Tours South America Tours Panama & Costa Rica Escape

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Summary

This expertly-curated combination Panama and Costa Rica trip includes a visit to the famous Panama Canal, beachcombing in Bocas del Toro and the chance to experience the steaming hot springs at the foot of an active stratovolcano outside of Arenal - Costa Rica's adventure capital. Walk through the treetops in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and discover 680 hectares of untamed rainforest along the central Pacific coast at Manuel Antonio National Park. Build out your trip with plenty of optional excursions and follow in the wake of a passionate tour guide.  

Highlights

  • Explore the capital of Panama, Panama City
  • Discover the engineering marvels of the Panama Canal and Miraflores Lock
  • Explore the fascinating ecosystem of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Visit Panama's Bocas del Toro Islands, one of the most popular holiday destinations

Itinerary View Full ItineraryDownload PDF

Start Point

Hotel in Panama City | Welcome meeting at 06:00 PM

End Point

Hotel in San Jose | 01:00 PM
DAY 1: Arrive in Panama City

Welcome to Panama City and the start of your Latin American adventure! Arrive at the hotel and check-in. Depending on arrival time, the city is yours to explore before meeting up with your tour leader and group in the hotel foyer at 18:00. Tonight, the group will take a walk together to a nearby restaurant for a welcome dinner. Enjoy a taste of traditional Panamanian cuisine on your first night in Central America!

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Arrive in Panama City

Welcome to Panama City and the start of your Latin American adventure! Arrive at the hotel and check-in. Depending on arrival time, the city is yours to explore before meeting up with your tour leader and group in the hotel foyer at 18:00. Tonight, the group will take a walk together to a nearby restaurant for a welcome dinner. Enjoy a taste of traditional Panamanian cuisine on your first night in Central America!

Experiences

Panamanian welcome dinner: Tuck into some traditional Panamanian cuisine. Fresh seafood, chicken, yuca (cassava) soup and corn fritters are popular choices in this diverse country. Your tour leader will explain how Panama's food is a reflection of Spanish, African and Indigenous flavours as you sample the local delights. Panama City has a buzzing microbrewery scene - for those that are interested, join your tour leader after dinner to check one of these out.

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Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: Panama City - City Tour

After breakfast, head out on a tour of Panama City and the famous Panama Canal with a local guide! On the tour, see top sights such as Panama Old Town and explore the famous canal and Miraflores Lock where you can enjoy a stop at a viewing deck and a tour of the visitor centre. Visit the Amador Causeway and Flamenco Island. Take a short hike and witness the magnificent views of the city from Ancon Hill. Learn all about the history, culture, operations and day-to-day life in this city that forms an important link between North and South America.

Experiences

Panama City and Canal Tour: Join a knowledgeable local guide on a four-hour tour of Panama City and the famous Panama Canal. See the city’s most famous attractions including its old town Casco Viejo - a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colonial buildings, charming cobbled streets and stunning promenades. Choose a spot for lunch - there are plenty of local options! Next stop is the Panama Canal and the Miraflores Locks. Locks make it possible for ships to pass through the Panama Canal and are considered an engineering wonder of the 21st century! Wonder through a Museum on-site and watch from a viewing deck as the large vessels make their voyage through the canal. The tour continues with a trip to Amador Causeway - which links Panama City to Flamenco Island - for a glimpse of local life. For the final stop, take a short hike up Ancon Hill to experience incredible views of the city!

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Breakfast

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DAY 3: Panama City: Free Day

Explore the delights of this vibrant, cosmopolitan city on this free day! Head to the streets to see more of the old town, sample more local flavours, or stroll along the tranquil shores. Panama City is also home to a number of museums - take a look at the Afro-Antillean Museum, Biomuseo and the Natural Science Museum. Alternatively, head out of the city for the day! Join the optional San Blas excursion. Spend the day seeing beautiful islands complete with turquoise waters and beautiful, palm-fringed white sand beaches! Enjoy a catch-of-the-day lunch and learn more about Kuna Yala, the indigenous Panamanian tribe that calls the larger islands home.

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Breakfast

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On Tour Excursions

DAY 4: Panama City - Bocas del Toro

Depart early this morning for an hour-long flight to Bocas del Toro. This tropical island archipelago is located just off the northeastern coastline of Panama in the Caribbean Sea. Arrive in Bocas del Toro town, check into the hotel and then head into town for a quick orientation tour. Admire the untamed beauty surrounding this charming seaside village. Discover the best local spots to eat and shop - your tour leader will point these out for you. Enjoy a traditional lunch and the rest of the day is yours to spend as you’d like! Relax near the water, explore the natural scenery, go birdwatching or hop on a boat to visit a nearby island. The choice is yours!

Experiences

Bocas Town Orientation Walk: Get your vacation vibe on! Bocas del Toro is an island archipelago located in the province of Panama. Isla Colón is the best-known island and Bocas de Toro, or simply, Bocas town, is at the heart of this area. Here, one can find a unique mix of Afro-Caribbean and Latin culture, tropical rainforest climate, colourful houses, amazing vegetation and a wonderful spot where surfers, backpackers and locals get together. The sleepy island atmosphere captivates anyone who visits. Take a walkabout with your tour leader to find out where you can go for local food, book a trip to one of the nearby islands or simply go where the best beaches are located. It might be helpful to know that the US dollar can be used as currency here.

