Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Panama Itineraries
Choose from our ready-made holidays
Discover your dream Central America itinerary with our tailored journeys through Costa Rica, Nicaragua or Panama (or all three!). We’ve created a range of inspiring ready-made itineraries which include domestic travel, small-scale accommodation and a selection of local experiences, all fully flexible to help you plan the perfect Costa Rica holiday for you.
If you’d like to get creative then take a look at our bite-sized trips which can be combined to build your own ideal holiday.
Not sure where to start? No problem, just get in touch and we’ll talk you through the options.
Ready-made itineraries - Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Panama
This speedy itinerary will allow you to see all the highlights of Costa Rica and top it off with a few days on a quiet beach in less than two weeks. Start in the bustling city of San Jose before journeying deep into the Costa Rican jungle by boat and canoe.
This speedy itinerary will allow you to see all the highlights of Costa Rica and top it off with a few days on a quiet beach in less than two weeks. Start in the bustling city of San Jose before journeying deep into the Costa Rican jungle by boat and canoe.
Got three weeks to explore Costa Rica? Then this 3-week itinerary is for you! Get off the beaten track, hit up the highlights and get under the skin of this lush, varied country.
Got three weeks to explore Costa Rica? Then this 3-week itinerary is for you! Get off the beaten track, hit up the highlights and get under the skin of this lush, varied country.
This itinerary will take you on a whirlwind trip through the cultural and natural highlights of the country. Your journey will begin in the cosmopolitan city of San Jose before heading off to the relaxed Caribbean coast to whip up some tasty treats.
This itinerary will take you on a whirlwind trip through the cultural and natural highlights of the country. Your journey will begin in the cosmopolitan city of San Jose before heading off to the relaxed Caribbean coast to whip up some tasty treats.
Discover Costa Rica’s diverse highlights without the crowds with this 2 week itinerary. You’ll travel off-the-beaten-track for unique experiences, without missing out on the vibrant jungles, beautiful beaches and incredible wildlife the country is famous for.
Discover Costa Rica’s diverse highlights without the crowds with this 2 week itinerary. You’ll travel off-the-beaten-track for unique experiences, without missing out on the vibrant jungles, beautiful beaches and incredible wildlife the country is famous for.
Costa Rica and Nicaragua complement each other perfectly. Begin in the cosmopolitan city of San Jose before heading off to Turtle Beach for a boat trip along the river and through the jungle.
Costa Rica and Nicaragua complement each other perfectly. Begin in the cosmopolitan city of San Jose before heading off to Turtle Beach for a boat trip along the river and through the jungle.
Explore the remote jungles of Corcovado National Park, marvel at the mighty Arenal Volcano and spot dolphins off the Costa Ballena. This self-driving itinerary takes you through the highlands and down the Pacific coast to discover the variety Costa Rica has to offer.
Explore the remote jungles of Corcovado National Park, marvel at the mighty Arenal Volcano and spot dolphins off the Costa Ballena. This self-driving itinerary takes you through the highlands and down the Pacific coast to discover the variety Costa Rica has to offer.
If you’d like to see the less visited areas of Costa Rica, this is the itinerary for you. Begin in the cosmopolitan city of San Jose before heading off on a boat trip along the river and through the jungle.
If you’d like to see the less visited areas of Costa Rica, this is the itinerary for you. Begin in the cosmopolitan city of San Jose before heading off on a boat trip along the river and through the jungle.
Combine classic Costa Rica with the less-travelled treasures of Panama; travel through Costa Rica’s best loved jungles and beaches before journeying onwards into Panama.
Combine classic Costa Rica with the less-travelled treasures of Panama; travel through Costa Rica’s best loved jungles and beaches before journeying onwards into Panama.
If you’re travelling to Costa Rica over the school summer holidays, then this route works like a charm.
If you’re travelling to Costa Rica over the school summer holidays, then this route works like a charm.
With three destinations in just over a week, this itinerary really packs a punch. Begin by wandering the cobbled streets of Panama City and swing by the famous canal. Then it’s off the countryside as you head into the hills to learn about coffee.
With three destinations in just over a week, this itinerary really packs a punch. Begin by wandering the cobbled streets of Panama City and swing by the famous canal. Then it’s off the countryside as you head into the hills to learn about coffee.
Panamanian cuisine is an intoxicating fusion of different cultures and countries. Sample as much as you can as you travel from west to east.
Panamanian cuisine is an intoxicating fusion of different cultures and countries. Sample as much as you can as you travel from west to east.
In two weeks, you’ll see just how diverse the small country of Panama really is. Check out the famous canal, lie back on a Bocas beach, then head into the hills to learn how coffee is made.
In two weeks, you’ll see just how diverse the small country of Panama really is. Check out the famous canal, lie back on a Bocas beach, then head into the hills to learn how coffee is made.
This compact itinerary is ideal if you’re short on time. Wander through the streets of glorious Granada, try your hand at some traditional artwork in Leon and watch an evening bat exodus.
This compact itinerary is ideal if you’re short on time. Wander through the streets of glorious Granada, try your hand at some traditional artwork in Leon and watch an evening bat exodus.
Wander along colonial streets, help out with the evening meal at a local homestay then simply unwind on a white-sandy beach, tropical cocktail in hand. From the charming city of Granada you’ll head north to the San Ramon Community for a night with a local family before journeying to artistic Leon to discover the art of traditional painting.
Wander along colonial streets, help out with the evening meal at a local homestay then simply unwind on a white-sandy beach, tropical cocktail in hand. From the charming city of Granada you’ll head north to the San Ramon Community for a night with a local family before journeying to artistic Leon to discover the art of traditional painting.
See the highlights of Nicaragua with a Rickshaw twist in just 2 weeks. Begin amongst the colonial facades of Granada before taking some time out on Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua. Journey north to the coffee plantations of Matagalpa and learn to make tortillas with a local family in San Ramon.
See the highlights of Nicaragua with a Rickshaw twist in just 2 weeks. Begin amongst the colonial facades of Granada before taking some time out on Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua. Journey north to the coffee plantations of Matagalpa and learn to make tortillas with a local family in San Ramon.
Get ready to discover Nicaragua’s northern bounty. Bursting with coffee, tobacco and butterflies, it’s a lush, intriguing place just begging to be explored.
Get ready to discover Nicaragua’s northern bounty. Bursting with coffee, tobacco and butterflies, it’s a lush, intriguing place just begging to be explored.
The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, especially if you’re focused on the Pacific coast or looking to explore during the driest months. However, despite Costa Rica’s compact size, there are several different climates to consider across the country, so choosing when to go to Costa Rica also depends on precisely where you’re planning to go. Find out more by visiting our when to go page.
Costa Rica is an excellent family destination. The incredible wildlife, huge range of family-friendly accommodation, and adventure around every corner make it a great choice for families of all ages. Whether you’re spotting sloths hanging out in the trees, catching monkeys swinging overhead or riding the waves on the Pacific Coast, a family holiday to Costa Rica is sure to be a memorable one.
We believe the best way to travel around Costa Rica is by hire car as it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Many of our locally owned hotels are slightly out of town, so having a car makes getting around a lot more convenient. Driving abroad can feel a bit intimidating, however, driving in Costa Rica is surprisingly easy, with many of the highways having smooth surfaces and barely any other cars around. Read more about driving in Costa Rica here.
It is possible to fly direct from the UK to Costa Rica with British Airways (London – San Jose) with a flight time of around 12 hours, however, most visitors tend to choose an indirect route as these run much more frequently and are usually a more affordable option. The stopover will usually be either a city in Europe, such as Madrid or Amsterdam, or a stop in the USA, with Miami being the most common. Speak to your travel specialist for more information.
Speak to our Costa Rica specialist, Hannah
“I’ve visited Costa Rica a few times and it has never let me down. It’s packed with adventure; from volcanoes to cloudforests. Plus, being wildlife-mad, it’s perfect for me. I love its diversity and impressive conservation efforts.”
