Reefs & Rainforests of Costa Rica & Panama

Experience a varied trip through two of Central America’s most wildlife-rich countries, designed for travellers who want depth, contrast and time in places where nature is king.

You’ll begin in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, before heading north to Caño Negro, a remote mosaic of lagoons, forest and waterways close to the Nicaraguan border. This lesser-visited region is known for its birdlife, amphibians and mammals, and can be explored with naturalist guides; your high-end tented camp places you inside the landscape, with the sounds of the forest all around.

From here, you travel south to the Caribbean coast and settle in Puerto Viejo. Days are spent exploring Cahuita National Park, where coral reefs sit just offshore and rainforest trails run alongside the beach. Snorkelling, gentle walks and unhurried time by the sea define this part of the journey.

Crossing into Panama, you’ll spend three nights in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, based on Isla Colón. Calm waters offer the chance to spot dolphins, rays and colourful reef life, while time ashore gives a sense of island life away from the crowds. Head inland to the cloud forests of Boquete, where misty forests and expert bird guides offer the possibility of seeing the resplendent quetzal.

Returning to Costa Rica via a different border, the adventure continues to the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically dense areas in the region. Here, guided excursions on land and on the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce reveal rainforest wildlife and rich marine ecosystems. Your final nights are spent near Uvita on the Pacific coast, close to Marino Ballena National Park, where seasonal whale watching rounds off the experience before your return to San José and, eventually, back home.

This itinerary suits travellers with a strong interest in wildlife, who enjoy varied landscapes, active days and travel that supports conservation and local communities.

Please note, this is an example tour. To create your own tailor-made itinerary, speak with our Travel Specialists by calling us today.