Volunteering in Panama

Volunteer Programas 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 PANAMA

In this  volunteer program in Panama  you will be able to 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.

The sea turtle conservation program in Panama seeks to improve and reduce the negative impact created by the lack of awareness of the care of this marine species and the environment that surrounds them. We invite you to know the necessary details so that you can be part of one of the most interesting sea turtle conservation volunteer programs in the  Panamanian Pacific . Where you will have the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of sea turtles. Additionally, you will be able to enrich your knowledge about monitoring nesting beaches, scientific data collection and nesting habits of turtles.

You can come to this project any Saturday and Sunday from May 2023. The closing months are from February to May.

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Maximum age: None
  • Copy of resume required: No.
  • Required qualification: None.
  • Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parents.
  • The work is night and you need to be in good physical condition.

No specific equipment is necessary. However, in your contribution you are leaving an economic donation for this project.

In this program you can go from 1 week and it has a cost with the donation included of:

WeeksTURTLES IN VERAGUASCHAME TIP TORTOISE
1€390
two€670€545
ADDITIONAL WEEK€220€180

This amount is deductible on your next income statement

WHAT IS OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?

  • Orientation and induction to the project or program
  • 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
  • Monitoring and evaluation of the program
  • Certificate of weeks completed in your volunteering
  • Tax certificate to unlock in the income statement
  • Guide, advice and management in choosing the program.
  • RC and volunteer insurance
  • Accommodation during the stay of your volunteer.
  • 3 meals during your volunteering. (Only in the Veraguas Program, in Punta Chame meals are not included, you will have a kitchen for your use)
  • 24/7 support from the local organization
  • Orientation and induction to the project

WHAT IS NOT OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?

  • Flight to Panama
  • airport pickup
  • Visa if necessary
  • Vaccines, if required
  • Internal transport or excursions
  • Trips or excursions within or outside the country
  • Travel medical insurance with Covid coverage
  • Drinks, diets or special meals

EDUCATIONAL 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.

In the indigenous communities program you can live with families in the middle of the jungle and live in a traditional way. There you will support in the schools and school revision with the children of the families, from Monday to Friday, in addition you will help with the traditional tasks of the families.

YYou can come to this project any Saturday and Sunday from March when the schools open until mid-December when the school term ends. The maximum volunteers allowed are 2, and you can participate from 1 week.

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Maximum age: None
  • Copy of resume required: No.
  • Required qualification: Certificate of crimes of a sexual nature.
  • Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parents.

No specific equipment is necessary. However, in your contribution you are leaving an economic donation for this project in the purchase of materials.

In this program you can go from 1 week and it has a cost with the donation included of:

WeeksCost
1€390
two€545
ADDITIONAL WEEK€170

This amount is deductible on your next income statement

WHAT IS OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?

  • Orientation and induction to the project or program
  • 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
  • Monitoring and evaluation of the program
  • Certificate of weeks completed in your volunteering
  • Tax certificate to unlock in the income statement
  • Guide, advice and management in choosing the program.
  • RC and volunteer insurance
  • Accommodation during the stay of your volunteer.
  • 3 meals during your volunteering.
  • 24/7 support from the local organization
  • Orientation and induction to the project

WHAT IS NOT OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?

  • Flight to Panama
  • Pick up from the airport or arrival at the program by boat
  • Visa if necessary
  • Vaccines, if required
  • Internal transport or excursions
  • Trips or excursions within or outside the country
  • Travel medical insurance with Covid coverage
  • Drinks, diets or special meals

TEACHING AND SCHOOL REINFORCEMENT IN PANAMA

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.

In the program you can be together with other volunteers doing basic education, we are collaborating in 2 public schools and you can have your own classroom together with the teacher. Depending on your profile, when you speak with the coordinator, there is also the possibility that the teaching will be at home or in the eternal school at school. They are different projects, therefore you will have to decide well together with the coordinator in the video call where the participation will be better.

You can come to this project any Saturday and Sunday throughout the year for school revision and if it is in school from March to December.

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Maximum age: None
  • Criminal record required: YES.
  • Required qualification: Knowledge of Spanish and basic teaching.
  • Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parents.

No specific equipment is necessary. However, in your contribution you are leaving an economic donation for this project in the purchase of materials

In this program you can go from 1 week and it has a cost of:

WeeksCost
2545
3725
ADDITIONAL WEEK180

This amount is deductible on your next income statement

WHAT IS OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?

  • Orientation and induction to the project or program
  • 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
  • Monitoring and evaluation of the program
  • Certificate of weeks completed in your volunteering
  • Tax certificate to unlock in the income statement
  • Guide, advice and management in choosing the program.
  • RC and volunteer insurance
  • Accommodation during the stay of your volunteer.
  • 3 meals during your volunteering. (Only from Monday to Friday)
  • 24/7 support from the local organization
  • Orientation and induction to the project

WHAT IS NOT OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?

