Overview
- 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 2024 Panama trip. You’re invited to come along with us!
Discover the NYJA® Difference
Traveling with NYJA® Jazz Ambassadors Travel Tours provides culturally immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that lead to a vacation and jazz intensive unlike any other.
Pro Guides
With NYJA®, you are traveling with members of the NYJA® community, including jazz professionals who help elevate your experience in every setting, sharing with you their knowledge of specific musical traditions of each locale, in addition to performing and coaching musicians throughout the tour.
Fun For All
Each tour offers unique blend itinerary items—from sophisticated and enriching experiences and cultural activities to special musical moments meant for both the musician and the jazz fan.
Authenticity
Thanks to our pro guides and our relationships with local cultural and musical experts, you’ll engage with people, cultures and traditions in ways that show you more than just the sights.
Insider Access
Our guided tours provide access to extraordinary opportunities that aren’t available to the general public—providing you a “backstage pass” to music worldwide.
Panama 2024
- Panama City, Panama
- January 13-21, 2024
- 9 days, 8 nights
Tour Highlights
- Panama Jazz Festival, all-access passes
- Panama Canal Tour
- Day Trips
- Evenings Out
- Late Night Jazz Jam Sessions
- Jazz Workshops with local musicians
- Performances and concerts for NYJA® musicians
- Explore Panama with professional guides
- Learn about jazz in Panama from professional jazz musicians
- 5-star hotel accommodations in Panama City
- Much much more
Trip At-A-Glance
All-Access pass to the Panama International Jazz Festival
Enjoy up to 5 days and nights of performances by jazz artists from all over the world, in addition to workshops and clinics presented by local and international artists, including John Pattitucci, Danilo Pérez, and Brian Blade with Children of the Light.
NYJA® Performances, including concerts, workshops with Local Musicians, and late-night jam sessions
Enjoy workshops with NYJA®, NEC, Berklee, and special workshops hosted by the Latin American Music Therapy Symposium.
Panama Canal Tour and optional guided tour of Panama City
Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour and visit the most important sites and landmarks of Panama, including the Casco Antiguo District built in 1673, the France Plaza, the San Jose Church, the Flat Arch, the President of Panama’s official office, the Panama Canal Administration Building, and the Panama Canal Locks.
Walking Tour and Shopping at Casco Viejo
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.
Lunches and dinners at classic restaurants in the heart of Panama City
Eat at landmark restaurants throughout your stay in Panama City, including the famed Azahar Restaurant.
Expert tour guides and NYJA® jazz professionals
NYJA® faculty are among the best in the world, and your trip will be elevated as they share the musical expertise and broad knowledge of genres and history with you throughout the tour.
Accommodations at either the American Trade Hotel Panama City ($$$$), Holiday Inn ($$), City of Knowledge ($), or other hotels.
The American Trade Hotel is located in a prime location in Panama City. The hotel’s features include, free wifi, full bar and restaurant, gym, laundry, and an open air pool.
Holiday Inn and City of Knowledge both feature a prime location, letting you bypass the city transportation system, putting you at the center of the Panama Jazz Festival activities. Amenities include free breakfast, A/C, wifi, gym, laundry, private bathrooms, and much more. As an added bonus, the location is within 1km of the Panama Canal itself.
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Details and Rates (as low as $1356)
Accommodations
- Panama Jazz Festival Housing at Holiday Inn ($$) or the City of Knowledge ($) (8 nights)
- Luxury alternative: American Trade Hotel ($$$$) (8 nights)
Ages
- Minimum Age: 11
- Suggested Age: 14-adult
Rates
- $1,356 member rate
Rates include:
- all-access Panama Jazz Festival passes (all concerts, clinics, workshops, etc.)
- tour guide
- curated jazz festival experience
- full participation in all NYJA musical events
- optional participation in all extra activities with NYJA (going out for meals, touring, etc.)
- VIP access to many events and artists
Rates do not include:
- round-trip airfare from NYC area airport
- hotel accommodations
- sightseeing fees
- ground transportation for tours and airport transfers
- meals
- spending money for shopping
- additional touring needs and expenses
- travel insurance
On a Budget?
The Panama trip is designed for travelers who would like some independence while focusing primarily on the jazz festival itself. If you would like planning advice or estimates on airfare, housing, etc., email us.
DAY 1 – Arrival
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.
DAY 2 – Panama Canal
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 Miraflores Locks
- Canal Museum
Panama City, including:
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- Casco Viejo walking tour
DINNER ON YOUR OWN
Enjoy a dinner on your own nearby the hotel. Or ask your NYJA Guide to recommend restaurants in the area that would fit your needs.
Panama Canal, Miraflores Locks; Casco Viejo
DAY 3 – Concerts and Workshops
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.
DAY 4 – Walking Tour, Jazz Fest Opening Night
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 would prefer to head to bed at a more reasonable hour may feel free to retreat to the hotel instead.)
DAY 5 – Jazz Fest Workshops and Concerts
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.
DAY 6 – Sightseeing, Jazz Fest Concerts
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.
DAY 7 – Jazz Fest Workshops and Concerts
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.
DAY 8 – Jazz Fest
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.
DAY 9 – Return Home
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.
Questions/Register
- If you have questions, or if you are ready to take the trip with NYJA®, please contact us via email.
- Interested in learning more about upcoming tours with NYJA®? Check out other destinations here.
- The party has already started! Here’s the Panama Jazz Festival’s Joshue Ashby and C3 Project celebrating with NYJA® on an exchange visit to NYC.
NYJA Jazz Ambassadors is the travel division of NEW YORK JAZZ ACADEMY®.
Disclaimer: Trip itinerary details are subject to change. Should itinerary details change, and any items are removed from the itinerary, every best effort will be made to provide excellent alternative replacements.