US-Panama Relations: Panamanian and Regional Perspectives. This morning we meet with representatives of Panama’s Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Ministry of Foreign Relations) and/or representatives of leading International NGOs based in Panama City.

PANORAMIC CITY TOUR: Panama Past & Present

After our morning lecture, we travel through time and depart for a panoramic tour of the new and old Panama City.  

Panama Viejo are ruins of the original Panama City, now a historical site and archaeological park offering a glimpse of the past. We enjoy a guided tour of the ancient city’s remains and fortifications, as well as stellar views of modern Panama City. 

From Panama Veijo, we travel to modern Panama City’s financial and business center for lunch and professional meetings. Panama City today is well known for its impressive skyline and skyscrapers, especially in the financial district of Punta Paitilla and Punta Pacifica, representing a mix of contemporary architecture and historical buildings. 

Group lunch in the financial sector with views of Panama Bay.  

INTRODUCTION TO PANAMANIAN LAW AND GOVERNMENT

This afternoon we visit the Corte Suprema de Justicia de Panamá (Supreme Court), Juzgados De Circuito Del Primer Circuito Judicial de Panamá (Magistrate’s court), and/or the Colegio Nacional de Abogados de Panamá (Panama National College of Lawyers).

Remainder of the evening free. Dinner on your own. 

Morning US-Panama Relations Part 2: U.S. Legal and Diplomatic Perspectives 

This morning we meet with personnel at the US Embassy for a briefing on US-Panama relations and an open and off-the-record dialogue. Topics may include anti-corruption efforts, environmental justice, tax evasion, money laundering and transparency, cryptocurrency and blockchain regulation, data privacy and cybersecurity, and intellectual property protection.  

From the US Embassy, we travel to the Ciudad del Saber (City of Knowledge). The City of Knowledge is a regional hub for major international organizations, such as the Red Cross and the United Nations, as well as logistics and other multinational companies. The location is a former US Army base, remodeled with LEED sustainable construction certification. City of Knowledge Foundation is a nonprofit organization that manages Ciudad del Saber with the mission to drive social change through humanism, science and business.

Navigating the Crossroads: Trade Law and Panama's Role as a Global Gateway

Group Lunch with invited guest speaker. Topics may include an overview of trade law and international commerce, the significance of the panama canal in facilitating global trade, free trade agreements including the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement, an examination of Panama’s customs regulations and procedures, discussion of tariff structures and duty exemptions, an exploration of legal mechanisms used to attract foreign investment, intellectual property protection in the context of trade agreements, dispute resolution mechanisms, and future trends in trade law. 

This afternoon we visit the Panama Canal and the Miraflores Locks Visitors Center. Together with our guide we observe the locks and operations as enormous ships move through the canal. 

Each year, over a million people visit the canal and are able to witness this engineering marvel at work. Panama is very proud to have this magnificent creation operating 365 days a year, enabling the world's cargo to be shipped efficiently and safely to new destinations.

Evening

Return to hotel/free evening

After breakfast we depart towards Gamboa and Gatun Lake, located 45 minutes from Panama city. It not only hides a great natural wealth, but also a cultural heritage. Besides being an important tributary that feeds one of the most important lakes for the functioning of the Canal, in its village at least four communities live in the Embera ethnic group. 

This morning we visit a local indigenous community where we can appreciate their traditional lifestyle, unique dances, learn about their struggles to maintain and preserve their heritage. We will also have the opportunity to support the community and purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs.

We  enjoy a traditional lunch at the community or continue for lunch in Gamboa. 

We continue by boat across the Panama Canal waters, visiting islands and canals with a majestic wildlife and flora, white-headed and howler monkeys, different kind of birds, sloths, turtles, caimans and crocodiles. 

Group visit or Lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Hotel with a view to the rainforest and Gatun Lake Panama Canal. 

Land, Life, and Legacy: 

Indigenous Rights and Environmental Challenges in Panama

At lunch we welcome environmentalists and indigenous rights advocates to receive education focused on environmental justice and indigenous rights in Panama. Topics may include land disputes, resource conservation, deforestation and habitat loss, environmental regulation and enforcement, cultural heritage, human rights, and international cooperation, and community empowerment. 

After lunch we explore Gamboa, a small town in the Colón Province close to the Panama Canal and the Chagres River.

Before returning to Panama City, we visit the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary or meet with a sustainable tropical design expert to learn about the architecture and advanced design of the town of Gamboa. The Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center for sloths and other animals, operated by the Pan American Conservation Association. 

The sanctuary offers an opportunity to see and learn about sloths and their conservation, as well as other attractions such as a frog terrarium, a butterfly enclosure, and a botanical garden. 

Evening

Panama City Farewell dinner and live entertainment. 

EXPAT LIFE IN PANAMA: A Legal Overview. Breakfast chat with U.S. retirees and a local attorney to discuss visa requirements for residency, tax laws, real estate, foreign investment, customs, and the many benefits for retirees built into the Panamanian legal system.

Airport Transfers are included in the cost of this trip.