22 days - from $2469

This unique Central American tour of Costa Rica & Panama puts you right in the middle of the action. Visit the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park, zip line in the cloud forest of Monteverde, soak in the hot springs near Arenal Volcano, hike deep within the surreal Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and enjoy coastal Samara and Bocas del Toro!

Highlights:

• Hike & bike Arenal Volcano
• Discover coral reefs at Cahuita Marine National Park
• Explore Manuel Antonio rain forests

Itinerary:

Days 1, Arrive San Jose: Arrive into San Jose and transfer (not included) to our gateway hotel at your leisure. Rest of day to relax and prepare for your adventure.Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotel included
Days 2, San Mateo: Leaving the capital of San Jose we will visit the Quitirrisi Indian Reserve which protects 4000 acres of land in the central valley and preserves the Huetar indigenous tribe. We can observe their way of life and their traditional artisans. We then continue on to the village of San Mateo for a relaxing evening. Meals: Included | Accommodation: Camping included
Days 3 & 4, Monteverde: We depart San Mateo for a morning visit to Costa Rica's northern most Pacific rainforests in Carara National Park. it offers an incredible variety of plant & animal life such as the scarlet macaw, american crocodile, great anteater, spider monkey and many reptiles. After trekking here, we continue on to Monteverde via paved and dit roads. The next day we have ample time to explore the famous cloud forest, home to many species of insects, amphibians & mammals that live in the trees. For an adventurous experience, try the zip-line tour among the cloud drenched canopies and across open ravines!Meals: Breakfast included | Accommodation: Lodge included
Days 5 & 6, Arenal National Park: Continue your adventure to Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the hemisphere. You can hike, mountain bike or visit one of the various hot springs that adorn the area. Meals: Included | Accommodation: Camping included
Days 7 & 8, Rincon De La Vieja: From Arenal, we travel northwest to the dynamic Rincon de la Vieja National Park with its boiling mud and clouds of sulphurous vapours emanating from beneath the exotic foliage on the forest floor. Here we have a full day guided trek to explore enchanting lowland forest and barren lunar landscape that marks the rim of the smoking cauldron.Meals: Included | Accommodation: Camping included
Days 9 -11, Samara & San Jose: What better way to finish our journey through Costa Rica than at beautiful Samara beach. In Samara, the soft sound of gentle waves is a perennial backdrop to your adventure. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy Costa Rica's beautiful coastline. Horse ride, snorkel, sea kayak, learn to surf or swim in the warm, clear Pacific Ocean before returning to San Jose.Meals: Breakfasts included | Accommodation: Hotel included
Days 12 & 13, San Jose & Rio Cuarto de Gracia: Leaving the capital of San Jose, we visit the picture perfect Poas Volcano, with time enough to climb and gaze into its crater before continuing across the Central Volcanic Mountain Range to Rio Cuarto de Grecia. Here we will hike into the virgin forests and discover hidden waterfalls and secluded pools. The adventure continues onto the banks of the majestic Toro River where we find a series of waterfalls along the canyon floor. There will also be an opportunity to white water raft on the Sarapiqui RiverMeals: Included | Accommodation: Camping included
Days 14, Cahuita: The next day finds us travelling south to the coastal village of Cahuita. After settling into our hotel we will spend the remainder of the day relaxing on the Caribbean coast. In the evening we will explore Puerto Viejo's great nightlife & Caribbean culture.Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotel included
Days 15 & 16, Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Panama: With an early morning departure, we cross the border into Panama and take a scenic boat transfer to the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. During the days here, you can take a boating excursion to Bastimentos Marine Park and snorkel among a myriad of coral reef, relax, fish or kayak. In the evenings you can sip rum cocktails and dance with the locals to the unique rhythms of Panama's Caribbean islands. Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Lodge/cabins included
Days 17 & 18, Cahuita: With another early morning departure we cross the border back into Costa Rica to spend more time exploring the Cahuita area. We will explore the marine park that bears its name with some of the most beautiful palm trees and white sandy beaches in the country. Afterwards, choose to walk or bike to nearby waterfalls or enjoy the day on the beach.Meals: Included | Accommodation: Camping included
Days 19, Finca de Quetzales: Leaving the Caribbean coast we make our way high into the Costa Rican mountains to an area which boats the largest virgin forests in the country. Over 1000 specials of animals live here including the most mythical and illusive bird in Central America, Quetzal. The temperature is cooler here and you will appreciate our comfortable lodge in the forest. Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Lodge included
Days 20 - 22, Manuel Antonio & San Jose: Our last days have us in one of the most famous beach areas in all of Central America, Manuel Antonio. From the national park's beaches and tropical forests to the delicious seafood, salsa clubs and beach bars of the town, what better way to end your 22 day romp in Costa Rica and Panama than by body-surfing Manuel Antonio's perfectly curled waves and perfecting your sun tan!Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotel includedTour ends at 18:00 hrs in San Jose on day 22.

Start City: San Jose
End City: San Jose
Start Time: 0730
End Time: 1800
Group Size (Max.): 16
Age Range: 18+
Guide: Services of a local English/Spanish speaking tour leader
Transportation: All transportation by private adventure vehicle
Accommodation: All 9 nights camping fees & equipment (except sleeping bag) & 12 nights hotel/lodge included
Included Activites:

• Admission to Arenal Hot Springs
• Scenic boat ride to Bocas del Toro
• Wildlife viewing and guided walks
• Admission to all National Parks and reserves as per itinerary
• All camping meals
• 7 breakfasts & 2 lunches

Trip Reference: PRP