Istmo Family Camp

No, we limit the camp experience to 8 families (we have eight bungalows, 1 per family). Each family will stay in their private air-conditioned bungalow with hot water surrounded by the rainforest.

Due to the nature of the activities, we accept families with children above 7 years of age. Children younger than seven might find the hike and some of the water activities too challenging.

No, this camp is designed to create a family bonding experience through unique adventure and cultural activities. In the future, we will be developing a teen adventure camp (but we are not there yet )

That is up to the parent, but we are happy to have you participate in all activities. We offer “parent optional” activities throughout the week so parents can have some downtime or go to Happy hour.  Children 14 and older may go without their parents for the offsite activities. A parent should accompany children 13 and under.

All activities are optional, but we do encourage the kids to participate in all activities to get the most out of this unique experience.  

The Health and Safety of your family is our priority. Panama is a very safe country, especially in the rural areas around where we are located. If a health issue does arise we are prepared by

• Onsite first aid kit as well as first aid kit taken on all excursions, and guides have had basic first aid training
• The owner/ Host/ Guide is a former Emergency Medical Technician 
• Private medical clinic (business hours) and pharmacy 5 minutes away 
• 24-hour local hospital 10 minutes away
• US-accredited private hospitals in Panama City 1.5 hrs away from Retreat Center.

Please check with your insurance provider for international coverage or purchase travel insurance when you are here.

The currency in Panama is the US dollar. Each family will run a tab with us during your stay. Any smoothies, massages, extra expenses will be added to your tab, which you will pay at the end of your stay. Payment can be made via credit card or cash.

Temperatures in our area tend to average 88 F during sunlight hours and about 78 F after sunset/before sunrise year round. The green season is between May and December, and the dry season is between Jan and April. Both seasons are wonderful times to visit Panama. The Dry season has warm sunny days and strong tradewinds blowing across the country during the North American Winter. The Green season is more lush and vibrant, with afternoon showers cooling things off.

Other than what you would typically bring for a week of traveling- A valid Passport, clothes, swimsuits, flip flops or sandals, toiletries, chargers, etc. 

• Comfortable hiking shoes (running shoes will also work, but hiking shoes are preferred) 
• Water shoes (optional) 
• Flashlight or headlamp 
• Sunscreen and sun hat 
• Bug repellant 
• Small backpack for day trips
• A light rainjacket or poncho 
• Water bottle
• snack food items*** 
• Allergy medication, pain relief medication, and any other medication you may need 
• Books to read.  Each room has a small book exchange section.  
• If you are traveling from Europe - pack an adaptor to charge your electronics.  

* Each room has a combination safe to store your valuables safely.

**Please note the Istmo Retreat Center provides basic yoga mats, but we recommend bringing your own if you want a thick mat or a specific texture. 

***If you are not used to a vegetarian or low-meat diet or are prone to getting snack-ish during the day, you may want to bring some items, just in case!  Each room has a refrigerator. On the way up from Panama City the shuttle will stop by a local grocery store for individuals to buy snacks.

The currency in Panama is the US dollar. Each family will run a tab with us during your stay. Any smoothies, massages, extra expenses will be added to your tab, which you will pay at the end of your stay. Payment can be made via credit card or cash.

A 25-minute walk will take you to our local commercial center, where you can find most basic items. We also have a messenger service to buy the item(s) for you for an additional $5 fee.

We offer a laundry service at Istmo for $10 a load with a 24-hour turnaround.

Surprisingly to most, mosquitos and other biting insects are not a major problem in our area. This is especially true during the dry season (mid-December to May). During the green season, they are more prevalent, but mainly during dawn and dusk. During these hours, it is advisable to wear long pants or repellant.  In the middle of the day or after dark, mosquitos and biting insects are not a problem.

Tocumen International Airport in Panama City - PTY.

If you are a US Citizen or form Europe and/or most countries of the Americas you do not need a visa.  Check the Visa Policy of Panama - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Panama

With no traffic, we are 1 hour and 45 minutes from the International airport. We are about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the center of Panama City. Rush hour work traffic from Panama City can be heavy and add time to the journey. It is always best to arrive and depart during off-peak hours. 

 If you are traveling all the way to Panama, why not see more of Panama?  It is an amazing country with so much to see and do if you have extra time you should see more of the country. Reach out to us, and depending on your time frame and interest, we can make some recommendations.

Tips for the staff are not included and are always appreciated. At the end of the retreat, we put out a tip jar for the staff. The tips are divided equally amongst the housekeepers, kitchen staff, and the gardener/maintenance staff. As a business, we have an educational fund that supports the families that work at Istmo to help cover their yearly educational expenses. A percentage of your payment goes to this educational fund.

Yes 😉