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Discover the best of Costa Rica and Panama on a unique journey that will take you to explore their natural, cultural and biodiversity richness. During 13 days, you will live unforgettable experiences in two of the most exotic destinations in Central America, where exuberant nature and vibrant cultures await you.
Begin your adventure in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, where the warmth and charm of the "ticos" will welcome you. From there, you will travel to the imposing Arenal Volcano, surrounded by mountainous landscapes and hot springs that invite you to relax. Here, you will immerse yourself in nature with a visit to the famous La Fortuna Waterfall and enjoy a typical lunch at a local farm. Adventure and nature lovers will be fascinated by this spectacular start.
Next, you will enter the rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, known as the "Little Amazon" for its network of canals and incredible biodiversity. Navigate through the tranquil canals while observing wildlife including turtles, monkeys, sloths and exotic birds. This natural sanctuary will offer you an unparalleled ecotourism experience.
Back on the Caribbean coast, you will arrive in Puerto Viejo, a tropical paradise where vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture blends with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Here, you will visit the Jaguar Rescue Center, where you will learn about local efforts to preserve and rehabilitate wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys and sloths.
The journey doesn't stop here. Next, you will be transported to Bocas del Toro, an archipelago in Panama that is famous for its stunning beaches, islands and wealth of marine life. You'll spend days exploring Zapatilla Cay and Coral Cay, where you can swim among coral reefs, spot playful dolphins and bask in the sun on white sand beaches. You will also have the opportunity to observe sloths in their natural habitat, all while surrounded by the calm and beauty of the Caribbean.
Finally, the trip culminates in cosmopolitan Panama City, where the modern and the historic meet. During your stay, you will take a fascinating tour of the famous Panama Canal, one of the wonders of modern engineering, as you watch the giant ships cross the locks. You will also have the opportunity to explore the city and enjoy its mix of colonial history, skyscrapers and vibrant cultural life.
This trip offers you a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation and cultural exploration. From the wild and preserved nature of Costa Rica to the tropical beaches and human ingenuity in Panama, each day will lead you to discover something new and exciting.
Don't miss the opportunity to live this incredible adventure! Book now and explore the treasures of Costa Rica and Panama in one trip.
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Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in San José
- Location: San José, Costa Rica.
- Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn San José La Sabana (1 night).
- Service: Private transfer from San José International Airport to the hotel.
- Description: Free afternoon to explore the city, enjoy its parks, museums or a cup of local coffee in one of its famous coffee shops.
Day 2
Arenal Volcano
- Location: Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica.
- Lodging: Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience (2 nights).
- Service: Shared transfer from San Jose to La Fortuna, home of the Arenal Volcano.
- Description: Enjoy the hotel's hot springs and spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica's most impressive natural wonders.
Day 3
La Fortuna Waterfall and Lunch at Vida Campesina Farm
- Activity: Excursion to La Fortuna Waterfall.
- Includes: Hike down 500 steps to the base of the waterfall, where you can swim in its crystalline waters.
- Description: After the visit to the waterfall, enjoy a traditional lunch at Finca Vida Campesina, where you will learn about the Costa Rican peasant culture and its delicious gastronomy.
Day 4
Heading to Tortuguero
- Location: Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
- Lodging: Aninga Lodge (3D/2N).
- Service: Shared transfer from Arenal to Guápiles. From there, you will board a boat to navigate the canals to Tortuguero.
- Description: Dinner included at the lodge. In the afternoon, guided visit to the picturesque village of Tortuguero.
Day 5
Exploring Tortuguero National Park
- Activity: Tour through the Tortuguero canals.
- Description: Navigate through the canals of this natural paradise, home to an incredible biodiversity. You will be able to observe turtles, monkeys, sloths, exotic birds and more. This is a unique experience in a privileged natural environment.
Day 6
We are going to Puerto Viejo
- Location: Puerto Viejo Beach, South Caribbean, Costa Rica.
- Lodging: Shawandha Lodge (2 nights).
- Service: Shared transfer from Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo.
- Description: Arrival in Puerto Viejo, famous for its Caribbean beaches, crystal clear waters and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.
