Un viaje al corazón de la selva a través de la Ruta Quetzal BBVA

Summary

The Quetzal BBVA Route is a transformative journey that takes young people on an adventure through Panama, Belgium, and Spain. With participants from Europe and Latin America, the program emphasizes learning through simplicity and overcoming adversity. Highlights include traversing the Panama jungle, living with indigenous communities, and exploring the diverse culture of the region. The expedition mirrors the historical journey of Núñez de Balboa, focusing not just on discovering new lands but on personal growth, teamwork, and the power of resilience. This unique experience fosters intercultural exchange, lifelong lessons, and unforgettable memories.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ruta Quetzal BBVA is an educational and cultural expedition for 227 young people aged 16-17 from Europe and Latin America.
• 😀 The journey commemorates the 500th anniversary of Vasco Núñez de Balboa’s sighting of the Pacific Ocean.
• 😀 Participants travel through Panama, Belgium, and Spain, retracing historical routes and learning about local cultures and history.
• 😀 One of the main challenges was navigating Panama’s jungle, emulating the difficulties faced by early explorers.
• 😀 The expedition included an ascent to Cerro Pechito Parado, where Balboa first saw the Pacific Ocean.
• 😀 Physical hardships, such as getting stuck in mud, tested the participants' resilience and teamwork.
• 😀 Cultural exchange was a significant part of the experience, with young explorers learning new languages and local expressions.
• 😀 The expedition also included academic moments, such as learning about biodiversity and sustainability in Panama.
• 😀 Participants visited the Panama Canal and had institutional experiences, including a reception by Panama's First Lady.
• 😀 The overall focus of the expedition was on personal growth, overcoming adversity, and working together to achieve shared goals.

Q & A

What is the 'Ruta Quetzal BBVA' and what does it aim to achieve?

The 'Ruta Quetzal BBVA' is a program designed to bring young people from Europe and Latin America on a journey through Panama, Belgium, and Spain. The goal is to explore historical landmarks, learn about different cultures, and experience the challenges of nature, while fostering personal growth and teamwork.

Who are the participants of the 'Ruta Quetzal BBVA' program?

The program participants are 227 young individuals between the ages of 16 and 17, coming from Europe and Latin America.

What historical expedition does the program reference?

The program references the expedition of Vasco Núñez de Balboa, who was the first European to sight the Pacific Ocean, and its route through Panama's challenging terrain.

How does Lucía from Bolivia describe the learning experience on the program?

Lucía describes the experience as one that teaches simplicity in everyday life. She emphasizes the importance of not complaining, packing lightly, and sharing knowledge and experiences with others.

What was the main theme of the 2024 edition of the 'Ruta Quetzal BBVA'?

The main theme of the 2024 edition was 'From the Darién Jungle to the Europe of Charles V,' commemorating the 500th anniversary of the sighting of the Pacific Ocean by Vasco Núñez de Balboa.

What was one of the most difficult challenges faced by participants during the journey?

One of the most difficult challenges was traversing the dense and muddy Darién jungle. Participants like Bárbara Layton described how they got stuck in deep mud, requiring assistance to get out.

What cultural experiences did the participants have during their journey?

Participants had the opportunity to interact with indigenous communities in Panama, learning about their culture, crafts, and way of life.

What is the significance of the 'Cerro Pechito Parado' in the journey?

The 'Cerro Pechito Parado' is a landmark where Vasco Núñez de Balboa is believed to have first viewed the Pacific Ocean. It was a symbolic point of achievement for the participants in their expedition.

What was the role of Jesús Luna in the expedition?

Jesús Luna served as the camp director for the 'Ruta Quetzal BBVA.' He emphasized that the true discovery of the journey was the participants' ability to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams through teamwork and effort.

How did the participants describe the challenges and rewards of the trip?

The participants described the trip as a mix of physical and emotional challenges, such as enduring heat, mud, and exhaustion. Despite this, they expressed immense joy and fulfillment in overcoming these difficulties and learning about different cultures.