Costa Rica & Panama Highlights

14 Days / 13 Nights

Starting from Panama City you will see the very best of both, Panama and Costa Rica: Caribbean islands, the rumbling Arenal volcano, a stunning flora and fauna of the Manuel Antonio National Park, the abundance of birds in Boquete and the cosmopolitan Panama City with its long history and sparkling nightlife. Yes it is true; this package combines all these highlights in an itinerary of two weeks.

Day : 1 - Arrival in Panama City :

After you arrived to Panama, our representative will pick you up at the airport and bring you to your city hotel Country Inn & Suites Amador. The rest of the day is free at your disposal. Enjoy one of the city's fine restaurants and explore the energetic night life.

Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador, breakfast included.

Day : 2 - Panama City - Bocas del Toro :

After your breakfast our representative will pick you up at the hotel and bring you to the airport in order to catch your local flight to Bocas del Toro, an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. Upon arrival in Bocas Town you will continue by boat to Playa Tortuga Hotel. Spend the free afternoon at the marvelous beaches; visit the town or take advantage of the many facilities the hotel offers.

Overnight at Hotel Playa Tortuga, breakfast included.

Day : 3 - Tour to Bocatorito Lagoon, Cayo Coral and Zapatilla Cays :

Today's program will bring you from the pier directly to Laguna Bocatorito where you have a good chance to spot dolphins playing in the water. Continue to Cayo Coral Reef for some snorkelling. Your next and last stop for today will be at Zapatilla Cays. Relax at the beach and take a swim in the crystal clear water of the archipelago Bocas del Toro.

Overnight at Hotel Playa Tortuga, breakfast included.

Day : 4 - Bocas del Toro - San José - Arenal :

Early in the morning you will fly to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Please be aware of the fact, that Costa Rican time is one hour behind Panama time. Continue to the area of the famous Arenal volcano. It is just amazing to see the flawless silhouette of the volcano and to listen to its loud rumblings and frequent explosions of lava and ash. In the night you even can see the red glowing lava flowing down slowly. That is a spectacle no tourist of Costa Rica should miss. In the afternoon our representative will pick you up at your hotel and bring you to the Tabacón hot springs, where you will start your hot springs tour. Enjoy a healthy and soothing treatment while having an amazing view of the Arenal volcano. A delicious dinner at Tabacón will make your day perfect.

Overnight at the Arenal Paraiso Hotel, breakfast included.

Day : 5 - Arenal Paraiso Canopy Tour :

Start the day with an early morning adventure: the Paraíso Canopy tour. It is considered to be one of the best canopies in Costa Rica. This tour offers you a combination of nature and adventure and is situated in the Arenal river canyon. Take a short walk to the first platform, where your guides will check the equipment carefully and give you a very important instruction on how to slide correctly along the cables. And then start this adrenaline experience! Enjoy the free afternoon at your gusto and take advantage of the beautiful surroundings.

Overnight at the Arenal Paraiso Hotel, breakfast included.

Day : 6 - Arenal - Manuel Antonio :

After breakfast you will continue to Manuel Antonio on the lovely Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Spend the afternoon at the wonderful and ample beaches and enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the nice restaurants.

Overnight at Casitas Eclipse, breakfast included.

Day : 7 - Manuel Antonio National Park Tour :

Your highly trained naturalist will guide you through the exotic, bio-diverse tropical rain forest preserve today. Take a hike through the 34 year old Manuel Antonio National Park and learn more about the exuberant flora and fauna. A snack will be served during the tour. Afterwards you may remain in the park and enjoy the beach and take a swim in the crystal clear water.

Overnight at Casitas Eclipse, breakfast included.

Day : 8 - Manuel Antonio - Esquinas :

Today you will continue to Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, hidden in the jungle of remote Piedras Blancas National Park in southern Costa Rica. The lodge is surrounded by thousands of acres of untouched wilderness. It is a retreat for nature lovers wishing to experience the sounds and sights of a tropical rainforest in a tranquil, undisturbed atmosphere. Enjoy the free afternoon at the hotel or take an optional tour.

Overnight at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, three daily meals included.

Day : 9 - Esquinas - Boquete :

The program of today will bring you to Paso Canoas on the boarder of Costa Rica and Panama. First you have to get your passport stamped and then you can continue to Boquete. This lovely mountain village is situated in the highlands of Panama. Be aware of the fact, that Panama time is one hour ahead of Costa Rica time. Enjoy the free afternoon and explore the village and enjoy the eternal spring climate up in the mountains. The hotel's restaurant is run by the famous Chef Charlie Collins. He is considered to offer the best cuisine in the country. He is often called to cook for the president or his state visits. Thus we really recommend dining in the restaurant.

Overnight at the Panamonte Inn & Spa, superior room.

Day : 10 - Quetzal Trek :

Today you will enjoy an adventurous day filled with nature. Watch out together with your naturalist guide for one of the most beautiful birds in Central America: The resplendent Quetzal. You will start hiking in Cerro Punta and walk for about 6 hours back to Boquete. You will be fascinated by the abundance of birds and other animals and the exuberant vegetation. You will have a box lunch on the way.

Overnight at the Panamonte Inn & Spa, superior room.

Day : 11 - Boquete - David - Panama City :

Drive to David to catch your inland flight back to Panama City. After your arrival our representative will pick you up and bring you to your city hotel. Explore the cosmopolitan Panama City during your free afternoon.

Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador, breakfast included.

Day : 12 - Panama City Tour :

Today's program will lead you through Panama City. On your city tour you will firstly see the enormous sky scrapers, the beautiful mansions and a traditional market. Continue towards the so called "Casco Antiguo". Here in the colonial part of the city you will have the chance to see several historical buildings and learn more about the interesting history of Panama City. Afterwards you will visit the Causeway and enjoy the magnificent views of both, the canal and the city. The last stop will be at the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal. This is a unique spot to see the huge ships being lifted or lowered a total of 16 meters.

Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador, breakfast included.

Day : 13 - Embera Indians :

After breakfast you will be transferred northwards to Lake Alajuela. Upon arrival you will board a small boat which will bring you to the beautiful Chagres River. During this journey you will explore abundant, green jungle and exotic wildlife. Feel set back in time while visiting the Embera Indians. Observe their culture and admire how this people have preserved their traditions for hundreds of years. You will have lunch at the Embera village.

Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador, breakfast included.

Day : 14 - Panama City Departure :

Today our representative will transfer you to the International Airport Tocumen in order to catch your flight back home - or anywhere you want to travel.