Panama & Costa Rica 12 nights
ABOUT THIS ITINERARY
Unlock the best of Central America on this adventurous 13-day journey through Panama and Costa Rica. Start in Panama City with its soaring skyline and historic Casco Viejo. Venture into the lush Darien Gap, wild cloud forests, and volcanic highlands. Continue into Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, from Monteverde’s hanging bridges to Arenal’s hot springs and the sun-drenched Pacific coast. With private transfers, curated encounters, boutique lodges, and expert guides, this itinerary takes care of every detail, all you have to do is explore.
Price Includes
International flights
Private transfers
Activities and tours as mentioned
All accommodation
24/7 support while you're away
UK airport transfers (conditions apply)
DAY 1-2
Panama City
Upon arrival, you will be met by your local driver/guide and transferred to your hotel.
Head out on a Gatún Lake Eco Adventure where you'll slowly motor along the Chagres River, up to the Gatún Lake protected area. Look for wildlife such as Capuchin Monkeys, 3-toed sloth, Howler Monkeys, various kinds of Toucans and other bird life. This tour is a must for nature lovers who will be amazed with the aquatic life, while at the same time enjoying the wonders of the rainforest.
Following Gatún Lake, your guide will take you on a tour of Panama City and the Miraflores Locks. At Miraflores you will see the huge vessels passing through the Panama Canal, and watch as the ships get lifted or lowered 16 meters in two distinct steps. To complete the visit of the canal you will visit the Museum and Visitor Centre at Miraflores which gives you a good idea on the construction of the canal, a masterpiece of engineering. Your guide will then take you to the Amador Causeway, a road that connects three islands in the Pacific Ocean and offers magnificent views of the canal on one side and of the skyline of Panama City on the other side.
Accommodation: Hotel La Compañia
DAY 3-4
BOQUETE
Today you will be transferred to Albrook Airport for your domestic flight to David.
On arrival, you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to Boquete and your hotel, set in a beautiful valley at the foot of the Baru Volcano, for the next 2 nights.
Panama produces some of the most flavourful coffee in the world. Most coffee plantations in Panama are concentrated around Boquete because of the high altitude required for prime coffee growing, and because of the region's fertile volcanic soil. On this tour you will learn about the cultivation and processing of the coffee bean. Tours are capped off with a cupping, which, much like a wine-tasting, gives you a chance to sample different flavors, strengths, and roasts.
Glide through the treetops of century-old forests, high above the pristine rivers and waterfalls that make up the incredible collection of natural landscapes bordering La Amistad National Park and the famous Baru volcano.
Accommodation: Valle Escondido Wellness Resort
DAY 5-7
Boca Chica
Today you will be transferred to Boca Chica, and to your home for the next 3 nights, Isla Palenque.
Spend the next 2 days at leisure, and enjoy some of the included activities, such as:
Access to 7 secluded beaches on Isla Palenque Resort
More than 10 nature trails & tours on the island
All recreational activities, including paddleboarding & kayaking
Curated experiences with Island Staff: Cooking Classes, Pastry Classes, Rum 101, Dance Workshops and more
Accommodation: The Resort at Isla Palenque
DAY 8-10
PIEDRAS BLANCAS NATIONAL PARK
Today you will be transferred to the border post at Paso Canoas, and cross into Costa Rica.
After border formalities are completed, you will be transferred to Golfito dock to board a boat for a scenic journey to Playa Cativo Lodge.
Take a 3-hour guided hike in Piedras Blancas National Park. The flora of Piedras Blancas is one of the most diverse in Central America. This forest is also home to giant old trees, some of them endemic and endangered.
You have 3 days at leisure to enjoy the available activities:
Use of kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and snorkeling gear
Self-guided hiking trails around the private tropical rainforest reserve
An Introduction to the Tropical Rainforest guided tour
Jungle Waterfall Experience or Artisanal Handline Pier Fishing
Birdwatching excursion
Golfo Dulce snorkeling excursion
Rio Esquinas mangrove kayaking
Nocturnal rainforest hike
Bioluminiscence experience (tour is available only during and around new moon)
Dolphin and whale watching
Accommodation: Selva Verde Lodge Puerto Viejo Rainforest Reserve
DAY 11-12
LA FORTUNA
You will be transferred to the local airport of Golfito where you will board your domestic flight to San Jose.
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in La Fortuna, where the impressive Arenal Volcano is located.
Arenal’s perfectly symmetrical shape makes it a sightseer’s dream, while its abundance of outdoor activities makes it an easy place to check things off your “must-do in Costa Rica” list.
A few things we recommend doing during your stay:
Safari Float on Peñas Blancas River
Místico Hanging Bridges
Arenal Volcano Hike
Sloth Territory
Farm & Chocolate tour
Luxury Tico Picnic, by the scenic Burro River
Accommodation: Amor Arenal
Start Planning Today
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