Day 7
Jaguar Rescue Center
- Activity: Guided visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center.
- Description: Learn about the conservation and rehabilitation efforts of wildlife such as jaguars, monkeys and sloths. This visit offers a close look at the efforts to protect the region's wildlife.
Day 8
Bocas del Toro, Panama
- Location: Colon Island, Bocas del Toro, Panama.
- Lodging: Playa Tortuga & Beach Resort (3 nights).
- Service: Shared transfer from Puerto Viejo to Colon Island, in the archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama.
- Description: Enjoy this paradisiacal destination with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
Day 9
Dolphin Sighting and Snorkeling in Zapatilla Key
- Activity: Dolphin watching tour and visit to Zapatilla Key.
- Description: Observe bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat and enjoy a snorkeling session in the colorful reefs of Coral Cay. You will also visit the pristine beaches of Zapatilla Cay.
Day 10
Isla de Pájaros, Boca del Drago and Estrella Beach
- Activity: Visit to Isla de Pájaros, Boca del Drago and Playa Estrella.
- Description: Enjoy a day exploring the natural beauty of Bocas del Toro, with visits to Isla de Pájaros, famous for its bird life, and the tranquil Estrella Beach, known for its clear waters and starfish.
Day 11
Panama City
- Location: Panama City, Panama.
- Lodging: Hotel El Panama (2 nights).
- Service: Domestic flight from Bocas del Toro to Panama City and private transfer to the hotel.
- Description: Discover one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Central America, with a mix of colonial history and modernity.
Day 12
Panama City and Canal Tour
- Activity: City Tour of Panama City and visit to the Panama Canal.
- Description: Tour the city and visit the Miraflores Visitors Center, where you can see how the Canal works and enjoy panoramic views of the ships crossing the locks. A tour that combines history, engineering and culture.
Day 13
Transfer to the airport
- Service: Private transfer from your hotel to Tocumen International Airport, Panama, for your return flight.
- Description: End of the itinerary, taking with you unforgettable memories of this journey through two unique countries.
- The trip includes:
- Accommodation:
- 10 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels and lodges:
- Hilton Garden Inn San José La Sabana (San José, Costa Rica) - 1 night.
- Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience (Volcán Arenal, Costa Rica) - 2 nights.
- Aninga Lodge (Parque Nacional Tortuguero, Costa Rica) - 2 nights.
- Shawandha Lodge (Playa Puerto Viejo, Caribe Sur, Costa Rica) - 2 nights.
- Playa Tortuga & Beach Resort (Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro, Panamá) - 3 nights.
- Hotel El Panamá (Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá) - 2 nights.
- Meals:
- Daily breakfast in all accommodations.
- Lunch included in:
- Finca Vida Campesina (Day 3).
- Guápiles (Day 4, on the way to Tortuguero).
- All meals included during the stay at Aninga Lodge in Tortuguero (Days 4 and 5).
- Transportation:
- Private transfer from San José International Airport to hotel in San José.
- Shared transfers between destinations in Costa Rica (San José – Arenal Volcano – Guápiles – Tortuguero – Puerto Viejo).
- River transportation to and from Tortuguero.
- Shared transfer from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro (Panamá).
- Domestic flight from Bocas del Toro to Panamá City.
- Private transfers within Panamá City and from the hotel to Tocumen International Airport at the end of the trip.
- Activities and Tours:
- Visit to La Fortuna Waterfall and hike (Day 3).
- Tour at Finca Vida Campesina with traditional lunch (Day 3).
- Excursion through the canals of Tortuguero National Park with a guide (Day 5).
- Visit to the Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo (Day 7).
- Dolphin watching and snorkeling in Cayo Zapatilla (Day 9).
- Tour to Isla de Pájaros, Boca del Drago and Estrella Beach in Bocas del Toro (Day 10).
- Panamá City City Tour and Panamá Canal Visit (Day 12).
- Guides & Tickets:
- Naturalist guide in the activities of the Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall and the Jaguar Rescue Center.
- Entrance fees included to the national parks and conservation centers visited (Tortuguero, La Fortuna Waterfall, Cayo Zapatilla, Isla de Pájaros, Panamá Canal).
