Group Travel

Travel with confidence knowing that BBYO organizes supervised group flights to and from Israel. Our staff are present at departure airports to greet teens and help them feel welcome right away, and they accompany each group throughout the journey—both on arrival and on the return trip home. To learn more about how we organize travel for our programs, click here.

Panama City (5 Days)

Panama City offers an exciting introduction to a country where modern engineering, tropical biodiversity, and centuries of history come together. Visit the world-famous Panama Canal and discover how this remarkable waterway connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans while shaping global trade and Panama's identity. At the colorful Biomuseo, explore the country's extraordinary biodiversity through interactive exhibits that bring its rainforests, oceans, and natural history to life. Learn how Panama's unique geography helped connect two continents and transform ecosystems around the world.

In the historic neighborhood of Casco Viejo, wander through colorful streets, admire beautiful colonial architecture, and discover the cultural traditions that have shaped Panama City. Explore the area's Jewish heritage, learning about the history and contributions of Jewish communities in Panama and their connections to Jewish life throughout Latin America.

One of the most meaningful cultural experiences takes place along the Chagres River, where you'll travel by motorized dugout canoe to visit an Indigenous Emberá community. Learn from community members about their history, traditions, and relationship with the surrounding rainforest. Discover traditional crafts, music, clothing, and medicinal plants while gaining insight into the ways the community preserves and shares its cultural heritage. Depending on local conditions, the experience may also include a short jungle hike and an opportunity to swim near a tropical waterfall.

Panama City is also home to a vibrant Jewish community. Celebrate Shabbat with local Jewish families, sharing familiar traditions while discovering the distinctive customs and experiences of Jewish life in Panama. With opportunities to attend synagogue services, connect with community members, and participate in BBYO programming, this portion of the journey offers a meaningful opportunity to experience Jewish community beyond North America.

Pacific Coast (4 Days)

Panama's Pacific coastline provides an incredible setting for meaningful environmental conservation and outdoor adventure. Along the beautiful beaches surrounding Santa Catalina, learn about efforts to protect sea turtles and the coastal habitats they depend on for survival. Work alongside local conservation teams to understand the threats facing these remarkable animals, including habitat disturbance, artificial lighting, poaching, and other challenges affecting nesting beaches.

Take part in hands-on conservation activities based on current needs and seasonal conditions. Opportunities may include monitoring nesting areas, assisting with beach patrols, supporting hatchery operations, collecting conservation data, or helping restore coastal habitats. Through these experiences, discover how local organizations work to protect Olive Ridley sea turtles and why healthy coastal ecosystems are essential for their survival. If conditions allow, participants may also have an opportunity to observe nesting activity or newly hatched turtles.

Beyond the conservation projects, the Pacific coast offers some of Panama's most memorable water adventures. Travel by boat toward Coiba National Park, a protected marine environment known for its remarkable biodiversity and beautiful tropical waters. Snorkel among colorful fish and other marine life, with opportunities to spot sea turtles, rays, and other ocean wildlife. Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, scenic island views, and time along secluded beaches while discovering the importance of protecting these fragile marine ecosystems.

Back along the coast, try your hand at surfing and kayaking, learning new skills while experiencing the waves and beautiful surroundings of the Pacific Ocean. Celebrate Shabbat with fellow Jewish teens in a beautiful beachside setting, sharing familiar traditions, meaningful conversations, and time together. Mark the end of Shabbat with Havdalah and, weather permitting, gather around a beach bonfire for a special evening with your group.

Panama Highlands (3 Days)

High in Panama's beautiful Chiriquí Highlands, Boquete is surrounded by lush mountains, tropical forests, and remarkable natural scenery. Discover the region's famous coffee-growing traditions during a visit to a working plantation, where you'll learn how coffee is grown, harvested, processed, and roasted. Explore sustainable agricultural practices, learn about the role of local Ngöbe-Buglé workers in coffee production, and discover how the region's unique climate contributes to Panama's internationally recognized coffee.

The surrounding cloud forests offer opportunities to experience Panama's biodiversity from an entirely different perspective. Hike through the lush forests near Volcán Barú, where towering trees, hanging mist, and vibrant tropical vegetation create an extraordinary landscape. Cross suspension bridges high above the forest floor, taking in beautiful views of the surrounding canopy while learning about the plants and animals that call this ecosystem home. Keep an eye out for colorful birds, tropical plants, and other wildlife along the way.

