Costa Rica & Panama Discovery
Tour Description
Day 1: San Jose
Get under the surface of Costa Rica and Panama with this 12-day Caribbean adventure. From San Jose to Panama City, you’ll get introduced to some of the most beautiful spots in two Central American countries, with a perfect balance of included activities and free time for your own explorations. You’ll visit the Ngabe-Bugle community on Isla Popa, learn how to make a traditional Caribbean meal, look out for wildlife on a jungle walk, visit a lock along the Panama Canal and soak in the local hotspots in areas seldom travelled. You can’t go wrong with your local leader to steer you in the right direction (to the best bars and surf breaks), plus a small group of adventurers to enjoy them with.
Itinerary
Day 1: San Jose
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins in San Jose with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel. As this trip spends very little time here, it’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early and see the sights. If you do, maybe visit The Gold Museum and it’s amazing collection of Indigenous gold art. Or if you’re in the mood for a bit of shopping, head to the Mercado Municipal de Artesanias or the city’s Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood.
Day 2: Sarapiqui
This morning, hop on a public bus and make your way to Sarapiqui – a town known for its rich biodiversity and lush rainforest. When you arrive, enjoy some free time here to go birdwatching, spot some local wildlife or hike to one of the nearby waterfalls. Then, meet up with a local guide to head out on a jungle walk. Look out for elusive creatures like sloths, bats, snakes, frogs and a whole lot more.
Day 3: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Today, take a private transfer to Puerto Viejo. When you arrive, get to know this laid-back jungle town during an orientation walk with your local leader, then enjoy the rest of the day to explore at your leisure. A small and coastal city, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has a lively main street featuring dance halls, reggaeton bars and modern restaurants. If you’re looking for a little bit of relaxation, you’ll also find great surf beaches and rainforest fruit farms to kick back on.
Day 4: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Today is free, so you can ease into the vibes of the Caribbean coast. You might like to take your time exploring Cahuita National Park, which is about a 20 minute ride away from Puerto Viejo – your leader can help you arrange a transfer. Cahuita National Park is home to sloths, monkeys, raccoons, snakes and a great variety of birds. If the waves are calling (but your footing isn’t so sure), surf lessons are also on offer in town. Of course, you could also simply find a cool spot and relax with a beer in hand. To top today off, you’ll prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home. Enjoy a mixture of fruits, seafood, tubers and vegetables combined with coconut flavours, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, curry, Panamanian pepper and thyme.
Day 5: Bocas del Toro
Today, take a local bus to the border, then walk across an old railway bridge into Panama. Continue by taxi or collective minivan to Almirante, where you’ll take a short boat ride to Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro archipelago – rapidly becoming a Caribbean favourite, this place has it all. Hit the palm-shaded beaches with crystal-clear waters, enjoy some spectacular snorkelling opportunities and look out for lots of wildlife. Culturally, Bocas is home to West Indians, Latinos and expats, resulting in diverse music, nightlife and food scenes. For the next three nights, you’ll stay in Isla Colon – the main town of Bocas del Toro. It’s a great spot to start your exploration of the archipelago, with most bars, restaurants and local activity operators just metres from your hotel.
Day 6: Bocas del Toro
Today is the first of two free days to explore this tropical archipelago. Several beaches are within reach of town, between 8 and 14 km from your hotel. With azure waters, pristine coral reefs and a rollicking nightlife, it’s easy to see why these islands are a favourite for so many travellers. The safest beaches are Starfish, Sandfly and Big Creek – be aware that others may have strong riptides. When the sun goes down, why not head into town and check out the local bar and restaurant scene? Ask your leader about the best place to grab a drink.
Day 7: Bocas del Toro
This morning, hop on a boat to the nearby Isla Popa, where you’ll get to spend time meeting the Ngabe-Bugle indigenous community. The local women here run a community tourism project, and you’ll have the chance to learn about their lifestyle during an orientation walk through the community. You’ll stop in at a local home as well as a spending some time with a local family. Say your farewells and return to Bocas de Toro, then enjoy the rest of a hugely rewarding day free in the Caribbean sun.
Day 8: Boquete
Travel by boat and local bus to Boquete – this is a bit of a lengthy journey, so be sure to have a book, podcast or daydream to keep you occupied. Boquete is a picturesque town located in the highlands of Panama, surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear creeks and rivers, forest reserves and colourful wildflowers, as well as coffee plantations and orange groves. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy an informal Spanish lesson to get to grips with the local language. Tomorrow will be a free day, wide open for exploring – most optional activities can be organised directly from the hotel, though it’s a good idea to book them when you arrive tonight if you know what you want to do.
