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2012 Panama Carnival Trip to the Azuero Peninsula

Posted by hablaya | February 9th, 2012

Click here for a complete calendar of events during January, February and March of 2012. Or Click here for a complete calendar of events during May, June, July and August of 2012.

It has been said that there is only one thing that people in Panama really take serious: party time! And with the mother of all parties in Panama just around the corner, we want to invite you to experience what Carnivals in Panama are all about!

Carnivals are Panama's craziest and wildest party!

Brazil is not the only Latin American country were Carnivals are legendary. People in Panama literally save money for and dream about Carnivals all year long. The traditions that take place during these 4 days (this year from Saturday February 18th until Tuesday February 21st) date back from hundreds of years, when the Spaniards first came to the isthmus, and have been influenced by local customs and beliefs. There are parades, traditional dances, the famous "culecos" or "mojadera" and lots of partying: all day and all night, during 4 days in a row!

The very best Carnivals in Panama take place in the Azuero Península, considered the heartland of Panama, in the provinces of Herrera and Los Santos. This is where our cultural heritage and traditions are most alive. And this is exactly why we have organized a trip to Azuero during Carnivals! And we'll not only party Panamanian style during these days, but we'll also enjoy plenty of beach time!

Each town has its own and unique traditions and typical dance presentations during Carnivals

Students from both of our Spanish schools are more than welcome to join us (and if you're not a student, you can join us too!). If you're studying at our Spanish school in Bocas del Toro, you'll also have a chance to experience the Carnivals in Bocas, which have more of a Caribbean flavor, if you decide not to travel to Boquete, from where we depart on Saturday February 18th. But if you're taking a Spanish course at our Spanish school in Boquete, and you stay there during Carnivals, then you really won't get to live the Carnival experience as Carnivals aren't celebrated up high in the mountains... so if you want to experience the craziest and wildest 4 days in Panama, come and join us for Carnivals!

CHECKOUT HABLA YA SPANISH SCHOOLS' CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR PANAMA'S HIGH SEASON... »

Accommodation in the Azuero Peninsula is very difficult to come around during Carnivals. Hotels are even booked with a year in advance! And as every year our Spanish students always ask us to take them to the Azuero Peninsula we've rented a house in Pedasí which will be our base to experience Carnivals in the Azuero Penínsla.

For Habla Ya Spanish students this 3 night / 4 day Carnival trip will cost $195 per person. For non students the price will be $250 per person.

People take the streets and dance all day long, while getting soaked by huge trucks throwing water

As follows is the itinerary for our Carnival Trip to the Azuero Península:

Church at the Central Plaza in the town of Pedasi

Saturday February 18th

6:00 a.m. - Meet at Habla Ya and leave Boquete
9:00 a.m. - Arrival to Santiago
11:00 a.m. - Arrival to Chitré and join the Carnival celebrations
12:30 p.m. - Lunch
4:00 p.m. - Depart to Pedasí
5:00 p.m. - Arrival to house in Pedasí, settle in
7:00 p.m. - Dinner out and join the evening celebrations in Pedasí

Video that gives you an idea about what Carnivals are like during the day

Playa El Arenal, 10 minutes away from Pedasi

Sunday February 19th

7:00 a.m. - Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - Leave to local beach, El Arenal or El Toro
12:00 p.m. - Lunch at local restaurant
1:00 p.m. - Depart to Parita for Carnivals
5:00 p.m. - Return to Pedasí
7:00 p.m. - Dinner out and join the evening celebrations in Pedasí

Playa Venao, about 45 minutes away from Pedasi

Monday February 20th

7:00 a.m. - Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - Leave to Playa Venao
12:00 p.m. - Lunch at Local Restaurant
1:00 p.m. - Return to Pedasi
2:00 p.m. - Carnivals in Pedasi
7:00 p.m. - Dinner out and join the evening celebrations in Pedasí

Carnivals in Azuero, Panama

Tuesday February 21st

8:00 a.m. - Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - Leave to Boquete
12:00 p.m. - Stop in Santiago
3:30 p.m. - Arrive to Boquete

Price includes ($195 for HY students, $250 for non students):

Roundtrip transportation Boquete – Pedasi
3 nights of accommodation in Pedasi
Transportation within the Azuero Peninsula (Chitre, Parita, Pedasi, Playa Venao and local Beaches)

What to bring? Various changes of cloths, beach ware, towels, sun-block, mosquito repellent, passport or copy of it, camera and a desire to party and have fun!!!

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Posted in Azuero, Beaches, Ecotourism, Habla Ya, Panama Destinations, Panama Road Trips, Panama Travel, Vacations

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Panama Yoga Retreat at The Lost and Found

Posted by hablaya | January 31st, 2012

Click here for a complete calendar of events during January, February and March of 2012. Or Click here for a complete calendar of events during May, June, July and August of 2012.

