Episode 78

full
Published on:

29th Apr 2025

078: The Sustainable Paradise You’ve Never Heard Of (Until Now) | Travel to Panama with OGAYA Travel

What if your next vacation wasn't just about exploring new places, but also about making a positive impact on the world? Imagine a trip where you could actively participate in protecting rainforests, supporting local communities, and still find time to relax on a beautiful beach with a fresh coconut in hand. Welcome to your guide to Panama—a destination where unforgettable meets impactful.

In this week's episode of the Transform With Travel Podcast, I’m joined by Ivan Eskildsen and Maria Amelia Pezzotti, the founders of OGAYA Travel, to bring you an insider's perspective into Panama—an eco-friendly destination that promises an immersive travel experience. 

Panama is not just a country; it's an experience waiting to unfold. Often overlooked as a sustainable travel destination, Panama offers pristine natural landscapes, authentic local cultures, and rich biodiversity. It's a sanctuary for wildlife and home to thriving indigenous communities who maintain their cultural heritage in authentic ways.

Panama has something unique for every traveler. Whether you’re drawn to wildlife, adventure, or cultural immersion, OGAYA Travel curates itineraries that blend luxury with authenticity. 

As travelers grow more conscious about the impact of their journeys, there is a shift towards appreciating the luxury found in time, space, and connection with nature. Panama stands as a testament to this new age of travel, inviting visitors to experience the simple luxuries of stillness and immersion.

If Panama isn't already on your travel list, it's time to circle it in bold. Whether for a summer getaway rich in biodiversity or to experience the majestic turtle migrations in August, Panama offers a transformative travel experience that promises growth, reflection, and a deeper connection to the planet.

We talk about:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 02:14 Eco-Friendly Destinations: Panama
  • 10:26 Sustainable Travel Practices
  • 17:06 Unique Experiences in Panama
  • 23:02 Immersive Indigenous Experiences
  • 26:19 Transformational Travel Experiences
  • 26:50 The Importance of Time in Travel
  • 27:38 Integration and Intentionality in Travel
  • 28:59 Challenges in Adventure Travel
  • 31:11 Managing Traveler Expectations
  • 34:08 Hidden Gems of Panama
  • 35:12 Unique Experiences and Personalization
  • 38:01 Booking and Contact Information
  • 40:36 Rustic Luxury and Wildlife Adventures
  • 44:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with OGAYA

Connect with Kelly

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Transform With Travel. Happy travels in 2025! ✈️

Show artwork for Transform With Travel

About the Podcast

Transform With Travel
Go On An Adventure
Welcome to the Transform with Travel Podcast, where we share stories of personal transformation and life lessons through our experiences of traveling and exploring the world. We believe travel has the power to transform your life, one trip at a time. So we bring on every day adventurers to tell their stories of inspiration, as well as Industry Experts to enhance and optimize your travels. I’m your host - Kelly Tolliday, Founder of Transform With Travel - and it’s my mission to inspire you to live life to its fullest, travel with an open-mind & Heart, and let the world show you a new perspective.

About your host

Profile picture for Kelly Tolliday

Kelly Tolliday

Kelly is the Founder of Transform With Travel, with over 11 years in the travel industry. She's a Wellness Travel Expert, Retreat Facilitator, Travel Advisor & Podcast Host.

She's also a 500-Hr Registered Yoga Teacher & an Accredited Continued Education Provider for the Yoga Industry.

She's traveled to over 45 countries and lived across 4 continents. Now, it's her mission to inspire and support you in stepping outside of your comfort zone and into the life of your dreams.

She's passionate about immersive and transformational travel. She believe when you travel with intention, by combining wellness, adventure & cultural enrichment, you can truly transform your life, one trip at a time.

She's now based in South Florida, and she's married to her husband Sam with 2 beautiful daughters & 2 crazy dogs.