Exploring the Best of Costa Rica & Panama

Duration: 13 Days | 12 Nights
Destination: San José – Arenal Volcano – Tortuguero – Puerto Viejo – Bocas del Toro – Panama City

Two countries, one unbroken Caribbean thread. Begin beneath the Arenal Volcano, cruise the wildlife-thick canals of Tortuguero, then follow Costa Rica's southern Caribbean coast to Puerto Viejo and the Jaguar Rescue Centre. Cross the border into Panama for three nights in the Bocas del Toro archipelago – dolphins, sloths, coral cays and the white sand of Zapatilla – before flying to Panama City for the old quarter, the skyline and the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal.

Day 1: San José
Arrival transfer
Shuttle service between Juan Santamaría International Airport and the city of San José, delivering you comfortably to your hotel.

Hotel Presidente (or similar) – 1 night
Presidente Hotel sits in the heart of the city, within walking distance of San José's museums, theatres and cultural institutions. Rooms are modern and well equipped, with private bathroom, air conditioning, minibar, safe and Wi-Fi. Breakfast included.

Day 2: Arenal Volcano
Shuttle San José to Arenal
A morning departure to La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano, one of the country's great natural landmarks. There are no lava eruptions today, but smoke and ash still vent from the summit. The region is prized for its landscape, hot springs and Lake Arenal; en route you pass agricultural plantations, ornamental plant nurseries and cattle farms. Approximately 4 hours.

Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience (or similar) – 2 nights
Lush tropical gardens, the sound of waterfalls and views of the Arenal Volcano make Volcano Lodge feel like a hidden pocket of rainforest. Superior rooms have private terraces with partial or full volcano views. Breakfast and internet access included.

Day 3: Arenal Volcano
Hike to the La Fortuna River Waterfall
A hike to one of Costa Rica's most impressive natural gems. Minutes from the town of La Fortuna and at the base of the Arenal Volcano, the Río Fortuna waterfall drops more than 70 metres into a pool of clear water – as striking to hear as it is to see.
Includes transport, bilingual guide and entrances. Half day. Bring hiking or tennis shoes, comfortable clothes, a rain jacket or poncho, repellent and sunscreen.

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park
Arenal to Tortuguero
The morning journey from Arenal to Guápiles descends from volcanic highlands through winding curves and panoramic views into the tropical Caribbean lowlands, approximately 3 hours. From Guápiles you continue past banana and pineapple plantations to the pier and board a boat for Tortuguero. The ride along rivers and canals takes about an hour and a half, arriving at the lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, a guided visit to the village of Tortuguero. Dinner is included at the lodge.

Aninga Lodge (or similar) – 2 nights, full board
Aninga Lodge sits five minutes from Tortuguero National Park, surrounded by canals and reached only by land and river transport, both included. The lodge has 33 comfortable bungalows with fans and private bathrooms, a restaurant serving the included local cuisine, a swimming pool, bar and spa.

Day 5: Tortuguero National Park
Canal boat tour and guided trail walk
After breakfast, a boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National Park – Costa Rica's “little Amazon” and one of its most biologically diverse wilderness areas. The canals are hemmed by lush tropical forest thick with wildlife, and the beaches are famous as nesting habitat for seven species of sea turtle. Mid-morning you walk the lodge's private trails with a naturalist guide, then have free time. The nocturnal turtle-nesting excursion comes highly recommended and can be added at extra cost. Dinner is included at the lodge.

Day 6: Puerto Viejo
Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo
After breakfast you depart by boat mid-morning to the main dock, then travel by road to Guápiles for lunch. In the afternoon you continue to the southern Caribbean, a coastline of coral reefs at Playa Cahuita, multicoloured sand – black, yellow and grey – coastal vegetation and medium-height forest. Take the chance to talk to locals about their customs and traditions, and try the patí or rice and beans. Approximately 3 hours.

Namuwoki Lodge (or similar) – 2 nights
Namuwoki sits at Playa Chiquita, 18 bungalows in an elegant, minimalist style set among tropical gardens. There is a swimming pool, hammocks, a bar serving cocktails in the evenings and two lounge areas. Deluxe bungalows are spacious, with a queen bed, air conditioning, ceiling fan, hot-water shower and a private terrace with a hammock. Breakfast included.

Day 7: Puerto Viejo
Jaguar Rescue Centre
The Jaguar Rescue Centre, run by the Ceiba Primary Forest Foundation, rescues and rehabilitates wild animals to return them to protected areas. Roughly half its intake is mammals, the rest birds and reptiles. On your visit you will see monkeys, sloths, wild cats, raccoons, reptiles and a range of birds, along with many of Costa Rica's venomous snake species. Your donation goes entirely to the animals.
Includes private transfers each way and a guide. Approximately 1.5 hours. Easy. Minimum two people. Bring comfortable clothing, walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen and a raincoat.

Day 8: Bocas del Toro, Panama
Transfer Puerto Viejo to Isla Colón
Cross into Panama and on to Isla Colón on the northern coast of the Panamanian Caribbean – the heart of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, where most of the hotels, restaurants, bars and tour operators are found.

