Book Your IETS2026 Hotel Now

Secure your accommodation for IETS2026 and take advantage of our exclusive conference rates at Panama’s premier hotels.

New This Year: Extended Stay Options

The IETS2026 hotel room discount can be used up to six days before and after the conference! Stay at the Sheraton Grand Panama for 120.00 USD per night or Aloft Panama for 95.00 USD per night from January 11 to 27, 2026.

Sheraton Grand Panama

Vía Israel y Calle 77, San Francisco,
Panama City, Panama, 0819-05896

120.00 USD per night

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Aloft Panama

Vía Israel & Calle 76, San Francisco,
Panama City, Panama, 0819-05896

95.00 USD per night

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Book early to guarantee your preferred dates and accommodation! Room blocks are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.


Panama Excursions

Looking forward to exploring Panama during your extended stay?

Make the most of your time in Panama with our specially discounted excursions designed exclusively for IETS2026 attendees! From cultural immersion to natural wonders, these curated experiences offer the perfect complement to your conference schedule.

Panama City Tour | 4.5 hours

Our journey begins as we depart from the IETS2026 hotels to Panama Viejo, the monumental historic site that houses the fascinating ruins of the original Panama City. As the first permanent European settlement established on the Pacific coast, Panama Viejo holds extraordinary historical significance and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003.

During your visit to this archaeological treasure, you’ll explore remarkable remnants of the past, including the iconic ruins of the old Panama Cathedral and various other historical structures that tell the story of this ancient settlement.

The adventure continues with a scenic panoramic tour through modern Panama City, showcasing the dramatic contrast between old and new. Our exploration concludes in the enchanting Casco Antiguo (Old Quarter), which became the second Panama City following the destruction of the original settlement in 1671.

In Casco Antiguo, you’ll enjoy a leisurely walking tour through cobblestone streets lined with colonial architecture. Notable landmarks you’ll encounter include the elegant National Theater, the historic Presidential Palace, and the fascinating Interoceanic Canal Museum, among other significant cultural and architectural gems that showcase Panama’s rich heritage.

Cost: 75.00 USD per person

Panama Canal Tour | 4.5 hours

Begin your adventure at the renowned Miraflores Visitors Center, the premier destination for experiencing the Panama Canal up close. This state-of-the-art facility offers an immersive journey into understanding how this engineering wonder operates daily.

The center features multiple viewing levels designed for optimal canal observation: a ground-level terrace and first-floor bleachers that provide spectacular vantage points to witness massive ships navigating through the locks. These prime viewing areas offer perfect photo opportunities to capture unforgettable memories of one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels.

Your admission includes access to the impressive IMAX theater, where you'll be treated to a captivating 45-minute 3-D documentary about the Panama Canal’s fascinating history and intricate operations. This award-winning film, narrated by the legendary Morgan Freeman, brings the canal’s story to life with stunning visuals and compelling storytelling.

The tour continues to the vibrant Causeway (Amador), a scenic roadway that elegantly connects the picturesque islands of Perico, Flamenco, and Naos. This waterfront destination has transformed into Panama City’s premier recreational area, offering an excellent selection of restaurants with waterfront dining, unique shopping opportunities, and various entertainment venues. Here you can relax, enjoy local cuisine, and soak in panoramic views of the city skyline and Pacific Ocean.

Cost: 90.00 USD per person

Panama Canal & Casco Viejo Tour | 5 hours

Your journey starts at the spectacular Miraflores Visitors Center, where the mighty Panama Canal reveals its secrets and showcases the incredible feat of human engineering that changed global commerce forever. This world-class facility serves as your gateway to discovering the inner workings of this legendary waterway.

Experience the thrill of watching colossal vessels traverse the famous locks from strategically positioned observation decks. The ground-level terrace and elevated first-floor bleachers provide unparalleled views of ships being lifted and lowered through the lock chambers—a mesmerizing process that demonstrates the canal’s ingenious design. These exceptional vantage points create ideal moments for capturing photographs of this monumental achievement in engineering history.

Your visit includes an exclusive screening in the cutting-edge IMAX theater, featuring an extraordinary 45-minute 3-D cinematic experience that chronicles the Panama Canal’s remarkable journey from ambitious dream to reality. With Morgan Freeman’s distinctive narration guiding you through decades of triumph and challenge, this immersive film reveals the human stories behind one of humanity’s most ambitious projects.

Following the canal experience, enjoy a scenic panoramic tour through modern Panama City, showcasing the impressive skyline and contemporary urban development that contrasts beautifully with the historical sites you’ll visit next.

The tour concludes in the enchanting Casco Antiguo, a captivating neighborhood where history and culture come alive through every cobblestone street. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases a remarkable blend of architecture, where weathered stone buildings stand alongside elegant Spanish and French colonial structures, creating a unique visual tapestry of Panama’s rich past.

As befitting a true colonial city, Casco Antiguo centers around the magnificent Plaza de la Independencia, also known as Plaza Catedral or Plaza Mayor. This grand square serves as the heart of the old quarter, surrounded by architectural treasures including the stunning Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria la Antigua de Panamá, the fascinating Interoceanic Museum of Panama, important government buildings, and beautifully restored luxury hotels.

Beyond the main plaza, Casco Antiguo reveals additional charming squares, each possessing its own distinctive character and historical significance. Stroll from plaza to plaza through this carefully preserved walled city, discovering hidden courtyards, artisan shops, and atmospheric cafés that bring centuries of Panamanian heritage to life.