  • Flight to Panama
  • airport pickup
  • Visa if necessary
  • Vaccines, if required
  • Internal transport or excursions
  • Trips or excursions within or outside the country
  • Travel medical insurance with Covid coverage
  • Drinks, diets or special meals

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN PANAMA

The main objective of the volunteer program with women in Panama is to provide women with work tools and strengthen their roots, so that they can access job opportunities and enrich themselves on a personal level.

Many of these women live in vulnerable populations and at social risk. Contributing and supporting these women in the creation of an environment conducive to change, sustainable human growth and social sensitivity, results in a work of inclusion through the different workshops held and the development of new skills.

You can come to this project any Saturday and Sunday throughout the year.

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Maximum age: None
  • Copy of resume required: No.
  • Required qualification: Be proactive and propose workshops with women.
  • Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parents.

No specific equipment is necessary. However, in your contribution you are leaving an economic donation for this project in the purchase of materials

In this program you can go from 1 week and it has a cost of:

WeeksCost
1390€
2545€
3725€
ADDITIONAL WEEK180€

WHAT IS OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?

  • Orientation and induction to the project or program
  • 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
  • Monitoring and evaluation of the program
  • Certificate of weeks completed in your volunteering
  • Tax certificate to unlock in the income statement
  • Guide, advice and management in choosing the program.
  • RC and volunteer insurance
  • Accommodation during the stay of your volunteer.
  • 3 meals during your volunteering. (Only from Monday to Friday)
  • 24/7 support from the local organization
  • Orientation and induction to the project

WHAT IS NOT OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?

  • Flight to Panama
  • airport pickup
  • Visa if necessary
  • Vaccines, if required
  • Internal transport or excursions
  • Trips or excursions within or outside the country
  • Travel medical insurance with Covid coverage
  • Drinks, diets or special meals

CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM

We seek to build a Montessori school in the town of Chame to be able to provide quality training to 20 children in different shifts. In addition, in this center that we are going to build during 2023, workshops will also be held with women and it will be a space for all activities. Volunteer in Panamá

In the program you will be able to be together with other volunteers in the volunteer house helping to carry out the school review school, support for women, they want to build a wooden space with 10 desks for 20 places, in addition to the volunteer posts, there will be on the plot of the volunteer’s house and will have a wooden roof. In addition, half of the time, it will also be supported with rehabilitation and repairs that the community has.

You can access this project any Saturday and Sunday from April 2023.

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Maximum age: None
  • Copy of resume required: No.
  • Required qualification: None.
  • Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parents.

No specific equipment is necessary. However, in your contribution you are leaving an economic donation for this project in the purchase of materials

In this program you can go from 1 week and it has a cost with the donation included of:

WeeksCost
1420
2575
ADDITIONAL WEEK180

This amount is deductible on your next income statement

WHAT IS OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?

  • Orientation and induction to the project or program
  • 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
  • Monitoring and evaluation of the program
  • Certificate of weeks completed in your volunteering
  • Tax certificate to unlock in the income statement
  • Guide, advice and management in choosing the program.
  • RC and volunteer insurance
  • Accommodation during the stay of your volunteer.
  • 3 meals during your volunteering. (Only from Monday to Friday)
  • 24/7 support from the local organization
  • Orientation and induction to the project

WHAT IS NOT OFFERED IN VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?

  • Flight to Panama
  • airport pickup
  • Visa if necessary
  • Vaccines, if required
  • Internal transport or excursions
  • Trips or excursions within or outside the country
  • Travel medical insurance with Covid coverage
  • Drinks, diets or special meals

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 VOLUNTEERING 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 VOLUNTEERING 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

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 2 week is 545€. The prices are in total and there are no registration fees.

WEEKSTEACHING ,HOUSE TEACHINGSPECIAL NEEDWOMAN AND CONSTRUCTIONTORTUGAS PUNTA CHAMETURTLES VERAGUASINDIGENOUS
1390€390€475€
2545€545€545€670€630€
3725€725€725€725€890€800€
4905€905€905€1110€970€
Additional180€180€180€220€170€

WHAT ARE YOU PAYING FOR A VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?

  • 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
  • Accommodation during your volunteering stay.
  • 3 meals during your volunteering. (Except animals, no in turtles Punta Chame, Chame online Monday to Friday)
  • 24/7 support from the local organization
  • Orientation and induction to the project

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN A VOLUNTEERING IN PANAMA?

  • Flight to Panama.
  • Pick up airport
  • Visa, if necessary.
  • Internal transportation or excursions.
  • Trips inside or outside the country.
  • Travel insurance (obligatory).
  • Drinks, diets and special meals.
  • Bottled water.
  • Donation of $30 in construction and women’s entrepreneurship at destination

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.

el valle de anton panamá

BOCAS DEL TORO

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.

Voluntariado en Sur América

GUNA YALA

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 THE VOLUNTEERING 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 IN PANAMA?

Yes, all volunteering who volunteer in Panama with Adventure Volunteer are required to have travel insurance (medical).

WHAT VACCINATIONS ARE NEEDED TO THE VOLUNTEERING IN 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 VOLUNTEERING IN 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 VOLUNTEERING 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 DURING THE VOLUNTEERING 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).

  • General questions
  • Travel information
  • Specific questions