Costa Rica & Panama Adventure

Welcome to Costa Rica! Your Caribbean adventure begins in the lively capital of San Jose, where you’ll meet your group and local leader for a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at the hotel. As the itinerary includes limited time in the city, you may want to arrive a little earlier to explore its culture and attractions. Perhaps visit the famous Gold Museum to see impressive Indigenous gold artefacts, or wander through the Central Market and local artisan markets filled with handicrafts, coffee and traditional Costa Rican cuisine.

• It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning, travel by public bus to Sarapiqui – a lush region famous for its rich rainforest landscapes and incredible biodiversity. After arriving, enjoy some free time to explore the area, perhaps spotting colourful birds, searching for local wildlife or visiting nearby waterfalls. Later, join a local guide for a jungle walk through the tropical rainforest, where you’ll have the chance to look for fascinating wildlife including sloths, bats, snakes, frogs and many other native species hidden within the jungle.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Today, travel by private transfer to the vibrant Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. After arriving, join your local leader for an orientation walk to discover the town’s colourful atmosphere, lively streets and coastal charm. With free time afterwards, you may choose to relax on nearby surf beaches, explore local cafés and bars or wander through the tropical surroundings filled with rainforest fruit farms and Caribbean culture.

This evening, enjoy an authentic cultural experience as you visit a local family home to help prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner. Discover the rich flavours of the region through dishes made with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, vegetables and aromatic spices blended with coconut, ginger, curry, thyme and local peppers.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today is free for you to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast at your own pace. You may choose to visit nearby Cahuita National Park, known for its beautiful beaches, rainforest trails and abundant wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, raccoons and colourful tropical birds. If you’re interested, your leader can help arrange transportation to the park. For something more active, optional surf lessons are available in Puerto Viejo, making it a great place to try riding the Caribbean waves. Or simply spend the day relaxing by the beach with good food, music and a cold drink in hand.

Today, journey from Costa Rica into Panama as you travel toward the beautiful Bocas del Toro archipelago. After a shared transfer to the border, walk across the historic railway bridge before continuing by taxi or shared minivan to Almirante. From there, take a short boat ride across the Caribbean waters to Isla Colón – the lively heart of Bocas del Toro.

Known for its palm-lined beaches, crystal-clear water and vibrant island atmosphere, Bocas del Toro is a Caribbean paradise perfect for relaxation and adventure alike. Spend the next three nights on Isla Colón, where colourful streets, beach bars, restaurants and local activity operators are all within easy reach of your hotel. With influences from West Indian, Latino and international communities, the islands offer a unique mix of culture, music, nightlife and cuisine.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Border formalities take up to 1 hour. Have your passport, proof of onward travel (flight or bus ticket), and USD cash for fees ready (see Passports and visas section of Essential Trip Information for amounts). Ensure you get both Costa Rica exit and Panama entry stamps. You’ll need to carry your own luggage and walk 650m to cross the border.

Today is yours to explore the tropical beauty of the Bocas del Toro archipelago at your own pace. Several stunning beaches are located within easy reach of Isla Colón, offering crystal-clear waters, white sand and colourful coral reefs perfect for swimming and relaxing. Popular beaches like Starfish Beach, Sandfly Beach and Big Creek are ideal for a safe swim, while other areas may have stronger currents and should be approached with caution.

Whether you choose to snorkel, relax under the palms or discover the island’s laid-back Caribbean atmosphere, there’s plenty to enjoy throughout the day. In the evening, head into town to experience Bocas del Toro’s lively nightlife, beach bars and local restaurants – your leader will be happy to recommend the best spots for food, music and sunset drinks.

This morning, travel by boat to nearby Isla Popa for a meaningful cultural experience with the Ngäbe-Buglé Indigenous community. The local women here lead a community tourism initiative, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about their traditions, daily life and local customs. During a guided orientation walk through the village, you’ll visit local homes and spend time with community members while gaining insight into their way of life and connection to the surrounding environment.

After your visit, return to Bocas del Toro and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, soaking up the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere, tropical scenery and island sunshine.

Today, travel by boat and private minibus to the beautiful mountain town of Boquete. The journey is longer today, so sit back and enjoy the changing landscapes as you leave the Caribbean coast behind and head into Panama’s lush highlands. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, coffee plantations and colourful gardens, Boquete is known for its cool climate and stunning natural scenery.

After arriving, join your leader for an orientation walk through town and enjoy a casual Spanish lesson to help you connect with locals during your travels. The rest of the evening is free to relax or plan tomorrow’s activities. Optional experiences such as coffee tours, waterfall hikes and hot spring visits can usually be arranged directly through the hotel.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

Today is free for you to explore the beautiful highland town of Boquete at your own pace. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the region’s lush mountain scenery. You might choose to hike through the jungle to hidden waterfalls known mainly to locals, unwind in the natural Caldera hot springs or simply stroll through town soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.

Coffee lovers will especially enjoy Boquete, as the region is famous for producing some of the world’s finest coffee. Consider visiting a local coffee plantation to learn about the production process, or settle into a cosy café and enjoy a freshly brewed cup surrounded by mountain views.

This morning, leave the cool mountain landscapes of Boquete behind and travel to the southern Panamanian city of Chitre. After arriving around lunchtime, join your leader for an orientation walk through the city and discover its local atmosphere, colonial influences and cultural highlights. Your leader will also be happy to recommend some great spots to enjoy lunch.

Later, visit a traditional mask workshop to learn more about Panama’s rich cultural heritage and the colourful masks used during local festivals and celebrations. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Chitre at your own pace.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Depart Chitre this morning and travel towards vibrant Panama City. Along the way, stop at the Miraflores Visitor Centre for a closer look at the world-famous Panama Canal. Overlooking one of the canal’s major locks, the centre offers fascinating insight into the history, construction and engineering behind this incredible waterway as massive ships pass through below.

Continue to Panama City and, upon arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk through the city. Admire panoramic views of the modern skyline and the historic Casco Viejo district while passing lively waterfront areas filled with local food stalls, parks and soccer fields. This evening, perhaps gather with your group for a final farewell dinner and celebrate the end of your Central American adventure.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

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.