Click to see trip plan

COSTA RICA & PANAMA DISCOVERY

  • 1
  • 15 Days
PRICE

Jessica

Tucaya Costa Rica

Every traveller is unique and so is every trip we organize!

  • Local time:04:37

COSTA RICA & PANAMA DISCOVERY

COSTA RICA & PANAMA DISCOVERY

Here is a trip that delivers pure idyllic islands, jungle adventure, sky-high volcanoes, cultural encounters, and historical heritage. First travel to Costa Rica to uncover natural gems in Arenal, Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, then journey on to Panama for an intoxicating mixture of relaxation and cultural discovery. Costa Rica and Panama are the very essence of Central American coastal beauty!

WELCOME TO COSTA RICA

Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival at San Jose airport you will be welcomed by our representative who will escort you to your hotel in San Jose and give you your road book.

San Jose, 1 night

ARENAL VOLCANO

Meeting with the car rental agent in your hotel lobby to collect your car. Continuation northward to La Fortuna, a town situated on the foot of Arenal volcano, Costa Rica´s most famous one. Even if the Arenal Volcano activity decreased over the past 4 years, some clouds of smoke can still be seen going out of the crater when the sky is clear. Time at leisure for the rest of the day to relax by the pool. Read more

La Fortuna, 2 nights

JUNGLE ADVENTURE

In the morning, Hanging Bridges walk. The bridges are situated in a 250Ha tropical forest private natural reserve. From the bridges you will have the best point of view on the forest canopy and on Arenal Volcano. The total length of the trails is 3km, where you will cross about 15 bridges. In the afternoon, Zip-line tour. It is a totally different way of discovering the forest! You will glide from tree to tree, accompanied by expert guides and safety equipment. It is pretty usual to cross the path of monkeys, sloths, and many other animals hidden in the forest canopy. Read more

La Fortuna
More Pictures

SARAPIQUI

Drive to Sarapiqui, in the northest part of the country, a rich agricultural area (pineapple, palm heart, pejibaye, guanabana…). Chocolate tour across the forest to an old cacao plantation. Your local guide will explain you the ancient chocolate fabrication methods, and you will then taste a bit of the « Gods’ beverage » (the original chocolate recipe made by the Native populations) as well of the hot chocolate as we know it nowadays. Read more

Sarapiqui, 1 night
More Pictures

TORTIGUERO NATIONAL PARK

You will head to a meeting point in the city of Guapiles where you can park your rental car in a watched parking lot. Shared transfer to Tortuguero Pier, and boat ride to the village of Tortuguero. After visiting the village with your guide, boat transfer to the lodge. After lunch, time at leisure to enjoy the lodge facilities, or the numerous optional activities. Between June and October, you can take a night walk to witness sea turtle nesting (extra activity). Tortuguero National Park is the most important nesting site of the green turtle of the Caribbean coast in Tropical America Read more

Tortuguero, 2 nights

BOAT TOUR IN THE JUNGLE

After breakfast, boat tour across Tortugero National Park, to discover the fauna along the way! Later you will put on some rubber boots to discover the lush flora and fauna of the rainforest. Time at leisure in the end of the day to relax by the swimming pool or enjoy the lodge facilities.

Tortuguero

OFF TO THE CARIBBEAN COST

After breakfast you will take a boat back to Tortuguero pier and shared transfer to Guapiles where you will collect your car. Departure to Puerto Viejo, on the beautiful south Caribbean coast. Arrival at the hotel and check-in. Time at leisure to relax by the swimming pool or on the beach, or enjoy the hotel facilities. Read more

Puerto Viejo, 2 nights

JUNGLE HIKE

Start early in the morning, accompanied by your local guide for a hike in Cahuita National Park. Cahuita National Park is a must see on the Caribbean Coast. You will have a walk on the seaside trails of the National Park, dotted with beautiful little bays, lined by coconut trees and protected by a coral reef. You can easily observe the wildlife: monkeys, birds, iguanas, raccoons, coatis, sloths and more might cross your path. You will take a boat to the reefs for a snorkelling session before heading back to the hotel. Read more

Puerto Viejo
More Pictures

WELCOME TO PANAMA!

