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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 5 day Jewish tour of Panama offers a profound exploration of a rare global destination where a secure and vibrant 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% of the community keeps kosher. Your journey begins with a focus on Casco Viejo Jewish history, tracing the narrative from colonial-era stories of Crypto-Jews in the UNESCO-listed district to the impressive modern infrastructure of Punta Paitilla and the magnificent Shevet Ahim Synagogue.
The itinerary balances these heritage encounters with the country’s legendary landmarks, including an essential Panama Canal Miraflores Locks tour to understand the historic Jewish families involved in the canal’s construction. The adventure extends into the lush rainforest for a Monkey Island Gamboa rainforest tour, where you will experience a private boat expedition to encounter exotic wildlife in the heart of the canal’s transit path. This Jewish tour of Panama City is particularly well-suited for multi-generational groups and Bar Mitzvah travelers, as it combines the excitement of tropical exploration with a deep sense of historical continuity.
To ensure a seamless experience, the program is designed around the highest standards of kosher travel Panama. With over 40 certified restaurants and the largest kosher supermarket in the region, the city serves as a true “Kosher Haven.” We prioritize a meaningful Shabbat in Panama City, providing travelers with the opportunity to join the local community for services and traditional meals. This comprehensive mission offers a perfectly balanced and spiritually enriching encounter, leaving you with a lasting connection to 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 upscale neighborhood of Punta Paitilla, the center of modern Jewish life in Panama. After checking in, you will take a scenic walk through the nearby streets to orient yourself with the high concentration of kosher establishments, followed by a welcome dinner at one of the city’s premier kosher steakhouses to experience the local flavors.
You will spend the day exploring the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo, the historic district where early Jewish settlers first established their roots. After a visit to 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, and conclude the day with a visit to a local kosher bakery for traditional snacks.
The day is dedicated to the world-famous Panama Canal, starting with the Miraflores Locks where you will witness massive ships transiting the waterway. You will then visit the Beth El Synagogue to learn about the Ashkenazi community’s history in Panama before driving along the Amador Causeway, enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific entrance to the Canal and the city skyline, ending with a relaxing evening by the water.
Today you leave the city for the lush Gamboa Rainforest, where a private boat will take you across Gatun Lake to the famous Monkey Island. You will observe capuchins, howlers, and tamarins in their natural habitat while cruising alongside the giant container ships of the Canal. After this wildlife encounter, you will return to the city to visit “Super Kosher,” one of the largest kosher supermarkets in the world, to see the incredible infrastructure that supports this thriving community.
Your final day focuses on the modern pulse of the community with a visit to the Jewish Community Center (CDI), a massive hub for social and athletic life. You will have time for a final meeting with local community members to discuss the future of Panama’s Jewish diaspora before a last-minute stop for world-class Panamanian coffee. The trip concludes with a private transfer to the airport, leaving you with a deep appreciation for this unique “Safe Haven” of the Americas.
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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