Our Costa Rica – Panama Loop package combines the must-see stops of Costa Rica with the most popular areas of northwest Panama. This carefully designed itinerary caters to those seeking to experience the untouched biodiversity of nature. Soak up the local culture of the inland areas and then wind your way through the Boquete region and coffee valleys of Central America. From the exuberance of the pacific coast to the pristine white sandy beaches of the Caribbean, you’ll make memories that are simply unforgettable.
If you like hiking, snorkeling, sightseeing, and sprawling out on the beach, this package is for you! Get ready to enjoy endless sunsets while you familiarize yourself with different cultures. The options are limitless.
San Jose International Airport is 453 km (283 miles) from Boquete, Panama. On our journey to Boquete, we’ll make two stops. First, we’ll explore Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica. Then, our journey will take us to Drake Bay, where we’ll explore Cano Island and Corcovado National Park. Boquete will be your first destination in Panama before heading to the world famous Bocas del Toro archipelago located in the Caribbean Coast.
But wait – this isn’t your last destination! The Costa Rican Caribbean coast is waiting for you. With its eclectic culture, great gastronomy and an abundant rainforest winding along 10 km of coastline, your adventure will end in true paradise.
This 14-day/13-night package starts at only $1999 based on double-occupancy and is completely customizable to be a perfect fit for you! It includes quality accommodation in highly recommended hotels and is packed with activities and adventure.
Itinerary
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Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica
Arrive at the San Jose International Airport, and then head to a hotel chosen by you (budget, midrange or luxury). You can spend the rest of the day in the hotel or take a cab into central San José and explore the city. If you arrive early enough or want to add extra days in San Jose, there are many additional activities as an option. San Jose is central to many sights and is the perfect place to do many day trips.
Day 2 & 3: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
On the second day, you can take a comfortable shared shuttle ride that picks you up at your hotel in San José and drops you off at your accomodation in Manuel Antonio. On day 3, you can either Hike to the Manuel Antonio National Park – this is a great way to immerse yourself in the rhythm of Costa Rica – or watch in awe as the wildlife comes to you at the Damas Mangrove Boat Tour. If you’re lucky, you’ll watch sloths and numerous species of monkeys travel through the tree canopy.
Day 4 - 6: Corcovado/Drake Bay, Costa Rica
On day 4, you will be picked up early in the morning by our shuttle and make your way to the Sierpe Wetland. Once in Sierpe, you will take a boat to your next destination, Drake Bay. You will be in Drake Bay for a 3-nights stay at Pirate Cove. All your meals are included as are tours to Cano Island and Corcovado National Park.
On day 5, you will take a guided tour to Corcovado National Park, home to a spectacular array of wildlife. The park has been referred to as “the most biologically intense place on earth” by National Geographic! You may be able to observe monkeys, sloths, anteaters, peccaries, raccoons, tapirs, toucans, scarlet macaws and many more! More than 400 different species of birds and approximately 140 different species of mammals can be found here. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a puma or jaguar! After a wonderful day in Corcovado National Park, you can enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel.
The second tour included in this area is a Caño Island snorkeling tour. The Caño Island Biological Reserve has amazing marine biodiversity. If you visit in the right season, you may be able to observe the migration of the whale sharks and humpback whales, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! But there is much more to this beautiful island: it is surrounded by five platforms of coral reefs; therefore, it is a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Of course, you will also have time to relax on the beautiful beach and do some bird watching.
Day 7 & 8: Boquete, Panama
After breakfast, you will take a boat to Sierpe where you will meet your private transfer to the Costa Rican Border. Don’t worry – our driver will take the stress of out the border crossing by helping you the entire time! After you get your tax tickets and your passport stamped, you will cross into Panama and our driver will take you to Boquete. You will check in around 2 PM at our partner hotel, The Inn at Palo Alto. It’s located in a beautiful area next to the river and close to town in case you want to discover Boquete on your own.On the 8th day there are several options for activities. We suggest the Full Day Tour “Panoramico Caldera”with 3 of the best activities in Boquete!!
Day 9 & 10: Bocas del Toro, Panama
First you will meet your shuttle at Hello Travel office in Boquete, and then you will travel through the rollign hills of the countryside until you arrive at the Almirante port. A small passenger boat will bring you to Bocas on Isla Colon. Here, you will be dropped off at the Hello Travel dock which is walking distance from your hotel in the island, Hotel Tropical Suites.
This afternoon you’ll be able to freely walk around town or take a water taxi to the nearest cay and island. At night, feel free to enjoy one of Bocas popular restaurants along the island – many of which have live music.
On the second day, you will go on a full day tour. You can choose between the following options:
Cayo Zapatilla Adventure: A trip into Caribbean Paradise, including visit of the Sloth Island, snorkeling at Cayo Coral and Cayo Zapatilla. You will also be able to fly underwater with the Anfibia board!
Colon Expeditions: Swim and have fun at the beautiful Playa Estrella (Starfish Beach), snorkel on the best reefs around Isla Colon, explore a hidden jungle river by boat, visit the “Jurassic Park-like” Isla Pajaros (Bird Island) and fly underwater with the Anfibia board!
The Big Tour: Experience a cultural immersion by making your way into an indigenous community, hike into the jungle and see the incredible diversity of wildlife, discover astonishing secret beaches (it will just be us!), savor a traditional indigenous-made lunch and snorkel around the best Bocas coral reefs.
Day 11 - 13: Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
On the morning of day 11, you will meet your boat at Taxi 25 to take you to Almirante, where our van will be waiting for you to drive to the Panama/Costa Rica Border. Again you will complete the Panama Border paperwork and walk over the Sixaola River to enter Costa Rica for your last remarkable destination. Our driver on the Costa Rican side will be waiting for you at the border to take you to your Puerto Viejo hotel.
In the Puerto Viejo area we can recommend several hotels. Banana Azul, for example, is one of our favorites. In the afternoon you will be able to walk into town and enjoy traditional Caribbean food and Calypso music.
On our Animal Rescue Center/Chocolate Lady and Waterfall combination tour on day 12, you’ll get up close and personal with wild cats, monkeys and snakes at the Jaguar Rescue Center. On the Chocolate Lady and Waterfall tour you will learn the process of traditional chocolate making and visit one of the most impressive waterfalls in the area. In the afternoon you’ll have some time to explore the vibrant village of Puerto Viejo with its laid-back atmosphere. There are plenty of funky shops and hip restaurants and cafes to choose from.
On day 13, you can either relax at the beach or rent a bike and explore the exotic jungle-lined beaches around Puerto Viejo.
Day 14: San Jose, Costa Rica
On the last day of your Costa Rica – Panama Loop excursion you will be brought back to San Jose in a comfortable shared shuttle minivan and will be dropped off at the San Jose International Airport at 11:00 am to catch your International flight.
Package Information:
Duration: | 14 days/13 nights. Additional nights can be added. Please let us know! |
Cost per person: | From $1999 USD per person based on double-occupancy for the standard options (suggested hotels, are good mid-range option) and low season hotel rates. You can customize the package in so many ways – please enter your information on our booking form and let us come up with a price quote for you. |
Includes: | • Airport pickup/dropoff • Transportation inside Costa Rica and Panama • Hotels (advertised prices are based on double occupancy; please let us know what type of rooms you’d like) • Breakfast at most hotels daily, some other meals where indicated • Tours and activities as indicated in itinerary • Taxes and Gecko Trail service charge. |
Not included: | • International flights • Beverages, most lunches and dinners • Optional gratuities • Border crossing fees |