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:

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

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

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

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!!!

CONTACT US AND SAVE A SPOT TO CARNIVAL IN AZUERO WITH US... »

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 weekend of Saturday February 11th 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

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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

• 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

• 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

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TRIPS TO THE LOST AND FOUND IN PANAMA... »

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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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

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

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

Saturday

• 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

• 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.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TRIPS TO BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA... »

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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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 twice:

• Sunday January 22nd
• Sunday March 18th

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

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The itinerary for the trips to Soloy is as follows:

Saturday

• 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)

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TRIPS TO THE SOLOY INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY IN PANAMA... »

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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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!

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 this is why during Panama's 2012 high season we have select 4 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 - Saturday February 26th
• Saturday March 31st - Sunday April 1st

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

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

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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

• 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

• 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

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TRIPS TO THE CHIRIQUI GULF NATIONAL MARINE PARK... »

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

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• #1 in The New York Times list of 45 Places to Go in 2012
• Included in Travel + Leisure's 12 must-see travel destinations for 2012 (also featured on video over MSNBC's show TODAY, go to 1 minute 50 seconds)
• Also mentioned by the Financial Times amongst their Top Destinations 2012

Bocas del Toro, in Panama's Caribbean, is one of Panama's most exciting destinations

If you choose Habla Ya Spanish Schools in Bocas del Toro and Boquete, Panama: you'll not only learn Spanish but we'll also take you all over the country too!

Have a blast after class: learn Spanish from Monday to Friday and discover Panama during the weekend!

During Panama's 2012 High Season (January - March) we will be offering the following trips to different parts of Panama departing from our Spanish schools in Boquete and Bocas del Toro!

Trips departing from Boquete, Panama

• Saturday January 14th - Sunday January 15th: Chiriqui Gulf Camping Trip, $175 non students, $165 for HY students
• Sunday January 22nd: Soloy Indigenous Community Full Day Trip, $95 non students, $75 for HY students (on Saturday January 21st we will stay in Boquete celebrating the last weekend of the 2012 Boquete Flower and Coffee Festival, one of Panama's most important and largest fairs)
• Saturday January 28th - Monday January 30th: Bocas del Toro Weekend Trip, $225 non students, $195 for HY students
• Saturday February 4th - Sunday February 5th: Chiriqui Gulf Camping Trip, $175 non students, $165 for HY students
• Saturday February 11th - Sunday February 12th: Yoga Retreat at The Lost & Found, price info coming soon
• Saturday February 18th - Tuesday February 21st: Trip to Pedasí, in the Azuero Península for Panama's Carnivals, during these 4 days, the mother of all of Panama's parties take place, $250 for non students, $195 for HY students
• Saturday February 25th - Sunday February 26th: Chiriqui Gulf Camping Trip, $175 non students, $165 for HY students
• Saturday March 3rd - Sunday March 4th: La Amistad International Park Camping Trip, $195 non students, $175 for HY students
• Saturday March 10th - Monday March 12th: Bocas del Toro Weekend Trip, $195 non students, $175 for HY students
• Saturday March 17th - Sunday March 18th: Volcán Barú Camping Trip, $175 non students, $125 for HY students
• Sunday March 18th: Soloy Indigenous Community Full Day Trip, $95 non students, $75 for HY students
• Saturday March 24th - Sunday March 25th: Chorcha Monkey Reserve Camping Trip, $175 non students, $165 for HY students
• Saturday March 31st - Sunday April 1st: Chiriqui Gulf Camping Trip, $175 non students, $165 for HY students

Trips departing from Bocas del Toro, Panama

• Saturday January 21st - Monday January 23rd: Boquete Flower & Coffee Festival and Soloy Indigenous Community Full Day Trip, $225 for non students, $195 for students
• Saturday January 28th - Monday January 30th: Bocas del Toro Weekend Trip, $75 non students, $50 for HY students
• Saturday February 4th - Sunday February 5th: Bastimentos Weekend Trip, pricing info coming soon
• Saturday February 11th - Sunday February 12th: Bluff Beach Camping Trip, pricing info coming soon
• Saturday February 11th - Sunday February 12th: Yoga Retreat at The Lost & Found, price info coming soon
• Saturday February 18th - Tuesday February 21st: Trip to Pedasí, in the Azuero Península for Panama's Carnivals, during these 4 days, the mother of all of Panama's parties take place, price info coming soon
• Saturday February 25th - Sunday February 26th: Boca del Drago Weekend Trip, pricing info coming soon
• Saturday March 3rd - Sunday March 4th: San San Pond Sak Wetlands Weekend Trip, pricing info coming soon
• Saturday March 10th - Monday March 12th: Bocas del Toro Weekend Trip, $75 for non students, $50 for students
• Saturday March 17th - Sunday March 18th: Bastimentos Weekend Trip, pricing info coming soon
• Saturday March 24th - Sunday March 25th: Salt Creek & Bahía Honda Weekend Trip, pricing info coming soon

Specific itineraries and details about what is included in each trip will be published during the following weeks.

We've made sure to include mountains, rivers, beach, culture and ecotourism... something for everybody to enjoy. So if you want to learn Spanish and discover Panama, what are you waiting for to Sign Up & Register?

You can find more information about our lodging options and Spanish courses by exploring our website.

So what do you think? Are you ready for an intense vacation of Spanish learning and Panama exploration? Feel free to leave a comment!

Habla Ya Spanish students at Isla Parida, Chiriqui Gulf National Marine Park

Rent a bike in town ($7 - $10 per day) and head towards Bluff Beach:

1. ride north up Third Street until it merges into G Avenue
2. and ride along until you pass Habla Ya Bocas del Toro Spanish School
3. afterwards the road will bend towards your right and you'll start cycling along Playa El Istmito, where the Sea Fair takes place each year
4. you'll reach a fork that if you take a left you'll go through the island towards Boca del Drago (Starfish Beach) so just keep on going to your right and you'll pass the Playa Tortuga Hotel
5. after you've passed the Big Creek neighborhood, the paved road turns into a beach road, and you'll have to continue on that until you reach Bluff Beach

It's about a 40 minute to 1.5 hour cycle depending on your speed. Take your time in true Caribbean style!

Cycling to Bluff Beach in Bocas del Toro, Panama

After enjoying a 10 km cycle along the coastline, pick your own stretch of beach from the 5 kilometers of golden powdered sand.

You might be the only person in Bluff Beach in Bocas del Toro, Panama

As there aren't any shops or restaurants on Bluff Beach make sure to pack some cold drinks and snacks in your backpack. The really adventurous can cycle for another 30 minutes after Bluff Beach (after the 5 kms of beach that is) in search of “La Piscina”, a stunning protected cove with calm waters, perfect for snorkeling and bathing.

Although Bluff Beach is one of the most gorgeous beaches in Panama’s Caribbean, it’s not always swimmer friendly as it is directly exposed to the surf (click here for more information about Bocas del Toro’s surfing season). You really shouldn't get into the water unless the swell is less than a couple of feet (on certain days in April, May, September and October) Having said this, when the swell is right, tide pools are created which are great for the young ones to paddle in safely, while the grown ups have a good surf or body board session (always keep on eye on the young ones please!). Bluff beach should only be surfed by expert or pro surfers. You can checkout some video footage of surfing Bluff Beach in Bocas del Toro, Panama here.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA... »

Along with Starfish Beach, Bluff is certainly one of the most enchanting beaches on the main island, Isla Colon. Just sunbathing on Bluff Beach and taking in its pristine natural beauty is certainly one of Bocas del Toro’s most magical experiences.

Not only is Bluff blessed with warm turquoise-green waters, but from mid March to September, Bluff is also nesting ground for green, hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles. If you head towards the community’s school, you will be able to find a local guide who can provide you with more information about “turtle activity”. Turtles start hatching 1.5 to almost 2.5 months after their eggs are laid.

On your way back to Bocas town, you can stop for a meal at La Coralina on Playa Paunch. La Coralina is on a small hill and certainly has one of the most gorgeous ocean views you’ll find in a Bocas del Toro restaurant.

View of Paunch Beach from La Coralina in Bocas del Toro, Panama

Spending a couple of nights camping at Bluff isn't a bad idea either, and numerous fresh water streams along the beach are very convenient to freshen up. If you manage to visit Bocas during turtle nesting or hatching season, this could obviously become an amazing experience.

CHECKOUT OTHER ADVENTURE TOURS IN BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA... »

Now, if you’re in search for an extreme adventure, instead of heading back directly into town you can cycle all the way to Boca del Drago (where Starfish Beach is), passing by the Mimitimbi indigenous community and then from there cycle back to town (about 15 kms from Boca del Drago). This is truly an all day outfit and is only intended for the really fit and adventurous (you really won’t be able to cycle all the way back as it’s certainly a jungle trek and you’ll have to carry your bike in certain parts).

So that's about it if you're interested in cycling to Bluff Beach from Bocas town on Isla Colon. Stay tuned for the rest of the series about things to do in Bocas del Toro for less than $25. You can subscribe to this blog by clicking here...

