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Costa Rica & Panama Discovery

12 days • 4.6

4.5

Excellent

54 reviews

12 days

Start

San Jose, Costa Rica

Finish

Panama City, Panama

Trip Code

QVRC

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 16

Physical Rating

Meals

5 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared boat

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

From £1,480(12 days)

Trip Informations

Why you’ll love this trip

Put your chef’s hat on and help prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Swim in clear ocean waters, stop in at shacks serving cold cerveza and kick back on sandy shores covered in starfish in the Bocas del Toro, where you spend three nights on Isla Colon.

Head to the coffee plantations, waterfalls and caldera hot springs of Boquete – a highland town so beautiful you’ll hardly miss the beach at all!

Spend a morning with the Ngabe-Bugle indigenous community on Isla Popa, learning about local lifestyles as you get to experience a slice of village life.

Learn about the scale of the Panama Canal during a visit to the Miraflores Lock, then get to know Panama City during a guided stroll through Casco Viejo.

Is this trip right for you?

With so much to see and do, Costa Rica can sometimes be expensive. Expect to pay more than you would in other Central American countries for a lot of things.

This trip uses a mix of private transfers and public transport. Public transport is better for the environment, and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life, but keep in mind that local transport between specific locations on this trip can be pretty basic.

While the border crossing between Costa Rica and Panama is usually straightforward, sometimes it can take a while, so please prepare to be patient.

Central America is generally hot and humid year-round. At nighttime and in locations at higher elevations it can get chilly. Protect yourself from the sun, bring light clothing you can layer and a waterproof jacket, and stay hydrated. Air conditioning may not always be available in your rooms. Occasionally, properties may require an additional charge for air conditioning.