After leaving your car keys to the hotel reception, you will take a shared transfer to Bocas del Toro, Panama. Once in Almirante, transfer by boat to Isla Colon, your hotel will be in a walking distance from the arrival point.

Bocas del Toro, 3 nights

TOUR IN BOCAS DEL TORO

Early departure from Isla Colón in grouped service by speedboat to visit three of the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean. Dive into the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea. Admire an incredible marine life (dolphins, turtles, tropical frogs, goldfish, amazing colours tropical fish and corals) Ride the Caribbean waves and walk on the white deserted beaches. Fall in love while contemplating a splendid sunset. You will succumb to the charm of Bocas! You will visit famous beaches among Zapatillas Creek, Dolphin bay, Coral Creek, Bocas del Drago, The Starfish beach, Red frog Beach. Tours include: transportation (land and maritime), cooler with ice, local coordinator Read more

Bocas del Toro
More Pictures

DAY AT LEISURE

It is in this archipelago that Christopher Columbus landed during his 4th journey searching for the West Indies in 1502; therefore, many islands are named before him. Join us to discover one of the first touristic destinations of Panama: BOCAS DEL TORO! This province consists of perfect places to practice water sports or simply relax. Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, Zapatilla's Ceek, and its 13.226 hectares make of this archipelago one of the most beautiful and important places in Panama. Its remote location provides an ideal refuge for endangered species. The reefs, mangroves and beaches are essential to the survival of marine underwater life. Dive into the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea. Admire an incredible marine life (dolphins, turtles, tropical frogs, goldfish, amazing colours tropical fish and corals) Ride the Caribbean waves and walk on the white deserted beaches. Fall in love while contemplating a splendid sunset. You will succumb to the charm of Bocas! Activities and tours suggested to be organized locally :Diving, snorkelling, surfing, nature walk in Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, explorations of the "Gruta de la Virgen" (The virgins cave) (bat cave), visit The Smithsonian Research Station at Isla Colon, turtle whatching (turtle nesting in the Caribean from April to July, birth from May to August-September) Read more

Bocas del Toro

FLIGHT TO PANAMA CITY

Free morning in Bocas del Toro. In the Afternoon, Transfer to Bocas’ Airport for your flight to Panama City. IMPORTANT: The weight of baggage is limited to domestic flights up to 14kg. It is possible to pay an extra charge for the exceeding kg in the airport (except for flights to the archipelago of San Blas). Once in Panama, private transfer to your hotel Read more

Panama City, 3 nights

CITY TOUR AND CANAL

Start early in the morning, accompanied by your local guide for a tour to explore the ruins and museum of "Panama la Vieja first city founded by the Spanish colonialists in 1519. (Entrance to the watchtower included). We will continue to the colonial area: Casco Viejo, neighbourhood declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. Loose yourself in the streets of Casco Viejo: visit different churches, France Square (beautiful view of the modern city) and Bolivar Square, followed by the visit of the Panama Canal Museum that tells the story of its creation. Lunch included in a charming restaurant (Excluding drinks) Visit the Miraflores Locks, where you can follow the technical operations of the canal from a platform. Miraflores locks, is one of the 3 locks of the Panama Canal. Located at only five minutes from the capital. A visitor’s center was built for you to see and understand how the ships cross the country. THE PANAMA CANAL Begun in 1881 by the French Ferdinand de Lesseps. Its original construction caused many deaths. Works started again in 1904 under the US administration and more than 75,000 people participated. The first boat crossed in August 15 of 1914. This Canal is considered as the Eighth wonder of the modern world! On June 26th of 2016, the new locks were launched, allowing bigger ships (Neopanamax) to cross the canal. Bring for this tour: walking shoes (or sneakers), light clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and raincoat (in rainy season). Read more

