VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS IN PANAMA
Panama is a country where you can encounter the wild nature, meet the Caribbean culture and all whine in a country that is considered the safest in Latin America. By volunteering in Panama in 2022, you will discover a country that you could never have imagined.
If this is your first volunteer experience abroad, the volunteering in Panama is the ideal destination for its safety, landscapes, culture and charismatic people.
It was the first country where Adventure Volunteer made an impact on social and environmental work through volunteering in Panama, and today it continues to be one of the most popular destinations for international volunteers.
SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION
In this program you will collaborate in reducing the negative impact created by the lack of awareness in the care and protection of sea turtles and the environment in our coastal communities.
SCHOOL SUPPORT IN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
We support the work of teaching and transmitting that each child knows that their culture, traditions and language are part of a person’s identity.
TEACHING AND SCHOOL REINFORCEMENT
We give a personalized accompaniment to children of different academic levels to improve their skills, school performance, besides promoting the integration in the schools of our children.
SUPPORT IN WILDLIFE REFUGES
Support the care of animals that have gone through situations of animal trafficking, or have been orphaned by human actions or are in danger of extinction. This space can be described as a botanical garden and wildlife refuge.
REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA
Anyone, groups of friends, students or families who want to be part of a volunteer program in Panama with Adventure Volunteer in Panama must:
- Be a committed person, since you actively participate in educational and social activities that require your commitment.
- Willingness and ability to work in a team. It is important, since you will work with other volunteers and with people from different cultures.
- Be empathetic (respect for other cultures or ways of life).
- As a volunteer you must be flexible and adaptable.
- Behave well.
- Be of legal age.
In each project of volunteering in Panama, you can consult the requirements that are requested.
WHERE WILL I BE DURING MY VOLUNTEER WORK IN PANAMA?
The projects are developed in the country of Panama, which is between Colombia and Costa Rica.
- Animals will sleep in Panama City because the program takes 45 minutes by bus from there.
- To collaborate with children of indigenous origin you will live in the town of Veracruz which is 25 minutes from Panama City.
- Chame is a town that is an hour and a half from the capital of Panama, very quiet with beaches nearby, you will love it!
- Veraguas, will be where you do your turtle program, it is 7 hours from the city, so for this program you will have to spend the night in Panama City the day you arrive.
WHEN CAN I COLLABORATE IN THE VOLUNTEER PROJECTS IN PANAMA?
Please note that for the duration of the global pandemic, schedules may be affected.
- Schooling and reinforcement in Chame from June 15 until the first week of September.
- Conservation of sea turtles from June 15 until the last week of February.
- Children from indigenous communities, open all year.
- Wildlife Refuge is open all year, except for Easter.
You should arrive between Friday afternoon and Sunday.
ARRIVAL AT YOUR DESTINATION
When you arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), which is 24 Kms from the center of Panama City, you will be met by a local logistics coordinator of the organization. This will have a sign with your name or the organization’s name on departure, after you pass the immigration controls. You will be recognized by the photo you sent us attached to the extended form. The coordinator will take you to the place where you are staying according to your chosen project.
Depending on the time of arrival and facilities of the project, you will be made the orientation of the house, project and activities to perform. At that time the coordinator responsible for the project or area where you will be assigned will tell you the rules, regulations and procedures to follow during your volunteering.
IMPORTANT FACTS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN PANAMA
- When you pass the immigration controls, if you do not find the person who will be waiting for you, do not move from the airport, which will pick you up. Remember that you can contact us at the numbers we have provided for consultations.
- If you don’t have local currency (money), you can take it out in the cash machines or go to the exchange house at the airport.
- If you want to have data (internet) to be connected at all times, the coordinator will guide you where the best options are, as the airport costs three times as much as anywhere else in the city.
VACCINE
Currently there is no mandatory vaccination necessary to enter the country of Panama.
covid–19 requirements
- Negative PCR test 72 hours prior to travel or complete vaccination record.
- Travel insurance, including quarantine accommodation and medical expenses for illness
- If you don’t have the test certificate, you must undergo a rapid test prior to registration at Immigration, at the cost of the traveler (approximately $50). If the rapid test is positive, you must undergo mandatory isolation in a hotel hospital designated by the Ministry of Health (possibly at the traveler’s expense). After 7 days, an antigen test will be performed. If positive, quarantine will be required for 7 more days.
- Fill out this mandatory form
For more information, visit:
VISA TO ENTER PANAMA
To enter the country, you will need a passport valid for at least 6 months, with this you will get the visa on arrival (stamp in the passport).
Spaniards are not required to have a visa for a maximum stay of 180 days, but you do need the following documentation:
- Valid passport
- Return ticket out of the country
SECURITY IN PANAMA
In Central America, Panama is considered a safe country. But nothing is perfect, and as in many countries of the world you have to take certain precautions and know how to handle certain zones and areas of the city.
Tourist areas are generally safe, but we still recommend that you keep these details in mind:
- Notify your coordinator, in case of an excursion, so that he can warn you about the places.