Day 9: Boquete
There are plenty of ways to experience Boquete today, so be sure to chat to your leader and the hotel front desk to get the best insider tips. You could discover the secret waterfalls only locals know about on a walking tour in the jungle. Or maybe you’d prefer to soak it up in the Caldera hot springs. If you’re a coffee lover, consider visiting a plantation or simply kicking back in town with a cup of the local brew – some of the best coffee in the world is grown and processed right here in Boquete!
Day 10: Chitre
Say goodbye to Boquete and head to the southern city of Chitre. Arrive around lunchtime, then head out for an orientation walk with your leader (who will also be able to point you in the right direction for a good lunch spot). After a bite to eat, rejoin your fellow travellers head to a mask workshop for a glimpse at the country’s cultural heritage – elaborate masks and costumes are a feature of many festivals in Panama. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Chitre.
Day 11: Panama City
Depart Chitre this morning, heading for Panama City. Stop at the Miraflores Visitor Centre, which overlooks one of the locks that control the flow of ships through the Panama Canal. Learn about the canal’s history and engineering, then head back on the road to Panama City. On arrival head out on a leader-led orientation walk. Take in the great views of the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town) and the Panama City skyline as you stroll past crowded waterfront soccer fields, running paths and food carts. You might like to regroup with your fellow travellers in the evening for a final farewell dinner.
Day 12: Panama City
With no planned activities today, you can depart at any time. If you would like to spend some more time in Panama City, just speak to your booking agent.
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 15, 2025 | Oct 26, 2025 | $2,520.00 | |
| Oct 29, 2025 | Nov 9, 2025 | $3,000.00 | |
| Nov 5, 2025 | Nov 16, 2025 | $3,695.00 | |
| Nov 12, 2025 | Nov 23, 2025 | $3,695.00 | |
| Nov 19, 2025 | Nov 30, 2025 | $2,779.50 | |
| Nov 26, 2025 | Dec 7, 2025 | $2,779.50 | |
| Dec 3, 2025 | Dec 14, 2025 | $3,490.00 | |
| Dec 10, 2025 | Dec 21, 2025 | $3,150.00 | |
| Dec 17, 2025 | Dec 28, 2025 | $3,595.00 | |
| Dec 20, 2025 | Dec 31, 2025 | $3,695.00 | |
| Dec 27, 2025 | Jan 7, 2026 | $3,695.00 | |
| Jan 3, 2026 | Jan 14, 2026 | $3,580.00 | |
| Jan 10, 2026 | Jan 21, 2026 | $3,345.00 | |
| Jan 17, 2026 | Jan 28, 2026 | $3,285.00 | |
| Jan 21, 2026 | Feb 1, 2026 | $3,580.00 | |
| Jan 24, 2026 | Feb 4, 2026 | $3,475.00 | |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Feb 8, 2026 | $3,355.00 | |
| Jan 31, 2026 | Feb 11, 2026 | $3,285.00 | |
| Feb 4, 2026 | Feb 15, 2026 | $3,405.00 | |
| Feb 11, 2026 | Feb 22, 2026 | $3,285.00 | |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Mar 2, 2026 | $3,705.00 | |
| Feb 23, 2026 | Mar 6, 2026 | $3,425.00 | |
| Feb 26, 2026 | Mar 9, 2026 | $3,425.00 | |
| Mar 2, 2026 | Mar 13, 2026 | $3,550.00 | |
| Mar 9, 2026 | Mar 20, 2026 | $3,360.00 | |
| Mar 19, 2026 | Mar 30, 2026 | $3,470.00 | |
| Mar 23, 2026 | Apr 3, 2026 | $3,360.00 | |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Apr 10, 2026 | $3,360.00 | |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Apr 13, 2026 | $3,360.00 | |
| Apr 13, 2026 | Apr 24, 2026 | $3,360.00 | |
| Apr 23, 2026 | May 4, 2026 | $3,265.00 | |
| Apr 27, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | $3,265.00 | |
| May 7, 2026 | May 18, 2026 | $3,265.00 | |
| May 14, 2026 | May 25, 2026 | $3,265.00 | |
| May 28, 2026 | Jun 8, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Jun 4, 2026 | Jun 15, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Jun 18, 2026 | Jun 29, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Jun 25, 2026 | Jul 6, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Jul 9, 2026 | Jul 20, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Jul 13, 2026 | Jul 24, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Jul 20, 2026 | Jul 31, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Jul 30, 2026 | Aug 10, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Aug 3, 2026 | Aug 14, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Aug 10, 2026 | Aug 21, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Aug 20, 2026 | Aug 31, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Sep 14, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Sep 10, 2026 | Sep 21, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Sep 17, 2026 | Sep 28, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Oct 5, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Oct 19, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | $3,170.00 | |