Itinerary

DAY 1
Day 1 • San Jose
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins in San Jose with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel. As this trip spends very little time here, it’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early and see the sights. If you do, maybe visit The Gold Museum and it's amazing collection of Indigenous gold art. Or if you're in the mood for a bit of shopping, head to the Mercado Municipal de Artesanias or the city's Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
San Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures - USD40
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Sarapiqui
This morning, hop on a public bus and make your way to Sarapiqui – a town known for its rich biodiversity and lush rainforest. When you arrive, enjoy some free time here to go birdwatching, spot some local wildlife or hike to one of the nearby waterfalls. Then, meet up with a local guide to head out on a jungle walk. You’ll head out at dusk for the best chance to spot some Costa Rican wildlife! Look out for elusive creatures like sloths, bats, snakes, frogs and a whole lot more.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Sarapiqui – Jungle Walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Today, take a private transfer to Puerto Viejo. When you arrive, get to know this laid-back jungle town during an orientation walk with your local leader, then enjoy the rest of the day to explore at your leisure. A small and coastal city, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has a lively main street featuring dance halls, reggaeton bars and modern restaurants. If you’re looking for a little bit of relaxation, you'll also find great surf beaches and rainforest fruit farms to kick back on.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Leader-led orientation walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Today is free, so you can ease into the vibes of the Caribbean coast. You might like to take your time exploring Cahuita National Park, which is easily accessible from Puerto Viejo and home to sloths, monkeys, raccoons, snakes and a great variety of birds. If the waves are calling (but your footing isn’t so sure), surf lessons are also on offer in town. Of course, you could also simply find a cool spot and relax with a beer in hand. To top today off, you'll prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home. Enjoy a mixture of fruits, seafood, tubers and vegetables combined with coconut flavours, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, curry Panamian pepper and thyme.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Puerto Viejo - Hands-on dinner in local home
Optional activities
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Surf lesson (1 hour) - USD60
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Cahuita National Park (entrance fee) - USD5
DAY 5
Day 5 • Bocas del Toro
Today, take a local bus to the border, then walk across an old railway bridge into Panama. Continue by taxi or collective minivan to Almirante, where you'll take a short boat ride to Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro archipelago – rapidly becoming a Caribbean favourite, this place has it all. Hit the palm-shaded beaches with crystal-clear waters, enjoy some spectacular snorkelling opportunities and look out for lots of wildlife. Culturally, Bocas is home to West Indians, Latinos and expats, resulting in diverse music, nightlife and food scenes. For the next three nights, you'll stay in Isla Colon – the main town of Bocas del Toro. It's a great spot to start your exploration of the archipelago, with most bars, restaurants and local activity operators just metres from your hotel.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Bocas del Toro
Today is the first of two free days to explore this tropical archipelago. Several beaches are within reach of town, between 8 and 14 km from your hotel. With azure waters, pristine coral reefs and a rollicking nightlife, it’s easy to see why these islands are a favourite for so many travellers. The safest beaches are Starfish, Sandfly and Big Creek – be aware that others may have strong riptides. When the sun goes down, why not head into town and check out the local bar and restaurant scene? Ask your leader about the best place to grab a drink.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Bocas del Toro - Jungle Cacao Tour (guide and transport included) - USD42
Bocas del Toro - Full-day Tour including Bastimentos island, Jungle hike & Lunch with Ngobe Community (guide and transport included) - USD63
Bocas del Toro - Bio-luminescence Boat Tour (seasonal - guide and transport included) - USD37
Bocas del Toro - Colon Expedition including starfish beach & bird island - USD47
DAY 7
Day 7 • Bocas del Toro
This morning, hop on a boat to the nearby Isla Popa, where you’ll get to spend time meeting the Ngabe-Bugle indigenous community. The local women here run a community tourism project, and you’ll have the chance to learn about their lifestyle during an orientation walk through the community. You’ll stop in at a local home as well as a spending some time with a local family. Say your farewells and return to Bocas de Toro, then enjoy the rest of a hugely rewarding day free in the Caribbean sun.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Ngäbe-Buglé Indigenous Community Visit
DAY 8
Day 8 • Boquete
Travel by boat and local bus to Boquete – this is a bit of a lengthy journey, so be sure to have a book, podcast or daydream to keep you occupied. Boquete is a picturesque town located in the highlands of Panama, surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear creeks and rivers, forest reserves and colourful wildflowers, as well as coffee plantations and orange groves. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy an informal Spanish lesson to get to grips with the local language. Tomorrow will be a free day, wide open for exploring – most optional activities can be organised directly from the hotel, though it’s a good idea to book them when you arrive tonight if you know what you want to do.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Boquete - Leader-led orientation walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Boquete
There are plenty of ways to experience Boquete today, so be sure to chat to your leader and the hotel front desk to get the best insider tips. You could discover the secret waterfalls only locals know about on a walking tour in the jungle. Or maybe you’d prefer to soak it up in the Caldera hot springs. If you’re a coffee lover, consider visiting a plantation or simply kicking back in town with a cup of the local brew – some of the best coffee in the world is grown and processed right here in Boquete!
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Boquete - Guided Bicycle Tour (guide and bike hire included) - USD58
Boquete - Guided Tour of Hidden Waterfalls (entrance fee, transport and guide included) - USD53
Boquete - Zipline (guide and transport included) - USD79
Boquete - Mini Canyons Tour (entrance fee, transport and guide included) - USD37
Boquete - Calderas Hot Springs (entrance fee and transport included, no guide) - USD37
Boquete - Coffee Plantation Tour (guide and transport included) - USD37
DAY 10
Day 10 • Chitre
Say goodbye to Boquete and head to the southern city of Chitre. Arrive around lunchtime, then head out for an orientation walk with your leader (who will also be able to point you in the right direction for a good lunch spot). After a bite to eat, rejoin your fellow travellers head to a mask workshop for a glimpse at the country’s cultural heritage – elaborate masks and costumes are a feature of many festivals in Panama. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Chitre. You might like to visit Museo de Herrera Fabio Rodriquez, which contains an extensive collection of artifacts dating back to 5000 BC, while also providing context about Panama’s natural history.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Chitre - Traditional mask workshop
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Panama City
Depart Chitre this morning, heading for Panama City. Stop at the Miraflores Visitor Centre, which overlooks one of the locks that control the flow of ships through the Panama Canal. Learn about the canal’s history and engineering, then head back on the road to Panama City. On arrival head out on a leader-led orientation walk. Take in the great views of the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town) and the Panama City skyline as you stroll past crowded waterfront soccer fields, running paths and food carts. You might like to regroup with your fellow travellers in the evening for a final farewell dinner.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Panama City - Miraflores Locks (Panama Canal)
Panama City - Leader-led walk in Casco Viejo
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
DAY 12
Day 12 • Panama City
With no planned activities today, you can depart at any time. If you would like to spend some more time in Panama City, just speak to your booking agent.
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.

