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Middle East
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Asia/ South Pacific/ Africa
North America
Oceana
What’s new?
be inspired
why gil travel
Middle East
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Asia/ South Pacific/ Africa
North America
Oceana
Suitable for Family, Group, Senior
OVERVIEW
This 8 day Jewish tour of Panama offers a profound exploration of a rare global destination where a vibrant and secure community flourishes in total harmony with a modern cosmopolitan capital. Expertly designed for families, seniors, and heritage travelers, this mission reveals the “Panamanian Miracle”—a society where approximately 85 percent of the community keeps kosher travel Panama standards and Jewish life is deeply integrated into the nation’s success. Your experience begins at the JW Marriott, where you will be immersed in luxury while tracing the Casco Viejo Jewish history, from colonial-era stories of Crypto-Jews to the magnificent Shevet Ahim Synagogue, a cornerstone of any Jewish tour of Panama City.
The itinerary balances these heritage encounters with the country’s legendary landmarks, including a VIP Panama Canal Miraflores Locks tour to understand the historic Jewish families involved in its construction. The adventure extends into the lush Gamboa rainforest for a private Monkey Island Gamboa rainforest tour, where you will encounter exotic wildlife in the heart of the canal’s transit path. This program is particularly well-suited for multi-generational groups and Bar Mitzvah travelers, as it combines the excitement of tropical exploration with the deep community strength that defines a meaningful 8 day Jewish tour of Panama.
To ensure a seamless experience, the journey provides unparalleled practical clarity regarding Kosher and Shabbat needs. Panama City serves as a Kosher Haven with over 40 certified restaurants and the largest kosher supermarket in the region, which we utilize to provide specialized catering during your three day total disconnection in the San Blas archipelago. This unique segment allows for total disconnection in the Caribbean archipelago, enjoying untouched white sands and indigenous Guna culture without compromising on your dietary needs. Between snorkeling sessions at sunken ships and visits to native communities, this mission offers a perfectly balanced, safe, and spiritually enriching encounter with one of the most welcoming Jewish havens in the Americas.
Highlights*
*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size
Your journey begins with a private transfer from Tocumen International Airport to the luxurious JW Marriott Panama in Punta Pacifica. Stay at the JW Marriott Panama, where you will be immersed in timeless luxury and unparalleled service at every moment of your getaway. After settling in, you will take a walk through the vibrant streets of Punta Paitilla to orient yourself in the heart of modern Jewish life, culminating in a welcome dinner at one of the city’s premier kosher restaurants, such as Fuego Bar & Bistro, to taste the fusion of local and traditional flavors.
Dedicate the day to exploring the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo, the historic district where the first Jewish settlers established their roots. After visiting the Panama Canal Museum to understand the Jewish influence on the country’s development, you will head to the magnificent Shevet Ahim Synagogue, an architectural masterpiece of the Sephardic community of Syrian origin. The day ends with a visit to a local kosher bakery to sample traditional sweets before enjoying the night views of the bay.
This day focuses on the world-famous Panama Canal, starting at the Miraflores Locks to witness the transit of gigantic vessels. Next, you will visit the Beth El Synagogue to learn about the history of the Ashkenazi community, followed by a tour of the Amador Causeway. This road connects four islands and offers panoramic views of the Pacific entrance to the Canal and the city skyline, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon by the ocean.
Depart early in a 4×4 vehicle toward the port of Cartí to sail into the San Blas archipelago. Upon arrival at your private island (such as Isla Pelícano or Aguja), you will immerse yourself in an environment of white sand and crystal-clear waters. Since the infrastructure on the islands is rustic and lacks formal kosher services, you will enjoy a picnic prepared in advance with products from Super Kosher, the largest kosher supermarket in the region. The night will be spent in a beachfront cabin under an unforgettable starry sky.
Spend the day sailing between islands, visiting a Guna indigenous community to learn about their ancient traditions and the art of molas. In the afternoon, you will swim in the famous “natural pools” in the middle of the ocean—sandbars where the water is waist-deep and you can spot starfish. This is a day of total disconnection and contact with the virgin nature of the Panamanian Caribbean, ending with a dinner under the palm trees.
The morning is dedicated to exploring coral reefs and the famous sunken ship at Isla Perro Chico, one of the best snorkeling spots in the world. After a final lunch on the islands, you will begin the journey back to Panama City in the afternoon. Upon arrival, you will check back into the JW Marriott, enjoying modern comforts after the rustic island adventure and closing the day with a relaxed dinner in the city.
Travel toward the Gamboa rainforest, where a private boat will take you across Gatun Lake to Monkey Island. You will observe capuchins, howlers, and tamarins in their natural habitat while sailing alongside the massive ships crossing the Canal. Upon returning to the city, you will visit the Jewish Community Center (CDI), the social and athletic hub that serves as the “living room” for the community, to witness the vitality of modern Panamanian Jewish life.
Your final day allows for a last-minute luxury shopping trip to Multiplaza or a world-class Panamanian coffee (Geisha) in the Bella Vista neighborhood. After a farewell lunch at one of the city’s 40+ kosher restaurants, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home, carrying with you the memory of a country that is both a natural jewel and a historic haven for the Jewish people.
Accommodation
Stay at the JW Marriott Panama, where you will be immersed in timeless luxury and unparalleled service at every moment of your getaway.
*Star rating standards vary from country to country.
This experience is fully customizable. We will create your personal dream experience!
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