Panama City

ENCOUNTER WITH THE EMBERAS

In the morning, pick up in your hotel and road to the Lake Gatún where natural life (endemic flora and fauna) run at its edges. Prepare yourself for a cultural encounter with the indigenous community “Embera”. Upon arrival, you will embark on a 20 min canoe ride towards the community. These communities still live completely in a traditional way, developing natural fibre baskets, colourful clothes, paintings and timeless dances. The Embera people will welcome you with traditional music. With a little luck, you will witness the acrobatic spectacle of spider monkeys, different kinds of birds of prey as well as exotic birds (parrots, toucans, kingfishers). One of the village chiefs will present their lifestyle and traditions: Introduction to traditional Embera crafting (basketry, wood carving and jewellery making), nature Walk and explanation of Embera medicine and in particular the benefits of certain plants, representation of their traditional dances. Typical lunch based on fish and plantains is included. Read more

Panama City

TIME TO GO BACK HOME

According to your flight schedule, private transfer to Tocumen international Airport.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Day in trip
Location
Hotel
Day 1
Location San Jose
Day 2
Location La Fortuna
Day 4
Location Sarapiqui
Day 5
Location Tortuguero
Day 7
Location Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Day 9
Location Bocas del Toro
Day 12
Location Panama City

TRIP PACKAGE

Package includes

  • Meet and greet at the airport and private transfer to your hotel on day 1
  • Phone support by our team all along the trip
  • 14 nights with breakfast in the mentioned hotels - depending on availability on the moment of the booking
  • Road and boat transfers in Tortuguero
  • Mentioned activities
  • In Costa Rica only: Car rental from day 2 at 08h30 to day 09 at 07h30. Mandatory insurance, and GPS included
  • Flight from Bocas del Toro to Panama City (limited to 40 lbs / 18kg of checked-in baggage per person)
  • Mentioned shared or private and road or boat transfers in Costa Rica and in Panama
  • Administration fees

Package excludes

  • International flights, cancelation, repatriation, luggage insurance
  • In Costa Rica only: Additional car insurance, deposit for the car (750$ with basic insurance and 100$ with addicional insurance) and for the GPS (250$), and gas expenses.
  • Any meal that is not mentioned as included or not mentioned at all
  • Any activity o entrance fee that is not mentioned as included or not mentioned at all
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Airport tax in Costa Rica ($ 29 USD per person)
  • Airport tax in Panama ($ 40 USD per person)
  • Anything not mentioned above in the “The price includes” section

REVIEWS

3 Reviews

Christian, France

C’est un merveilleux pays, une découverte et des rencontres fabuleuses. Si, le paradis existe il est au costa rica!! Les gens sont souriants, accueillants, chaleureux, pas stressés, réconfortants nous avons beaucoup aimé aussi leur responsabilité écologique : le moindre village a ses poubelles de tri, même si c'est un simple bidon. Quand nous étions perdu il y avait toujours quelqu'un pour nous indiquer le chemin, et même sans que nous le demandions. On ne ressent pas comme dans d'autres endroits que le touriste n'est qu'une manne financière. Nous avons même sauvé un petit oiseau qui s'appelle « el amigo del hombre » des griffes d'une vilaine fougère!! Read more

Laurine, France

The tour that Tucaya organized was beautiful, the hotels were all superbly chosen, we had a really great time.

Gilbert, France

Fabulous journey filled with beautiful encounters, wonderful landscapes and discoveries! Exceptional flora and fauna with colors to give you the spin. We Will keep a wonderful memory of this trip. Thank you to all of you, and especially to The Tucaya which organized a super trip!

THE TEAM

Jessica

Elisa

Every traveller is unique and so is every trip we organize!

If you have any questions or you want to customize your trip we are here for you at any time.

  • Languages:English, Spanish
  • Local time:04:37

BEST MONTHS

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12

SIMILAR TRIPS

WHY USE US

Your Dream Comes True

Easily find your favorite trip style and destination. Optimal matching with local travel professionals that will make your dream come true.

Best Quality

All our trips are quality assured by our experienced international travel teams. We’ve selected only the best destination management experts to ensure that your trip experience will be plain sailing all the way.

Fast and Easy

Find your favorite trip, pick your destination and plan your personalized vacation with a local expert in just 3 easy steps. No searching hundreds of websites! One place, all your dream vacations!

Personal Reviews

All our reviews are written by REAL travelers who have experienced our service first hand. With Ollami you can expect great trips, real reviews and absolutely no surprises.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Your experience is our priority. We offer secure payments, 24/7 professional customer service during the trip, worldwide via phone, email, chat or Skype.