On your journey between Bocas del Toro and Boquete you will find The Lost and Found, one of Panama's hidden gems and the only fully functioning Eco-hostel inside Panama's Cloud Forest!

During the weekends of Saturday February 11th and Saturday June 2nd we'll be having a Yoga Retreat over there and we couldn't think of a better place than The Lost and Found Eco-Hostel, one of the most and best recommended experiences by every single guide book about Panama. Besides participating in numerous yoga sessions during the entire weekend, you'll have access to hours of hiking trails inside the Fortuna Forest Reserve, the opportunity to spot monkeys, sloths, and blue morpho butterflies amongst other animals in the wild, and you'll even be able to participate in a Treasure Hunt that will take you to some of Chiriqui's most stunning places.

Panama's cloud forests provide a magical setting for Yoga Retreats

So don't miss your daily yoga classes in Boquete and Bocas del Toro and get ready for a relaxing weekend full of yoga, adventure and natural beauty! And if you're traveling between our Spanish schools during that weekend, this Yoga Retreat gives you a great excuse to visit the Lost and Found!

Yoga Class at Habla Ya Boquete

CHECKOUT OR CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR PANAMA'S HIGH SEASON AT HABLA YA SPANISH SCHOOLS... »

For Habla Ya Spanish students this trip will only cost $155 per person (and $175 per person for non students). As follows is the itinerary for your Yoga Retreat to The Lost and Found:

Saturday February 11th / June 2nd

We'll go hiking and try to spot an elusive Quetzal

8 a.m. - Meet at Habla Ya and depart to The Lost and Found
10:00 a.m. - Arrival and settle in
10:30 a.m. - Part 1 of Wildlife and Nature Hike with Gabriel (in search of the elusive quetzal)
12:30 p.m. - Lunch at Gabriel's house to meet his family and see first hand how proceeds from the tour help him build a house
1:30 p.m. - Part 2 of Wildlife and Nature Hike with Gabriel
4:00 p.m. - Break
6:30 p.m. - Yoga Session #1: Breathing and Relaxation
7:00 p.m. - Dinner
8:00 p.m. - Yoga Session #2: Meditation in Motion
8:30 p.m. - Night-time Safari with Gabriel

Video that gives you a good idea about what The Lost and Found is about

Sunday February 12th / June 3rd

The Lost and Found in Panama

6:00 a.m. - Yoga Session #3: Sun Salutation
7:00 a.m. - Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - Treasure Hunt
12:30 a.m. - Lunch
2:00 p.m. - Yoga Session #4: Pain Release
4:00 p.m. - Depart to David

Price includes ($155 for HY students, $175 for non students):

Roundtrip transportation Boquete – Lost and Found
Lodging at the Lost and Found (bed in dorm rooms)
4 Yoga Sessions
All meals (2 lunches, dinner and breakfast)
Wildlife Hike, Night-time Safari and Treasure Hunt

What to bring? A towel for the river, a couple of changes of cloths (appropriate for hiking and warm for the mountains), swim-wear, sun-block, mosquito repellent, passport or copy of it, camera and a desire to explore and have fun!!!

If you're looking for a Spanish school in Panama where you can also have the vacation of your lifetime, you've just found it!

Panama's cloud forests are simply amazing

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Posted in Adventure Travel, Chiriqui, Experience, Habla Ya, Hiking, Panama Destinations, Panama Road Trips, Panama Travel

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Bocas del Toro Weekend Trips Departing from Boquete, Panama

Posted by hablaya | January 19th, 2012

Click here for a complete calendar of events during January, February and March of 2012. Or Click here for a complete calendar of events during May, June, July and August of 2012.

For those who decide to study Spanish in Boquete's mountains, a weekend trip to the beaches of Bocas del Toro is a must. The paradisaical islands with white sand beaches lined up with idyllic coconuts and verdant palm trees are one of those places in Panama that you just can't miss to visit.

And our Spanish students in Bocas del Toro are more than welcome to join the day trips and night outings as well! Specific information will be provided on site at our Spanish school in Bocas del Toro...

Hanging out by the beach in Bocas del Toro, Panama

We'll leave Boquete on Saturday morning and come back for Spanish classes by Monday afternoon. During the day we'll spend our time snorkeling turquoise clear waters with abundant marine life, tropical fishes and colorful coral... searching for dolphins, exploring the mangroves or just hanging out by a beach full of stunning starfish. And during the evenings we'll let our hair loose, party Bocas stlye and indulge our senses with scrumptious banquets at Bocas del Toro restaurants.

