Costa Rica & Panama Discovery
Experience Overview
Get under the surface of Costa Rica and Panama with this 12-day Caribbean adventure. From San Jose to Panama City, you’ll get introduced to some of the most beautiful spots in two Central American countries, with a perfect balance of included activities and free time for your own explorations. You’ll visit the Ngabe-Bugle community on Isla Popa, learn how to make a traditional Caribbean meal, look out for wildlife on a jungle walk, visit a lock along the Panama Canal and soak in the local hotspots in areas seldom travelled. You can't go wrong with your local leader to steer you in the right direction (to the best bars and surf breaks), plus a small group of adventurers to enjoy them with.
Highlights
- Put your chef’s hat on and help prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
- Swim in clear ocean waters, stop in at shacks serving cold cerveza and kick back on sandy shores covered in starfish in the Bocas del Toro, where you spend three nights on Isla Colon.
- Head to the coffee plantations, waterfalls and caldera hot springs of Boquete – a highland town so beautiful you’ll hardly miss the beach at all!
- Spend a morning with the Ngabe-Bugle indigenous community on Isla Popa, learning about local lifestyles as you get to experience a slice of village life.
- Learn about the scale of the Panama Canal during a visit to the Miraflores Lock, then get to know Panama City during a guided stroll through Casco Viejo.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2482
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi,Shared boat
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: QVRC
Starts: San Jose , Costa Rica
Finishes: Panama City, Costa Rica
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (5), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (11 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,277 ($190 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins in San Jose with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel. As this trip spends very little time here, it’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early and see the sights. If you do, maybe visit The Gold Museum and it's amazing collection of Indigenous gold art. Or if you're in the mood for a bit of shopping, head to the Mercado Municipal de Artesanias or the city's Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood.
Optional Activities:
- San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) (17 USD)
- San Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures (40 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, hop on a public bus and make your way to Sarapiqui – a town known for its rich biodiversity and lush rainforest. When you arrive, enjoy some free time here to go birdwatching, spot some local wildlife or hike to one of the nearby waterfalls. Then, meet up with a local guide to head out on a jungle walk. You’ll head out at dusk for the best chance to spot some Costa Rican wildlife! Look out for elusive creatures like sloths, bats, snakes, frogs and a whole lot more.
Included Activities:
- Sarapiqui – Jungle Walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, take a private transfer to Puerto Viejo. When you arrive, get to know this laid-back jungle town during an orientation walk with your local leader, then enjoy the rest of the day to explore at your leisure. A small and coastal city, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has a lively main street featuring dance halls, reggaeton bars and modern restaurants. If you’re looking for a little bit of relaxation, you'll also find great surf beaches and rainforest fruit farms to kick back on.
Included Activities:
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free, so you can ease into the vibes of the Caribbean coast. You might like to take your time exploring Cahuita National Park, which is easily accessible from Puerto Viejo and home to sloths, monkeys, raccoons, snakes and a great variety of birds. If the waves are calling (but your footing isn’t so sure), surf lessons are also on offer in town. Of course, you could also simply find a cool spot and relax with a beer in hand. To top today off, you'll prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home. Enjoy a mixture of fruits, seafood, tubers and vegetables combined with coconut flavours, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, curry Panamian pepper and thyme.
Included Activities:
- Puerto Viejo - Hands-on dinner in local home
Optional Activities:
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Surf lesson (1 hour) (60 USD)
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Cahuita National Park (entrance fee) (5 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, take a local bus to the border, then walk across an old railway bridge into Panama. Continue by taxi or collective minivan to Almirante, where you'll take a short boat ride to Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro archipelago – rapidly becoming a Caribbean favourite, this place has it all. Hit the palm-shaded beaches with crystal-clear waters, enjoy some spectacular snorkelling opportunities and look out for lots of wildlife. Culturally, Bocas is home to West Indians, Latinos and expats, resulting in diverse music, nightlife and food scenes. For the next three nights, you'll stay in Isla Colon – the main town of Bocas del Toro. It's a great spot to start your exploration of the archipelago, with most bars, restaurants and local activity operators just metres from your hotel.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is the first of two free days to explore this tropical archipelago. Several beaches are within reach of town, between 8 and 14 km from your hotel. With azure waters, pristine coral reefs and a rollicking nightlife, it’s easy to see why these islands are a favourite for so many travellers. The safest beaches are Starfish, Sandfly and Big Creek – be aware that others may have strong riptides. When the sun goes down, why not head into town and check out the local bar and restaurant scene? Ask your leader about the best place to grab a drink.
