From Wildlife & Beaches to Coffee & Canals – Panama & Costa Rica
Itinerary
Days 1-3 – We know the way to San José
After a long flight you’ll be pleased to see a representative from our local office waiting to whisk you away to your modern hotel. The next morning you’ll visit the office of our local partner where you’ll be greeted with a Costa Rican coffee. We’ll organise a two hour walk for you around the city with an English speaking guide to discover the secret sights of the city.
Days 3-5 – Through the jungle to Tortuguero
From San Jose you’ll be picked up by coach for the journey to Tortuguero. You’ll travel in a coach from the city through some spectacular mountain landscapes before dropping down into the farmlands. After about 3 hours You’ll stop off near Guapiles where you’ll have a breakfast stop. You’ll continue on to the Pavona docks where you’ll disembark your coach and switch to a boat for the final 90 minutes of your journey into the rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, crocodiles, toucans and iguanas along the way.
The amazing landscape of Tortuguero is not accessible by road. Instead you’ll find rivers meandering through the pristine rainforest to the famous nesting ground of countless turtles. You’ll spend a couple of nights in a jungle lodge, with all of your food and boat trips included. Fill your senses with the sounds of the rainforest, listen to howler monkeys in the distance, smell the tropical hibiscus or spot tiny red frogs in the grass.
Days 5-8 – Reefs & reggae of the Caribbean
At the end of your stay in the rainforest you’ll travel by boat and coach to nearby Siquirres. From here we’ll reserve you a ticket aboard the shuttle bus to Puerto Viejo, a journey of roughly 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you’ll pick up your hire car here and make your own way there.
After all that travelling you’re probably ready for a long stretch of sandy beach and a tasty Caribbean stew; well, Puerto Viejo is the place for both. The distinctly Caribbean feel means that you’re never too far from an intoxicating reggae beat or a tropical cocktail. You’ll also get your nature fix, visiting nearby Cahuita National Park to explore the colourful world both above and below the water.
Days 8-11 – Panama Island getaway
The next day you’ll travel by minibus to the Panama border where you’ll cross the bridge between the two countries on foot, then drive to the port of Almirante. If it’s raining make sure to have your rain jacket or an umbrella with you! Travel time by transfer is roughly 2 hours but bear in mind that crossing the border and going through all the paperwork will take about an hour or so depending on how busy the crossing is. From Almirante you’ll hop on a speed boat over to Bocas del Toro, a crossing that takes roughly an hour.
When you arrive at the dock in Bocas del Toro you’ll make your own way to your cosy hotel on Isla Colon. There’s nothing planned during your time here so you can do as you please. Walk along the beach, try some snorkelling, mountain bike or trek inland among the mangrove forests, creeks and rivers. Alternatively, just laze on the beach and soak up the sunshine.
Days 11-13 – Coffee beans in the countryside
Next, we’ll arrange for a transfer to take you from your hotel in Bocas to your hotel in Boquete. You’ll travel by boat and private transfer and the journey should take around 5 hours in total. 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 13-15 – The canal and cobblestones of Panama City
Next, we’ll arrange for a transfer to take you from Boquete to David Airport, roughly a 90 minute drive south, where you’ll catch a short 1 hour flight to Panama City. On arrival in the city you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel. 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.
Finally, we’ll arrange for a transfer to take you from your hotel in Panama City to the International Airport for your flight back to the UK.
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!
