(St Louis Post-Dispatch)The Westin Playa Bonita’s “Panama Past to Present” package takes travelers to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Casco Viejo, on a behind-the-scenes tour led by the Esperanza Social Venture Club comprised of former gang members. That’s right: former gang members.
Join the club’s Facebook page to learn more about the initiative.
In addition to accommodations, the package includes:
• Fortaleza tour of Casco Viejo
• Day tour to historic town of Portobelo
• Visit to Panama Canal expansion sites
• deluxe accommodations
• daily buffet breakfast
• one dinner with comp bottle of house wine
Rates start at $225 a night. To book visit, www.westinplayabonita.com.
From the email, about Casco Viejo and Esperanza Social Venture Club:
Today, Casco Viejo is known for its winding cobblestone streets filled with upscale shops and trendy restaurants, but that wasn’t always the case as many of the area’s youth have been involved with gangs since they were in grade school. As part of the city’s gentrification efforts, a fundraising organization called Esperanza Social Venture Club provides the reformed young adults with a forum to share their personal stories, earn money to support their families and ensure that Casco Viejo remains a zona de paz (peaceful place).