Your voyage of exploration in Costa Rica and Panama is a true insider's experience. You'll meet fascinating local people, and visit tropical gardens and wildlife reserves accessible only by special arrangement-and only by small ship. Your Exploration Leaders in Costa Rica are expert naturalists who are intimately familiar with their native land-one quarter of which has been set aside in nature preserves. They'll lead you into the forest identifying the exotic species of flora and fauna you encounter. In Panama, you'll wonder at the vast panorama of history, from pre-Conquest civilizations to the legends of the pirates of the Spanish Main. Orchids, butterflies, buried treasure-this is the jungle wilderness you came to see.
Day 1 Arrive in Panama
Transfer from the Panama City Airport to Colón on the Caribbean coast to board the Pacific Explorer. D
Day 2 San Blas Islands
Step ashore at a Kuna Indian village, which nearly overruns a tiny island. At an uninhabited island nearby, crystal-clear waters tempt you in for snorkeling. BLD
Day 3 Portobelo
Enjoy a guided tour of sleepy Portobelo, once one of the richest ports of the Spanish Main, until plundered by Henry Morgan in 1668. BLD
Day 4 Panama Canal
Transiting the Panama Canal is an unforgettable experience, especially aboard a small ship like the Pacific Explorer.
International maritime law gives priority to commercial freighters. The Pacific Explorer will be assigned transit based on that criterion and may transit the Canal at night, an exciting and impressive alternative to daytime passage. BLD
Day 5 Darien Jungle
Visit a remote Embera village tucked away on the coast of the Darien Jungle. The Embera people open their homes and hearts to welcome friends. You will laugh with them, dance with them, and collect memories of a lifetime. BLD
Day 6 Granito de Oro in Coiba National Park
This island of pristine waters and abundant sea life is considered one of the top ten diving locations in the world. Enjoy a day of island snorkeling and kayaking. BLD
Day 7 Golfo Dulce
Explore a mangrove forest by small craft or kayak, if the tide allows, and take a guided tour through the beautiful gardens at Casa Orquideas or "Orchid House." See, smell, and touch a wide variety of beautiful ornamental plants and taste some unusual fruits. BLD
Day 8 Caletas Beach
Discover Costa Rica's pristine rainforest, populated by a number of endangered species including puma, tapir, poison dart frogs, crocodile, jaguar, and marine turtles. Guided hikes will be offered and lunch is a picnic on the beach. BLD
Day 9 Manuel Antonio National Park
Naturalists lead walks to outstanding wildlife viewing. There are over 109 mammal species and 184 species of birds here. Watch for monkeys, iguanas, agoutis, sloth, and the rare white ibis. BLD
Day 10 Arrive in San Jose
Take a privately escorted transfer to the Courtyard by Marriott San Jose. Enjoy the hotel and its facilities. B
Day 11 Inbioparque and Rainforest Aerial Tram
Transfer from the hotel to Inbioparque for an included breakfast and a guided visit of the park. Continue to the Rainforest Aerial Tram for a tour and an included lunch. Journey to the Centro Neotrópico Sarapiquis. You have leisure time, dinner, and visit the Alma Ata Archaeological Park for insight into Costa Rica's indigenous history. Then you¹ll overnight in Centro Neotropico Sarapiquis. BLD
Day 12 Hacienda Pozo Azul
Today you will have the opportunity to select two activities at Hacienda Pozo Azul from horseback riding, a treetop canopy ride, river rafting, a float trip, a dairy farm and butterfly garden visit, or hiking. Overnight in Centro Neotrópico Sarapiquís. BLD
Day 13 Poas Volcano National Park
Continue to Poás Volcano National Park, surrounded by lush vegetation, then to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the Butterfly Garden and Hummingbird Gallery. Overnight in Arenal. BLD
Day 14 Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs
Have leisure time before you depart for a tour of the Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs. The classically conical shape of the volcano dominates the plains of San Carlos, rumbling and emitting occasional puffs of smoke. Visit the local hot springs for a swim followed by dinner at Mirador Kioro. Overnight in Arenal. BLD
Day 15 San Jose
Transfer to the airport in San José for your return flight home. B
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/mail/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 120 days or more | $300 per person |
| 90-119 days | full deposit |
| 61-89 days | 55% of trip cost |
| 31-60 days | 80% of trip cost |
| 30 days or less | 100 % of trip cost |