The initial deadline to secure 2011 rates for 2012 Spanish courses was originally set for yesterday November 15th, but since we've been receiving a significant amount of requests this last week to extend the deadline just a bit, we've decided to get our Christmas groove on and now you can book your 2012 Spanish course and get 2011 rates when you pay before Saturday December 10th!

And if you did meet yesterday's deadline we'll have a special surprise waiting for you when you get to us next year =).

You can decide to study at our new Spanish school by the beach in Bocas del Toro, Panama's top Caribbean destination, or at our Spanish school in Boquete's mountains, Panama's Eco-Adventure Capital.

Or you can split your Spanish study time between both: it's your call and it costs the same to study at either of Habla Ya's Spanish schools!

Study Spanish by the Beach in Bocas del Toro, Panama

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This promotion is valid for any Spanish course in Bocas del Toro or Boquete, Panama as long as you book a minimum of 20 hours per week. Be it Spanish in the mountains or Spanish by the beach, we'll make sure that you LIVE the most amazing Spanish learning holiday!

Study Spanish in Panama's western mountains in Boquete

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And if you're still pondering if you should make your trip to Panama in the following months or leave it for later, why don't you check out these two videos and ask yourself where would you like to be this winter?

Option A

Option B

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Thinking about those 30+ staff members, and their families is definitively the most rewarding aspect about being an entrepreneur. But it's also amazing to think about all those people from the USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, South Korea, China and Australia, that because of Habla Ya Spanish Schools, have chosen Panama as their destination to learn Spanish instead of going to Mexico, Costa Rica or Argentina to learn Spanish. Not only has this allowed Habla Ya to keep growing year after year but we're also very proud about how many of our customers fill Boquete's hotels, eat at Boquete's restaurants, experience Boquete's eco-adventure tours, and some even decide to make Boquete their new home.

I am deeply convinced that everything has been possible because of the people that are part of Habla Ya. Each and everyone of our Spanish teachers and staff members is truly inspired about providing their students with the most amazing Spanish learning experience, and I know that they truly believe that one day Habla Ya will be considered and widely recognized as the most prestigious Spanish school in Latin America.

Today that I have the fortune and the honor to officially share the news about our new Spanish School in Bocas del Toro, I can't help myself but to wildly dream about where we'll be in 6 years from now. We truly hope that our Spanish school in Bocas del Toro will have at least the same effect that our Spanish school in Boquete has had.

Today I would also like to formally invite every resident and business owner of Bocas del Toro to Habla Ya's grand inauguration on Saturday October 15th at 3 p.m. It will take place at Habla Ya Spanish School Campus Bocas del Toro which is located on the corner of 9th Street with G Avenue, across from the "Vive y Deja Vivir Restaurant", just a block before the public hospital. Hopefully we'll be able to get all the invites out in time, but if you don't receive it, consider yourself invited. And if you have what it takes to join our team, feel free to send your CV to info@hablayapanama.com

Originally I came to Bocas del Toro to just get away from it all and be able to more effectively promote our Spanish School in Boquete. The plan was to just be here for 6 months, but more than a year later I have fallen in love with Bocas del Toro and I am very happy to call Bocas del Toro my new home. Coming to Bocas del Toro has proven to be one of the most wonderful adventures of my life. I now surf everyday I can, I have a wonderful new group of friends and my wife Rachel and my kids Rafael, William and Isabella have never been happier! Being here it's so easy to see how Bocas del Toro is the "natural choice" for Habla Ya's second campus. For several years we have been thinking about a beach destination to complement our Spanish school in Panama's western mountains and Bocas del Toro is simply the perfect match.

If you would like to know more about Bocas del Toro and about why its the perfect beach town to learn Spanish, or just for a Panama vacation, you can find more information here.

And finally I would really like to take advantage of the occasion and thank all of those who have made Habla Ya possible:

