Exploring the Best of Costa Rica & Panama

Welcome to San Jose, Costa Rica! Reception at the Juan Santamaria International Airport and transfer to your hotel in San Jose. The capital city of San Jose, considered to be one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America, is located in the middle of the Central Valley in the center of the country. The city features popular tourist attractions, such as historical buildings, museums, theaters, artisan markets, beautiful parks, shopping centers, and a varied gastronomic scene. Accommodation is in the hotel of your choice.

Breakfast in the hotel. This morning you will travel to the Arenal Volcano in the Northern Plains region. Majestic in its grand stature, the volcano is one of the country’s natural wonders. While the volcano is quiet these days and there are no lava eruptions, you can still see clouds of smoke or ash emanating from the top of the cinder cone. As well, you can enjoy the plentiful hot springs in the area. Along your journey to the town of La Fortuna, at the base of the volcano, you will see agricultural plantations, large ornamental plant nurseries, and cattle farms. Accommodation is in the hotel of your choice.

Breakfast in the hotel. This morning, you will hike trails in the Arenal Volcano National Park. You will see how the forest vegetation and terrain have been affected by volcanic activity, including old lava flows. Afterward, you will visit the Rio Fortuna Waterfall, located in a biological reserve of transitional humid tropical forest that is part of the Arenal Volcano National Park. The path to the waterfall’s base winds down 530 steps, and there are several areas along the way where you can stop and rest. At the bottom, you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the Fortuna River. Lunch will follow the tour. Accommodation is in the hotel of your choice.

Today you will travel to the Caribbean coast, stopping along the way in the town of Guapiles for a delicious typical breakfast. Afterward, you will continue driving past banana and pineapple plantations until you reach the pier where you will board your boat to Tortuguero. The boat ride along rivers and canals takes approximately an hour and a half to arrive at your lodge. You will be just in time for lunch! In the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided visit to the picturesque town of Tortuguero. Dinner is included at the lodge. Accommodation is in the lodge of your choice.

Breakfast in the lodge. This morning you will walk along the lodge’s private trails with a naturalist guide and then have free time to enjoy the facilities before lunch. You will go on a boat tour in the afternoon through the canals of the Tortuguero National Park. Called Costa Rica’s “little Amazon,” Tortuguero National Park is one of the country’s wilderness areas with the most incredible biological biodiversity. The canals are surrounded by lush tropical forest filled with abundant wildlife. The beaches are famous for being the habitat of seven species of sea turtles. We highly recommend the nocturnal turtle nesting excursion (extra cost applies). Dinner is included at the lodge. Accommodation is in the lodge of your choice.

Breakfast in the lodge. Mid-morning, you will depart by boat back to the main dock and then travel by ground transportation to Guapiles, where you will have lunch. Afterward, you will continue to the southern Caribbean coastal town of Puerto Viejo de Limón. The Caribbean region is characterized by its rich cultural mix of Afro-descendant and indigenous peoples. Together with a host of residents from many other countries, they form a unique community in Costa Rica. Accommodation is in your hotel in Puerto Viejo.

Breakfast in the hotel. This morning you will visit the Jaguar Rescue Center, a home for injured, sick, or orphaned animals. They are given 24-hour care and rehabilitated to return to live in the rainforest, hopefully. In the afternoon, you can enjoy the area’s beautiful beaches, fringed with lush tropical vegetation and clear warm ocean with spectacular coral reefs. There are a variety of adventure activities, cultural tours, and gastronomic delights to enjoy, in addition to lively Caribbean music. Accommodation is in your hotel in Puerto Viejo.

Breakfast in the hotel. Today you travel to the Panamanian archipelago of Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean Sea. You will drive to the border town of Sixaola, where you will handle immigration formalities to cross into Panama. Then you will transfer to the town of Almirante, where you will board a boat to Bocas del Toro. This group of islands and cays features coral reefs, multicultural diversity, and natural beauty with exotic flora and fauna. Accommodation is in your hotel in Bocas del Toro.

Breakfast in the hotel. Go by boat through emerald water to Dolphin Bay to greet the many dolphins that inhabit these waters. Then, continue to Coral Cay, where the characteristic local architecture, with thatched roofs and wooden piers connecting the different cabins, make a strong impression. You will visit the beautiful, white sand Red Frog Beach that is surrounded by extensive rainforest. During the tour, you will have a snack. Accommodation is in your hotel in Bocas del Toro.

Breakfast in the hotel. Today your boat tour takes you to the picturesque, beautiful beach of Bocas del Drago on the opposite side of Colon Island, approximately 14-17 km away. It is ideal for snorkeling when sea conditions allow. Then, you will visit Starfish Beach, a magical place where dozens of giant starfish are concentrated. You will have time to swim in the crystal clear water. During the tour, you will have a snack. Accommodation is in your hotel in Bocas del Toro.

Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the Colon Island airport for a local flight to Panama City. Upon arrival at the Panama City airport, you will be taken to your hotel. You have the rest of the day free to go shopping and explore the city on your own. The multicultural city is full of contrasts and is an eclectic and fun destination. It is the country's cultural and economic center and features a great variety of cultural and gastronomic offerings. Accommodation is in the hotel of your choice.

Breakfast in the hotel. Today you begin your excursion with a panoramic tour of the modern city. Then, visit the Canal Administration Building, followed by the Miraflores Locks with its Visitor Center. Back in town, you will stop at the Amador Causeway and visit a craft center. Finally, you will walk through the Old Town past Plaza Herrera, San Jose Church (Golden Altar), the Chato Arch, Bolivar Square, the Cathedral, and the Post Office building. Accommodation is in the hotel of your choice.

Breakfast in the hotel. Today you depart to the Tocumen International Airport. Please note that you should be at the airport at least three hours before your flight departs. Happy return trip! We hope to have you visit us again. END OF SERVICES.