12 days tour

Costa Rica & Panama Discovery

Costa Rica & Panama Discovery

This tour includes:

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if weโ€™re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isnโ€™t always possible which means we wonโ€™t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. Hotel (8 nights),Cabins (2 nights) Hostel Multishare (2 nights)

Others

Puerto Viejo - Leader-led orientation bicycle ride Informal Spanish Lesson Boquete - Orientation walk Panama City - Leader-led walk along part of the Cinta Costera (Causeway) including a visit to the Fish Market

Transport

Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi,Shared boat

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Not included:

Flights

International flights not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Meals

1 dinner

Others

Other activities and services not included

Optional

San Jose - Gold Museum - USD11 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Cahuita National Park - USD5 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Jaguar Rescue Centre - USD15 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Surf lesson (1 hr) - USD30 Boquete - Guided tour of hidden waterfalls - USD50 Boquete - Mini canyons - USD30 Boquete - Guided bike tour - USD55 Boquete - Calderas hot springs - USD35 Boquete - Zipline - USD65 Boquete - Coffee Plantation tour - USD35 Santa Catalina - Surf lesson (2 hrs) - USD35 Santa Catalina - Coiba Island & Grano de Oro snorkelling trip - USD100 Santa Catalina - Fishing trip (half day) - USD100 Santa Catalina - Surfboard rental (per day) - USD15 Panama City - Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks) - USD15

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Costa Rica & Panama Discovery

  • Day 1 Day 1: San Josรฉ
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: San Josรฉ

      Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! Welcome to Costa Rica! Make your own way to the hotel where you adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. As this trip spends very little time here, we recommend arriving a day or two earlier to see the sights or take an Urban Adventure with an expert local guide. The Gold Museum has an amazing collection of indigenous gold art. If youโ€™re in the mood for a bit of shopping, head to the outdoor market in the Plaza de la Cultura or the cityโ€™s Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood.

      Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 2 Day 2: Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

      Today we take a local bus to Puerto Viejo. On arrival, get to know this laid-back jungle town during an orientation walk with your local leader, then enjoy the rest of the day explore at your leisure. A small and coastal city, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has a lively main street featuring dancehalls, reggaeton bars and modern restaurants. If youโ€™re looking for a little relaxation, youโ€™ll also find great surf beaches and rainforest fruit farms.

      Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 3 Day 3: Puerto Viejo De Talamanca
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

      Today is free for you to ease into the vibes of the Caribbean coast. You might take your time to explore Cahuita National Park, which is easily accessible from Puerto Viejo and home to sloths, monkeys, raccoons, snakes and a great variety of birds. If the waves are calling but your footing isnโ€™t so sure, surf lessons are also on offer in town. Of course, you could also simply find a cool spot and relax with a beer in hand. To top today off weโ€™ll prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home. Enjoy a mixture of fruits, seafood, tubers and vegetables combined with coconut flavours, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, curry Panamian pepper and thyme.

      Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 4 Day 4: Bocas Del Toro / Isla Colon
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Bocas Del Toro / Isla Colon

      Today we take a local bus to the border, then walk across an old railway bridge into Panama. Continue by taxi or collective minivan to Almirante, where youโ€™ll take a short boat ride to Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Rapidly becoming a Caribbean favourite, Bocas del Toro has it all โ€“ palm-shaded beaches with crystal-clear water, spectacular snorkelling and lots of wildlife. Culturally, Bocas is home to West Indians, Latinos and expats, resulting in diverse music, nightlife and food scenes. For the next three nights, youโ€™ll stay on Isla Colon, the main town in Bocas del Toro. Itโ€™s a great spot to start your exploration of the archipelago from, with most bars, restaurants and local activity operators just metres from your hotel.

      Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 5 Day 5: Bocas Del Toro / Isla Colon
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Bocas Del Toro / Isla Colon

      Today is the first of two free days to explore this tropical archipelago. There are several beaches within reach from town, lying between 8 and 14 kilometres from your hotel. With azure waters, pristine coral reefs and a rollicking nightlife, itโ€™s easy to see why these islands are a favourite haunt for so many travellers. The safest beaches are Starfish, Sandfly and Big Creek. Be aware others may have strong riptides. When the sun goes down, why not head into town and check out the local bar and restaurant scene. Ask your leader about the best place to grab a drink.

      Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 6 Day 6: Bocas Del Toro / Isla Colon
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Bocas Del Toro / Isla Colon

      Enjoy another free day in the Caribbean sun. Maybe take the opportunity to do some surfing or snorkelling, to rent a bike and explore the main island, or simply soak in the chilled-out vibe while enjoying a cold one on the beach.

      Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 7 Day 7: Boquete
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Boquete

      Travel by boat and local bus to Boquete, this is a lengthy journey, be sure to have a book, podcast or daydream to keep you occupied. Boquete is a picturesque town located in the highlands of Panama, surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear creeks and rivers, forest reserves, and colourful wildflowers, as well as coffee plantations and orange groves. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader on arrival and enjoy an informal Spanish lesson to get to grips with the local language. Tomorrow will be a free day, wide open for exploring โ€“ most optional activities can be organised directly from the hostel, though itโ€™s a good idea book them on arrival tonight if you know what you want to do.

      Accommodation: Hostel (Multishare)

  • Day 8 Day 8: Boquete
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Boquete

      There are plenty of ways for you to experience Boquete today, be sure to chat to your leader and hostel front desk to get the best insiders tips. You could discover the secret waterfalls only locals know about on a walking tour in the jungle. Or maybe youโ€™d prefer to soak it up in the caldera hot springs. If youโ€™re a coffee lover, consider taking a visit to a plantation or simply kicking back in town with a cup of the local brew โ€“ some of the best coffee in the world is grown and processed right here in Boquete.

      Accommodation: Hostel (Multishare)

  • Day 9 Day 9: Santa Catalina
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Santa Catalina

      Today we catch a bus to Santa Catalina, situated on the Pacific coast of Panama. Remote and somewhat undeveloped, this region offers some of the best surfing in Central America, as well as some of the most relaxed vibes. Enjoy free time upon arrival. Itโ€™s going to be late afternoon or early evening by the time you get in, so perhaps find a spot to share a drink and fresh seafood dinner with your fellow travellers, or head to the beach for a sundown swim.

      Accommodation: Cabins

  • Day 10 Day 10: Santa Catalina
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Santa Catalina

      Aside from surfing, the main way to pass the time in Santa Catalina is by relaxing, preferably in a hammock. But if youโ€™re keen for something active, perhaps take a trip out to Coiba National Marine Park, where you can snorkel with turtles, angel rays and schools of colourful fish. Alternatively, half-day fishing trips or surfboard hire is available in the town.

      Accommodation: Cabins

  • Day 11 Day 11: Panama City
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Panama City

      Trade in the beach for the city and travel to Panama City, Central Americaโ€™s glitziest capital. Arrive late afternoon and head into the city for a leader led walk. Take in great views of the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town) and the Panama City skyline as you stroll past crowded waterfront soccer fields, running paths and food carts. Afterwards, enjoy free time to sample Panama Cityโ€™s thriving nightlife.

      Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 12 Day 12: Panama City
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Panama City

      Today, head to the cityโ€™s gorgeous waterfront promenade, the Cinta Costera (causeway), for a walking tour with your leader. Stop at the nearby Fish Market, and perhaps grab some fresh ceviche. This afternoon is yours to explore, perhaps visit the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, or take a stroll through the rainforest in the Metropolitan Nature Park. Panama City is also famous for its shopping centres, the biggest being Albrook Mall. For more traditional souvenirs, head to the National Artisanโ€™s Market.

      Accommodation: Hotel

  • Day 13 Day 13: Panama City
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Panama City

      With no planned activities today, you can depart at any time. If you would like to spend some more time in Panama City, weโ€™ll be happy to help you organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 15 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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