We would also recommend experiencing this trip as a self-drive for ultimate flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Please refer to the price example provided above for this option.
Day 1 – Arrival in San Jose
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. You’ll be staying in a modern hotel in the centre of San Jose. Bustling markets, shopping districts, numerous museums and galleries are within easy reach.
Day 2 – Meet & greet, city walk & departure
This morning, you’ll be picked up and taken to our local office, where you’ll be greeted with a steaming cup of Costa Rican coffee. One of our local team members will talk you through your Costa Rica trip and give you some great tips to help make the most out of your time in Costa Rica. San Jose may not be the most beautiful of cities, but there’s still fun to be had!
As some of the areas of interest are not too easy to find, we’ll map out a 2-hour walk for you around the city, with an English-speaking guide. You’ll be able to ask them any questions you might have. You’ll stop by museums, the park and the central market. Here you can learn all about typical food, tropical fruits and perhaps enjoy a delicious ice cream or a coffee. The tour will end at around lunchtime time giving you the rest of the day free.
Day 3 – Arrival in Tortuguero
At around 6am you’ll be picked up at your hotel in San Jose and travel to the Caribbean coast by coach, as part of an international group. As you near the harbour you’ll drive through vast banana plantations. On arrival in Tortuguero you’ll load your bags onto the narrow boat that will take you down the river to your home for the next few days.
At the lodge you’ll go ashore and be welcomed with an arrival drink. Your home for the next couple of nights is a wooden cabin, with your own shower, toilet and fan, set in an enticing tropical garden. This afternoon you’ll have time to settle in and relax by the pool. At the end of the afternoon you’ll start your first activity. If you’re lucky to be here during the right season (Feb to April and July to October for the different species), you will probably want to see the turtles laying their eggs.
Day 4 – Exploring the waterways
You won’t need to set an alarm clock this morning as the howl of the monkeys will definitely be enough to wake you. Bright and early, you’ll leave the rest of the group and embark on a specially organised canoe adventure, with up to 6 people in the boat. As you paddle through the narrow river channels, you’ll need to keep your wits about you and occasionally duck under the branches heading your way.
In the afternoon you’ll head off on another boat excursion. As you cruise down the river you can feel the calm in the air, interrupted only by a sudden rustling of branches or twittering of birds in the trees. Your Costa Rica guide may seem to have eyes in the back of his head as he notices a lizard or kingfisher sitting motionless on a branch.
Day 5 – Travel to Puerto Viejo
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.
Day 6 – Cahuita National Park
Today you’ll travel about 30 mins along the coast to the beautiful Cahuita National Park, where you’ll meet a local guide for a walk through the tropical forest – home to monkeys, sloths, coatis, and a whole host of less ‘cute’ creatures! Before heading back to Puerto Viejo, you’ll also have time for a spot of snorkelling around the colourful reef which lies just off the shore of the park.
Day 7 – Free time in Puerto Viejo
The rest of your time is free to do as much or as little as you wish – relax with a good book, swim in the warm Caribbean sea, or try to find the best cocktail bar in town. Life here is pretty easy.
Day 8 – Arrival in Bocas del Toro
When you arrive in Almirante you will be transferred by speed boat straight to your the main island of Isla Colon. On arrival you’ll make your own way, just down the road to your cosy hotel near the coast; a perfect base to relax, swim and explore the islands. Explore the colourful streets, browse souvenir shops or sit back and watch village life unfold with a Panamanian beer in hand. There are plenty of restaurants serving local cuisine but you’ll also find European and Asian options too.
Day 9 – Free time in Bocas del Toro
Much like the UK, in the tropics, your daily activities are very much determined by the weather! If it’s calm, you can book a boat trip to one of the deserted sister islands of Bocas. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the waves from the boat, especially near Dolphin Bay. If the captain spots anything, he’ll sail in circles, making extra waves for the dolphins to splash around in.
Day 10 – Free time & departure
Today you can visit Red Frog Beach. Here you’ll find tiny red frogs who’ll happily sit in your hand whilst you take in their beautiful colour. Back in the village, take some time to wander through the streets then sit on a bench, grab a tropical cocktail and watch the Bocas life pass you by.
Days 11 – Arrival in Boquete
This area is known for its fresh, cool climate; the perfect place for coffee plants. The lush gardens at your hotel are home to many plants and wildlife that provide an explosion of smells and colours. Kick back and take in the view across the green landscape.
Day 12 – From coffee bean to coffee cup
This afternoon, you’ll be met by your friendly guide and head out to find out what makes the coffee in this area so special. As you stroll through the grounds of the coffee farm, you’ll get to witness the whole process, including picking the beans and seeing the patios where beans are laid out to dry in the sun. Your guide will share stories about the coffee-growing community, and it quickly becomes clear just how much work is involved in producing this iconic beverage.
Days 13 – Arrival in 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 Panama City you will be greeted in the hall by a representative of our local partner. They’ll be carrying a sign with your name on it and transfer you directly to your comfortable, modern hotel in the Obarrio district (or you could upgrade to a colonial-style hotel in the heart of the old town, Casco Viejo). You’ll spend two nights here and get well acquainted with the Panamanian hospitality. This area can be a bit noisy at times but you’ll be in close proximity to bars and restaurants.
Day 14 – Guided tour & departure
After breakfast an English speaking guide will take you through the historic district of Casco Viejo. Walk between restored colonial buildings, churches, squares, monuments and museums; it’s a great way to learn more about life in Panama. Whilst you’re here, you won’t want to miss the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, the famous Panama Canal.
Day 15 – Departure from Panama
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!