Itinerary Highlights
- Tropical Panama City
- Abundant wildlife on the Nicoya Peninsula
- Imposing Arenal Volcano
- Pristine Pacific Coast
- Explore the cloud forest of Monteverde
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
13 nights from £3,750 per person
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
This two-week itinerary is a superb introduction to Costa Rica and Panama. The tour combines a trip to the Panama Canal with exploration of the pristine rainforest of Costa Rica and the active volcano of Arenal.
End with a few nights relaxation at one of fantastic north Pacific beaches of Costa Rica.
Itinerary
Day 1 UK - Panama City
Depart the UK for your daytime flight to Panama City. On arrival in the evening you will be transferred the luxurious Bristol hotel located in the heart of the city and close to many shops and restaurants.
Day 2 Panama City
The half-day Panama Canal tour starts with an early morning pick for the short transfer to Flamenco Island situated at the Causeway of Amador on the Pacific coast. You will first sail under the bridge of the Americas, which raises over 100 metres above sea level and reunites the land divided during construction of the canal forming a link in the Pan-American Highway. You will sail part of the canal which is 80 kilometres from coast to coast and was cut from the narrowest strip of land joining the Americas. Following day at leisure to explore the city and the charming Casco Viejo area.
Day 4 Panama City - San Jose - Arenal
Take the short flight to San Jose in Costa Rica where you will be met and transferred to the Arenal Volcano area. Your base for the next three nights is the wonderful Arenal Nayara hotel. This small, stylish hotel has just 50 casitas (bungalows) with outdoor showers. Arenal Nayara has a lovely selection of restaurants inlcluding Amor, specialising in sushi. Treat yourself in the spa and enjoy a volcanic mud wrap or an invigorating coffee scrub.
Day 5 Arenal
Days at leisure to enjoy the surroundings. Spend time relaxing at your luxurious hotel or take an optional tours in the area. Recommended tours: Hike to Arenal National Park, Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Arenal Hanging Bridges, Peñas Blancas river safari float, Toro River rafting, Sky Tram, trek, and Walk, among others. (Tours not included in the price).
Day 7 Arenal - Monteverde
Lake crossing transfer to Monteverde. This service, half tour half transfer is a scenic journey and fastest way to go from Arenal to the Monteverde area. Arenal Lake is the largest and the most important lake in Costa Rica and was man made in 1974 to provide hydroelectric energy for the country. Stay at the Hotel Belmar, an authentic hotel offering spectacular views just moments away from the tropical rainforest.
Day 8 Monteverde
Days at leisure to enjoy the surroundings or to do any of the optional tours in the area. Recommended tours: Monteverde Reserve, Trapiche tour, Night tour, Sky tram, trek, and walk, horseback riding, among others. (Tours not included in the price).
Day 10 Monteverde - Nicoya Peninsula
Transfer from Monteverde and the cool mountain air to the tropical Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific Coast. The next three nights are for pure relaxation at the Lagarta Lodge, a wonderful boutique hotel surrounded by its own nature reserve. Savour the magnificent views encompassing the beauty of the jungle and the pristine windswept coast.
Day 11 Nicoya Peninsula
Free days to relax. Visit the nearby pristine sandy beaches and indulge in the the soothing sound of the ocean. You can easily find a tranquil spot to enjoy the sounds of nature away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Combine meditative yoga sessions and rejuvenating spa treatments. Immerse in the energy of nature with easy access from the eco-lodge to 90 acres of the Reserva Biologica subtropical dry forest and mangroves. Follow the well-marked trails for a 2-hour walk as you look out for numerous birds, howler monkeys, anteaters, iguanas, butterflies and insects.
Day 13 Nicoya Peninsula - San Jose - UK
Transfer by road to San Jose for your international flight to the UK.
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
13 nights from £3,750 per person
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
){kind=icon}