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A Taste of Costa Rica and Panama
Overview
Introduction
Prepare to be captivated by the wonders of Central America on our exclusive 16-night expedition. Allow us to unveil the most mesmerising treasures this region has to offer.
Traverse the verdant jungles of Tortuguero and Sarapiqui, where you'll be immersed in a world teeming with rare wildlife and cascading waterfalls. Indulge in the allure of Boquete, a quaint town celebrated for its coffee plantations and panoramic mountain vistas. And surrender to the sheer beauty of Punta Banco's gilded beaches and crystalline turquoise waters.
As you journey onward to Panama, the exploration continues. You will learn about the remarkable engineering works of the Panama Canal, venture into the lush expanse of Soberana National Park, and uncover the historic Mira Flores Locks. Let’s not forget Casco Antiguo, where the vivid tapestry of Panama's rich history and vibrant culture comes to life.
Choose this itinerary to explore some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at San Jose Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the Central Valley.
Hotel Bougainvillea is a modern comfortable hotel set within lush tropical gardens just a 20-minute drive from San José Airport. The hotel offers a large outdoor pool, tennis courts and a gym. Rooms have balconies overlooking the gardens or city.
A short distance from the country’s capital of San Jose are 4 vastly different habitats, offering volcanic peaks, jungle waterfalls, plunging gorges, cloud forests and the largest butterfly observatory in the world!
Bougainvillea Hotel, San Jose
Day 2 - Guided tour of Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Today you will be collected for private full day guided tour of the Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens, including lunch.
Rising up to 8,885 ft (2,708 m) Poas Volcano is considered by many to be one of the most dramatic and breathtaking sites in the entire country. Today it remains one of Costa Rica's largest and most active volcanoes and this fact alone is enough to attract thousands of visitors per year.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the most visited privately owned ecological attraction in Costa Rica. It features the most famous waterfalls in Costa Rica, a butterfly observatory, a rescued wildlife reserve with many rare animal species and an environmental education program. The spacious glass and acrylic design of their Butterfly Observatory allows visitors the opportunity to enjoy the butterflies throughout the year, whilst the laboratory allows guests to see the butterflies up close as they emerge from their chrysalis or in larva stages of their growth. Overnight in Hotel Bougainvillea, San Jose.
Butterfly Observatory
Day 3 - Transfer to Tortuguero
Early morning shared transfer from San Jose to Tortuguero, including a stop for breakfast (included) followed by a shared boat trip to your lodge.
Overnight at Mawamba Lodge, Tortuguero. Includes return transfers, an early morning group guided wildlife boat trip on the second day, additional group guided excursions and park entrance fees.
Mawamba Lodge, Tortuguero
Day 4 - Guided excursion of Mawamba Park
This morning, you have the opportunity to visit Mawamba Park with your naturalist guide.
Located in our lodge's gardens, this private facility boasts two butterfly farms, a frog garden, a river turtle area, and our bio-digester. The bio-digester is an important conservation effort that transforms Lodge sewage waters into a natural source of methane gas, which is used to heat the stoves. Currently, around 30% of the gas used at the Lodge comes from the bio-digester. This visit includes a walk in the Lodge's trails, which makes for a delightful experience.
Overnight at Mawamba Lodge, Tortuguero.
Mawamba Park
Day 5 - Transfer to Sarapiqui
Depart by shared boat to the settlement of Guapiles where you will have lunch (included). Continue with a private driver (approximately 1 hour drive) to Sarapiqui.
Sarapiqui houses some of the best preserved primary rainforest in the country. It is an excellent area for wildlife and nature with La Selva Biological station, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tirimbina Biological reserve and Rara Avis private rainforest reserve all located nearby.
Overnight at the Selva Verde Lodge, Sarapiqui (River Lodge). Set within a private 500 acre reserve, Selva Verde Lodge offers a wide variety of experiences, from quiet nature hikes to exhilarating white water rafting, designed to engage visitors of all ages. The amenities include a swimming pool, and restaurant with bar overlooking the river. The accommodation is simple but spacious and comfortable and has private en-suite facilities.
Selva Verde Lodge, Sarapiqui
Day 6 - Private half-day excursion to La Selva Biological Station
Morning private half day guided excursion to La Selva Biological Station.
La Selva Biological Station was originally established in 1954 by Dr. Leslie Holdridge, as a farm dedicated to experimentation on mixed plantations for the improvement of natural resources management. It was purchased in 1968 by the Organisation for Tropical Studies and declared a private biological reserve and station. Since then, it has become one of the most important sites in the world for research on tropical rain forest.
Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the lodge and surrounding area. Overnight at the Selva Verde Lodge, Sarapiqui (River Lodge).
Day 7 - Transfer to Punta Banco
This morning you will be transferred back to San Jose for a domestic chartered flight to Golfito.
On arrival in Golfito, a shared 4x4 transfer will be waiting to take you to Tiskita Lodge in Punta Banco.
Nestled in the heart of a 400-acre private rainforest reserve lies the family-run, Tiskita lodge. Surrounded by virgin rainforest and boasting a coastline with tide pools and swimming beaches, this natural haven is located 10km from the Panama border. Expect hot and humid weather, and an experimental fruit farm that has over 100 varieties of tropical fruit. Encounter a wealth of wildlife, from monkeys and sloths to iguanas, bats, and anteaters. The lodge offers 16 rustic rooms with outdoor bathrooms and a protected stretch of beach, which serves as a nesting site for ridley, green, and leatherback turtles from July to November.
Tiskita Lodge
Day 8-9 - Days at leisure
Along with opportunities for self-exploration, guests can join in on one daily shared excursion. These include a Rainforest Walk, Morning Birdwatching Expedition, Guided Tide Pool Walk, and a visit to the Local Town of Punta Banco. In addition, Tiskita's expansive rainforest offers over nine miles of extensive, well-marked trail systems, leading through the Tiskita Private Biological Reserve and organic orchard.
Overnight at Tiskita Lodge, Punta Banco.
Day 10 - Transfer to Panama
Today, you will be driven back to Golfito by Tiskita Lodge. On arrival, a private car and driver will meet you for the journey to Panama. You will drive to the border town of Paso Canoas.
Once you have completed border formalities another driver will be waiting to transfer you to Boquete.
Overnight at Finca Lerida, Boquete. Finca Lérida is one of Boquete's oldest and most traditional Coffee Estates. Located in the highlands of Boquete at an altitude of approximately 1600m above sea level, the Finca is set within an 800 acre private nature reserve. Birds are in abundance including the resplendent Quetzal. The lodge can arrange a variety of daily activities including bird watching, coffee plantation tours and trekking.
Finca Lerida, Boquete
Day 11 - Half day coffee tour
Today you will have a shared half day coffee tour of the Finca.
The coffee and Lérida Farm’s history dates back to 1911 when Sir Toleff Mönniche, one of the Norwegian engineers who worked in the construction and design of the Panama Canal, built his first coffee farm in 1924. In 1929, he began to export Panamanian coffee to Germany. The guided walk begins by the coffee plantations and learning the cultivation processes and microclimates. You will continue to the areas where the pulp is removed from coffee cherries; they are dried out and roasted. Complete the tour by coffee tasting observing the techniques of scent, aroma and character creating a perfect balance of sweet and bitter tastes through blending.
Overnight at Finca Lerida, Boquete.
Day 12 - Day at leisure
Free day to enjoy the lodge, grounds and local trails.
Overnight at Finca Lerida, Boquete.
Finca Lerida
Day 13 - Transfer to Panama City
This morning you will be transferred privately from Finca Lerida to David.
Upon arrival at David Airport, you will depart for Panama City. Once you have arrived in Panama City you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at the Central Hotel, Panama City. Featuring a unique French-influenced design, Central Hotel Panamá is one of many historic buildings recognised by UNESCO for its architectural significance within the Casco Antiguo – a designated World Heritage Site in Panama City. It recently underwent full renovations, including meticulous work to preserve the façade and original structure. The finished property creates a sense of historic luxury that can only be experienced first-hand.
Panama City
Day 14 - Panama Canal tour
Today you will join a shared partial transit through the Panama Canal. Includes private transfers to and from the boat.
The visit allows you to feel the excitement of going through part of the canal in order to observe the actual workings of the locks, which allow vessels to pass through the canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. First, transfer to the Modern International Flamenco Marina where you will set sail to the entrance of the canal. On the boat, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city, the Bridge of the Americas and the spectacular gulf dotted by numerous ships waiting to pass through the canal. The tour ends in Gamboa where you will return to your hotel. Lunch will be provided during the tour.
Overnight at the Central Hotel, Panama City.
Panama Canal
Day 15 - Private tour of Soberania National Park
Today you will have a private tour of Soberania National Park and enjoy the Camino de Cruces trail.
The trail of Camino de Cruces was built in 1527 by the Spanish Crown. It began in Old Panama and went towards the port of Cruces on the shore of Chagres River. It was here that gold from Central and South America was transported. The trail through secondary rainforest is a habitat for a number of diverse species including monkeys, snakes, spiders and anteaters.
