ella De Gracia View biography
Ella “Ellita” de Gracia is a certified Panamanian expedition leader and a Panama Canal expert. She worked as a bilingual executive assistant upon completing her business degree. After much reflection, she returned to college to study tourism and hotel management. In addition to leading educational groups in Panama, she has also worked as an expert for the Panama Canal Authority, providing live narration onboard transiting cruise ships. Ella enjoys cooking, outdoor adventure activities, traveling, and volunteering.
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