Optional Activities:
- Bocas del Toro - Jungle Cacao Tour (guide and transport included) (42 USD)
- Bocas del Toro - Full-day Tour including Bastimentos island, Jungle hike & Lunch with Ngobe Community (guide and transport included) (63 USD)
- Bocas del Toro - Bio-luminescence Boat Tour (seasonal - guide and transport included) (35 USD)
- Bocas del Toro - Colon Expedition including starfish beach & bird island (45 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, hop on a boat to the nearby Isla Popa, where you’ll get to spend time meeting the Ngabe-Bugle indigenous community. The local women here run a community tourism project, and you’ll have the chance to learn about their lifestyle during an orientation walk through the community. You’ll stop in at a local home as well as a spending some time with a local family. Say your farewells and return to Bocas de Toro, then enjoy the rest of a hugely rewarding day free in the Caribbean sun.
Included Activities:
- Ngäbe-Buglé Indigenous Community Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by boat and local bus to Boquete – this is a bit of a lengthy journey, so be sure to have a book, podcast or daydream to keep you occupied. Boquete is a picturesque town located in the highlands of Panama, surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear creeks and rivers, forest reserves and colourful wildflowers, as well as coffee plantations and orange groves. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy an informal Spanish lesson to get to grips with the local language. Tomorrow will be a free day, wide open for exploring – most optional activities can be organised directly from the hotel, though it’s a good idea to book them when you arrive tonight if you know what you want to do.
Included Activities:
- Boquete - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are plenty of ways to experience Boquete today, so be sure to chat to your leader and the hotel front desk to get the best insider tips. You could discover the secret waterfalls only locals know about on a walking tour in the jungle. Or maybe you’d prefer to soak it up in the Caldera hot springs. If you’re a coffee lover, consider visiting a plantation or simply kicking back in town with a cup of the local brew – some of the best coffee in the world is grown and processed right here in Boquete!
Optional Activities:
- Boquete - Guided Bicycle Tour - 2 hours (guide and bike hire included) (55 USD)
- Boquete - Guided Tour of Hidden Waterfalls (entrance fee, transport and guide included) (53 USD)
- Boquete - Zipline (guide and transport included) (79 USD)
- Boquete - Mini Canyons Tour (entrance fee, transport and guide included) (37 USD)
- Boquete - Calderas Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport included, no guide) (37 USD)
- Boquete - Coffee Plantation Tour (guide and transport included) (37 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to Boquete and head to the southern city of Chitre. Arrive around lunchtime, then head out for an orientation walk with your leader (who will also be able to point you in the right direction for a good lunch spot). After a bite to eat, rejoin your fellow travellers head to a mask workshop for a glimpse at the country’s cultural heritage – elaborate masks and costumes are a feature of many festivals in Panama. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Chitre. You might like to visit Museo de Herrera Fabio Rodriquez, which contains an extensive collection of artifacts dating back to 5000 BC, while also providing context about Panama’s natural history.
Included Activities:
- Chitre - Traditional mask workshop
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Chitre this morning, heading for Panama City. Stop at the Miraflores Visitor Centre, which overlooks one of the locks that control the flow of ships through the Panama Canal. Learn about the canal’s history and engineering, then head back on the road to Panama City. On arrival head out on a leader-led orientation walk. Take in the great views of the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town) and the Panama City skyline as you stroll past crowded waterfront soccer fields, running paths and food carts. You might like to regroup with your fellow travellers in the evening for a final farewell dinner.
Included Activities:
- Panama City - Miraflores Locks (Panama Canal)
- Panama City - Leader-led walk in Casco Viejo
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no planned activities today, you can depart at any time. If you would like to spend some more time in Panama City, just speak to your booking agent.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Gavin - Traveled, August 2023
Panama is definitely worth exploring! Having travelled through the other 7 Central American countries with Intrepid, this itinerary continued to provide plenty of high quality variety and stimulation. Coiba Island (off Santa Catalina) and it's broad range of wildlife on land and in the sea was a particular highlight (and at least matched the equivalent sights in Caye Caulker, Belize).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Patricia - Traveled, July 2023
Excellent experience on Basix trip to Costa Rica/Panama. We are in our mid 50's and were nervous that it would be too basic but all the accommodation was more than adequate - a pleasant surprise! The Itinerary gave us a good sampling of Costa Rica and Panama. Our tour guide was professional & knowledgeable (Panamanian) getting us to our destinations safely, on time and well informed. The group we traveled with were awesome, various ages, from different parts of the world. Great value for a carefree, fun, and exciting adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/07/2023
Liam - Traveled, July 2023
Was looking forward to a once in a lifetime trip with my mum; however, it was ruined with the most selfish/spoiled people on our trip. Costa Rica and Panama are beautiful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Victoria - Traveled, July 2023
The trip is excellent for those who wish to have security whilst traveling solo. Accomodation is excellent and the places you visit are truely remarkable. Having intrepid leader means that you get a real sense of the places you visit and knowledge that you can't pick up in a guide book. I felt safe in all places in this tour and although no activities were included it was easy to find a range of them with our leaders help. Snorkleing in Cobai Island is a must, swimming with turtle, sharks and seeing whales and dolphins. I would recommend this tour to anyone thinking of visiting Panama however I would suggest reading all information given in essential information.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/25/2023