Weekend Trips to Bocas del Toro departing from Boquete will take place during the following dates:

Saturday January 28th - Monday January 30th
Saturday March 10th - Monday March 12th
Saturday June 9th - Monday June 11th
Saturday July 7th - Monday July 9th
Saturday August 4th - Monday August 6th

For Habla Ya Spanish students this trip will only cost $195 per person (and $225 per person for non students).

Dolphins at Dolphin Bay in Bocas del Toro, Panama

CHECKOUT OR CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR PANAMA'S HIGH SEASON AT HABLA YA SPANISH SCHOOLS... »

So, as promised, here is the itinerary for our Weekend Trips to Bocas del Toro, Panama:

Saturday

Fishes and Sea life in Bocas del Toro, Panama

6 a.m. - Meet at Habla Ya and depart to Almirante
9:30 a.m. - Arrive to Almirante and take boat to Isla Colón
10:00 a.m. - Arrival to Isla Colón
11:00 a.m. - Arrival to Hotel and Check-In
12:00 p.m. - Lunch
1:30 p.m. - Take Boat to Bird Island and afterwards to Boca del Drago
2:30 p.m. - Arrive to Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach
5:30 p.m. - Return to townk
7:30 p.m. - Dinner
8:30 p.m. - Walk around town and bar hopping

Lots of the video footage from the above video is from Bocas del Toro, Panama

Sunday

Waiting for lunch at restaurant in Crawl Cay, Bocas del Toro

7:00 a.m. - Breakfast
8:30 a.m. - Depart to Dolphin Bay by Boat
9:00 a.m. - Arrival to Dolphin Bay, and observe the dolphins in their natural habitat
10:00 a.m. - Depart to Zapatillas Cay
12:00 p.m. - Depart to Crawl Cay
3:30 p.m. - Arrive to Isla Colón and visit Qué Xopá Cocktail Bar
7:00 p.m. - Dinner
8:30 p.m. - Party Time!

Price includes ($195 for HY students, $225 for non students):

Roundtrip transportation Boquete – Almirante
Watertaxi to Isla Colon
2 boat trips between islands where we will be able to see dolphins, starfish, white sand beaches, sea life (itinerary could change depending on weather/sea conditions)
Accommodation at a local hotel in Bocas del Toro for two nights with breakfast included.

What to bring? A beach towel, a couple of changes of cloths, swim-wear, sun-block, mosquito repellent, passport or copy of it, camera and a desire to explore and have fun!!!

If you're looking for a Spanish school in Panama where you can also have the vacation of your lifetime, you've just found it!

At Starfish Beach in Bocas del Toro, Panama

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Posted in Adventure Travel, Beaches, Bocas del Toro, Ecotourism, Habla Ya, Learning Spanish, Panama Destinations, Panama Road Trips, Panama Travel, Vacations

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Soloy Indigenous Community Full Day Trip | Chiriqui, Panama

Posted by hablaya | January 17th, 2012

Click here for a complete calendar of events during January, February and March of 2012. Or Click here for a complete calendar of events during May, June, July and August of 2012.

One of last year's favorite trips amongst our Spanish students was the visit we made to the Ngöbe-Buglé indigenous community located in Soloy. In that visit we not only discovered the Ngöbe-Buglé way of life, but we also took part in their traditional dances, participated in a handicraft lesson and learned how to make Chácaras (Ngöbe-Buglé bags). We also had the opportunity to admire Chiriqui's lowland natural beauty at its best. You can checkout photos of last year's visit to Soloy by clicking here...

During this year's Panama high season we will visit Soloy four times:

Sunday January 22nd
Sunday March 18th
Sunday May 20th
Sunday August 12th

For Habla Ya Spanish students this trip will only cost $75 per person (and $95 per person for non students).

Habla Ya student during handicraft lesson with Panamanian indigenous in Soloy, Chiriqui

The itinerary for the trips to Soloy is as follows:

Saturday

Waterfall La Esperanza in Soloy, Chiriqui, Panama

7 a.m. - Depart from Boquete to Soloy
8:30 a.m. - Arrive at Jevay in the Soloy Indigenous Community - Introductory session
10:30 a.m. - Short Hike to Waterfall and swim in its waters
12:30 p.m. - Traditional Lunch
1:30 p.m. - Traditional Dance Exhibition called "Danza Jegui" (join in if you like!)
2:30 p.m. - Handicraft Lesson with the indigenous women: learn how to make Chácaras (traditional Ngöbe-Buglé bag) and Panamanian hats.
3:30 p.m. - Depart back to Boquete

Price includes ($75 for HY students, $95 for non students):

Roundtrip transportation Boquete to Soloy
Tour Guide
Traditional Lunch, Dance Exhibition and Handicraft Lesson (materials as well)

What to bring? Comfortable cloths and shoes for hiking, swim cloths, a towel, a change of cloths, sun-block, mosquito repellent, passport or copy of it, camera, extra water and a back-pack.

