Overview
This 12-day / 11-night Panama & Costa Rica journey offers an immersive experience through two of Central America’s most captivating tropical destinations, blending vibrant cities, Caribbean coastlines, lush rainforests, rich biodiversity, and scenic volcanic landscapes. The adventure begins in Panama City, where modern urban life meets history and world-famous engineering at the iconic Panama Canal and Miraflores Locks. From there, travel to the idyllic Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro, known for its crystal-clear waters, laid-back island atmosphere, marine life, and white-sand beaches, including experiences such as dolphin spotting, sloth observation, snorkeling in coral-rich waters, and visits to picturesque islands.
The journey then continues into Costa Rica, crossing into the colorful Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo, celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture, tropical beaches, and relaxed lifestyle. Further inland, explore the rainforest region of Sarapiquí, where a guided night walk at Tirimbina Biological Reserve offers the chance to encounter fascinating nocturnal wildlife in its natural habitat. The experience concludes in the breathtaking Arenal region, home to the majestic Arenal Volcano, lush forests, hot springs, and optional adventure activities, before ending in San José. Featuring comfortable accommodations, included transfers, selected guided excursions, and daily breakfast, this itinerary provides the perfect combination of nature, wildlife, culture, relaxation, and adventure across two unforgettable countries.
What's Included
- Return International Flights
- Domestic flight in Panama with 1 checked bag allowance up to 18 kg (39.6 lbs)
- Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Shared transfers between all destinations/zones throughout the trip
- 2 nights accommodation in Panama City
- 3 nights accommodation in Bocas del Toro
- 2 nights accommodation in Puerto Viejo
- 1 night accommodation in Sarapiquí
- 2 nights accommodation in Arenal
- 1 night accommodation in San José
- Daily breakfast during hotel stays
- Shared excursions including the Panama Canal & Miraflores Locks tour
- Dolphin, Sloth & Snorkeling tour in Bocas del Toro
- Night Walk at Tirimbina Biological Reserve in Sarapiquí
- Local guides and entrance fees for included tours
- Applicable local taxes included
Highlights
- Explore vibrant Panama City and witness the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal & Miraflores Locks
- Experience the Caribbean charm of Bocas del Toro with pristine beaches and island vibes
- Enjoy a Dolphin, Sloth & Snorkeling tour, including Coral Cay and beautiful Cayo Zapatilla
- Cross from Panama to Costa Rica through a scenic boat and land transfer experience
- Relax in the laid-back Afro-Caribbean atmosphere of Puerto Viejo
- Discover Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity during a guided night walk at Tirimbina Biological Reserve
- Visit the lush rainforest region of Sarapiquí, known for exotic wildlife and tropical landscapes
- Stay in the scenic Arenal region, famous for the majestic Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and adventure activities
- Enjoy a balanced itinerary with a mix of nature, beaches, wildlife, culture, and leisure time
- Experience two tropical countries in one journey — Panama & Costa Rica.
Accommodation & Facilities
The TRYP Panama Centro is located in the heart of Panama City in the upscale El Cangrejo, Bella Vista neighborhood just 15 miles from Tocumen International Airport & 250 mts from the New El Carmen Metro (Subway) Station. Enjoy a stylish stay with vibrant décor, a rooftop pool, gym, sauna, on-site restaurant and bar, and three banquet halls. Our unbeatable location is within walking distance of the city's hottest dining, shopping, and nightlife.
Hotel Swan 's Cay is located on Main Street where it has a great advantage where it is accessible to all facilities and shops, offers elegant and comfortable rooms with private bathroom , air conditioners , televisions , safe , mini fridge and access to high speed internet , we have rooms for couples and families. Definitely the best place to enjoy a relaxing holiday.
The Caribbean Courtyard Villa is a contemporary, eco-friendly luxury jungle retreat located in Puerto Viejo / Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica. Designed by Studio Saxe, the villa blends sustainable, modern tropical architecture with the surrounding jungle environment.
La Quinta Sarapiquí Lodge is a simple but charming hotel, located 95 kilometers from San José. This perfect destination combines a tremendous biological diversity with comfortable accommodations, easy access and personalized Costa Rican hospitality. It is an ideal base for both casual and avid birders. Our lodge has 35 rooms in bungalows, most of them accesible by wheelchair, complemented by a roofed porch with a hammock and rocking chairs. Our rooms are surrounded by tropical gardens rich in heliconias, gingers, palms and flowering trees, which are home to hundreds of different species of flora and fauna. On site features include a butterfly house, a frog land, lush tropical gardens, two swimming pools, reforestation area, vegetable gardens, animal production units and pathways along the riverside. We also offer homemade jams cooked with 100% renewable energy using products from our gardens. One of the very few Costa Rican hotels certified with 5 leaves in sustainable tourism.
Hotel Eco Arenal is an affordable, nature-focused hotel located just 2 kilometers (about 1 mile) north of downtown La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Nestled in the Northern Lowlands, this eco-conscious property offers a quiet mountain getaway with direct, captivating views of the iconic Arenal Volcano. It is highly regarded by families, groups, and couples looking for a budget-friendly base to explore the region’s rainforests, hot springs, and adventure sports.
This full-service San Jose, Costa Rica hotel offers convenient access to many local attractions including the Costa Rican Art Museum, the Braulio Carrillo National Park and the Poas Volcano. Whether traveling on business or just taking a trip for fun, the Irazu Hotel & Studios offers all of the amenities and conveniences to ensure a worry-free and enjoyable stay. This full-service San Jose, Costa Rica hotel provides comfortable accommodations, superb customer service and a centralized location, all for a great value. The hotel is ideally situated just a few minutes from the heart of downtown San Jose and a short distance from the Juan Santamaria International Airport. Each of the 194 well-appointed guest rooms features cable satellite television, unlimited international IP calls (small fee applies) and free wireless internet access. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet, served daily from 6:00 am to 10 am at The Terraza Irazú.
Itinerary
Explore the day-by-day breakdown of your journey through Costa Rica.
Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama, you will be greeted by a private shuttle and transferred to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is free for you to relax after the flight or begin exploring Panama City at your own pace. Overnight stay at Tryp Panama Hotel (or similar). Meals are not included on this day.
Gallery
More Information
Unless specifically stated as Included
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities
- Optional Activities / Highlights
- Meals and drinks not specifically stated as included