Panama and Costa Rica Experience

Costa Rica & Panama: Rainforests, Volcanoes & The Panama Canal

Overview

Small in size but rich in biodiversity, Costa Rica and Panama boast a stunning variety of ecosystems—from active volcanoes and lush rainforests to cloud forests, lagoons, and pristine beaches. This immersive journey covers both countries’ iconic highlights, including the legendary Panama Canal and several of Costa Rica’s most celebrated national parks, stretching from the Caribbean to the Pacific.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Panama City via Madrid

• Depart London (regional connections available) to Panama City, via Madrid with British Airways
• Transfer to Hilton Garden Inn for 2-night stay
  Meals: None

Day 2: Panama Canal Transit

• Shared partial transit cruise through the famous Panama Canal locks
• Evening welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Panama City Tour • Fly to San José

• Morning city tour:
  • Old Panama ruins
  • Colonial quarter of Casco Viejo
• Afternoon flight to San José, Costa Rica
• Stay 2 nights at Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel
  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Poas Volcano & Coffee Tour

• Visit a coffee plantation on the slopes of Poas Volcano
• (Weather/volcanic activity permitting) view the crater lake
• Afternoon at leisure
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Travel to Tortuguero

• Overland transfer to Caño Blanco
• Scenic boat ride through jungle waterways to Tortuguero
• 2-night stay at Pachira Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Explore Tortuguero

• Full day of shared excursions exploring the rainforest and canal system
• Rich in wildlife: monkeys, toucans, caimans, sloths
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: La Selva Biological Station • Arenal

• Return to Caño Blanco by boat, then drive to Arenal
• En route visit La Selva Biological Station
  • Learn about tropical research and conservation
  • Guided rainforest walk
• 2-night stay at Arenal Paraiso, with volcano views
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Arenal Rainforest & Bridges

• Guided walk along trails and suspension bridges, offering canopy-level views
• Optional evening visit to natural hot springs
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Travel to Monteverde

• Scenic drive around Lake Arenal and through the green mountains to Monteverde
• Stay 2 nights at Monteverde Country Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Monteverde Cloud Forest

• Morning guided walk in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Look out for the elusive quetzal
• Afternoon at leisure or optional visit to Santa Elena Reserve
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Manuel Antonio • Tarcoles

• Transfer to the Pacific coast
• Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Beaches, rainforest trails, and wildlife including sloths, squirrel monkeys, and iguanas
• Continue to Tarcoles
• 2-night stay at Villa Lapas Hotel, located in a private rainforest reserve
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Carara National Park

• Morning visit to Carara National Park
  • Rich in biodiversity: crocodiles, monkeys, and scarlet macaws
• Evening farewell dinner at a local restaurant
  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Days 13–14: Return to London

• Transfer to San José Airport
• Fly back to London with British Airways, arriving the next day
  Meals: Breakfast (Day 13), None (Day 14)