Marvin - Traveled, April 2023
My knowledge was greatly improved. It changed my perception of Central America 150% to the positive side especially Panama
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2023
Annette - Traveled, April 2023
Costa Rica & Panama Discovery is an Awesome trip! ???????? Surf & Turf: Puerto Viejo, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete, Santa Catalina & Panama City are all exciting places. ?? I loved my group & tour leader Gerhard ?? Comfortable transport & Nice accommodations! Go to ?? ‘PaNaMa’ ?? ~ VaN HaLeN ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/05/2023
Ana Maria - Traveled, March 2023
Great locations but the use of public transportation is absurd. Sometimes you switch buses multiple times and it more than doubles the time to get there. You'll also want to keep a close eye on your luggage while riding the transportation and there is absolutely no AC so be prepared to sweat through everything. The hotel in Panama City is in a very dangerous neighborhood. All the Uber drivers warned us not to walk around, even during the day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2023
Joyce - Traveled, February 2024
The trip exceeded my expectations. Our guide, Abby, organized activities/dinners & gave us a choice to participate. We were fortunate to have all private transportation & the hotels/cabin were fine. The shared accommodation hostile is not something I’d do again, but would definitely book my own room next time. Coiba snorkel, Chocolate tour, Panama City all so fun!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2024
Christine - Traveled, December 2024
This trip far exceeded my expectations. It was full of wonderful destinations, varied activities and delicious food and our leader, Abdiel, worked tirelessly to ensure that the trip ran smoothly. A highlight for me was celebrating New Year in Panama City with a lovely group of travellers and a spectacular firework display - I'll never forget it!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Nicole - Traveled, October 2023
This trip is the perfect taste test for travelling Central America. It gives you a taste of each of the Central American countries with lots adventures available in each! Coiba National Marine Park and Bocas Del Toro were absolute highlights for me
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2023
Thomas - Traveled, October 2023
Myself and my wife we enjoyed this trip I recommended especially if your leader is Luis
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Leslie - Traveled, February 2023
Fascinating and beautiful destinations with excellent and numerous oportunities to see wildlife. However, this trip is for experienced travellers only who are willing to organise their own activities and do their own research. Day trips organised independently were expensive but were excellent with knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. Basically, with this trip, you are paying for just transport and hotels - the rest is up to you. Poor value for the money overall and better and cheaper to organise it yourself.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2023
Mary - Traveled, February 2023
A really great trip with good diversity in its destinations from rural to beach to big city which I really enjoyed. I was particularly bowled over by the beautiful beaches in Panama as I had no idea what to expect so was very pleasantly surprised - real Robinson Crusoe stuff! However, I do think Panama needs to be higher on the tourism radar (currently a bit dwarfed by Costa Rica) as it has so much to offer and yet is fairly unknown in my opinion. Unfortunately our guide was really disappointing so we didn't learn that much about the places we visit which was a shame and a first for me as past Intrepid trips have been very different and I've learnt so much so I expected the same of this one.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2023
Rita - Traveled, March 2023
Great trip! The itinerary allowed for a good mix of relaxation, culture and nature and Dennis was a wonderful guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2023
Duane - Traveled, February 2023
I have traveled extensively, usually on my own. Intrepid Travel provided a safe way to meet people and experience the cultures in Central America first hand. They found safe travel & accommodations to beautiful spots. The leader, Dennus, taught us about history & customs along the way. He found wonderful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2023
Noel - Traveled, December 2023
A great trip which for us spanned Christmas day and New Year's day, amazing locations and activities enhanced by our exceptional guide Jorge.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/10/2022
Mark - Traveled, December 2022
An excellent tour with a highly knowledgeable and very experienced, friendly leader in Abdiel. The itinerary is excellent, and interesting. Accommodation as a whole (except for Panama City-Selinas) was better than expected and promised
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/01/2023
Steven - Traveled, November 2022
Overall, the trip was good. Our guide, Dennis, did a great job. The accommodations at the Selina Hostel in Panama City were totally unacceptable. There were 4 of us in a room the size of a walk-in closet.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/11/2022
Nicola - Traveled, November 2022
Marvin was an excellent guide throughout this trip in Costa Rica and Panama. He was very professional throughout the two weeks especially when other members of the group were very demanding and difficult at times. Marvin was very good at communicating with the group even when other members had different expectations of what the guide should do with the group, and we had many group meetings about organising optional activities and leaving times. This trip was very well organised, and Marvin was extremely flexible with leaving times and organising activities for the group. Marvin also always gave his honest opinion associated with optional activities that were available at each location. This was my third tour guide in Cental America and Marvin was a great combination of being very friendly, extremely helpful and professional!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2022
Silvia - Traveled, August 2022
It was a wonderful tour, with nice people. We saw a lot of beautiful places. We had the best Guide (Pablo) for this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/01/2022
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