This 8-day getaway 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.
Day-by-Day 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 National Marine Park Day 7 : Panama City and Canal Day 8 : Return Home
Highlights
Raft down the Pacuare River through Class III rapids
Hike into the jungle and plunge into a waterfall pool
Snorkel along the coral reef of Cayo Zapatilla
Tour Panama's vibrant capital city and the Panama Canal
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.
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.
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.
Today you'll board a motor launch to explore some of the areas most idyllic beaches, forests and snorkeling waters at Cayo Zapatilla. This uninhabited island 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, eels, and many others. 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 and tropical birds.
Explore the mangroves and coastline, always on the lookout for dolphins, as you cruise by boat to Cayo Zapatilla from Bocas town. Zapatilla’s beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and shaded forest makes for an idyllic location to explore and relax. Hike on Zapatilla’s nature trails or snorkel along the coral reef, home to lobsters, crabs, eels, and countless species of tropical fish. Or simply lounge on the beach. Enjoy lunch on the island before returning to Bocas del Toro in the evening.
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!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$2,070
Notes
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Please note: This trip starts in San Jose, Costa Rica and ends in Panama City, Panama
Included
8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 3 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
1 Day Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Meals as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Professional, bilingual guide service as listed
Excursions and activities as listed
Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided on your trip free of charge. Occasionally the snorkeling gear that is supplied is worn, and there may not be enough sizes available to fit every traveler. Therefore, you may want to bring your own snorkeling gear (particularly a mask and snorkel).
Gear Rental: Rafting Gear (helmet, life vest, paddles)
Transfers to and from San Jose Hotel
Gear Rental: Snorkeling Gear
Miraflores Locks Visitor Center Entrance Fee
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Local guides full-day tours: $5-$10 per traveler per day
Local guides 1/2-day tours: $5 per traveler per day
River guides: $5 per traveler per day
Support staff: $2-3 per traveler per day
Drivers: $5 per traveler per day
Taxi drivers do not expect tips for their normal services
Baggage Handlers: $1 per bag
Hotel hospitality (maid service): $1-$1 per traveler per night
Restaurants: Most restaurants include in their bill a 10% service charge, as well as a 13% sales tax. If the service charge has been added, no additional tip is necessary; however, the wait staff is happy if the amount is rounded up.
USD and major credit cards are commonly used in Costa Rica, and it is very common to see higher cost items priced in USD. It is recommended to carry cash (NEW $20 bills or smaller ONLY) for taxis and restaurants. Most hotels and restaurants will accept major credit cards, as well.
Colones are the official Costa Rican currency. It is common to receive change in colones if you pay for something in USD cash. Smaller cost items (sodas, metered taxis, etc.) will commonly be priced in colones.
Panama Viejo Museum Entrance Fee $15
Border Crossing Fees & Taxes
Taxi from Bocas Town to Bocas Airport
Internal Flight: Bocas del Toro - Panama City
Park Entrance Fee
Optional Excursions - Waterfall rappelling tour is an additional $125 Please let us know if you would like to arrange it.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
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When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
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