Cost: 95.00 USD per person

Panama Canal & Biomuseo Tour | 5 hours

Our expedition begins at the iconic Miraflores Visitors Center, featuring panoramic observation areas that transform you into a front-row spectator of this aquatic theater. From the expansive ground-level terrace to the stadium-style seating on the upper level, every angle offers breathtaking views of the lock chambers in action. Watch in amazement as millions of gallons of water flow in perfect synchronization, raising and lowering vessels up to 85 feet—a ballet of engineering precision that never fails to captivate.

Your experience includes an exclusive journey through time in the state-of-the-art IMAX theater, where Morgan Freeman's commanding voice guides you through a spectacular 45-minute 3-D odyssey. This cinematic masterpiece unveils the canal’s transformation from an impossible dream to the backbone of international trade, revealing untold stories of determination, innovation, and human perseverance.

The adventure continues with a visit to the extraordinary Biomuseo, where Panama’s remarkable role as the bridge between continents comes to life through cutting-edge interactive exhibits. This stunning architectural achievement represents the first Latin American project by legendary architect Frank Gehry, whose revolutionary designs have redefined skylines from Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum to Paris’s Louis Vuitton Foundation.

The Biomuseo’s vibrant, undulating facade—a symphony of bold colors and organic forms—houses eight immersive galleries that tell the extraordinary story of how Panama’s emergence from the sea three million years ago forever changed our planet’s biodiversity. Discover how this narrow land bridge triggered one of the most significant biological exchanges in Earth’s history, creating the incredible tapestry of life that makes Panama one of the world’s most biodiverse nations.

Cost: 115.00 USD per person

Taboga Red Catamaran & Local Transfers Tour | Full

Escape to the enchanting paradise of Taboga, lovingly known as "The Island of Flowers," a pristine tropical gem nestled in the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Panama, just 12 miles from the bustling capital. This captivating island sanctuary beckons with its perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and laid-back Caribbean charm.

Taboga offers an irresistible combination of experiences for every type of traveler. Sink your toes into powdery white sand beaches framed by crystal-clear turquoise waters, or venture along scenic hiking trails that wind through lush tropical vegetation and reveal breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. History enthusiasts will delight in discovering the island’s fascinating colonial heritage, where cobblestone streets and charming architecture tell stories of centuries past.

Your all-inclusive Taboga adventure features everything needed for the perfect day in paradise, including local transfers in Panama, round-trip catamaran transportation, an open bar, light snacks, lunch, and music.

Cost: 130.00 USD per person

San Blas Islands Tour | Full day

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Panama City to the pristine San Blas Islands, where the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea meet untouched tropical paradise. This extraordinary day trip transports you from the urban energy of the capital to a world of crystal-clear lagoons, powder-white beaches, and vibrant coral reefs that seem lifted from a postcard.

Your Caribbean odyssey begins with a scenic overland adventure, followed by an enchanting boat tour through this archipelago of 365 islands, each more breathtaking than the last. Navigate between palm-fringed islets while your expert local Kuna guide shares fascinating insights into their rich indigenous culture and centuries-old traditions that remain beautifully preserved in this remote corner of Panama.

Perro Chico or Grande Islands await with their crown jewel attraction—an extraordinary underwater shipwreck that has transformed into a thriving artificial reef. Don your snorkeling gear and dive into this aquatic wonderland, where colorful tropical fish dance among the remnants of maritime history, creating an unforgettable underwater exploration experience.

The natural swimming pool offers a magical interlude, where shallow, warm waters create the perfect spot for relaxation and swimming in absolute tranquility. The pristine conditions and stunning surroundings make this a photographer’s dream and a swimmer’s paradise.

Diablo Island serves as your private dining destination, where you’ll savor a delicious beachside lunch with your toes in the sand and the gentle Caribbean breeze as your companion. This secluded island provides the perfect setting to unwind and absorb the untouched beauty of the San Blas archipelago.

This trip includes round-trip transportation in shared 4x4 SUVs (maximum seven passengers) from your IETS2026 hotel, maritime transfers upon arrival at the Caribbean coast, a tour around the islands by boat, a visit to at least two islands plus the renowned natural swimming pool, lunch accompanied by a refreshing soft drink, and all governmental entrance fees and dock fees (20.00 USD).

Cost: 160.00 USD per person

Sonny Island & Local Transfers Tour | Full day

Discover the hidden treasures of Sonny Island, a spectacular Pacific jewel nestled within Panama’s legendary Pearl Islands archipelago. Located off Panama’s stunning Pacific coastline, this pristine destination carries the romantic legacy of its namesake—the Pearl Islands earned their evocative name from the abundant pearls discovered by Spanish conquistadors centuries ago, making these waters some of the most historically significant in the Americas.

This unspoiled tropical sanctuary offers an extraordinary escape where untouched beaches meet crystal-clear Pacific waters teeming with vibrant marine life. Whether you’re seeking underwater adventures, peaceful nature encounters, or active outdoor pursuits, Sonny Island delivers an authentic island experience that captures the essence of Panama’s natural beauty.

The island’s diverse ecosystem creates a playground for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Pristine white sand beaches provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation, while the surrounding waters offer exceptional opportunities for snorkeling among colorful coral formations and tropical fish. Birdwatching enthusiasts will delight in spotting exotic species that call these islands home, and the nutrient-rich Pacific waters make this region a premier destination for sport fishing and diving adventures.

Your adventure to Sonny Island includes local transfers in Panama City, round-trip ferry transportation, a welcome snack, refreshments like tea, coffee, and water, lunch on the island, snorkeling, football, and volleyball activities, a walk along Sonny Island, and exploring the caves during low tide.

Cost: 200.00 USD per person

Want something more private? You can also book additional, longer tours directly with our trusted partner, Pesantez Tours, who specialize in comprehensive Panama adventures tailored to your interests and timeline.

Pesantez Tours Contact Information

Analida Carles

Enriquie Pesantez

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