Days 1-3 – Coffee beans in the countryside
In the middle of a lush valley, wedged between towering volcanoes, is your home for the next few days, Boquete. Surrounded by exotic flowers, plants and birds you can enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings. The humid climate makes this the perfect place for growing coffee. You’ll experience the whole process from bean to cup while visiting a local coffee plantation.
Days 3-5 – Make a splash in snorkelling coves
You’ll travel by private transfer or hire car to your hotel in Boca Chica in Golfo de Chiriquí. Travel time today is roughly 2 hours. Far away from the tourist throngs is the quiet fishing village of Boca Chica, nestled amongst the Chiriquí lowlands. Grab your snorkel and dive in to discover an underwater world of tropical fish and colourful coral reefs. Visit the deserted islands of Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí and search for monkeys, turtles and birds of paradise. You stay in a cosy bungalow just outside the village.
Days 5-7 – Hike between jagged peaks
From Boca Chica you’ll travel by private car, or hop in your hire car, for the journey to El Valle de Anton. It’s a longer journey today of about 6 hours with places to stop off along the way. Take a hike through lush vegetation, past tumbling waterfalls and ancient rock paintings in El Valle de Anton. Situated in an extinct volcanic crater, expect to discover verdant forests, craggy rocks and colourful birds twittering in the trees. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot the elusive golden frog. With our route description to guide you, you can set your own pace through the sprawling trees.
Days 7-10 – The canal and cobblestones of Panama City
From El Valle de Anton it’s just a shorter journey today of roughly 3.5 hours by private car or hire car to Panama City. Once arrived, you’ll drop off your hire car. Panama City is allegedly the most cosmopolitan in Central America. The ethnic diversity has given rise to a wide array of restaurants for you to choose from; Panamanian-style ceviche, chicken kebabs, bluefin tuna sushi or tikka masala! During your stay you’ll visit the famous Panama Canal and let a local guide introduce you to the city; a world of historic buildings and cobbled streets.
At the end of your stay you’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your flight back home. So long Panama!
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Travel by Hire Car
For a little extra freedom, you can choose to travel by hire car. Aside from the occasional pothole on the rural roads, driving in Costa Rica is pretty easy and stress-free, and we think it’s a really lovely and adventurous way to explore the country. You’ll have a modern SUV car complete with GPS and insurance cover, so you’re all good to go!