Nature and Culture Tour
from Panama to Costa Rica

Welcome to Panama!

Your driver will be waiting for you at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City.

This will be your first taste of the country, and then your driver will take you to your hotel.

Overnight stay at a charming hotel in Panama City’s Casco Antiguo

Guided City Tour of Panama City

Your driver will pick you up for a full-day city tour of Panama City.

The first stop is Panama La Vieja, which was the country’s first capital before being destroyed by the famous pirate Henry Morgan.

Next, head to the must-see Panama Canal and the Miraflores Locks. The visitor center offers a bird’s-eye view of all kinds of ships passing through (container ships, cruise ships, or tiny sailboats…).

In addition, exhibits trace the history of the locks’ construction and explain how they work.

Next, you’ll explore Casco Antiguo. This bohemian neighborhood immerses you in the country’s rich history, with its characteristic narrow streets and colorful buildings leading to Plaza de Francia.

Discover the ubiquitous Art Deco architecture and the imposing cathedral in this neighborhood.

In the late afternoon, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight stay in a charming hotel in Panama City’s Casco Antiguo

A day dedicated to meeting the Embera Quera people!

Early in the morning, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to visitthe Embera people near the banks of the Chagres River, where a community representative will be waiting for you.

You’ll head to the Rio Gatún dock, where you’ll board a motorized canoe bound for one of the community’s villages.

On the other side of the river, you’ll be welcomed by the cacique (spiritual leader) and the village children. Throughout the day, you’ll discover their way of life and traditions, including an introduction to the art of tattooing.

You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about their knowledge of medicinal plants, watch a performance of ancestral dances, and visit a small island to observe the monkeys.

Finally, a traditional fish-based meal will be served to you on banana leaves.

In the afternoon, your driver will pick you up at the pier and take you to Panama City.

Overnight stay at a charming hotel in Casco Antiguo, Panama City

Departure for Boca Chica, a little paradise on Panama’s Pacific coast!

Your driver will pick you up at your hotel for a transfer to Gelabert (Albrook) Airport. You’ll take a domestic flight to David, the capital of the province of Chiriquí.

Approximate flight time: 2 hours

Once you arrive in David, ground transportation to your hotel in Boca Chica will beprovided.

Approximate travel time: 1 hour and a half

Overnight stay at a superb beachfront hotel in Boca Chica

Tour of the Islands in theGulf of Chiriquí and the Bahía de los Muertos!

From your hotel in Boca Chica on the mainland, you’ll discover the breathtaking beauty of the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine National Park, with its pristine islands covered in tropical jungle.

The national park covers 155 km² of ocean and islands and is famous for its green iguanas, humpback whales, dolphins, numerous species of turtles, rays, monkeys, as well as hundreds of speciesof exotic birds and tropical fish.

Note: Whale-watching season: July through October. Dolphins can be seen year-round at Bahía Muertos.

Overnight stay at a superb beachfront hotel in Boca Chica

A day of exploration to discover the Kiki Waterfall!

Guided hike (intermediate level) to the Ngäbe people’s waterfall, considered one of Panama’s largest waterfalls and also known as the Kiki Waterfall.

Enjoy a hike through this region with magnificent views and a refreshing swim at the waterfall.

You’ll also enjoy a traditional lunch in a Ngäbe village.

Approximate duration: 7 hours

Overnight stay at a superb beachfront hotel in Boca Chica

Let’s head to the tropical Boquete Valley!

Ground transfer from your hotel in Boca Chica to David.

Approximate travel time: 1.5 hours

Another driver will be waiting for you upon your arrival in David to take you up into the region’s highlands to the village of Boquete, renowned for its flowers and coffee.

Approximate travel time: 1 hour

Overnight stay in a bungalow at a comfortable hotel in Boquete 

Tour of a coffee plantation!

You’ll learn everything about coffee, from seed to cup!

The tour includes a professional explanation of the processing plant and an introduction to the cultivation, harvesting, and roasting processes for organic coffee.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy the many hiking trails in the area or take a stroll through the charming village of Boquete.

Overnight stay in a bungalow at a comfortable hotel in Boquete 

Let’s head to the Caribbean and the stunning Bocas del Toro archipelago!

Private transfer from Boquete to the Almirante pier.

Approximate travel time: 4 hours

Meet at the Almirante port and board a public motorboat bound for Isla Colón.

Note: Approximately 30-minute boat ride; cost: $6 USD per person (not included).

Spend the night at your traditional Bocas del Toro hotel, partially built on stiltsandoverlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Colón Island and Its Wonders

Discover the northern part of Colón Island, where you’ll first visit Bird Island.

You’ll then head down to Boca del Drago for a short walk, during which you can take in the magnificent scenery along the beach. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the famous Playa Estrella for about 3 hours.

During this time , you can enjoy lunch at the delicious local restaurants located right on the water (not included).

You’ll end the day with a snorkeling activity.

Approximate duration: 6 hours

Overnight at your traditional Bocas del Toro hotel, partially built on stiltsandoverlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Departure for Costa Rica and the Caribbean coast!

Shared transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo.

