Explore. Connect. Learn. Celebrate!
Panama Black and Indigenous Heritage
sample itinerary
Day One
Global Academics travelers arrive at the Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and transfer to the Central Hotel Panama in Casco Viejo (old town) or similar
Hosted Welcome Dinner with visual presentation on “Panama’s Black Communities”
Day Two
Breakfast included each morning at the hotel
Walking tour of “Panama Viejo,” the historic area of the city
Activity: Visit to the “Museo de Afroantillero” to learn about the Black contributions and tragedies during the construction of the Canal.
Activity: Visit to the “Diggers Museum” to learn about Panama’s Black past.
Tour Miraflores where we will observe the operation of the Panama Canal
Workshop: “Race and Identity in Panamanian Culture” lead by grass roots organizers who advocate for the rights of the Black Panamanian community
Day Three
Founded by escaped enslaved Africans, Portobelo has a rich history
Activity: Visit to the ruins of the colonial port, the customs house, a slave auction block and the Portobelo church, where the famous Black Christ statue rests
Activity: Visit to the Congo inspired Artists Collective. Guest lecture on the “History of Enslaved and Rebel Africans in Portobelo”
Adventure: Take a small boat to Mamey island for sun and beach time
Day Four
Free Day in Panama City. Options will be provided
Day Five
Workshop: Panel discussion on “Race, Access, and Education in Panama”. This panel includes university students and faculty
Visit to local public school to donate school supplies to children and meet local teachers
Workshop: Afro Panamanian Drum and Dance interactive class
Day Six
Transfer to the local airport for our flight to Bocas del Toro, once the headquarters of The United Fruit Co/Chiquita Banana and area of Afro Caribbean culture
Evening Workshop: Lecture on the Exploitation of the Banana Industry and the work of Marcus Garvey and the in Panama
Day Seven
Adventure: After breakfast head out in a small boat to a nearby island for spectacular beaches and snorkeling. Free afternoon for town exploration
Day Eight
Visit to a famed, local, and Black owned restaurant for Afro-Antillean food. Meet the owners and hear their story
Adventure: Tour a local town to meet Afro-descendants
Day Nine
Return back to Panama City for connecting flights back to the U.S. or extend your stay