Caribbean Adventure *9 Day*
Tranquilo Bay

This trip combines the first half of our popular Costa Rica tour, Beaches and Rainforest, with the clear blue waters of Panama\'s idyllic Bocas del Toro Archipelego. Enjoy the riotous rapids of Costa Rica\'s Pacuare River and three nights at Selva Bananito Lodge surrounded by wild rainforest. Finish your trip by traveling into Panama for three nights in Bocas del Toro with activities including snorkeling, diving, fishing, and much more!

Day 1 Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica  

Day 2 Pacuare River Rafting (L,D)  

This morning you head east towards the Caribbean and the Class III-IV whitewater of the Pacuare River. One of Costa Rica's most exciting whitewater trips, the Pacuare plunges through spectacular mountain gorges and passes through virgin rainforest filled with howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, ocelots and more. After the river trip, the adventure isn't over. At river's end, you're picked up and transferred to Selva Bananito Reserve for a few days of jungle discovery and adventure.

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 Off to Bocas del Toro (B,L,D)  

This morning you are off to your private island escape. You will be picked up and transfer to the Panama border where you will meet your next driver. From here you will travel south to your rendezvous point with the boat that will navigate through the Bocas archipelago's small canals, passing local communities, mangroves, and into the Pacific Ocean. You'll arrive to your home for the next 3 nights, a secluded casually elegant resort overlooking Tranquilo Bay. Enjoy a welcome lunch upon your arrival, and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring your new surroundings.

Days 6-7 Marine and Island Adventures (B,L,D)  

Awake in your bungalow overlooking the Caribbean Sea ready for a day of exploration of the natural beauty all around. Included during your stay is one daily standard activity each day.


Click here to see activity options.


You can spend your days snorkeling, kayaking, diving, hiking, fishing, visiting turtle nesting sites, surfing, birding, or exploring nearby beaches. You days will be filled with marine and inland exploration, followed by a relaxing evening in the middle of paradise!

The island's midsection and surrounding waters are protected in the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, and the entire island offers nature lovers an array of wildlife, both terrestrial and marine. The waters here are filled with brilliant parrot fish, angel fish, red snapper, slender needle fish and many others. Four species of sea turtles come ashore to nest on the beaches and the forests are home to many endemic and endangered species such as neon colored frogs, the red billed tropic bird and two and three toed sloths.

Day 8 Panama City (L)  

This morning you head back to Bocas Town 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 9 Return Home
  

US$2345

J F M A M J J A S O N D
Starts in San Jose, Costa Rica, ends in Panama City
Tour Code: CA9
Single Supplement:  US$775









Travel Highlights Pacuare Whitewater
Selva Bananito Lodge
Bocas del Toro
Isla Bastimentos
Panama City
Panama Canal

Accommodations:  3 nights comfortable jungle cabanas, 3 nights island cabanas, 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

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

Group & Staff:  Min 2, Max 12, local guides

Personal Budgeting:  Allow $40 for meals not included, $35 border crossing and airport taxes, $50 optional excursions, $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
Start Dates Weekly departures

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount