Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Panama City via Madrid
Fly from London (regional connections available)
to Panama City, via Madrid, with British Airways.
Transfer to Hilton Garden Inn for 2 nights. (N)
Day 2: Panama Canal
Take a shared partial transit and cruise
through the various locks of the Panama Canal.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a
traditional restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Fly to San Jos
Morning city tour including the ruins of old Panama and the historic colonial district. In
the afternoon fly to San Jos for 2 nights at the
Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel. (B, D)
Day 4: San Jos
Morning visit to a coffee plantation on
the slopes of the active Poas volcano and,
subject to volcanic activity, see its crater lake.
Afternoon at leisure. (B, L)
Day 5: Tortuguero
Travel by shared overland transfer to Cao
Blanco on the Caribbean coast. Take a
boat ride along the backwaters that lead to
Tortuguero, looking for wildlife en route. Stay
at Pachira Lodge for 2 nights. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Tortuguero
Full day of shared excursions exploring the
tropical forest and waterways. (B, L, D)
Day 7: La Selva Biological Station Arenal
Return to Cao Blanco by boat and drive
to Arenal. En route, visit La Selva Biological
Station to learn about the scientific and
conservation work of the researchers and
take a short walk in the protected rainforest
surroundings. Stay 2 nights at Arenal Paraiso
with views of Arenal volcano. (B, L)
Day 8: Arenal
Morning tour of the circuit of trails and
suspension bridges, which allow an up-close
view of the rainforest floor and treetop
canopy. Optional evening visit to the hot
springs. (B)
Day 9: Monteverde
Drive along the shores of Lake Arenal, taking
in the spectacular views of the lake and its
surroundings. Continue through the green
mountains to Monteverde and stay 2 nights at
Monteverde Country Lodge. (B)
Day 10: Monteverde
Morning tour of the Monteverde cloud forest,
a habitat for rare flora and fauna such as the
colourful quetzal bird. Afternoon at leisure
or take one of the optional excursions on
offer, including a visit to the Santa Elena
Reserve. (B)
Day 11: Manuel Antonio Tarcoles
Drive to the central Pacific coast and visit
Manuel Antonio for a walking tour of the
national park, where the rainforest extends
right down to the beautiful beaches. This small
park is home to a surprising concentration of
wildlife including sloths, iguanas, endangered
squirrel monkeys and various colourful birds.
Continue to Tarcoles and stay for 2 nights
at the Villa Lapas Hotel, set on a private
rainforest reserve. (B)
Day 12: Carara
Morning visit to Carara National Park, home
to crocodiles, monkeys and scarlet macaws. In
the evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local
restaurant near your hotel. (B, D)
Days 13-14: Fly to London
Transfer to San Jos and fly to London with
British Airways. (B) (N)
