e-mail a friend printer friendly add to trip planner

Click icons for details

Day 1 Arrive San Jose

Day 2 Pacuare River Rafting (B,L,D)

Days 3-4 Rainforest Adventure (B,L,D)

While exploring one of Costa Rica's most pristine rainforests, you'll have the chance to climb a giant kapok tree and enter the fascinating world of the rainforest canopy. There's also horseback riding through the adjacent family farm to learn about organic tropical farming techniques. For the adventurous, you can spend a day hiking deep into the jungle to a 70-foot waterfall and then take a dip in it's cool waters. For those who prefer a more relaxed day, Selva Bananito offers plenty of smaller excursions too. At the end of each day, locally grown food is served by candlelight before you retire to the tranquil retreat of your jungle cabaña.

Day 5 Colon Island - Bocas del Toro (B,D)

Early this morning you transfer to the border at the village of Sixaola where you'll meet your Panamanian driver who'll take you to Almirante where you'll board a water taxi. Navigate through small canals, passing local communities, mangroves, and into the Pacific Ocean. Your destination is Colon Island and the charming Caribbean town of Bocas del Toro on Isla Colon. A welcome-to-Bocas dinner tonight is on us.

Day 6 Isla Bastimentos Park (B)

You'll embark on a half day guided snorkel trip into the Archipelago's waters. Your tour will include two different stops at nearby snorkel sights possibly including Red Frog Beach or Hospital Point. The tour may also include a stop by Dolphin Lagoon, where bottle-nosed dolphins are known to show up and offer a free performance from time to time! Tonight, enjoy the laid back night life of Bocas town.

Day 7 Panama City and Canal (B,L)

This morning take a taxi back to the airstrip for your short flight over vast jungles and into the center of Panama's vibrant capital city. You'll be met at the airport and first head to the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal to observe the "eighth wonder of the world." Locomotives tie onto the mammoth ships and pull them through the locks to lessen the chance of mishap. Explore the exhibits here that tell the story of the canal's history. After lunch on the causeway, you will next visit Casco Antiguo Panama's "second" city, whose Spanish and French architecture reminds one of its past citizens. Last, you will finish up the tour with ruins of Panama La Vieja, where loads of Peru's gold once crossed. Later the pirate Henry Morgan came in search of the famed gold, and after Morgan's attack in 1671, Casco Antiguo was built. This afternoon you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Day 8 Return Home

With a few more days, you might continue your Panama travels with a visit the San Blas Islands and the Kuna Indians or stay at the famous Rainforest Tower.

US$ 1580
8 days starting in San Jose, Costa Rica and ending in Panama City, Panama. Sat-Sat
Tour Code: CA8
Single Supplement: US$265

Accommodations: 3 nights comfortable jungle lodge, 2 nights waterfront hotel, 2 nights comfortable hotels.

Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation: Minibuses or jeep, local flight, boat

Note: Flight Bocas del Toro - Panama City is not included. Please add US$115 (flight cost subject to change).

Group & Staff: Min 2, Max 12; bilingual naturalists, local guides.

Personal Budgeting: Allow $90 for meals not included, $35 border crossing and airport taxes, $65 optional excursions, $5 water taxi, $6 museum fee at Panama Viejo

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: San Jose: Share US$60, Single US$110 Panama City: Share US$60, Single US$120

Is it for Me? An itinerary filled with beach and adventure. Crossing from Costa Rica to Panama, the rainforest and marine adventures in each country are exciting enough for the most intrepid traveler.

Arrival / Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount