Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Panama Itineraries
Choose from our ready-made holidays
Discover your dream Costa Rica holiday with our tailored journeys through Costa Rica, Nicaragua or Panama (or all three in one of our combination tours!). Explore Costa Rica on a self-drive holiday or public transportation, and experience the very best of this vibrant country’s wildlife in its unique rainforests. See its imposing volcanoes and relax on beautiful beaches.
Our team of Costa Rica Specialists have created a range of inspiring original Costa Rica tours from highlights holidays for those short on time, to off-the-beaten track itineraries if you’re looking for something different. For a real adventure through Central America, explore one of our combination holidays through Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and/or Panama.
Each of our holidays include small-scale accommodation and a selection of local experiences, all fully flexible to help you plan the perfect Costa Rica holiday for you. Travelling with the kids? Discover our Costa Rica family holidays.
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.
Original Tailor-Made Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Panama Holidays
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.
Why should you travel to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica may be small, but it certainly packs a punch. Think jungle-lined beaches, misty volcanoes, colourful wildlife and more eco-lodges than you can shake a toucan at.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a bird-watcher, or just someone who loves an open road, Costa Rica is made for exploring. The people are warm, the pace is laid-back, and the landscapes shift dramatically as you travel. Below, we’ve rounded up a few of the country’s most memorable national parks — perfect stops on a tailor-made tour or self-drive adventure.
Tortuguero National Park
Tucked away on the remote Caribbean coast, Tortuguero is only accessible by boat or light aircraft – and that’s all part of the charm. Nicknamed the ‘Amazon of Costa Rica’, the park is a web of jungle waterways best explored by canoe, with or without a guide. Keep your eyes peeled for toucans, caimans, monkeys and sloths, all going about their day in the treetops or riverbanks.
Between July and October, this place becomes even more special: green sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs by moonlight. Watching one of these ancient creatures nest on the beach is an unforgettable experience.
Boca Tapada
For something more off the radar, Boca Tapada is a peaceful pocket in northern Costa Rica, close to the Nicaraguan border. It’s a quieter, wilder place to pause — and staying in a treehouse or riverside ecolodge means you’ll be fully immersed in the surrounding jungle. From your balcony, you might spot monkeys swinging overhead or tropical birds gliding past.
Head out on the river by canoe or take a night walk with a local guide to seek out frogs, snakes and fireflies in the undergrowth. It’s a brilliant choice if you’re looking to disconnect, recharge and fall asleep to the sounds of nature.
Manuel Antonio
This is where rainforest meets the ocean, and sloths meet sunbathers. Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular national parks, and for good reason. It’s compact, easy to navigate, and packed with wildlife like capuchin monkeys, iguanas and raccoons (who are surprisingly skilled at stealing snacks, so keep an eye on your bag!).
Once you’ve wandered the trails, you can roll out a towel on the beach and go for a swim or snorkel — something few other parks in Costa Rica offer. It’s best to visit early in the day to beat the crowds and make the most of the cooler temperatures.
Corcovado National Park
If you want to go big on wildlife, Corcovado is the place to do it. Tucked away on the Osa Peninsula, this is one of the most biodiverse spots on the planet. It’s home to tapirs, spider monkeys, anteaters and even elusive big cats like jaguars and pumas (though the latter are very shy).
Getting here takes a bit of effort — it’s remote and rugged — but the pay-off is huge. You can trek through primary rainforest with a local guide or take a boat to Isla del Caño, where you’ll find excellent snorkelling and healthy coral reefs. This is Costa Rica at its wildest, and a dream for nature lovers.
Looking for off-the-beaten-track Costa Rica?
If you want to skip the crowds and discover Costa Rica’s quieter corners, our Hidden Costa Rica itinerary is for you. You’ll start with a local welcome in San José before heading to the Caribbean coast, where Cahuita’s laid-back rhythm meets the wonderful flora and fauna of its rainforest and reef. Swap beach for volcano in Turrialba, staying at a family-run lodge with front-row views of the smoking crater. Bird lovers will find paradise in Copey de Dota, where the elusive quetzal hides among the treetops, and in San Gerardo de Rivas you’ll explore cloud forests at the foot of Costa Rica’s tallest mountain. Round it off in peaceful Costa Ballena, where palm-lined beaches and dolphins replace the buzz of bigger beach towns.
It’s a route full of local flavour, forest adventures, and wildlife around every bend — perfect if you’re looking for a different take on a classic Costa Rica journey.
Frequently asked questions about Costa Rica
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.
A road trip through this incredibly diverse country is undoubtedly the best way to see Costa Rica. We have compiled our favourite routes, which vary from short 3-4 days, up to more in-depth journeys of 5-7 days. Enjoy the freedom on the road and take in highlights such as volcanic La Fortuna, the misty cloud forests of Monteverde and laid-back surf towns like Samara and Tamarindo.
It is possible to fly direct from the UK to Costa Rica with British Airways (London Gatwick—San Jose), with a flight time of around 12 hours. However, these flights are only in operation between mid-November and the end of March, so most visitors tend to choose an indirect route. The stopover will usually be either in the USA, with Miami being the most common or Canada. It is possible to have a stopover in Europe, however, the price of these flights is usually much higher.
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.”
