Community Service Retreat in Panama

We're a small, family-owned retreat center in Panama's stunning coastal mountains, founded by returned Peace Corps volunteers Sean and Ayesha Davis. With decades of combined experience in international development, education, and environmental engineering, we specialize in transformative experiences that bridge travel, education, sustainability, and service. We're not just running a business—we've made Panama our home, raised our children here, and built deep partnerships with local communities over the past decade.

Everything you need for a week of meaningful service and rest: 7 days/6 nights in comfortable air-conditioned bungalows, three fresh locally-sourced meals daily, roundtrip airport transfers from Panama City, all service project materials and donations (paint, cleaning supplies), coordinated activities with our community partners (turtle conservation, school work, elder home visit, beach cleanup), whale watching excursion, and access to our hammock spaces, meditation labyrinth, and nature trails. Optional add-ons include surf lessons, massage therapy, and the Emberá village visit.

You can choose what works best for you! We offer three accommodation options: shared quad bungalows (4 guests, most affordable and social), shared double bungalows (2 double beds, perfect for couples or friends), or private single bungalows (your own space for maximum rest and privacy). All bungalows are air-conditioned with comfortable beds and private bathrooms.

Not at all! If you can paint, play dominoes, read a book aloud, or pick up trash, you have all the skills you need. Our local partners will guide you through every activity. What matters most is showing up with an open heart, a willingness to work, and respect for the communities we're serving alongside. We'll teach you everything else.

Moderately active but manageable for most fitness levels. You'll be painting, walking beaches, bending down to search for turtle eggs, and spending time on your feet. The work is real but not exhausting—think "satisfying day of purposeful activity" rather than "extreme physical challenge." That said, bring comfortable closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and be prepared to get sweaty and paint-splattered.

If you have any physical limitations or health concerns, this may not be the right retreat for you. We want to be honest upfront so you can choose an experience where you'll thrive.

We’re just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Panama City, and only 10 minutes from the town of Coronado.

If you need to pick up anything, Coronado has supermarkets, pharmacies, shops, and even a modern clinic with English-speaking doctors. At Istmo, you get the best of both worlds—immersed in nature while having convenient amenities nearby.

Fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City.

Yes! Roundtrip airport or city transfers are included in all Digital Detox Retreat packages.  

If you want to stay longer at Istmo or join us in between a retreat, that is always possible! Just contact us before booking so we can help you out. We’re also happy to recommend options for extending your trip in Panama! 

Panama enjoys a tropical climate, with two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy (green) season.

• Dry season (Mid-December to Mid-April): Expect sunny, warm weather with little to no rain—ideal for escaping the cold up North.
• Transitional season (Late April to Early May): The dry season shifts into the green season, so you may experience a mix of sunny and rainy days as the lush season begins.
• Green/rainy season (June to November): This is our favorite time of year when the countryside is at its greenest. Afternoon rain showers are common but typically short, lasting no more than two hours. Most of the day remains clear for outdoor activities, and the rain offers a refreshing break from the heat. 
• Rainiest months (October & November): While these are the wettest months, rain usually comes in short bursts, so it’s rare to experience all-day rain. Tropical showers are often a welcome cool down.

We’re about 1 hour 45 minutes from PTY, depending on traffic.

Panama uses the US dollar.

Most travelers from the US, Canada, Europe, and many other countries do not need a visa. Learn more about Panama’s visa policy.

You’ll have a running tab for optional extras like smoothies, massages, surfing lessons, and excursions payable by cash or credit card at checkout.

Yes! All meals are included in your stay. Enjoy three delicious meals a day, freshly prepared by our private chef using locally sourced ingredients. This includes dinner on arrival day and breakfast on departure day. We accommodate all dietary preferences and offer a daily fresh fruit snack to keep you energized.

Please note that dining at restaurants outside of Istmo is not included. 

Absolutely! We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs. Just let us know in advance.

During regular hours, an English-speaking hospital is just a 15-minute drive from our property. For emergencies after 9 PM, there is a 24-hour public hospital only 7 minutes away. Additionally, our owner, Sean Davis, is a trained EMT, and in case of an emergency, we’ll personally assist in getting you to the nearest clinic.

Please note that we require all participants to purchase travel insurance, as we are not liable for medical expenses. You will also be asked to complete a waiver form before your stay.

Our retreat is located in a small, safe rural and beach community. With our three friendly dogs as our 24-hour security, we’ve never felt the need for a fence or a security guard. We do recommend general safety precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended on the beach and avoid solo trips to the beach too early or too late.

Overall, Panama is a very safe country for travelers, and we are confident you’ll feel at ease during your stay.

In most areas of Panama, including Istmo Retreat, the tap water is generally considered safe to drink. However, if you're staying in more rural areas or places where water quality may vary, it's recommended to drink bottled or purified water for peace of mind.

At Istmo, we provide purified drinking water for all our guests to ensure you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your stay.

During the day, mosquitos are not a problem. They typically come out at dawn and dusk, so we recommend wearing light long sleeves and pants or using bug spray during those times.

We're returned Peace Corps volunteers who've lived in Panama for over a decade—our kids were born here, and this is our home. Every project on this retreat was requested by our local partners: the school principal identified infrastructure needs, the conservation groups coordinate turtle protection, and the community center asked for our support. You're joining ongoing programmatic partnerships that existed before you arrived and continue after you leave. This isn't manufactured service—it's real work addressing real needs.

Yes, because you're contributing to ongoing programs, not starting from scratch. The gym floor you paint will serve students for years. The cleaning supplies you leave help maintain the elder center long-term. The turtle eggs you help secure have a better chance at survival. Your week of work fits into a larger timeline of sustained impact.

We welcome ongoing relationships! We can help facilitate continued connection in ways that are meaningful and sustainable for our partners. Just let us know during your stay, and we'll work with you to find appropriate ways to stay involved.

While we appreciate the generous spirit, the value of this retreat isn't just financial—it's relational. The elders light up when you sit with them. The kids get excited about bilingual reading time. The teachers appreciate working alongside people who care. Your presence and participation create connection that money alone cannot. That said, if you'd like to make additional contributions beyond your retreat fee, we can discuss appropriate ways to support our partners' identified needs.