New York Jazz Academy® Jazz Ambassadors Travel Tours take you around the world, immersing you in jazz music and culture across all the continents. Previous NYJA® Jazz Ambassadors Travel Tours have taken participants to Cuba, Panama, Germany, and China.
Explore the tabs on this page for information on our upcoming January 2025 Panama trip. You’re invited to come along with us!
Wyndham Hotel (Allbrook Mall) is jazz festival hub in the heart of Panama City. The hotel’s features include free wifi, full bar and restaurants, gym, laundry, and an open air rooftop pool. City of Knowledge features dormitory-style accommodations in a prime location, putting you at the center of many Panama Jazz Festival activities.
Have more questions? We’re happy to help. Contact us at any time.
Arrive in Panama City
Upon arrival at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, relax as you take a short taxi drive to your hotel.
Optional jam session
If you are itching to play in Panama, then wait no further, as we head to a jazz jam session during our first few hours in Panama City. Alternatively, feel free to relax and settle in to your hotel room.
Welcome reception and dinner
Enjoy your first meal together in Panama City.
Breakfast at the Hotel
Have a quick breakfast at the hotel before you head out for the day.
Panama Canal And Panama City tour
On a guided tour, visit the quintessential landmarks of Panama.
Panama Canal, including:
Panama City, including:
Breakfast at the hotel
Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before you head out for the day.
Jazz workshop and open rehearsal
NYJA® musicians will meet with local musicians in a creative jazz workshop and open rehearsal, a cultural exchange to be enjoyed both by players and jazz fans alike.
Lunch on your own
Enjoy lunch at one of many small cafés and restaurants in Panama City.
NYJA performance
NYJA musicians will perform a concert at a local Panama City venue, open to the public.
Folkloric show and dinner
Thrill to traditional Panamanian dancers and musicians in their brilliantly hued costumes as they entertain you with vibrant dancing, in addition to feasting on traditional Panamanian cuisine.
Breakfast at the hotel
Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before you head out for the day.
Walking tour and shopping
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama City, as your guides take you on an extended tour of the city, leaving plenty of time to shop and enjoy.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Savor a traditional lunch in a delightful, local restaurant.
Afternoon on your own
Take time for yourself to enjoy the hotel amenities and surrounding area.
Dinner on your own
Enjoy a dinner on your own in the hotel. Or ask your NYJA Guide to recommend restaurants in the area that would fit your needs.
Opening night – Panama Jazz Festival
Greet pianist Danilo Perez and other jazz giants and celebrate opening night of the Panama International Jazz Festival, all as VIP guest artists.
Late-night jam session (optional)
Take in the nightlife of Panama City in creative fashion by attending a jam session at a local jazz club. (Those who prefer to head to bed at a more reasonable hour may feel free to retreat to the hotel instead.)
Breakfast at the hotel
Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before you head out for the day.
Jazz festival workshops
Participate in jazz workshops hosted by NYJA®, New England Conservatory, Berklee, and other programs.
Lunch on your own
Enjoy lunch at one of many small cafés and restaurants in Panama City.
Jazz festival concerts
Enjoy the many concerts that are offered at the Panama Jazz Fest, including top bands and performers from Panama, the U.S.A., South America, and Europe.
Dinner on your own
In between shows, catch a bite to eat at one of many recommended eateries nearby the concert venues.
Jazz festival in the evening
Continue to enjoy jazz concerts at one of many venues, from concert halls to small clubs.
Breakfast at the City of Knowledge
Grab a quick breakfast at the hotel before you head out for the day.
Sightseeing
Take a magnificent trip outside of Panama City, to one of three destinations:
Taboga Island
This day trip to Taboga Island is extra special because it is a private experience like no other. Enjoy an all-inclusive private charter with food and drink, along with toys and gear for snorkeling and fishing. The best way to experience Taboga and feel like a VIP.
Monkey Island
This day trip and guided tour of Monkey Island will start by traveling along the Panama Canal in a high-speed motorboat. Once arriving on Monkey Island you will be able to see a wide array of wildlife including capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths, howler monkeys, and various kinds of toucans. Besides the wildlife, you will also have the opportunity to relax on the island or explore on your own while kayaking, fishing, or swimming.
Embera Indian Village
This day trip and guided tour of an Embera Indian Village will include canoeing the Chagres River in a traditional Embera canoe, watching traditional musical dance, and an insight into Embera culture and lifestyle.
Lunch on the tour
Enjoy sandwiches, light snacks, and drinks on the tour.
Return to the hotel and relax
Spend some time after your tour relaxing at the hotel.
Dinner on your own
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of many recommended eateries nearby the jazz festival.
Monkey Island Boat Tour with a surprise guest
Jazz festival evening concerts
Continue to enjoy concerts by legendary artists at the Panama Jazz Festival.
Breakfast at the hotel
Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before you head out for the day.
Jazz festival workshops
Participate in jazz workshops hosted by NYJA®, New England Conservatory, Berklee, and other programs.
Lunch on your own
Enjoy lunch at one of many small cafés and restaurants in Panama City.
Jazz festival concerts
Enjoy the many concerts that are offered at the Panama Jazz Fest, including top bands and performers from Panama, the U.S.A., South America, and Europe.
Dinner on your own
In between shows, catch a bite to eat at one of many recommended eateries nearby the concert venues.
Jazz festival in the evening
Continue to enjoy jazz concerts at one of many venues, from concert halls to small clubs.
Breakfast at the City of Knowledge
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before you head out for the day.
Morning on your own
Take the morning off and relax or explore on your own.
Lunch on your own
Enjoy lunch at one of many small cafés and restaurants in Panama City.
Jazz festival concerts
Enjoy the many concerts that are offered at the Panama Jazz Fest, including top bands and performers from Panama, the U.S.A., South America, and Europe.
Farewell dinner and reception
Dine with your fellow jazz ambassadors at this final feast in Panama. Relive together the highlights of your wonderful trip.
Closing night – Panama Jazz Festival
Enjoy the closing night gala of the Panama International Jazz Festival.
Breakfast at the hotel
Grab a quick breakfast at the hotel before you check out and head to the airport.
Transfer to the Tocumen International Airport
Board transportation to Tocumen International Airport and say adiós to Panama—until you return again!
Flight back home
Enjoy your flight back home.
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