If you'd like to get to know the real Panama, don't miss this opportunity to visit Soloy!

Traditional Ngobe Bugle Indigenous Dance in Soloy, Chiriqui, Panama

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Chiriqui Gulf Islands’ Camping Trips during January – August 2012

Posted by hablaya | January 9th, 2012

Click here for a complete calendar of events during January, February and March of 2012. Or Click here for a complete calendar of events during May, June, July and August of 2012.

The Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park has become one of the most popular destinations for our Spanish students and it's easy to see why: pristine beaches, uninhabited tropical islands (with very few or no tourists at all), abundant wildlife (coral, fishes, dolphins, turtles, whales, crocodiles, birds...) and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors (sport fishing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, surfing or just lying in the sun). Getting some beach time during the weekend after a week of Spanish studies in Boquete's mountains is great way to mix it up!

Every visitor falls in love with the Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park

Panama's dry season in the Pacific, from December to April, marks the best time of the year to visit the Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park in terms of water clarity, visibility, and of course, sunshine! And then whale watching season kicks in during the summer so this is why during Panama's 2012 high season we have select 8 different weekends to camp at the Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park!

Saturday January 14th - Sunday January 15th
Saturday February 4th - Sunday February 5th
Saturday February 25th - Sunday February 26th
Saturday March 31st - Sunday April 1st
Saturday May 26th - Sunday May 27th
Saturday June 23rd - Sunday June 24th
Saturday July 21st - Sunday July 22nd
Saturday August 18th - Sunday August 19th

For Habla Ya Spanish students this trip will only cost $165 per person (and $175 per person for non students).

The plan is to camp either at Bolaños Island or Gámez. Both islands are simply stunning. Wherever we camp you'll get to visit both because if we camp at Isla Bolaños on the next day we'll spend the morning at Gámez Island and hopefully on our way there, we'll get to see some dolphins! Isla Gámez is smaller but the water surrounding it tends to be clearer and the white sand beach is longer. Bolaños is a larger island with more opportunities to hike and explore. Both have decent snorkeling spots with plenty of coral and fish to enjoy. When visibility is good you can easily spend hours under the water... just be careful with the currents!

Spanish student with our Customer Experience Director, Swan Bozzi, in front of Isla Gámez

CHECKOUT OR CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR PANAMA'S HIGH SEASON AT HABLA YA SPANISH SCHOOLS... »

So, as promised, here is the itinerary for this weekend's Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park Island Trip:

Saturday

Howler Monkey with baby at Isla Palenque in the Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park in Panama

7 a.m. - Depart from Boquete to Boca Chica
8:30 a.m. - Arrive to Boca Chica and depart to Boca Brava for breakfast at local restaurant (short boat ride, only a couple of minutes)
9:30 a.m. - Short hike to try and spot some howler monkeys
10:30 a.m. - Depart towards Gámez or Bolaños Island (keep your fingers crossed for some dolphin action)
11:30 a.m. - Arrival to island for some beach time and snorkeling!
1:00 p.m. - Lunch
2:00 p.m. - More beach time and volleyball tournament
4:00 p.m. - Afternoon snack
5:00 p.m. - Setup camp
6:00 p.m. - Dinner time
7:00 p.m. - Campfire, wine, stories and tropical island party!

Dolphins spotted during one of our trips to the Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park

Sunday

Volleyball session in the Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park

7:30 a.m. - Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - More beach time
10:00 a.m. - Depart to next island for more snorkeling, beach time and another chance to spot dolphins
11:00 a.m. - Snacks, fruit and cold drinks. More beach time.
1:00 p.m. - Depart back to main land
1:450 p.m. - Lunch at Boca Chica (fresh fish or upgrade to lobster for $5 more!)
3:00 p.m. - Head back to Boquete
5:00 p.m. - Arrival to Boquete

Price includes ($165 for HY students, $175 for non students):

Roundtrip transportation Boquete to Boca Chica and all of the boat trips (to Isla Boca Brava, Bolaños and Gámez)
Meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner), snacks, cold beer, soft drinks and fruit
Comfortable Camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, mat, flashlight, first aid kit, tarp

What to bring? A towel, a couple of changes of cloth, swim-wear, sun-block, mosquito repellent, passport or copy of it, camera, extra water and a back-pack.

If you're in Panama at the moment, join us and don't miss it! The Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park is the highlight of many visitors' Panama vacation.

Couple at Bolaños Island in the Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park