Panama CityEl Valle de AntonBocas del ToroCahuita SarapiquiArenal volcanoSan Jose
Panama & Costa Rica offer a fantastic combination on this 18 day itinerary that incorporates vibrant cities, mountain retreats, tropical paradise islands, Afro-Caribbean culture, rainforests and volcanoes. On a route that balances relaxation and excitement with a variety of different experiences, each stop reveals a new facet of Central America’s soul.
Itinerary Highlights
Meet the Embera indigenous community
Learn Panamanian cooking in El Valle
Relax on beautiful beaches in Bocas del Toro
Explore hanging bridges and go ziplining in Arenal
Enjoy white water rafting in Sarapiqui.
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or subtract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
17
Nights
Price Guide
From $13,300 per person
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Arrive Panama City
Day 2-3
PANama city
Take a tour of the fascinating Panama City, visiting the new part of the city, and the historic Casco Viejo, aswell as learning about the Panama Canal during a visit to the Miraflores Locks. Also, visit the Embera indigenous community to learn about their way of life and go birdwatching along the famous Pipeline road, in Soberania National Park.
Day 2-6
El Valle de Anton
Spend time exploring El Valle de Anton. One of Panama’s most extraordinary towns, El Valle is located inside the crater of an extinct volcano. The area is rich in biodiversity with grassy hills, cloudforests, waterfalls and wildlife like sloths, agoutis, toucans and hummingbirds. During your time here take a hike in the valley and see the Petroglyphs, visit the handicrafts market and visit the produce market and take part in a hands-on cooking class.
Day 7-9
Bocas del Toro
Transfer from El Valle to Panama City and fly to Bocas del Toro. During your time in this stunning archipelago, visit Dolphin Bay to observe dolphins playing in their natural habitat, go snorkelling and visit the stunning Red Frog beach.
Day 10-11
Cahuita
Travel overland across in to neighbouring Costa Rica, and spend two nights in the charming Caribbean village of Cahuita, where you will also take a snorkelling tour.
Day 12-13
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
Travel inland to this off-the-beaten-path gem where tropical rainforests, winding rivers and wildlife are abundant. Go on a wonderful rafting trip to spot wildlife along the Sarapiqui river and take a chocolate tour to learn all about the production process.
Day 14-16
Arenal Volcano
Transfer to the impressive Arenal volcano area – although the volcano is not currently active the scenery is still beautiful and the conical volcano is quite the sight. Enjoy some relaxation time in the naturally heated thermal hot springs. Travel up near the Nicaraguan border for a wildlife boat spotting trip in the Cano Negro reserve and explore the rainforests of Arenal from the hanging bridges and get the bird’s eye view as you zipline through the forest.
Day 17
San Jose
Transfer to the Costa Rican capital for the final night. Spend some time exploring the museums or the Central Market in the afternoon.
Day 18
Depart San Jose Airport
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide From $13,300 pp
When to travel
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate year round which can be divided into a distinct dry and rainy season. The dry “summer” period runs from December to April and is the most popular time to travel. The wet season then corresponds from May to December and coincides with tempestuous downpours. Average temperatures range between 26°-28° throughout the year although it is obviously cooler in the highlands along the spine of the mountains.
Costa Rica in January, you'll want to prepare for warm and humid weather. The average temperature during this time of year ranges from 21°C to 32°C, with occasional rain showers to cool things down.
Costa Rica in February, you'll want to prepare for warm and sunny weather. The average temperature during this time of year ranges from 22°C to 33°C.
Costa Rica in March, you can expect warm and pleasant weather with an average temperature ranging from 22°C to 34°C. It's still important to pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen as the sun can be quite strong.
Costa Rica in April, you can expect warm and comfortable weather with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 35°C.
May, you can expect warm and pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 34°C. It's still important to pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's strong rays.
Costa Rica in June, you can expect warm and comfortable weather with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 34°C. It's recommended to pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's strong rays. You may also want to bring a hat and sunglasses to make your trip more comfortable.
Costa Rica in July, you can expect warm and humid weather with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. It's recommended to pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's strong rays. You may also want to bring a hat and sunglasses to make your trip more comfortable. While rain showers are common during this time of year, it's always a good idea to pack a rain jacket or umbrella just in case.
Costa Rica in August, expect warm and humid weather with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C.
Costa Rica in September, expect warm and humid weather with average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 31°C. It's best to pack light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the heat. Don't forget to bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Costa Rica in October, expect warm and humid weather with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C. It's best to pack light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the heat.
Costa Rica in November, expect warm and humid weather with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C.
Costa Rica in December, expect warm and humid weather with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 29°C. It's best to pack light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the heat. Don't forget to bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. While rain showers are common during this time of year, it's always a good idea to pack a rain jacket or umbrella just in case.
Add on’s
For wildlife enthusiasts, consider flying south to explore the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos islands or for Mayan archaeological sites consider heading north to Mexico.
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