Costa Rica & Panama: Canal, Coffee & Volcanoes
Costa Rica & Panama: Canal, Coffee & Volcanoes
12 Days Starting in Panama City, Panama and ending in San José, Costa Rica
Visiting: Panama City, Chitré, Boquete, Dominical, Corcovado National Park, Monteverde, Arenal, Poás Volcano National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CRP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Costa Rica and Panama, exploring the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Central America. This tour offers a unique blend of experiences, from savoring the world-renowned geisha coffee in Boquete to discovering the rich traditions of Chitré on the Azuero Peninsula. Traverse the lush cloud forests of Monteverde and the volcanic terrains of Arenal and Poás National Parks. Contrast the historic charm of Panama City's Casco Viejo with the modern marvel of the Panama Canal. Journey by boat to the remote Corcovado National Park, where you can encounter diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. With comfortable accommodations and seamless transport, this adventure promises an enriching exploration of these captivating countries.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Panama City (Panama)
Location: Panama City
Accommodation Name: Riande Urban or similar
Our journey begins in Panama City, the country’s capital and Central America’s commerce and transport hub. Undeniably important to today’s global trade, it continues this legacy having originally been at the heart of one of the Spanish Empire’s ‘New World’ trade routes, after being conquered in 1519 as the first European settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas. On arrival we will transfer to our hotel in the city’s financial district in the heart of the concrete jungle that is modern-day Panama City.
Day 2: Panama City: Casco Viejo Old Town & Panama Canal Locks
Location: Panama City
Accommodation Name: Riande Urban or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean in front and the city’s high-rises as a backdrop, the historic quarter - affectionately known as ‘Casco Viejo’ - is a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose collection of Spanish colonial buildings and French and Antillean townhouses we’ll explore via a walking tour this morning. Following a break for lunch, you’ll head inland to the grand locks at the famous feat of engineering that is the Panama Canal. Begun by the French in 1881 and later revived by the United States, it was built to avoid the hazardous journey around Cape Horn and opened on August 15, 1914. It remains to this day one of the world’s most spectacular technological undertakings.
Day 3: Panama City - Chitré
Location: Chitré
Accommodation Name: Cubita or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Heading up the Pan-American Highway, this morning we’ll leave the capital for the country’s cultural capital, Chitré, found on the Azuero Peninsula. These rural ranching heartlands are famed for their carnival celebrations, believed to date back to the mid-16th century, and are largely overlooked by international visitors in a hurry to fly up north. Filled with fascinating folklore and smiling faces, it provides an ideal stopover to discover a little something of the region’s vibrant Azuero culture.
Day 4: Chitré Cultural Tour - Boquete
Location: Boquete
Accommodation Name: Valle del Rio or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Many of the villages and countryside towns dotting the Azuero Peninsula are known for a distinct trade and artisan skill mastered by their residents. We’ll spend the morning visiting a few artisans in neighbouring towns to learn how the local, leather ‘cutarras’ sandals are made; understand how handmade pottery is produced in the region; and to see the intricate details that go into the traditional ‘pollera’ dresses before the annual Parade of a Thousand Skirts. After lunch, we’ll hit the highway and drive up to the town of Boquete, stunningly located within a lush highland valley close to the northern border with Costa Rica.
Day 5: Boquete: Coffee Tour & Tasting
Location: Boquete
Accommodation Name: Valle del Rio or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lying at around 900m, in a region known locally as ‘The Valley of Flowers’, Boquete offers up a wonderful mix of mountain peaks, cloud forest, coffee plantations and small farms. This morning we’ll drive through the verdant hills of the valley to one of the town’s beloved coffee fincas for a tour and tasting, including the chance to sip the award-winning geisha coffee that recently won the accolade of the world’s most expensive coffee. Later, there’ll be a chance to stop in town for some fresh strawberries as you learn about the importance of vegetable and fruit farms in the area.
Day 6: Boquete - Border Crossing – Dominical (Costa Rica)
Location: Dominical
Accommodation Name: Villas Rio Mar or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Setting off this morning, we’ll pick the Pan-American Highway back up following it over the border and to the beach town of Dominical in neighbouring Costa Rica. Sandwiched between lush rainforest and the rolling surf of the Pacific Ocean, Dominical will be our base for the next couple of nights. Depending on our arrival time after the border crossing, there should hopefully be the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon lazing by the pool or a walk down into the coastal village.
Day 7: Dominical: Corcovado National Park Boat & Hike
Location: Corcovado National Park
Accommodation Name: Villas Rio Mar or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Setting off from the hotel early this morning we’ll drive over to a neighbouring village along the Costa Ballena (Whale Coast) to board our boat across the Pacific waters. During the migration season (Dec – Mar), it’s sometimes possible to spot humpbacks teaching their calves in the water during the crossing. After landing on the protected Osa Peninsula, we’ll begin our first hike into the rainforests of the Corcovado National Park in search of the tapirs, sloths, monkeys, macaws and other wildlife that roam undisturbed here. Making our way back in time for our picnic lunch set up on the beach, we’ll later head off on a coastal walk along the undeveloped stretches of the peninsula’s beaches in the afternoon, before taking the boat and our transfer back to the hotel.
Day 8: Dominical - Monteverde
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation Name: Hotel Cipreses or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Turning our back on the coast, we’ll make our way inland this morning up towards the cloud forest-covered highlands of Monteverde. One of the country’s major ecotourism destinations, Monteverde was once described as “the jewel in the crown of cloud forest reserves” by National Geographic. Upon arrival, we’ll settle into our hotel around the small highland town of Santa Elena, the entry to Monteverde.
