Academic tour to the Antón Valley: integration of theory and practice in tourism
The students participated in an academic tour to the Antón Valley, where they conducted a tourism inventory of the Piedra Pintada Trail and the El Salto del Sapo Waterfall, in addition to participating in adventure tourism activities such as rappelling and hiking.
During the fieldwork experience, direct observation techniques were applied to identify, classify, and record the natural attractions visited, strengthening academic and professional competencies in the field of tourism.
The tour included the following substantive university functions:
- Teaching: Recognition and classification of natural attractions as part of the tourism inventory.
- Research: Basis for future improvements in responsible and adventure tourism inventories.
- Extension: Dissemination of good practices that promote safety in adventure tourism.
- Management: Promotion of standards that contribute to the overall well-being of those who participate in these activities.
The experience not only contributed to the students' academic development but also to their personal development. Through rappelling and hiking, they strengthened values such as trust, camaraderie, and a commitment to preserving Panama's natural and cultural heritage.