- Other services included:
- Access to hot springs at Volcano Lodge (Arenal Volcano).
- Use of lodge facilities (swimming pool, restaurant, bar, etc.) in the accommodations.
- Free Wi-Fi in hotels and lodges.
- Accommodation:
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International flights:
- Flights to and from Costa Rica and the return flight from Panama are not included. Passengers must arrange and pay for their international flights separately.
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Activities not indicated in the itinerary:
- Any optional activity not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
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Food not indicated:
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the program (except for the meals included during the stay in Tortuguero and some specific lunches).
- Alcoholic beverages or any additional beverages outside the meals included.
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Gratuities:
- Tips for bellboys, waitresses and guides.
- Gratuities for drivers and tour guides are not included and are usually optional but recommended.
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Personal expenses:
- Additional expenses such as laundry services, shopping, telephone calls, etc.
- Drinks and snacks outside meals are included.
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Travel insurance:
- Travel insurance and medical insurance are not included. It is strongly recommended to purchase insurance that covers cancellations, accidents and medical emergencies.
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Mandatory Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners (if applicable):
- Some hotels may require special mandatory dinners during the Christmas or New Year's Eve holidays, and these are not included in the package.
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All risk insurance for the rental car:
- If the traveler decides to opt for a rental car for any part of the trip, insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
Yes, a valid passport is mandatory to enter Costa Rica.
Depending on your country of origin, you may enter Costa Rica without a visa. Citizens of the USA, Canada and most European countries enjoy this privilege.
The colón is Costa Rica’s currency. U.S. dollars are also widely accepted.
All major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are located throughout the country.
No, with a legal driver’s license you can drive for three months in Costa Rica.
Departure tax is US$29.00, which can be paid in U.S. dollars, colones or with a credit card.
Sales tax is 13%.
Outlets are 110 V, with standard U.S. two prong plugs
We’d love it! Anyone getting married here must be 18 or older. Nonresidents need the following documents to get married here: original birth certificates, affidavit of single status, police record, valid passport and a divorce decree (if applicable). These documents must follow the authentication procedure before you bring them to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s digital nomad program invites international residents to work remotely from the land of Pura Vida. This program extends a 90-day tourist visa to a full year, with the option to renew for an additional year (conditions apply).
Costa Rica offers different ways to legalize your status: temporary resident, pensioner or foreign government mission. For more legal information, contact the Costa Rican consulate or the Association of Residents of Costa Rica at https://arcr.cr.
Dogs and cats entering Costa Rica must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian, endorsed by a veterinarian service. The examination for the certificate must be conducted within the two weeks prior to traveling to Costa Rica. The required vaccinations are: distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and rabies (for animals 4 months or older).
The Tico Times – www.ticotimes.net
Yes, the water is potable in most of the country. We would only recommend bottled water for a few rural areas. Bring your reusable water bottle to decrease your footprint while you’re here. When starting your adventure for the day, fill up your bottle before you leave because refill stations may be a long trek to locate.
Travelers from the following countries must have received a yellow fever vaccination certificate: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the Republic of Guyana.
• Keep your belongings somewhere safe while enjoying the sea or leave them somewhere they can be watched.
• Always use reef-safe sunscreen to avoid sunburns.
• When possible, don’t swim on your own.
• Consult the authorities about the current beach conditions.
• Be aware of warning flags on the beach.
• Do not enter the ocean if you don’t know how to swim. If you’re surfing as a beginner, stay under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
The main difference is the amount of rain. It doesn’t rain as much in the cloud forest as it does in the rainforest. The species of flora and fauna may also differ.
Be sure to bring insect repellent, a raincoat with a hood and a comfortable pair of hiking boots.
You can practice at Pacuare, Reventazón, Corobici, Sarapiqui, Naranjo and Savegre rivers.
You can see sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast or Las Baulas National Marine Park on the Pacific coast.
Cahuita National Park, Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Irazu Volcano National Park, Poás Volcano National Park, Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, and Caño Negro Mixed National Wildlife Refuge offer wheelchair access.
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