After the hike, enjoy a 1-hour ride boat through the Panama Canal and around Lake Gatun into secret waterways, to find hidden islands where Capuchin and Howler Monkeys can be seen leaping in the trees above. Overnight at the Central Hotel, Panama City.
Blue Grey Birds, Soberania National Park
Day 16 - Private tour of Miraflores Locks and Casco Antiguo
Today you will have a private tour of the Miraflores Locks and Casco Antiguo (Panama City’s historic quarter).
The tour starts at the Panama Canal, a magnificent feat of engineering. After 30/40 minutes you will reach the Visitor Centre of Miraflores Locks, from which you will be able to observe the ships moving along the canal. The tour continues in the Old Quarter of Panama City, the historic centre of San Felipe, declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, thanks to its eclectic fusion of colonial, neoclassic and French architecture. This stop includes a walk through the streets, squares and gravel roads observing the colonial buildings, churches and palaces. The tour ends at the Executive Mansion (entrance is not guaranteed), also known as Palacio de las Garzas; famous for the preservation of its wonderful halls, the Salón Amarillo, and the Salón de los Tamarindos where the most famous murals of Roberto Lewis are housed.
Overnight at the Central Hotel, Panama City.
Panama City
Day 17 - Day of departure
Today you will be transferred to Panama International Airport for your flight home.
Accommodation
Bougainvillea Hotel - Night 1 to 3
Surrounded by extensive mature gardens and a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Jose, Bougainvillea Hotel is an oasis of calm and a comfortable base from which to explore the city.
Surrounded by extensive mature gardens and a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Jose, Bougainvillea Hotel is an oasis of calm and a comfortable base from which to explore the city.
The hotel offers a large outdoor pool, tennis courts and fitness centre. In addition, guests can enjoy local and international cuisine in the Vitrales restaurant and bar.
The spacious rooms have private facilities and feature balconies overlooking the gardens or city, flat-screen TV, safety deposit box, coffee maker and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Mawamba Lodge - Night 3 to 5
This lodge has 58 simple cabins, all with private facilities (shower) including four honeymoon suites.
This lodge has 58 simple cabins, all with private facilities (shower) including four honeymoon suites. The suites have a private terrace, king size bed and corner bath.
There is an attractive swimming pool. From the lodge it is only a short walk to the village and to Tortuguero Beach, the nesting place of Green Turtles.
Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve - Night 5 to 7
This lodge is set in lowland rainforest , adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park and La Selva Biological Station.
This lodge is set in lowland rainforest, adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park and La Selva Biological Station. It is a great spot for birding, nature tours and river trips.
The river Sarapiqui runs through the property. The rooms are simple but are spacious, clean and comfortable. There is a swimming pool set amongst the attractive gardens and a restaurant/bar area overlooking the river.
Tiskita Jungle Lodge - Night 7 to 10
This family run lodge is located in the middle of a private, 400 acre rain forest reserve, in the remote area of Golfito.
This family run lodge is located in the middle of a private, 400 acre rain forest reserve, in the remote area of Golfito. To reach Tiskita, take a flight to Golfito followed by a 4x4 transfer to the lodge There is an experimental fruit farm with over 100 varieties of tropical fruit from all over the world.
The 16 rustic rooms with private outside bathrooms. The main lodge hosts the dining room, bar area and small library. There is a small swimming pool and a five minute walk brings you to deserted beaches and tide pools. There is a protected five kilometers stretch of beach below the reserve, the nesting site of ridley, green and leatherback turtles (July- November).
Tiskita is without doubt a complete nature experience. Highly recommended.
Finca Lerida - Night 10 to 13
Finca Lérida is one of Boquete's oldest and most traditional Coffee Estates.
Finca Lérida is one of Boquete's oldest and most traditional Coffee Estates. Located in the highlands of Boquete at an altitude of approximately 1600m above sea level, the Finca Lérida ecolodge is set within an 800 acre private nature reserve. Birds are in abundance including the resplendent Quetzal. Recently built, the lodge offers eleven spacious and pleasantly decorated double rooms, each with private bathroom, porch and stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
Finca Lérida offers an in-depth coffee tour for those interested in learning more about coffee, including a visit to the original processing plant. After a day of birding, hiking, walking or just relaxing, enjoy excellent home-cooked meals in the Coffee House. John Collins and his wife Zoraida are both excellent hosts, making for a very enjoyable stay. Highly recommended.
Route Map
Best time to go
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Time Difference
GMT - 6 hours
Currency
Colon
Language
Spanish
Average flight times
11 hours 35 minutes BA direct flight to San Jose from London Gatwick
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