• all of Habla Ya's staff, but specially Lorena Pitti, our School Director, and Ericka Tapia, our Academic Coordinator who have been with us from the beginning. Also a special thank you to Janeth Martinez, our Academic Director who continually leads our teachers to aspire for excellence and is the main responsible for Habla Ya Campus Boquete recently becoming an Official DELE Examination Center and obtaining accreditation from the Instituto Cervantes, the worldwide authority for Spanish teaching as a foreign language. I would also like to thank the "second generation" of Habla Ya's teachers who have continued to raise the quality of our school: Swan, Arelis, Ismenia, Mónica, Minerva, Aráliz and Malkidia. And even though it's too early to mention names, there are several "rising stars" within the Habla Ya family and we are looking forward to enable and witness their development and just see where they take Habla Ya to
• all of Habla Ya's more than 70 host families, that provide our students with an amazing Spanish immersion experience: without all of you, it really wouldn't be the same for our students
• all of the local hostels and hotels who have hosted our students throughout the years: specially Miguel from Mamallena, Axel from Pension Topas, Eva and Sabine from Isla Verde, Jason and Susan from the Boquete Garden Inn, Analia, Thalia and Sam (who may RIP and taught me just by being himself so many things) from Valle Escondido, and David, Charlie and Sandra from the Panamonte Inn & Spa, and Sonia and Howard from the Haven Spa & Hotel
• all of the crew from Explora Ya Eco-Tours & Adventure Travel, Habla Ya's official tour providers: without you our students wouldn't be able to have a blast after class! Also would like to thank Manolo from Rain Forest Tours for taking really good care of our students upon arrival and when leaving Panama City. To Jorge Tovar from Boquete Tree Trek for always being a consistent ally and always working hard to promote Boquete
• to our landlords from Los Establos Boutique Hotel, Rob and Irina, for always having the time to listen to our needs, to provide us with simply the best location in Boquete, to encourage us and making us a bit wiser by sharing their experience in life
• to Manolo Ruiz, the Mayor of Boquete for his continual support and enthusiasm, and for being the ONLY politician to not only listen to our needs, but to actually REALLY help us and not be an obstacle in this bureaucratic non-entrepreneurship friendly country called Panama
• to all of our Spanish students worldwide who have chosen to study Spanish at our school, and to all of Boquete's new residents who have decided to learn Spanish and really become part of our community: thanks to you, we can survive our low season and keep all of our teachers hired full time. And a special mention to Marc Ngui from Bumblenut and Magda Wojtyra from RNA Studio, who during their trip to Boquete when Habla Ya was only several months old, unselfishly shared their knowledge and enlightened us with how to actually get the word out to the world about Habla Ya Spanish School. And another special mention to Lee Zeltzer from Boqueteguide.com for providing our community with very effective platforms to communicate and for always sending a word out when we have special promo going on
• to both sets of my grandparents, Abuelo Julio and Abuela Tuty for providing me with a roof and warm meals during my first year in Boquete when I was totally broke, and to Abuela Betty for lending me some cash when I was totally broke and to Abuelo Moyo for taking me to work at his farm when I was a little boy
• to my Mom and Dad, Julio and Eva for guiding me to become who I am , providing me with unconditional love and with all the tools I needed to deal with life (and for investing in our idea although we were only 23 years old and had no idea at all about what we were getting into)
• to Carlos Raúl, the best business partner and my best friend since we were teenagers, for working with me side by side, day and night, to make this happen, and to his wife and my wonderful friend, Evelyne, for taking over our Language Travel Consultants' department and opening the doors to new markets (and for finally getting Carlos to settle down!)
• and last but not least, to my very best friend, life partner and the love of my life, Rachel, for always challenging and inspiring me, to be the best man I can be for you and our family, for giving me the most amazing family, making me the happiest man on Earth, and for choosing to share this adventure and pursuit of happiness with me that we call life

I'm sorry for not being able to mention everybody I should: I AM AND WILL ETERNALLY BE GRATEFUL!

And hopefully in 3 years time when the Metro System is finished in Panama City, and living over there is not as painful as it is right now because of the traffic, we can be celebrating the opening of our Spanish School in Panama City... but for now, lets enjoy learning Spanish in Bocas del Toro!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BOCAS DEL TORO, THE PERFECT BEACH DESTINATION TO LEARN SPANISH... »

At Habla Ya Spanish School we firmly believe that your life in Panama will be so much richer if you can speak and understand Spanish.

So this year's special is even crazier than last years: you don't even need to partner up with anyone else to get a 50% discount: just come on, sign up and you will get an automatic 50% discount off any Spanish course as long as you sign up for 60 hours of lessons!

What are you waiting for? The rainy season is here so grab some cover, socialize and learn some Spanish!

This only happens once a year at Habla Ya, Panama's best Spanish school. Ask your friends who've studied at our school and they'll tell you that with us you will really learn Spanish simply because our teachers have far more experience, academic studies, preparation and enthusiasm than any other Spanish teachers, anywhere else: they love what they do and they are the best at doing it!

Most residents who have taken advantage of our September specials in the past sign up for our Part Time Spanish Course for Expat Residents in Panama.

This promotion is intended for anyone who has relocated to Panama and wants to really learn Spanish! At only $25 per week for a 10 week course ($250 in total) come and grab yourself a bargain... these rates are even more than 30% lower than our rates back in 2005 when we first started!