Day 9: Monteverde – Arenal: Hiking In The Cloud Forest
Location: Monteverde
Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Luckily for those wanting to escape the crowds, the rich forests of the ever-popular Monteverde Cloud Forest expand beyond the reserve’s boundaries. So today, we’ll be heading to one of the adjacent reserves, also run by the not-for-profit Monteverde Conservation Association. One of the most biodiverse areas on earth, its 23,000 hectares play host to one of the world’s largest numbers of orchid species in a single location and 450 species of birds, including the resplendent quetzal, some of which we’ll be hoping to spot as we explore the quieter trails on this side of the cloud forest. After lunch, we’ll begin the transfer through stunning scenes of the steamy highlands and around Arenal Lake to reach our next hotel below Arenal Volcano’s imposing gaze.
Day 10: Arenal: Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs
Location: Arenal
Accommodation Name: Arenal Montechiari or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The mornings are usually the best time to see Arenal Volcano’s conical top rising to 1,633m, so this morning we’ll head over to the hanging bridges suspended over its surrounding forests for a fun way to enjoy views of the volcano. After a morning exploring the trails and seven hanging bridges, suspended some 600m above the forest floor, the afternoon has been set aside to soak in idyllic nearby volcanic thermal springs – a must while in Arenal – and take some time to unwind before dinner.
Day 11: Arenal – Central Highlands
Location: Poás Volcano National Park
Accommodation Name: Poas Volcano Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The final leg of our journey sees us crossing through the cloud-forest covered landscapes of the Central Mountain Range near Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose. Above the Central Valley the capital is nestled in is one of the country’s natural treasures, Poas Volcano National Park, covering approximately 65 square kilometres and dominated by the smoldering Poás Volcano - a 2,700m giant that has erupted some 40 times in the past 200 years. Our final hotel sits at the heart of this region that contains no fewer than six national parks and provides a spectacular setting for our farewell dinner this evening.
Day 12: Central Highlands – Poás Volcano Tour – Depart San José
Location: Poás Volcano National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Making use of the often-clearer morning skies, we’ll head to Poás Volcano National Park after breakfast for a chance to peek into the volcano’s turquoise crater lake. Established in 1971, the wider national park is home to an array of plant and animal life including coyotes, marmots, varieties of hummingbird as well as the rare resplendent quetzal. A panoramic view over the natural landmark’s bubbling caldera and surrounding biodiverse forests provides an ideal final shot of these volcanic lands. The adventure ends in San Jose where those on the group tour flight can be taken to the airport for their afternoon flight.
What's Included
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Transport
Travel conveniently with minibuses and a motorized boat, ensuring smooth transitions between destinations and allowing for scenic views and unique experiences as you explore the diverse landscapes of Panama and Costa Rica.
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Group Size
The tour accommodates a maximum of 12 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
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Carbon Contributions
Contributions to climate and community projects are included for all bookings.
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Expert Team
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate are included.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Fitness Rating
The tour has a low to moderate fitness rating, suitable for most travelers.
What's Not Included
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Visas & Travel Insurance
Visas and travel insurance are not included in the cost of the tour.
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Tips
Tips are not included and are always optional, with guidance provided in the pre-departure information documents.
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International Flights
International flights are not included in the tour package.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included unless arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.
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Beverages & Personal Costs
Beverages and any costs of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs, are not included.
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with minibuses and a motorized boat, ensuring smooth transitions between destinations and allowing for scenic views and unique experiences as you explore the diverse landscapes of Panama and Costa Rica.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at a variety of accommodations including Riande Urban, Cubita, Ladera, Villa Rio Mar, Los Cipreses, Arenal Oasis, and Poas Volcano Lodge, or similar, offering a mix of urban, cultural, and natural settings throughout Panama and Costa Rica.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however please note there are a few hiking excursions which, although not strenuous, are in undeveloped forests with uneven floors and last around two hours long each, so would require an above-average level of fitness and the ability to navigate this type of terrain. Travellers should also be aware that there are a number of boat tours which require climbing in and out, sometimes in the sea. The roads in both countries will generally be well paved and in good condition, however it should be noted that there are a number of long driving days of around five to six hours.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses minibuses and a motorized boat for transportation, ensuring smooth transitions between destinations and allowing for scenic views and unique experiences as you explore the diverse landscapes of Panama and Costa Rica.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy comfortable stays at a variety of accommodations including Riande Urban, Cubita, Ladera, Villa Rio Mar, Los Cipreses, Arenal Oasis, and Poas Volcano Lodge, or similar, offering a mix of urban, cultural, and natural settings throughout Panama and Costa Rica.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 people.
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Is there a fitness requirement for this tour?
The tour has a low to moderate fitness rating, with some hiking excursions in undeveloped forests that require an above-average level of fitness and the ability to navigate uneven terrain.
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What wildlife might I see in Corcovado National Park?
In Corcovado National Park, you might see tapirs, sloths, monkeys, macaws, and other wildlife that roam undisturbed in the area.
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What is special about the coffee tour in Boquete?
During the coffee tour in Boquete, you will have the opportunity to taste the award-winning geisha coffee, known as the world's most expensive coffee.
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What activities are included in Arenal?
In Arenal, you will explore trails and hanging bridges suspended over the forest, and have the opportunity to soak in nearby volcanic thermal springs.
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What is the focus of the cultural tour in Chitré?
The cultural tour in Chitré focuses on visiting artisans in neighboring towns to learn about local trades such as making leather 'cutarras' sandals, handmade pottery, and traditional 'pollera' dresses.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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