Overview & Highlights
Visit two contrasting Central American countries. Costa Rica is a treasure trove for the nature-lover with many divine national parks, while Panama is a cultural melting-pot where you'll discover the Canal by boat.
This sunlit holiday combines natural riches with one of the greatest feats of human engineering, the Panama Canal. Relax in soothing hot springs in the shadow of the picture-perfect Arenal volcano then visit the Caribbean jungle waterways and mangrove forests of the wildlife-rich Tortuguero reserve. Cross into Panama to spend time on Bocas del Toro, white-sand islands off its Caribbean coast, and in the lush forests of the rugged interior at Boquete. After this, travel to Panama City to sail through the Panama Canal.
Costa Rica has an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna and its people are extremely welcoming. The comprehensive network of national parks with their extensive trails is always very accessible. In line with its love and respect for the great outdoors, Costa Rica also has been at the vanguard of adventure tourism, with activities on offer from zip-lining to white-water rafting.
Panama has a different rhythm, and is a real melting pot of cultures as a result of being at the crossroads of oceans. The Panama Canal, one of the world’s most crucial transport corridors, is a stunning piece of engineering. You will pass through some of the locks on a launch and explore the historic capital, with its history of pirates and naval battles.
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in San José and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Transfer to Arenal volcano area.
Day 3
Excursion to Ecotermales hot springs.
Day 4
Transfer to Sarapiqui via Tirimbina and the hanging bridges.
Day 5
Transfer to Guapiles and Tortuguero
Day 6
Explore Tortuguero National Park.
Day 7
Transfer by road and water to Bocas del Toro.
Days 8,9
At leisure at Bocas del Toro.
Day 10
Transfer to Boquete via Oreba Chocolate Farm.
Day 11
Coffee finca excursion.
Day 12
Transfer to Panama City.
Day 13
Panama Canal partial transit.
Day 14
Transfer to the airport for your international flight.
What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
Seeing South America (Chile and Argentina) with JLA was great....a fun group and it was a wonderful way to see the best sights in some astonishing places. The people we met were great, food was excellent and some of the views!
PR, Cardiff
Tailor made holiday
Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.
Sophie Barber - Travel Consultant
Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
Panama / Bocas del Toro and The Caribbean
Bocas Inn
Panama / Boquete and the Chiriquí Highlands
Boquete Tree Trek Mountain Resort
Costa Rica / San Jose, central highlands and central valleys
La Quinta de Sarapiquí Country Inn
Costa Rica / San Jose, central highlands and central valleys
Presidente
Panama / Panama City
Tryp by Wyndham
Costa Rica / Caribbean coast
Turtle Beach Lodge
Costa Rica / Arenal and the north