ACT NOW! CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US & TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY... »

Start dates for groups of various levels, of no more than six students per class, will be on the following Mondays during September: 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th.

For our Part Time Crash Course for New Residents, classes will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, for two hours each day. Time slots available are: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m., 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

* BUT IF YOU CAN'T START CLASSES NOW, YOU CAN STILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE 50% OFFER BY PAYING FOR CLASSES BEFORE THE END OF SEPTEMBER AND THEN HAVING YOUR LESSONS LATER ON DURING THE YEAR!!!

Although this special promotion is mainly intended for those local residents interested in our Part Time Crash Course for New Residents having lessons three times per week, you can also apply the 50% discount to any of our other Spanish Courses (be it our Group 4 Course, private or mini group lessons).

If you don't live in Boquete, but you are a resident of Panama (and you can prove it), then we can also arrange a Spanish learning vacation in Boquete for you and you can still have access to the rates in this promotion.

Those interested in our Group 4 Course, private lessons or in our mini-group option (couples who want a teacher just for them) have access to other schedules and can decide to have more or less than 6 hours of lessons per week... though, from our experience you really don't learn that much with less than 6 hours per week (unless you already know some Spanish and you just want to improve your Spanish). If you can't join us for at least 6 hours per week you are better off waiting until you are ready to invest the necessary amount of time... though you will have wait until next year if you want to get an offer as good as this one!

"Classes are highly practical, lots of conversation is involved, we get straight on to what you really need in the real world, and last but not least: you will laugh and have loads of fun!"

Besides having Spanish lessons three times a week, we'll make sure that you have the time of your life! At Habla Ya there are loads of extra activities, many of them included in your course fees which allows you to take advantage of them at no extra cost (such as Movie Nights, Conversational Sessions and Salsa Lessons, and the weekly Panamanian Dinners only cost $5 per person). On top of that, every Thursday, several of our staff members will be at Zanzibar for our Weekly Charity Party hanging out and practicing Spanish with our students and listening tomusic.

Getting back to the "Academic" side of things, to find out when we have a start date for you (with students of your same level) we need to find out your Spanish Level as soon as possible!

How? Very easy...

1. If you don't know any Spanish, just let us know by filling out this form and saying so or by calling us, 720-1294, and tell whoever answers the phone: help, I don't know any Spanish! Make sure to leave your telephone number and email so that we can get back to you as soon as we know on which Monday of September will be the Monday for those who don't know any Spanish
2. If you do know some Spanish, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and complete our Placement Test! Also make sure to leave your telephone number and we'll call you to schedule an oral interview to confirm your Spanish level. After that, once we got a date for you we'll call you and let you know!

To have access to this offer you have to prove your "Panama Citizenship"

1. Maybe you already studied at our school and you want to brush up your Spanish, so we know you live here... just show up! Make sure to pay us a visit as soon as you can. Remember the first group is due to start on September 5th.
2. Maybe we've seen you at Las Ruinas, Romero or Baru... or at some other place in town: I mean, it's Boquete, everyone knows everyone!
3. If you don't think that you've met anyone from Habla Ya, then think about a way to prove to us that you live here. It could be with a utility bill... be creative if you want to... all that matters is that you convince us that you are a "Panama Citizen".

CONTACT US AND GET YOUR 50% DISCOUNT AT HABLA YA TODAY... »

The only "special conditions" are:

1. You are required to sign up for a minimum of 60 hours (don't waste your money signing up for less... you won't really learn that much and we don't want you to throw your money away!)
2. You have to use the hours that you purchase before the end of 2011. If you don't use your hours before Friday December 16th, then we're really sorry, but you've lost them! Our school is almost already completely booked for the first three months of 2012.
3. No refunds (but we can give you a credit that will need to be used before December 16th)
4. No reselling allowed, nor can you transfer your hours to someone else!

To round it up, what do you need to do to not miss out on this opportunity?

1. prove that you are a Panama citizen
2. complete our Placement Test, or if you don't know any Spanish just let us know by filling out a contact form or by calling us: 720-1294.
3. pay us a visit or call us to discuss course/schedule options
4. sign up
5. make payment

To make it worth (achieve a high Return on Investment) and to become a real "Boquete Citizen" then you will have to:

1. show up for all of your lessons
2. study everyday
3. practice
4. practice everyday and study a bit more
5. and once you've finished your Spanish course, keep practicing!

And after these last 5 steps, you should be speaking Spanish...

So come on and Learn Fast, Speak Now, Habla Ya!... and become a real "Panama Citizen"...

DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY! CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US... »