Costa Rica & Panama Discovery

12 Days | Combine proud Caribbean cultures with incredibly scenic stops

4.6 out of 5 based on 46 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $1,159
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Get under the surface of Costa Rica and Panama with this 12-day Caribbean adventure. From San Jose to Panama City, you’ll get introduced to some of the most beautiful spots in two Central American countries, with a perfect balance of included activities and free time for your own explorations. You’ll visit the Ngabe-Bugle community on Isla Popa, learn how to make a traditional Caribbean meal, look out for wildlife on a jungle walk, visit a lock along the Panama Canal and soak in the local hotspots in areas seldom travelled. You can't go wrong with your local leader to steer you in the right direction (to the best bars and surf breaks), plus a small group of adventurers to enjoy them with.

Trip overview

Map of Costa Rica & Panama Discovery including Costa Rica and Panama
Start
San Jose, Costa Rica
Finish
Panama City, Panama
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Costa Rica, Panama
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
QVRC
This trip generates 30 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Put your chef’s hat on and help prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
  • Swim in clear ocean waters, stop in at shacks serving cold cerveza and kick back on sandy shores covered in starfish in the Bocas del Toro, where you spend three nights on Isla Colon.
  • Head to the coffee plantations, waterfalls and caldera hot springs of Boquete – a highland town so beautiful you’ll hardly miss the beach at all!
  • Spend a morning with the Ngabe-Bugle indigenous community on Isla Popa, learning about local lifestyles as you get to experience a slice of village life.
  • Learn about the scale of the Panama Canal during a visit to the Miraflores Lock, then get to know Panama City during a guided stroll through Casco Viejo.

Is this trip right for you?
  • With so much to see and do, Costa Rica can sometimes be expensive. Expect to pay more than you would in other Central American countries for a lot of things.
  • This trip uses a mix of private transfers and public transport. Public transport is better for the environment, and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life, but keep in mind that local transport between specific locations on this trip can be pretty basic.
  • While the border crossing between Costa Rica and Panama is usually straightforward, sometimes it can take a while, so please prepare to be patient.
  • Central America is generally hot and humid year-round. At nighttime and in locations at higher elevations it can get chilly. Protect yourself from the sun, bring light clothing you can layer and a waterproof jacket, and stay hydrated. Air conditioning may not always be available in your rooms. Occasionally, properties may require an additional charge for air conditioning.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 28 February 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Costa Rica & Panama Discovery including Costa Rica and Panama

Inclusions

Meals

5 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared boat

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Activities
  • Sarapiqui – Jungle Walk
  • Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Puerto Viejo - Hands-on dinner in local home
  • Ngäbe-Buglé Indigenous Community Visit
  • Boquete - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Chitre - Traditional mask workshop
  • Panama City - Miraflores Locks (Panama Canal)
  • Panama City - Leader-led walk in Casco Viejo
Add on activities
  • San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
  • San Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures - USD40
  • Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Surf lesson (1 hour) - USD60
  • Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Cahuita National Park (entrance fee) - USD5
  • Bocas del Toro - Jungle Cacao Tour (guide and transport included) - USD42
  • Bocas del Toro - Full-day Tour including Bastimentos island, Jungle hike & Lunch with Ngobe Community (guide and transport included) - USD63
  • Bocas del Toro - Bio-luminescence Boat Tour (seasonal - guide and transport included) - USD37
  • Bocas del Toro - Colon Expedition including starfish beach & bird island - USD47
  • Boquete - Guided Bicycle Tour (guide and bike hire included) - USD58
  • Boquete - Guided Tour of Hidden Waterfalls (entrance fee, transport and guide included) - USD53
  • Boquete - Zipline (guide and transport included) - USD79
  • Boquete - Mini Canyons Tour (entrance fee, transport and guide included) - USD37
  • Boquete - Calderas Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport included, no guide) - USD37
  • Boquete - Coffee Plantation Tour (guide and transport included) - USD37

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in San Jose. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.

2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

3. Please be careful when booking flights into San Jose; make sure you fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport [SJO]. Please do NOT book flights to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport [SJC] as this is located in California, United States.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 based on 46 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Fortunato · Traveled August 2024
We used to plan our trips independently, but now we rely on Intrepid because their tours save us a lot of time and hassle with logistics and itinerary planning. We recently completed the Costa Rica to Panama tour with Intrepid and highly recommend it for its informative and well-paced itinerary. This was our fifth trip with Intrepid, and we recommend them as a great value and responsible tour company.
Review submitted 28 Aug 2024

Sandra · Traveled August 2024
A scenic journey showcasing diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures, featuring lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and Jonnathan, the friendliest and most knowledgeable guide. This tour truly ticked all the boxes.
Review submitted 28 Aug 2024

Sam · Traveled August 2024
An easy way to get introduced to diverse parts of Costa Rica and Panama without spending a lot of money.
Review submitted 27 Aug 2024

Darren · Traveled August 2024
I went on the Cost Rica and Panama discovery tour in Aug 24 and loved it. A great mix of wildlife, rainforest, beaches and city life and our tour guide Jonathan was awesome and helped make our trip really enjoyable. Definitely recommended and a 10/10 from me!
Review submitted 25 Aug 2024

Bruno · Traveled July 2024
Great tour. Great leader. A must do. I would do it again anytime.
Review submitted 17 Aug 2024
Costa Rica & Panama Discovery
From
USD $1,159