Costa Rica & Panama Highlights

This two weeks itinerary combines the highlights of Panama and Costa Rica. Starting from Panama City you will see the very best: Caribbean islands, the rumbling Arenal volcano, a stunning fauna in Manuel Antonio National Park, the abundance of birds in Boquete and the cosmopolitan Panama City with its long history and lively nightlife.

Day 1 Arrival in Panama City :
Upon arrival to Panama our representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your city hotel for your first night in Panama. In the evening you are free to relax and enjoy one of Panamas fine restaurants and the lively night life of this cosmopolitan city.
Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador, breakfast included.

Day 2 Panama City – Bocas del Toro :
In the morning you will be transferred to the local airport for your flight to Bocas del Toro. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airstrip in Bocas Town and transferred by boat to the Playa Tortuga Hotel, your base for the next two nights. The rest of the day is free at your disposal. Enjoy the hotel’s facilities, the marvellous beaches of the Caribbean archipelago or the lively atmosphere of the nearby town.
Overnight at Hotel Playa Tortuga, breakfast included.

Day 3 Tour to Bocatorito Lagoon, Cayo Coral and Zapatilla Cays :
In the morning you will go to the pier and take the boat in order to start the excursion to Laguna Bocatorito to observe the dolphins swimming in the calm waters of Bocas del Toro archipelago. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to snorkel around the Cayo Coral Reef and finally visit the Zapatilla Cays for some swimming and relaxing at the beach.
Overnight at Hotel Playa Tortuga, breakfast included.

Day 4 Bocas del Toro – San José - Arenal :
Your trip continues with an early morning flight to San José, Costa Rica. Please note that Costa Rican time is one hour behind Panama time. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Arenal area. The flawless silhouette of Arenal Volcano, its loud rumblings and frequent explosions of lava and ash are a sight not to be missed by any visitor to Costa Rica. In the afternoon you will be picked up at your hotel for the Tabacón hot springs tour. At the hot springs you can enjoy a healthy and relaxing soak; it is also possible to see the Arenal Volcano erupting from the comfortable spa. After the relaxing experience you will have dinner at Tabacón.
Overnight at the Arenal Paraiso Hotel, breakfast included.

Day 5 Arenal Paraiso Canopy Tour :
In the morning you will enjoy a great adventure: Arenal Paraíso Canopy tour is considered to be one of the best canopies in the country. The canopy is located in the Arenal river canyon for a perfect combination of nature and adventure. This adrenaline experience begins with a short walk to the first platform where our guides will meticulously check the equipment. Following this inspection your guides will give short but very important instructions on how to slide properly along the cables.
The afternoon is free at your disposal. Take advantage of the unique nature surrounding you.
Overnight at the Arenal Paraiso Hotel, breakfast included.

Day 6 Arenal – Manuel Antonio :
In the morning you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Manuel Antonio on Costa Ricas lovely Pacific Coast. Enjoy the afternoon at the beach and relax.
Overnight at Casitas Eclipse, breakfast included.

Day 7 Manuel Antonio National Park Tour :
Take a leisurely hike with a highly trained, well-educated Costa Rican naturalist guide through our exotic, bio-diverse tropical rain forest preserved in our 34 year old Manuel Antonio National Park. See how many different kinds of flora and fauna you can spot just in the span of a 2,5 hour nature walk or hike. Snacks are offered during the tour, and guest may remain in the park afterwards.
Overnight at Casitas Eclipse, breakfast included.

Day 8 Manuel Antonio - Esquinas :
Enjoy a transfer along the Pacific Coast south to the Esquinas Lodge, your accommodation for the night. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure at the hotel or on one of the optional tours.
Overnight at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, three daily meals included.

Day 9 Esquinas - Boquete :
You will be transferred to Paso Canoas, the boarder of Costa Rica and Panama. After getting your passport stamped you continue the drive to Boquete, a lovely mountain village in Panama’s highlands. Please note that Panama time is one hour ahead of Costa Rican time. The afternoon is free to walk around the village and enjoy the spring like climate. For dinner we recommend you the hotel’s restaurant run by Chef Charlie Collins. He is considered to offer the best cuisine in Panama and is often called to cook for the president or his state visits.
Overnight at the Panamonte Inn & Spa, superior room.

Day 10 Quetzal Trek :
Together with your naturalist guide you will be looking for one of the most beautiful birds in Central America: The resplendent Quetzal. You start your hike in Cerro Punta and hike for about 6 hours back to Boquete. The exuberant vegetation and the abundance of birds and other animals will fascinate you. A box lunch will be had on the way.
Overnight at the Panamonte Inn & Spa, superior room.

Day 11 Boquete – David – Panama City :
You will be transferred to David for your domestic flight back to Panama City. Upon arrival you will be driven to your city hotel. The afternoon is free to spend in Panama City.
Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador, breakfast included.

Day 12 Panama City Tour :
Today you will enjoy a city tour through Panama City. First you will see the sky scrapers, mansions and a traditional market. Then you will head towards the colonial part of the city: “Casco Antiguo”, where you can see several historical buildings. Then you will continue to the Causeway with magnificent views of the city and the canal. A final stop will be held at the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal – a unique spot to see the huge vessels being lifted or lowered a total of 16 meters.
Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador, breakfast included.

Day 13 Embera Indians :
Today in the early morning, you will be driven up north towards Lake Alajuela. Once there, you will board a small boat, which will take you to Chagres River. You will explore lush jungle and exotic wildlife during your journey. While visiting the Embera Indians, you will be set back in time, as you observe the culture of people who have preserved their traditions for hundreds of years. Lunch will be served at the Embera village.
Overnight at the Country Inn & Suites Amador, breakfast included.

Day 14 Panama City Departure :
You will be picked up at your hotel for the transfer to the Tocumen Airport for your international flight back home.

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