- Keep your coordinator’s phone number and address handy in case you need it.
- Avoid giving out information about where you are staying, the project and your fellow volunteers for safety.
- Do not take anyone other than the organization to the volunteer’s home.
- Avoid risk areas in every place you visit.
- Travel in austerity in your daily transfers and on your excursions.
- Avoid attracting attention with jewelry and accessories.
- If you can avoid taking your mobile phone out in public places.
- Try to use the country’s safe transportation services or services such as Uber or taxis.
- Avoid walking alone on unknown streets at night.
- Never put someone you don’t know into an unknown vehicle, or someone you don’t know into yours.
- Do not drink any drink of which you do not know the origin.
ACCOMMODATION IN HOUSES FOR TEACHING VOLUNTEERS
The volunteers who collaborate in the projects of:
- Teaching and school reinforcement (Chame).
- School reinforcement with children from indigenous communities (Veracruz).
- We live in houses or sometimes also in a hostel for volunteers.
WHAT DOES THE ACCOMMODATION FOR THE PROGRAMS WITH CHILDREN INCLUDE?
- Bunk beds in rooms shared with other volunteers.
- Use of the common areas.
- The 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during your volunteer work.
- WIFI connection (internet)*.
*In the project of school reinforcement with children from indigenous communities, you have a computer with internet connection, not WIFI.
SEA TURTLE PROJECT ACCOMMODATION
The volunteers who are part of the sea turtle conservation project in Panama live in the spaces set aside for volunteers (usually houses on the same beach where they work).
WHAT DOES CONSERVATION PROGRAM HOUSING INCLUDE?
- Bunk bed, in a room shared with other volunteers.
- Use of the common areas.
- The 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during your volunteer work.
- WIFI connection (internet) at specific times.
ACCOMMODATION IN THE ANIMAL PROGRAM
The volunteers who decide to go to the wildlife program in Panama will live in the same city, in hostel mode.
WHAT DOES THE HOSTEL INCLUDE?
- Accommodation in bunk beds
- Self service breakfast
- WIFI Internet
- Pool use and common uses
The contribution in the volunteer projects in Panama for a period of 1 week is 475€. The prices are in total and there are no registration fees.
The program deductible in the income tax return for about 50%.
| WEEKS | ANIMALS | TEACHING | TURTLES | INDIGENOUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | – | 475€ | 475€ |
| 2 | 490€ | 585€ | 630€ | 630€ |
| 3 | 630€ | 765€ | 800€ | 800€ |
| Additional | 140€ | 180€ | 170€ | 170€ |
WHAT ARE YOU PAYING FOR?
- Orientation and induction to the project or program
- 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
- Follow-up and evaluation of the program
- Certificate of weeks spent volunteering
- Tax certificate for tax return filing.
- Guidance, advice and management in the choice of the program.
- RC and volunteer insurance
- Welcome at the airport
- Accommodation during your volunteering stay.
- 3 meals during your volunteering. (Except animals)
- 24/7 support from the local organization
- Orientation and induction to the project
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Flight to Panama.
- Return to the airport on the last day.
- Visa, if necessary.
- Internal transportation or excursions.
- Trips inside or outside the country.
- Travel insurance (obligatory).
- Drinks, diets and special meals.
- Bottled water.
We remind you that the value of the donation can be deducted from your full income tax liability, up to a limit of 10% of the taxable base.
- Donations up to 150 :(donation equal to or less than 150), the deduction will be 80%
- Donations over 150 euros: (donation over 150 ?), will be 35% and 40% if made for more than 3 years in a row of the same value or more to the same association.
NOTE: There is a deduction from the IRPF for donations made to non-profit organisations under Law 49/2002, of 23 December. established in Articles 68.3, 69.1 IRPF Law and 69.2 Regulations. Royal Decree-Law 17/2020 of 5 May. (refunds are made in the year following payment). As a donation, the 150 euros initially contributed are not refundable.
HOW TO BOOK IN MY VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?
PANAMA
Located in Central America, separated by two seas and a channel that unites cultures, traditions and wonderful landscapes. It has different unique places like:
- Guna Yala
- Bocas del Toro (Columbus Island)
- Boquete
- Anton Valley
- Portobelo (Big Island)
- Ask for
- Panama City
It is a country that hides a great diversity of fauna and flora. A destination with welcoming people that makes your stay as a volunteer most pleasant and surprising.
CLIMATE
- May and November (wet season) is where it usually rains almost every day.
- December and April (dry season) is where the sun rises every day and at all times.
CURRENCY
The local currency of Panama is the Dollar (Balboa). Convert it.
In your volunteer trip you will use dollars (it has the same value as the Balboa).
Examples of costs in Panama: (1,12$ = 1€)
- A cappuccino coffee 2.64 dollars (2.39€).
A menu of the day, in economic places 7,00 dollars (6,33€). - A bottle of water 1.00 dollar (0.92€).