For an exciting adventure on the water, take on the Río Chiriquí during a guided whitewater rafting experience. Navigate stretches of rushing water while surrounded by mountain scenery and dense tropical forests, learning teamwork and paddling skills from experienced local guides. Then experience the rainforest from above on a thrilling ziplining canopy tour, soaring through the trees and enjoying another perspective on Panama's remarkable natural beauty.

El Valle de Antón (1 Day)

Nestled inside the crater of an ancient volcano, El Valle de Antón offers a fascinating combination of mountain scenery, tropical wildlife, and natural attractions. Explore this beautiful region while discovering the remarkable landscapes and ecosystems created by its volcanic history.

Visit a butterfly haven to observe colorful tropical butterflies, then enjoy a walk through lush surroundings near the Chorro El Macho waterfall. Experience the region's natural beauty along forested pathways and hanging bridges before visiting local thermal hot springs for an opportunity to relax and enjoy the area's volcanic environment.

Along the Pacific coast near Farallón, enjoy additional time at the beach, pools, and water attractions. Surrounded by tropical scenery, this portion of the journey offers a chance to unwind and appreciate another side of Panama's natural beauty.

How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO strongly recommends all North American participants to fly on the group supervised flight for this program. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. The flight cost for programs with supervised flight options will be announced, along with the flight booking details for all programs, after registration. The supervised flight for this program will depart from the New York City area, typically Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Learn more about flying to the program .

What if my teen is considered an unaccompanied minor?
Each airline has its own rules for mandatory unaccompanied minors and additional fees do apply. If your teen is 15 years or younger, then please refer to your chosen airline for information. If your chosen airline requires your teen to fly as an unaccompanied minor, please make sure that this is noted on your Domestic Travel Form, and contact us at least a month in advance if special arrangements need to be made with our staff.

Where will my teen be sleeping?
The group stays in several different types of accommodations, including 3-star hotels and more rustic eco-lodges in the rainforest. When booking our accommodations, we request for each teen to have their own sleeping accommodations in a shared living space. On a rare occasion, your teen may share a large bed with another teen of the same gender. We try to avoid this as best as possible, but sometimes have limitations due to hotel space. Our accommodations are typically outside of cities and provide space for teens to relax and explore in a safe environment.

How is the program staffed?
Each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors), a local tour leader, and a bus driver. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What's the summer weather like?
Panama has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout much of the year. July and August fall during the country's rainy season, so participants should expect a combination of sunshine, cloud cover, and tropical rain showers.

Along the Pacific coast and in Panama City, daytime temperatures often reach the 80s and 90s. In the mountain region of Boquete, temperatures are generally cooler, particularly in the mornings and evenings. Rain can occur throughout the journey, and conditions may change quickly during outdoor activities.

We recommend packing lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sturdy hiking shoes, swimwear, sun protection, insect repellent, and a waterproof rain jacket. A sweatshirt or light fleece is especially helpful for cooler temperatures in the highlands. Participants should also be prepared for wet or muddy conditions during conservation projects and outdoor adventures.

How do you approach security?
The safety of the teens under our care is our guiding consideration. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety and security.

What's the typical group size?
Group sizes vary by departure and program enrollment. Our Stand UP programs typically include approximately 30–40 teens per bus, with participants joining from communities across North America.

Some teens may also be participating in connecting programs that combine two separate BBYO Passport experiences. For more information about group assignments and friend requests, please visit our General Travel FAQs.

What's the food like?
Panama offers a wonderful variety of culinary traditions influenced by its Indigenous communities, Latin American heritage, Caribbean flavors, and coastal environment. Teens may have opportunities to sample regional favorites such as rice and beans, plantains, fresh tropical fruits, empanadas, and other local specialties throughout the journey.

The proposed itinerary also includes opportunities to learn about local agriculture during a coffee plantation tour in Boquete and experience traditional food during a community-hosted visit with the Emberá people.

As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.

Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.

Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program.

Will I need a visa?
If you travel with an American, Canadian, or EU passport, good news! You don’t need a visa to enter Panama. If you travel with a passport from another country, you may need a visa.

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Enrollment and Registration Terms.

How do I enroll my teen if we live outside of North America?
Visit this page to find all the information you will need and express your interest.

For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip guide.