Inclusions

Meals

5 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Shared boat

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Wednesday Feb 19, 2025

Sunday Mar 02, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Saturday Feb 22, 2025

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Wednesday Feb 26, 2025

Sunday Mar 09, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 2 spaces left

£1,782

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025

Sunday Mar 16, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Wednesday Mar 12, 2025

Sunday Mar 23, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 7 spaces left

£1,716£1,544

Wednesday Mar 19, 2025

Sunday Mar 30, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 5 spaces left

£1,898

Wednesday Mar 26, 2025

Sunday Apr 06, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 9 spaces left

£1,645£1,480

Wednesday Apr 02, 2025

Sunday Apr 13, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 4 spaces left

£1,821

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025

Sunday Apr 20, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 1 space left

£1,898

Wednesday Apr 23, 2025

Sunday May 04, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 11 spaces left

£1,645

Wednesday Apr 30, 2025

Sunday May 11, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 11 spaces left

£1,683

Wednesday May 07, 2025

Sunday May 18, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 9 spaces left

£1,590

Wednesday May 21, 2025

Sunday Jun 01, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 8 spaces left

£1,590

Wednesday May 28, 2025

Sunday Jun 08, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 3 spaces left

£1,590

Wednesday Jun 04, 2025

Sunday Jun 15, 2025

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£1,590

Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in San Jose. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.

2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

3. Please be careful when booking flights into San Jose; make sure you fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport [SJO]. Please do NOT book flights to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport [SJC] as this is located in California, United States.

Reviews (56)

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ELISABETH

Jan 12, 2025

My trip to Costa Rica and Panama was unforgettable! From stunning beaches to vibrant wildlife and warm locals, every moment was pure magic. Our tour guide was exceptional—knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate, making the journey even more special. A true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers—I can’t wait to return!

Jennifer

Jan 02, 2025

Wonderful tour! Don't hesitate to book. Everything was exceptional and fun! 5 star guide with Abdiel Aizpurua "Abby" if you're lucky enough to get him as your trip leader! So happy I went and all the other tourmates, a full tour, this past Christmas and New Year's Eve, were interesting, fun, friendly and we all had a Blast! I always do shared rooms with Intrepid and I've always had a great roommate. The company Intrepid pairs roommates up so very well! I impressed by this. This tour has jungle, mountains, beach, land, and boating. Such a diverse mix that kept us busy and interested. I loved all the time we spent on boats and the water! Loved the walks in the wet jungle too and all the wildlife! Wish I was still there traveling onward with the group! I'd only ask that the trip be at least 2 more days longer at a Costa Rican beach or a really nice beach in Panama! I'd have liked 1 or 2 beach days on this trip!

Paul

Dec 12, 2024

Beate

Dec 01, 2024

The trip is a good mix of nature, fun activities and beautiful cities. Our guide Olman was amazing, he taught us a lot about wildlife. We´ve seen birds, a monkey, baby sea turtles, and even a sloth in the tree. I loved Bocas del Toro, the starfish island, and Panama City.

Kazz

Oct 22, 2024

Amazing time in Costa Rica and Panama, great activities so much to see and do action packed. Beautiful people and countries. Fabulous experience

Gillian

Oct 09, 2024

Intrepid Costa Rica and Panama trip was a true gem! Jungles, Caribbean coastal delights, cloud forest and jungle experiences, cities, all wrapped up in the rich culture of Central America. A real treat for nature lovers and beach lovers - this trip has it all and the Panama Canal was amazing! An excellent trip to soak up the culture of Central America!

Christina

Oct 06, 2024

Great trip with a mixture of beach and rainforest. Be prepared to carry/wheel your luggage for 15-20min at times but other then this it is a amazing trip with free time to.choose what you are interested in.

Ann

Sep 28, 2024

Amazing countries with so much nature to explore, and this was a great itinery which allowed this and much more, including enough free time to do my own thing. Would have liked another day in Panama City, but otherwise I really enjoyed my experience on this tour.

Sam

Aug 27, 2024

An easy way to get introduced to diverse parts of Costa Rica and Panama without spending a lot of money.

Darren

Aug 25, 2024

I went on the Cost Rica and Panama discovery tour in Aug 24 and loved it. A great mix of wildlife, rainforest, beaches and city life and our tour guide Jonathan was awesome and helped make our trip really enjoyable. Definitely recommended and a 10/10 from me!

DAY 12
Day 12 • Panama City
With no planned activities today, you can depart at any time. If you would like to spend some more time in Panama City, just speak to your booking agent.
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DAY 12
Day 12 • Panama City
With no planned activities today, you can depart at any time. If you would like to spend some more time in Panama City, just speak to your booking agent.
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.