Caribbean Adventure - Bocas Town

8 days starting in San Jose, Costa Rica and ending in Panama City, Panama. Sat-Sat
$1665

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 two nights in Bocas del Toro with a day of snorkeling in blue-green waters and exploring uninhabited islands.

Full Itinerary Additional Details

Summary

  • Day 1 : Arrive San Jose
  • Day 2 : Pacuare River Rafting
  • Days 3-4 : Rainforest Adventure
  • Day 5 : Off to Bocas del Toro
  • Day 6 : Isla Bastimentos
  • Day 7 : Panama City and Canal
  • Day 8 : Return Home
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Travel Highlights
  • Pacuare River
  • Bocas del Toro
  • Isla Bastimentos
  • Panama City
  • Panama Canal
  • San Jose
  • Paddling
    PaddlingIncludes paddling activity such as sea kayaking or rafting.
  • Nature Viewing
    Nature ViewingIncludes intentional opportunity to observe flora or fauna with an experienced guide.
  • Cultural Activities
    Cultural ActivitiesIncludes cultural activities such as a visit to a traditional village or a local market to give a unique perspective.
  • History
    HistoryVisit ancient ruins and historical sites.
  • Snorkeling
    SnorkelingIncludes opportunity for snorkeling or possibly SCUBA.
  • Hiking
    HikingIncludes guided hiking excursions. Hikes may vary from easy and optional three hour hikes to more difficult multi-day treks.
  • Zip Line
    Zip LineExplore the forest canopy by zip line or rappel down cliffs or waterfalls.

Details

Day 1 Arrive San Jose lodge

Day 2 Pacuare River Rafting lodge

(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 lodge

(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 lodge

(B,D)

After breakfast, you transfer to the border at the village of Sixaola where you'll meet your Panama driver to take you to the town of Almirante. Here you will board a water taxi to take you the rest of the way to the charming Caribbean town of Bocas del Toro on Isla Colon. You'll arrive in the afternoon and the rest of the day is yours to wander this charming town and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. A welcome-to-Bocas dinner tonight is on us.

Day 6 Isla Bastimentos lodge

(B)

Today we board a motor launch to explore some of the areas most idyllic beaches, forests and snorkeling waters. 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 some 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. Tonight, enjoy the laid back night life of Bocas town.

Day 7 Panama City and Canal lodge

(B)

Your Panama travels continue with a 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.Spend the evening exploring the many restaurants, bars and cafes the city has to offer -- toast your Caribbean adventures!

Day 8 Return Home

Accommodations:

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

Single Supplement: $460

Meals Included:

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$120 (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$80, Single US$160

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

Weekly Departures

Map

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Turtle and Marissa during a jungle trek in Costa Rica
Panama and Costa Rica: Tranquilo Bay, Selva Bananito & moreKurt and I spent a wonderful 2-weeks enjoying the adventures of Costa Rica and Panama. And getting married at Tranquilo Bay? Well -- that was just the icing on the cake.
- Marissa Jensen
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We had a great time on our trip. It truly was an adventure. The scenic beauty of Costa Rica was amazing. From the whitewater of the Pacuare River to the rainforest at Selva Bananito ...
James Roberts
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