Day 5 meant saying goodbye to Costa Rica and crossing the border into Panama. I didn't fully understand going into our trip that it would be such a literal crossing.
Jonathan gave us a bag of drinks and sandwiches from the staff and drove us to a nearby convenience store where a van run by the rafting group met us. The van's driver took Andy and I to the border crossing, which was a bridge connecting the two countries. We had our passports checked and stamped and waited with our driver.
Gabriel, a friendly but quiet driver from Panama, met us on the Costa Rica side and walked us across the bridge. There were young backpackers and senior tour groups in line with us outside of the of this small cement building that did not scream government center. We stepped up to the window, got our passports stamped and headed on our way.
Gabriel and his brother drove us to our water taxi, which would take us to Bocas del Toro. Their car was pimped out with TV screens in the back showing music videos by Latin American rappers. It was a trip to say the least.
The water taxi ride was just as exciting. We pulled into the town of Bocas del Toro with our hotel in sight. Its bright painted facade of primary colors warmly greeted us and when we checked in we met the owner Carla, an ex-pat. The Hotel Bocas del Toro had a nautical theme and the room was very nice with a great private deck that overlooked the ocean.
Andy and I walked around the town for a bit in the afternoon and took in the vibe of this surfer village. It was a great mix of cultures, that seems to reflect the history of Panama.
For dinner that night we went a few doors down the road to The Lemongrass, an Asian Fusion restaurant overlooking the water with a lot of great fish dishes.
After we found the Barcoo Hundido, an open-air thatched-roof bar that features a sunken banana boat in the waters in front. It was very cool being able to enjoy a beer and watch the fish swimming around the lit ship in the water below. The bar was a bit quiet but it was still early in the evening.
So we finished the night at another local bar along the docks, whose name unfortunately escapes me. It featured live music and a relaxing atmosphere.
Bocas del Toro was proving to be a laid back town with a lot of cool places to hang out.
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
1 week ago
The company made our adventure trip hassle-free, and a lot of fun! I will definitely be using them again
Carolena F
1 month ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.
John Zent
1 month ago
COSTA RICA a trip of a life time travelling round this beautiful country. All went like clockwork even when the weather was against us and all transfers seemed to be part of the holiday not a chore. Would definitely use Adventure Life again having previously used them 20 years ago!!
Cynthia Calton
1 month ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.