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Istmo Retreat & Adventures
A Boutique Retreat Center for Small Groups & Retreat Leaders
Looking for the perfect retreat center in Panama that combines nature, comfort, and meaningful experiences?
Istmo Retreat & Adventures is a private retreat property in Panama for university study abroad programs, retreat leaders, and small groups seeking connection, learning, and adventure.
Located just 90 minutes from Panama City, our eco-friendly retreat center offers private bungalows, fresh local cuisine, and immersive experiences that bring people closer to nature, culture, and each other. Whether you're hosting a yoga or wellness retreat, leading an educational program, or gathering your community, Istmo provides the setting and support to make it unforgettable.
Ready to Curate Your Next Group Travel Experience?
A Retreat Center Trusted Since 2015
Since opening our doors, retreat leaders and group organizers from around the world have chosen Istmo as their go-to retreat center in Panama.
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years supporting retreat hosts
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retreats hosted
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groups who return year after year
Easy to get to: Only 1.5 hours from Panama City Airport (PTY) — quick, stress-free travel.
Eco-retreat lodging: Private, air-conditioned bungalows steps from a secluded beach.
Tailored adventures: Surfing, rainforest hikes, cultural experiences and community service projects.
Family-owned hospitality: Personal service that makes you feel right at home.
Fresh, local cuisine: Local ingredients and homemade meals prepared by our private chef.
Eco-friendly and community-focused: We prioritize sustainability, partner with local initiatives, and support the local community.
Our Partners & Clients
Retreat Leaders
Host Your Group in Panama — Without the Logistics Stress
Istmo is a trusted retreat center in Panama for yoga teachers, wellness leaders, coaches, and group organizers who want a space that feels both grounded and inspiring.
We take care of accommodations, meals, local coordination, and activities—so you can focus on your group and your purpose.
Universities & Faculty
Faculty-Lead Study Abroad Programs
In addition to wellness retreats, Istmo welcomes universities and faculty-led groups for immersive, place-based learning.
Our approach is shaped by our Peace Corps backgrounds and years of community partnership. We design programs around community-identified needs and faculty requirements—not tourist itineraries.
Who We Are
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers.
Educators & Environmentalists.
We're Ayesha and Sean—Returned Peace Corps volunteers who came to Panama as professionals and stayed to build something meaningful.
Sean served in Chile and worked as Environmental Education Coordinator for the Peregrine Fund before founding an international school in Panama City. Ayesha served in Paraguay and spent 10 years as an environmental engineer designing water and environmental programs across Latin America, funded by the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank.
While working in Panama City, we built Istmo from the ground up—4 acres of jungle near the Pacific coast—and opened our doors in 2015.
What started as a retreat center for wellness leaders has grown to include educational programs, service learning trips, and community-based travel. We're members of the Forum on Education Abroad and have spent a decade building partnerships with local schools, conservation organizations, and community groups.
Adventure and Experiences for Everyone
Every retreat is different, and that’s exactly the point. At Istmo, we help you create a Panama retreat that reflects your group’s energy and goals. Whether you're here for wellness, learning, or fun, we’ll help make it happen.
Outdoor Adventures
- Waterfall and rainforest hikes
- Surfing lessons and stand-up paddleboarding for all skill levels
- Ziplining through the forest canopy
- Whale watching and snorkeling (seasonal)
- Freshwater and ocean fishing trips
Cultural Excursions & Educational expriences
- Visit the Embera Indigenous Village
- Explore Panama City and the Panama Canal
- Browse local artisan markets and beaches
- Join in community service projects
- Participate in beach cleanups
- Learn about sea turtle conservation
On-Site Experiences at istmo
- Relaxing massage therapy
- Yoga, meditation, and coaching sessions
- Salsa and movement classes
- Spanish immersion and cultural workshops
- Evening bonfires and stargazing
- Swimming and peaceful walks on our secluded beach
What Our Guests Say
Stories from Istmo
I am so grateful to Istmo for helping us create a fantastic experience for our students. We all felt so welcomed, comfortable, engaged, & peaceful this week. Here is to bringing more and more students to Istmo in the future!
Madison Leadley | Assistant Director, Office of International Programs
Istmo went above and beyond my expectations. I hosted a two-week-long Yoga immersion training course at Istmo, and they treated our group like family. Their generous hospitality is unforgettable. In addition to great service, we enjoyed fresh food, locally sourced meals, and comfy and spacious boutique bungalows!
Kali Kennedy | Yoga Teacher Trainer