- Bus transportation 0.50 cents (0.46€). This may vary depending on the type of transport you use.
FLIGHT
For your volunteer work in Panama, your flight must have as its final destination the Tocumen International Airport (PTY), where one of our logistics coordinators will be waiting for you.
- Flights range from €500 to €700 approximately.
You can find good flight offers on google flights or skyscanner. - Other companies that offer cheap flights are Lufthansa, KLM, Iberia, and Air Europa.
TOURIST SITES
VALLE OF ANTON
The Valley of Anton PanamaThe joy and friendliness of its people, accompanied by the great nature that El Valle de Anton has, makes it unique.
In a weekend or day, you can visit the different waterfalls, such as El Macho, Chorro Las Mozas, and Salto de Agua. You can also go canopy or bathe in the hot springs. You can also do the routes to climb Cerro Gaital or India Dormida.
Every day you can dedicate it to some of these activities during your volunteering.
BOCAS DEL TORO (MOUTHS OF THE BULL)
Bocas del toro panamá volunteersIn the archipelago of Bocas de Toro Islands, near the border of Costa Rica, you will enjoy a long weekend.
The price of the bus is twenty-seven dollars (27$) per trip plus a $2 boat ride from Almirante to Colon Island.
On the island you can do scuba-diving, snorkeling, fishing and other fun water activities. You can also visit the indigenous community ngobe-buggle or see sea turtles and other aquatic animals such as dolphins depending on the season.
Hostels cost about twelve dollars (12$) a night, in a shared room bed. Apart from other islands, Colón is the most touristic and the one with the most nightlife, you will fall in love with its premises with wharfs close to the Caribbean Sea. Bocas de Toro is a lively destination and you will always find someone to share moments with.
GUNA YALA (SAN BLAS)
This archipelago has 365 islands, located northeast of Panama. Its islands, some inhabited and others tourist have the charm of the typical island paradise of the Caribbean, wooden cabins between white sand and coconut palms.
In order to go to San Blas it is recommended to contact with companies that make this type of excursions. The distance from Panama is 2.5 hours (one way). The cost is between 160$.
SANTA CATALA
Preferred destination for the more alternative, here you will find European and American residents who have hostel or business diving courses. The hostels are around fifteen dollars (15$) a night. The distance from Panama is 5 hours (Ida only), the trip leaves approximately in 18 dollars.
There you can hire a day trip to Coiba Island for about seventy dollars (70$). This excursion includes lunch, snorkeling on three Pacific islands and a trekking excursion through the natural park of Coiba Island.
In Santa Catalina you can also hire your surf class or have fun with the local people living in this beach area.
PORTOBELO AND BIG ISLAND
Destination to spend a weekend in the Caribbean more local, but also cheaper, you can visit Portobelo, a mandatory stop to see the forts of the time of the conquest.
You can sleep in Portobelo one night and another in Isla Grande, or directly go to Isla Grande and stay at Makondo hostel for ten dollars (10$) the approximate night, with breakfast included, you can also visit Isla Mamei, perfect for diving.
IS IT ADVISABLE TO DRINK TAP WATER IN PANAMA?
Panama is one of the few countries in Latin America that can still drink tap water.
The quality of the water is good, so it is not necessary to be buying bottled water. However, in areas such as the islands of San Blas, it is recommended that all volunteers drink bottled water, since the water you find on the islands cannot be drunk.
DO I NEED TO HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE WHILE VOLUNTEERING?
Yes, all volunteering who volunteer in Panama with Adventure Volunteer are required to have travel insurance (medical).
WHAT VACCINATIONS ARE NEEDED TO TRAVEL TO PANAMA?
In general, no vaccination is mandatory for Spaniards traveling to Panama. It is only required to people coming from countries that are considered carriers of certain diseases such as yellow fever.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY ANYWHERE IN PANAMA, WHAT NUMBER CAN I CALL?
It is important that in addition to the telephone number provided by your travel insurance (which is mandatory) for calls from abroad, you have the following 911 number. With this number you can contact the fire department, the police and the local medical service.
WHAT BUDGET SHOULD I HAVE FOR MY TRIP TO PANAMA?
The amount of money you decide to take will depend on what you want to see in your free time while volunteering. A figure you can spend per week could be $25, since food and lodging are included. In addition, weekend excursions are approximately $160.
WHAT KIND OF CLOTHES CAN I BRING FOR MY VOLUNTEER WORK IN PANAMA?
For collaboration hours, you should pack a pair of long pants, T-shirts (not suspenders) and a pair of closed shoes.
For day to day and excursions, bring summer clothes, a jacket, which is not bad for buses (usually cold, because of the air conditioning) and beach clothes.
WHERE CAN I CHANGE MONEY IN PANAMA?
If you carry dollars you will not have any problem, as it is the currency that is used nationally.
Otherwise, you can withdraw from ATMs, or at the exchange house at the airport and in the shopping centers of the city (there are very few).