| Oct 22, 2026 | Nov 2, 2026 | $3,265.00 | |
| Oct 26, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 | $3,265.00 | |
| Nov 2, 2026 | Nov 13, 2026 | $3,360.00 | |
| Nov 5, 2026 | Nov 16, 2026 | $3,360.00 | |
| Nov 12, 2026 | Nov 23, 2026 | $3,360.00 | |
| Nov 16, 2026 | Nov 27, 2026 | $3,360.00 | |
| Nov 30, 2026 | Dec 11, 2026 | $3,360.00 | |
| Dec 7, 2026 | Dec 18, 2026 | $3,265.00 | |
| Dec 14, 2026 | Dec 25, 2026 | $3,265.00 | |
| Dec 21, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | $3,425.00 | |
| Dec 24, 2026 | Jan 4, 2027 | $3,425.00 | |
| Dec 28, 2026 | Jan 8, 2027 | $3,425.00 | |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Jan 11, 2027 | $3,425.00 | |
| Jan 7, 2027 | Jan 18, 2027 | $3,595.00 | |
| Jan 14, 2027 | Jan 25, 2027 | $3,595.00 | |
| Jan 18, 2027 | Jan 29, 2027 | $3,595.00 | |
| Jan 21, 2027 | Feb 1, 2027 | $3,595.00 | |
| Jan 25, 2027 | Feb 5, 2027 | $3,595.00 | |
| Jan 28, 2027 | Feb 8, 2027 | $3,595.00 | |
| Feb 4, 2027 | Feb 15, 2027 | $3,595.00 | |
| Feb 11, 2027 | Feb 22, 2027 | $3,595.00 | |
| Feb 15, 2027 | Feb 26, 2027 | $3,595.00 | |
| Feb 18, 2027 | Mar 1, 2027 | $3,595.00 | |
| Feb 22, 2027 | Mar 5, 2027 | $3,595.00 | |
| Feb 25, 2027 | Mar 8, 2027 | $3,595.00 | |
| Mar 1, 2027 | Mar 12, 2027 | $3,530.00 | |
| Mar 8, 2027 | Mar 19, 2027 | $3,530.00 | |
| Mar 18, 2027 | Mar 29, 2027 | $3,530.00 | |
| Mar 22, 2027 | Apr 2, 2027 | $3,530.00 | |
| Mar 29, 2027 | Apr 9, 2027 | $3,530.00 | |
| Apr 1, 2027 | Apr 12, 2027 | $3,530.00 | |
| Apr 12, 2027 | Apr 23, 2027 | $3,530.00 | |
| Apr 22, 2027 | May 3, 2027 | $3,430.00 | |
| Apr 26, 2027 | May 7, 2027 | $3,430.00 | |
| May 3, 2027 | May 14, 2027 | $3,430.00 | |
| May 6, 2027 | May 17, 2027 | $3,430.00 | |
| May 13, 2027 | May 24, 2027 | $3,430.00 | |
| May 27, 2027 | Jun 7, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Jun 3, 2027 | Jun 14, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Jun 10, 2027 | Jun 21, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Jun 17, 2027 | Jun 28, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Jun 24, 2027 | Jul 5, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Jul 8, 2027 | Jul 19, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Jul 12, 2027 | Jul 23, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Jul 19, 2027 | Jul 30, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Jul 22, 2027 | Aug 2, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Jul 29, 2027 | Aug 9, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Aug 2, 2027 | Aug 13, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Aug 9, 2027 | Aug 20, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Aug 19, 2027 | Aug 30, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Sep 2, 2027 | Sep 13, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Sep 9, 2027 | Sep 20, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Sep 16, 2027 | Sep 27, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Oct 4, 2027 | Oct 15, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Oct 18, 2027 | Oct 29, 2027 | $3,330.00 | |
| Oct 21, 2027 | Nov 1, 2027 | $3,430.00 | |
| Oct 25, 2027 | Nov 5, 2027 | $3,430.00 | |
| Nov 1, 2027 | Nov 12, 2027 | $3,430.00 | |
| Nov 4, 2027 | Nov 15, 2027 | $3,430.00 | |
| Nov 11, 2027 | Nov 22, 2027 | $3,430.00 | |
| Nov 15, 2027 | Nov 26, 2027 | $3,530.00 | |
| Nov 25, 2027 | Dec 6, 2027 | $3,530.00 | |
| Nov 29, 2027 | Dec 10, 2027 | $3,530.00 | |
| Dec 6, 2027 | Dec 17, 2027 | $3,430.00 | |
| Dec 13, 2027 | Dec 24, 2027 | $3,430.00 | |
| Dec 20, 2027 | Dec 31, 2027 | $3,595.00 | |
| Dec 23, 2027 | Jan 3, 2028 | $3,595.00 | |
| Dec 27, 2027 | Jan 7, 2028 | $3,595.00 | |
| Dec 30, 2027 | Jan 10, 2028 | $3,595.00 |