You’ll take a boat to the port of Almirante, where your transportation provider will meet you upon disembarking. You’ll then cross the border into Costa Rica and continue on to Puerto Viejo.

Approximate travel time: 45 minutes by boat and 2 hours by car.

The time required to cross the border varies depending on the number of travelers at immigration.

Once you arrive at your hotel in Puerto Viejo, you’ll pick up your 4×4 rental vehicle to enjoy the rest of your stay at your own pace!

End-of-day activity: local flavors!

The Afro-Caribbean women of Puerto Viejo welcome you and share their culinary traditions with you during a cooking class! An ideal way to discover Costa Rican and Caribbean culture in a unique way. You’ll discover and savor traditional dishes such as patacones and rice and beans.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Overnight stay at a charming hotel in Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo 

Explore the lush plains of northern Costa Rica!

Route from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.

Depart for Sarapiquí: an important river port sincecolonial times, whose forests serve as a refuge for tapirs, sloths, coatis, and various monkeys.

Approximate travel time: 3.5 hours.

At the end of the day, encounter nocturnal animals!

Discover the region’s wildlife on a night hike. Your naturalist guide will help you spot alligators, snakes, spiders, frogs, and other nocturnal species…

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Overnight stay in a bungalow at a hotel in Sarapiqui, renowned for its nature reserve 

Today’s plan: a rafting session!

The Sarapiqui River offers the perfect blend of adventure and nature. This stretch features Class 3–4 rapids and clear, refreshing water that flows through the Sarapiqui rainforest, making this place a true paradise.

When you arrive at the starting point, certified guides will outfit you with professional gear and brief you on safety guidelines and instructions to ensure you get the most out of your adventure. Then the adventure can begin!

Halfway through the descent, you’ll take a break to enjoy a buffet of fresh tropical fruits and recharge your energy. During this break, you’ll have the opportunity to swim and jump off the cliffs lining the river. The guide will take plenty of time to teach you about the flora and fauna found in this incredible place.

After all these adventures, a delicious traditional meal will await you upon arrival.

Approximate duration: 4.5 hours.

Overnight stay in a bungalow at a hotel in Sarapiqui, renowned for its nature reserve 

Guided Hike in La Selva and Drive to Tenorio!

In the morning, set out with your local guide for a hike through the heart of the Selva Verde Reserve. During the hike, you’ll likely have the chance to spot various mammals and birds.

Approximate duration: 3 hours.

Drive from Sarapiquí to Bijagua.

Depart for the Miravalles (2,028 meters above sea level) and Tenorio(1,916 meters above sea level) volcanoes.

Approximate travel time: 3 hours.

Overnight stay at a superb eco-lodge in Tenorio, run by a charming Belgian couple.

Tour of Tenorio National Park!

You’ll explore one of the country’s most beautiful trails, winding through the jungle, past waterfalls, and natural hot springs. You’ll have the chance to discover the Rio Celeste, renowned for its surreal turquoise-blue color (which intensifies as light reflects off the water) due to the minerals in its waters, which contrast with the intense green of the tropical vegetation.

Stretching 36 km, the Rio Celeste originates at the confluence of two rivers, flows through volcanic hot springs and sulfur springs, before forming a magnificent waterfall.

Approximate duration: 2.5 hours.

Info: Park admission is payable on site ($12 for adults and $5 for children under 12) in U.S. dollars or by credit card.

Overnight stay at a superb eco-lodge in Tenorio, run by a charming Belgian couple.

Set off for Guanacaste and the stunning Pacific beaches!

Route from Tenorio to Playa Hermosa, on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste.

From Tenorio, you’ll head toward the Pacific Coast via the Inter-American Highway. You’ll then pass through the towns of Cañas and Liberia before heading toward the beaches of Guanacaste.

Approximate driving time: 2 hours.

Overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Playa Hermosa, nestled between the tropical jungle and a white-sand beach.

A Day of Snorkeling in Papagayo! 

You’ll be able to see several species during this snorkeling trip, including various types of rays— manta rays, schools of white-tipped stingrays, and eagle rays—as well as white-tipped sharks, schools of barracudas, and seahorses.

Note: The best time of year for this snorkeling trip is from April through November.

Approximate duration: 4.5 hours.

Overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Playa Hermosa, nestled between the tropical jungle and a white-sand beach.

A free day to enjoy the region’s beaches.

Feel free to ask us about the various water activities you won’t want to miss here, or the most beautiful beaches to explore in this area (which is said to have the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica).

Overnight stay at a luxury hotel in Playa Hermosa, nestled between the tropical jungle and a white-sand beach.

Last day in Costa Rica, with two possible options: return flight from Liberia or San José

Option 1:

Drive from Playa Hermosa to Liberia andits international airport (numerous connections to North America and a few direct flights to Europe)

Approximate travel time: 45 minutes.

Option 2:

Head to San José.

Along the way, you can take the Puente Tempisque bridge to cross the Gulf of Nicoya, before joining the Inter-American Highway to reach the Central Valley.

Approximate travel time: 5 to 6 hours.

In both cases, you will return your vehicle to our local partner, who will then arrange your transfer to the airport.