Cultural Experience - Panama - 5 days
USD $1,750 per person - All inclusive
Difficulty - Low
2-6 Participants
Nov 30 - December 4 2026
Discover Panama’s cultural richness through its diverse heritage. In the Gunayala territory, explore the stunning San Blas islands and hike to mainland jungle communities while learning about the Guna people's sustainable ways of life.
Journey to the Emberá Ejua So region in Chagres National Park to paddle waterways, hike rainforests, and engage with the Emberá people, gaining insights into their ancestral traditions and vital role as water guardians.
Conclude in Portobelo, immersing yourself in Afro-Caribbean culture, pirate history, and vibrant coastal ecosystems. This program blends cultural exploration with hands-on learning for an unforgettable, deeply connected adventure.
Note: This expedition is also available on-demand between Aug 15 - Dec 15 2026, as bookings allow. Please inquire if interested.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Immerse into Gunayala's San Blas region to experience more than just the islands. Learn about their struggles surrounding the first community to move from the island to the mainland and witness their settling into their new ways of living. Dig into community culture and governance, explore complex coastal and marine ecosystems.
Day 2:
Explore through a hidden mangrove passage and hike to a remote Guna community once in the shadows of a secret US military base. Observe the life-style differences between island and mainland communities. Support community projects, meet village elders and discover traditional survival techniques far from modern civilization. You might eat something new here!
Day 3:
Journey into the Chagres National Park to embark on a mini-expedition guided by an Embera medicine man as you paddle and hike into the jungle community of the Embera people of the Ejua So territory. Join village elders to discuss their governance, land practices and challenges they face with the national government on the Embera’s willingness to protect the headwaters that feed one of the globe's most important transport routes, the Panama Canal.
Day 4:
Join village elders and participate in a jagua painting ceremony, while learning about the culture, arts, and crafts. Return to Panama City and settle for the remainder of the program in the UNESCO site of Casco Viejo. Explore its colonial charm and uncover its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Day 5:
Travel to Portobelo to experience Afro-Caribbean culture, Congo dances, pirate lore, mangroves, coral reefs, and azure waterways. This will be a full day of fun, then travel back to Panama City.
Difficulty
This expedition is rated at a low difficulty level.
Fitness level: participants must be able to walk on backcountry trails for a sustained 4 hour period in tropical climates.
Group Size
Minimum group size: Two (2) people
Maximum group size: Six (6) people
Languages
Spanish, English
IAJG Certified Guide
Mark Knetsch - IAJG Certified Jungle Guide, Association Director
Mark Knetsch is raised in Aruba and guided by a lifelong connection to nature, he arrived in Panama in 2013 on a surf trip that evolved into a life-changing journey. Since then, he has dedicated himself to building deep connections between people, communities, and the natural world through immersive, place-based experiences.
With a background in wilderness guiding, emergency response, and jungle survival, Mark combines technical expertise with a passion for conservation, cultural exchange, and leadership development. This expedition reflects this path—offering transformative programs rooted in Panama’s natural and cultural heritage, led in collaboration with local Indigenous leaders and community partners.
Mark brings a deep commitment to culturally respectful tourism and experiential education. His work strengthens our engagement with local communities and helps ensure that the International Association of Jungle Guides’ training programs are inclusive, place-sensitive, and grounded in real-world jungle leadership. His collaborative approach fosters mutual learning and long-term partnerships that are essential to ethical guiding in the tropics.
Further Information
Travel
Participants are required to provide own flights, any applicable visas, travel documents and travel arrangements to/from Panama City, Panama. (Tocumen International Airport - PTY)
Mark can pick up and drop off at the airport , within the prescribed dates of the expedition. Accommodations and travel outside of these dates will be at participants own expense. This can be discussed with Mark prior to booking flights as part of the registration process, if required.
After registration
Once registered, participants can expect the following steps:
Release of liability waiver
Invoicing and payment
Any further required documentation required, such as sending us your emergency contact details, travel insurance details and equipment lists if applicable, and dietary requirements
A conference call meeting with your guide to both meet, and to prepare you with any final information, equipment checks and other relevant information prior to arriving in country.
Please take the time to read our legal policies
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Jungle Guides International – Terms and Conditions
(Effective June 2025)These Terms and Conditions govern participation in any course or expedition offered by Jungle Guides International (JGI). By registering for a JGI program, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined below.
1. Jurisdiction and Legal Framework
Jungle Guides International is a Canadian organization, and all agreements, disputes, or claims related to our services shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada, and applicable Canadian federal law.
Participants and guides agree to abide by these Terms regardless of their country of origin or location of the expedition.
2. International Association of Jungle Guides (IAJG) – Global Protection
Guides certified through the International Association of Jungle Guides (IAJG) operate as independent professionals within the JGI network. These Terms provide a framework for mutual respect, risk awareness, and fair conduct, ensuring appropriate protection for all guides operating under the IAJG framework worldwide.
3. Participant Responsibility
Participants agree to the following conditions before joining any JGI course or expedition:
Travel Insurance: Participants are required to purchase and maintain valid travel and medical insurance that includes emergency evacuation, accident, and repatriation coverage. Proof of coverage may be requested.