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Breakfast

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DAY 5: Bocas del Toro: Free Day

Today is yours to make the most of your time on the island! Choose to explore the area at your own pace or join an optional full-day island-hopping adventure! Experience Bocas del Toro’s top beaches including visits to Starfish Beach and Red Frog Beach. Laze under the sun as you explore the Caribbean waters and islands from the comfort of a catamaran. Tonight, absorb the island atmosphere at night and find a local spot to enjoy dinner in town!

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Breakfast

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On Tour Excursions

DAY 6: Bocas del Toro - Arenal

Travel by boat, coach and on foot towards our next destination: Costa Rica! Start the day with a short boat ride back to mainland Panama. Next, travel by coach to Sixaola - a tiny border town located between Panama and Costa Rica. Take in the views and cross the border on foot to arrive in a new country! Next, watch as the surrounding landscape transforms as the tour travels to La Fortuna - a town that is the gateway to the Arenal volcano! Check into the hotel before sitting down for a group dinner. Experience your first taste of Costa Rican cuisine tonight with an included dinner.

Experiences

Boat Ride from Bocas Town to Almirante: Experience the Caribbean coast the way it is best enjoyed - by boat! Board a boat and travel from Bocas del Toro to Port Almirante, mainland Panama. Feel the sea breeze as you see islands and islets pass by and catch views of mountains and forests in the distance. 

Cross the border from Panama to Costa Rica on foot: Get that passport stamp and walk across the Sixaola-Guabito International Bridge that connects Panama to Costa Rica.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

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Hotel


DAY 7: Arenal: Free Day

La Fortuna is yours to discover on this free day! Nestled at the base of the Arenal Volcano, this town is bursting with things to see and do around the area. Why not explore the local area or cruise Lake Arenal on a kayak for epic views from the water? Nature lovers could opt to embark on a half-day volcano hike to see the natural beauty of the Arenal Volcano National Park. This afternoon, you have the option to join the Arenal Hot Springs and dinner experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to soak in the mineral-rich, natural pools at the base of the Arenal volcano finished off with dinner with a full view of the volcano!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 8: Arenal - Monteverde

Travel to Costa Rica’s green heart today! After breakfast, embark on a four-hour journey to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - a real bucket-list-worthy destination! Arrive and check into the hotel, which will be home base for the next two nights. This afternoon, it’s time to explore Monteverde’s Cloud Forest! Costa Rica is home to a number of tropical ‘cloud forests’ which are forests crowned by persistent cloud cover at canopy level. Known as the “Crown Jewel” of the world’s cloud forests, Monteverde is by far the country’s most famous and stretches over 10,000 hectares! Wander through the trees and enjoy hiking or birding. Exotic species like hummingbirds, toucans, trogons and bellbirds can be spotted in this area. 

Experiences

Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Exploring the forest in Monteverde is a very special bucket list experience. Only 0.14% of the world’s landmass is covered in tropical cloud forest. This tropical environment is a wonderful example of a cloud forest ecosystem. As you make it through the jungle walking along footpaths and over suspension bridges you get close to the tropical plants, smelling the moist ground and seeing natural light break through the trees. It’s also home to hundreds of mammals, amphibians, birds and insect species. It’s also the only place in the world where you can find the largest variety of hummingbird species. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has been protected since 1972.

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Breakfast

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DAY 9: Monteverde: Free Day

Make the most of a free day in this beautiful part of Costa Rica. Chat with your tour leader to learn about all of the options for excursions today. Explore more of Monteverde’s famous cloud forest and take to new heights on a Hanging Bridges & Ziplining excursion for an adrenaline-pumping experience featuring amazing views! Alternatively, join the optional Costa Rican Coffee Farm Tour - complete with a delicious cup of freshly brewed coffee at the end of the tour! Or, explore the area at your own pace - you could stroll the streets, sit down for a local meal, visit a butterfly farm and learn more about these colourful little creatures, and more! The choice is all yours today!

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Breakfast

Accommodation

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On Tour Excursions

DAY 10: Monteverde - Jacó

After breakfast, take a short journey to Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. Stop at the Tárcoles River on the way and see if you can spot huge crocodiles sunbathing on the river banks (weather dependent). Next up is the surfing capital of Costa Rica, Jaco! Arrive and set out on an orientation walk with your tour leader. This sleepy, seaside surf town is home to quirky cafes, restaurants and shops. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish - you could hit the waves, enjoy a leisurely lunch or just relax under the sun. Ask your tour leader for recommendations on more exciting things to do this afternoon!

Experiences

Visit the Tárcoles River and ‘Crocodile Bridge’: Pay a visit to the Tárcoles River! Rio Tárcoles is an important waterway in Costa Rica and is home to a sizable population of crocodiles! ‘Crocodile Bridge' is a famous stopover where visitors can take in the views and spot some of these huge reptiles sunbathing on the river banks. 