Tropical Suites (or similar) – 3 nights
Tropical Suites sits in the heart of Bocas Town, a boutique hotel combining island living with Caribbean culture. All suites have private balconies with views over the Caribbean Sea or the streets of Bocas Town, a personal safe, and the property has 24-hour surveillance and night security. Staff will help arrange tours and restaurant bookings. Breakfast included.

Day 9: Bocas del Toro
Dolphins, sloths, Coral Cay and Zapatilla Key
The day starts with bottlenose dolphin watching – you will see them jump, swim and play in pairs and groups of three to five. Then on to Coral Cay to snorkel over beautiful marine life, with a stop at one of the area's best restaurants for seafood. Continue to Zapatilla Keys, white sand and among the finest beaches in the archipelago. On the way back, look out for sloths in their natural habitat.
Includes transport, guide and entrance. Approximately 3 hours. Easy. Bring sunscreen, sandals and insect repellent.

Day 10: Bocas del Toro
Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Star Beach
Explore the natural wonders of Bocas del Toro. First Isla de los Pájaros, a paradise for birdwatchers, then the north-east of the island to Boca del Drago, and on to Playa Estrella with its calm, clear water – and the starfish that give the beach its name.
Includes transport, guide and entrance. Approximately 3 hours. Easy. Bring sunscreen, sandals and insect repellent.

Day 11: Panama City
Fly Bocas del Toro to Panama City
Transfer to Bocas del Toro airport for a last look at the beaches and the town, then a domestic flight with Air Panamá to Albrook Airport in Panama City – one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Central America. A private transfer takes you into the city, past skyscrapers, highways, old buildings and museums.

Sheraton Grand Panamá (or similar) – 2 nights
The Sheraton Grand Panama sits on the north-eastern edge of the city with easy access to the Atlapa Convention Center, Tocumen International Airport, Multiplaza Mall and Panama Viejo. Rooms are 26 square metres on a private-access floor, with a king bed, feather mattress and duvet. Breakfast included.

Day 12: Panama City
Panama City tour and the Panama Canal
A panoramic tour of Panama City takes in the modern skyline and the urban area, with the contrast between colonial and contemporary on full display. Then to the Miraflores Visitor Centre, where four exhibition halls tell the story of the Canal – its history, biodiversity, operation and international importance. Three levels of viewing platforms let you watch ships pass through the locks and move along the narrow channel.
Includes transport, guide, entrance and lunch. Approximately 4.5 hours. The itinerary may vary with the schedule of ships passing through the Canal.

Day 13: Panama City
Departure transfer
Private transfer from your hotel to Tocumen International Airport for your onward flight.

– End of services –

Tour Price
• Price shown is per person based on twin share accommodation.
• Prices vary based on your month of travel – contact us and we will provide accurate pricing for your specific travel dates.
• Price is based on the hotels shown or similar, with shared shuttle transfers as described. Private transfer upgrades are available at an additional cost.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions or any unforeseen situation.

Inclusions:
• 01 hotel night in San José
• 02 hotel nights at Arenal Volcano
• 02 nights at Tortuguero lodge on a full board basis
• 02 hotel nights at Puerto Viejo
• 03 hotel nights at Bocas del Toro, Panama
• 02 hotel nights in Panama City
• Daily breakfasts
• Lunches and dinners as specified at the Tortuguero lodge
• Lunch on the Bocas del Toro Coral Cay tour and the Panama Canal day
• Domestic flight Bocas del Toro to Panama City with Air Panamá
• Road and boat transport to and from Tortuguero
• La Fortuna River Waterfall guided hike
• Tortuguero National Park canal boat tour, guided trail walk and park entrance fee
• Jaguar Rescue Centre entrance and guide, with private transfers each way
• Dolphins, sloths, Coral Cay and Zapatilla Key boat tour
• Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Star Beach tour
• Panama City tour and Miraflores Visitor Centre entrance
• Shared shuttle and regular transfers throughout as per the itinerary
• English-speaking guides on all included tours

Exclusions:
• International and domestic flights
• Activities not indicated in the program
• Meals and beverages not mentioned
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Tips for hotel, restaurant and housekeeping staff
• Mandatory Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners for travel over those dates

Please note:
• Departures daily, year round.
• Children are considered up to 10 years of age. Triple share and child rates are available on request.
• All included activities are subject to minimum operating numbers and are confirmed at the time of booking.
• Hotels listed are those used at the time of writing; comparable properties of the same standard may be substituted.
• Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.
• Travel insurance is not included but is strongly recommended.
• This itinerary crosses the land border from Costa Rica into Panama. Please check passport and visa requirements for both countries before travelling.
• The domestic flight from Bocas del Toro to Panama City has a strict baggage allowance. We will confirm the current limit with your booking.
• Turtle nesting season at Tortuguero runs from June to September. The nocturnal turtle-nesting excursion is not included and can be added at extra cost.
• Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear and lightweight walking shoes.

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.