Travel Documentation: Participants are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents, including passports, visas, vaccination records, and permissions to enter Panama or any other destination.
Emergency Contact Information: Participants must provide emergency contact details prior to departure.
Liability Waiver: All participants must sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement prior to travel. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program without refund.
4. Health and Physical Fitness
Participants must disclose any medical conditions or limitations that may impact their ability to safely participate. JGI reserves the right to decline participation if there is reasonable concern regarding safety, health, or group risk.
5. Cancellations and Refunds
Our cancellation and refund policy is designed to protect both participants and the local guides who invest significant time and resources preparing for each program.
Cancellation Policy:
More than 30 Days Before Expedition Start:
Full refund provided.15–30 Days Before Expedition Start:
25% of the total cost will be retained by JGI to cover preparation costs your guide may have ensued in preparation for your expedition. The remaining 75% will be refunded to you, along with any of the 25% retained, not otherwise used for any incurred costs.Less than 15 Days Before Expedition Start:
50% of the total cost will be retained by JGI. Of this, 25% will be paid directly to the guide, along with any costs ensued in preparation for your expedition. The remaining 50% will be refunded.Last-Minute Cancellations:
Managed on a case-by-case basis, in conversation with the lead guide. A minimum of 50% of the total cost can be retained.No-Shows:
Participants who fail to arrive on the agreed start date without notifying JGI in advance will forfeit 100% of their payment. No refunds will be issued.
6. Program Modifications or Cancellations by JGI
JGI reserves the right to cancel or modify any program due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to safety concerns, natural disasters, political instability, or insufficient participant numbers. In such cases:
A full or partial refund may be issued, or
An alternative program or date may be offered.
JGI is not responsible for non-refundable travel expenses incurred by the participant.
7. Assumption of Risk
Participants understand that jungle expeditions and wilderness travel carry inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, illness, delays, environmental hazards, wildlife encounters, and limited access to medical care. Participation is voluntary, and participants assume full responsibility for all associated risks.
8. Respectful Conduct
JGI promotes a respectful, inclusive, and culturally sensitive environment. Participants are expected to act respectfully toward guides, local communities, and fellow group members at all times. Failure to adhere to behavioral standards may result in removal from the program without refund.
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Jungle Guides International
Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement
IMPORTANT NOTICE: By submitting payment for participation in any Jungle Guides International course, expedition, or training, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions outlined below. This agreement affects your legal rights. Please read carefully.
1. Assumption of Risk
I understand that participating in wilderness-based training, expeditions, or travel programs with Jungle Guides International (JGI) involves inherent risks and hazards. These include, but are not limited to:
Illness or injury in remote locations with limited access to medical care
Interaction with wildlife, insects, or plants
Slips, falls, or injuries from rugged terrain, rivers, cliffs, or natural disasters
Exposure to extreme weather, physical exertion, dehydration, or environmental challenges
Delays, cancellations, or disruptions due to weather, political, or logistical factors
Risks during travel by foot, boat, vehicle, or air
Cultural misunderstandings or variable health and safety standards
I freely accept and fully assume all such risks, including the possibility of personal injury, illness, death, or loss of property.
2. Waiver of Claims and Release of Liability
By participating, I waive any and all claims I may now or in the future have against Jungle Guides International and all affiliated parties, including but not limited to:
Directors, employees, contractors, volunteers, agents, and training partners
IAJG-certified guides operating globally
Heirs, successors, and assigns
This includes claims for negligence, breach of contract, or breach of any legal duty of care, and applies to any loss, injury, or damage sustained in connection with my participation.
3. Indemnity
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless JGI and its affiliates from any and all third-party claims, liabilities, or expenses resulting from:
My participation in any JGI program
My conduct during the course or expedition
Any inaccurate medical or travel documentation provided by me
4. Medical Fitness and Insurance
I confirm that I am medically and physically fit to participate. I understand that:
I am solely responsible for ensuring I am healthy and adequately prepared
I must secure personal travel insurance, including coverage for injury, illness, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation
I am responsible for all costs related to medical care, evacuation, or repatriation
5. Legal Compliance and Cultural Respect
I agree to abide by all local laws and respect Indigenous communities, wildlife, and the guidance of certified expedition leaders. I understand that disrespectful or unsafe behavior may result in removal from the program without refund.
6. Photography and Media (Optional)
Unless I notify JGI in writing, I grant permission for any photographs, videos, or written feedback collected during my participation to be used by Jungle Guides International for educational or promotional purposes without compensation.
7. Governing Law
This agreement is governed by the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada, and the applicable laws of Canada. Any disputes will fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nova Scotia. This waiver applies internationally to all participants and is intended to protect JGI and IAJG-certified guides wherever they operate.
8. Agreement by Payment
By making payment to Jungle Guides International for any course, expedition, or training, I confirm that I have read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to the above terms.
This agreement is binding and enforceable without signature, and is deemed accepted upon payment.