Jacó orientation walk: Stroll through one of Costa Rica’s favourite vacation spots! With its balmy year-round weather, great waves and exceptional surf beaches, Jacó is a top surfing destination. It is also known for being a gateway to Costa Rica’s national parks and is surrounded by great places for hiking and fishing. Your tour leader will point out the best places to eat and shop for souvenirs here plus the lively nightlife spots!

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Breakfast

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DAY 11: Jacó: Free Day

Spend time relaxing in Jacó today or join the optional trip to Manuel Antonio National Park. This beautiful spot may be one of the smallest national parks in Costa Rica but has been voted as one of the top 10 in the world! Here you can see sandy beaches bordering lush forests. Along with being naturally beautiful, it is incredibly biodiverse. Keep an eye out for endangered red-backed squirrel monkeys, sloths, capuchin monkeys, iguanas, dolphins and even migrating whales out in the ocean! Back in Jacó tonight, the group will enjoy a delicious feast to celebrate the end of an amazing tour!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 12: Jacó - End of tour in San José

Enjoy breakfast in Jacó this morning on the last day of the tour! Choose to continue your stay in Jacó or catch the coach to San José, Costa Rica’s capital city. Arrive in San José and enjoy an orientation driving tour. After this, say adiós to your group as our tour officially concludes here after 12 amazing days!

Experiences

San José Panoramic Driving Tour: Take a driving tour of Costa Rica’s largest city. See some major sights including the Parque Nacional, Pre-Columbian Museum and the Metropolitan cathedral.

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 11 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room

Meals

  • 11 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned road transport
  • 1 internal flight

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

9 Experiences!

  • Welcome dinner in Panama City
  • Tour Panama City and the Panama Canal
  • Get to know Bocas del Toro on an orientation walking tour
  • Take a scenic boat ride from Bocas Town to Almirante
  • Cross the border from Panama to Costa Rica on foot; walk across the Sixaola-Guabito International bridge
  • Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Visit the Tarcoles River and “Crocodile Bridge”
  • Take an orientation walking tour in Jacó
  • Take a panoramic driving tour of San José

Accommodation

Hotels are chosen closer to departure date. We do use a variety of hotels in each destination, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here.

Panama City

Photos of the tour

San Blas Day Trip

Love tropical islands and fun in the sun? This one's for you! Depart early for a full-day trip to the San Blas islands, located in the Colon region of Panama (facing the Caribbean). Look forward to turquoise water, white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and untouched natural scenery. Most of the islands are remote, uninhabited and can’t even be found on Google Maps! The larger ones are home to an indigenous tribe of Panama, Kuna Yala. They live by rules and values different from the traditional Panamanian culture. Visit a couple of these islands, enjoy a delicious catch-of-the-day lunch and spend the afternoon snorkelling or simply relaxing! Return to the mainland for a transfer back to the Panama City hotel.

Optional Excursions

Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader.
Prices and availability are subject to change

Dates & Rates

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Our pricing model: Lowest-priced seats are sold first, then the price increases slightly. The quicker you book, the less you pay. Select a date below to secure your seat.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
13 Mar 2024 - 24 Mar 2024Flexible booking date for 13 Mar 2024 - 24 Mar 2024Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 2,130 € 1,810

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

2 reviews
B
Ben Verified Buyer 2023-04-02
Good experience on exploring the culture and nature
In general the tour was successful with a small group and the tour guide look after us well.
Y
Young Verified Buyer 2020-03-06
Yes
It was very very good!!! More than I expected, thank you so much! Also thank you for Carl & Adam!!!

Why this tour?

This Panama & Costa Rica Escape is a fantastic trip for all bold travellers. See the best of South America during a riveting guided group tour and create memories that will last a lifetime. This tour boasts an itinerary filled with the best places to visit from Panama to Costa Rica! Visit top destinations like San José, Monteverde, and more, with the best things to do and see.

Your tropical vacation begins in the gorgeous Panama City, where you’ll embark on an insightful walking city tour, and then visit the Miraflores Lock and visitor centre to learn about the canal. Then, explore the UNESCO-celebrated Old Town, and stroll the cobbled streets that are lined with breathtaking and historic colonial architecture. Visit some of the captivating museums, and join the optional excursion to San Blas islands - a must-see slice of paradise during your trip to Panama

Add on to this thrilling holiday with a trip to Bocas del Toro. Gain insights and learn facts about this stunning archipelago of islands. Then, you could join an optional exciting island-hopping tour, and go zip lining through the lush trees. Encounter breathtaking landscapes as you journey across the border from Panama to Costa Rica. Experience the best of Costa Rica as you visit a variety of National Parks, hike up an ancient volcano, or go on a kayaking adventure around the lakes. Discover all the best things to do with interesting tours of a coffee farm, butterfly farm, crocodile park, and so much more. You will even find yourself in San Jose, where you’ll take a scenic driving tour around Costa Rica’s largest city to end off your thrilling journey. 

This a dream holiday, planned perfectly around the dry season (December -April), allowing for a well-timed trip. Enjoy a vacation suitable for all travellers seeking to broaden their experiences.