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.
- Arenal Volcano & Ecotermales Hot Springs
- Tirimbina trails and hanging bridges
- Tortuguero village & canals
- Coffee finca & coffee farm tours
- Cruise down the Panama Canal
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.
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.

Soak in Arenal’s hot springs

Nature trail across Arenal’s hanging bridges

Visit the national parks and private reserves in Central Highlands

Tortuguero kayaking and wildlife-spotting trip

Go snorkelling in a Panamanian marine reserve

Take a Panamanian coffee tour

Visit the Panama Canal

Explore Tirimbina Nature Reserve
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.

Costa Rica / San Jose, central highlands and central valleys
Presidente

Costa Rica / Arenal and the north
Volcano Lodge

Costa Rica / San Jose, central highlands and central valleys
La Quinta de Sarapiquí Country Inn

Costa Rica / Caribbean coast
Turtle Beach Lodge

Panama / Bocas del Toro and The Caribbean
Bocas Inn

Panama / Boquete and the Chiriquí Highlands
Boquete Tree Trek Mountain Resort

Panama / Panama City
Tryp by Wyndham
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.

Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert
Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.
Inspired by this trip
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Papagaio
Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
View Extraordinary Inspiration