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San Jose · Costa Rica
13 day Costa Rica and Panama Walk Highlights
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From $10,849.74 per person
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The Experience
What your day looks like
This Central American odyssey blends thrilling adventures, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences, offering a truly immersive exploration of these captivating countries. From lush jungles and neon-blue rivers to historic city streets, each day reveals new highlights that make for a journey of a lifetime. Begin in Costa Rica, where the adventure starts amidst the country’s renowned biodiversity. Trek through the pristine jungles of Corcovado National Park, often considered the world’s most biodiverse place, encountering exotic wildlife and hidden waterfalls along the way. Explore the ethereal cloud forests of Boquete, where misty trails lead you through verdant canopies, and marvel at the vibrant waters of Rio Celeste, famous for its neon-blue hues. The diverse scenery, from tropical rainforests to volcanic landscapes, offers countless opportunities for nature lovers to connect with the stunning environment. As you journey south, each day brings a blend of adventure and relaxation. Luxuriate in carefully selected jungle hideaways and boutique hotels that provide both comfort and immersion in nature. Experience the beauty of Costa Rica from the doorstep of your accommodations, where you can unwind after a day’s walk surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Gourmet meals featuring local ingredients add a culinary dimension to your journey, enhancing the experience with the rich flavors of Central America. The tour concludes in Panama, where you’ll explore the historic streets of Panama City’s UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo. Wander through the charming colonial district, with its colorful architecture and lively atmosphere, and learn about the city’s fascinating history. The journey wraps up with a festive dinner, celebrating your adventures and the unforgettable moments shared along the way.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Tour du Mont Blanc
- Stunning Alpine Landscapes
- Crossing Borders
- Cultural Encounters
- Flexible Itinerary
- PackFree Walking
- Scenic Accommodation
- Private Transfers
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
San Jose
Transportation. Welcome to Costa Rica! Your driver will pick you up at the Doubletree in San José at 1 pm. Admire the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica as you transfer to your accommodation in Tenorio National Park, where a lovely dinner will be prepared by the chefs. The real journey starts tomorrow, so make sure you get a good night’s rest and dream about the adventure to come.
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Dinner.
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Accommodation.
Day 2
La Fortuna
Hiking at Celeste River. Rio Celeste Waterfall and Hanging Bridges Walk: After finishing your breakfast made with local produce, you will head to the Rio Celeste waterfall. Famous for its neon blue water, it is a sight that is sure to impress. You’ll make your way down a well-maintained path surrounded by the deep greens of the Costa Rican jungle, with Morpho butterflies fluttering all around. The walk will take around one hour each way, leading you to the stunning ‘light blue river waterfall.’ Once back at the trail’s end, you will be taken to the Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, with a stop for a superb lunch offering views of Lake Arenal. With full bellies, you’ll walk across the hanging bridges in the Arenal cloud forest. This three-kilometers walk will take you into the heart of the jungle, where your guides will help you spot hidden animals and share interesting facts about the area.
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La Fortuna
Hot Springs at Arenal Volcano. Hot Springs: After these two walks, it’s time to relax at your hot spring resort. Here, you will have private access to the hot springs, with nearby views of the Arenal Volcano, which you will explore the next day. Before your evening program of complete relaxation, you will enjoy a lovely dinner right at the resort. Whenever your eyes are struggling to stay open, you can retire to your chambers to dream of the adventures to come.
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Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
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Accommodation.
Day 3
La Fortuna
ATV/UTV & Off Road Tours at Arenal Volcano. Arenal National Park - La Fortuna: After a hearty breakfast, you will head to another magical location tucked into the jungle. The Fortuna Waterfall is among the most impressive features in Costa Rica’s diverse rainforest landscape. A large flow of whitewater tumbles 75 meters down a cliff covered with bright green brush into a blue pool of water below, where you will be able to take a dip after a short hike through the jungle. The next trek of the day takes you over the lava fields created by the Arenal Volcano, offering many impressive views during this four-kilometre nature walk. The landscape here is characterised by black volcanic rock contrasted with low, thick green brush growing all around. The low brush allows for 360-degree vistas of the area throughout most of the walk.
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La Fortuna
Leisure at Arenal Volcano. Leisure time after hike: After this busy morning program, we’ll head back to the resort for another locally sourced lunch. In the afternoon, you can choose to unwind at the hotel’s hot springs or go along for another adventure up a viewing point in Arenal National Park, promising more breathtaking vistas.
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Breakfast. Lunch. Once the group that took the trek up has returned, another dinner will be served at the resort as the sun disappears over the horizon.
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The walks today will have prepared you for another cozy slumber in your luxury suite.
Day 4
San Jose
Transportation. An early start begins a busy day in the magical cloud forests of Monteverde. The transfer will take around 2.5 hours, taking you around Lake Arenal and through the rainforest. Upon arrival, you will tour the ecological farm of Hotel Belmar, your home for the night.
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Monteverde
Eco Tour. Monteverde Cloud Forest Walk: After touring the farm, lunch will be prepared with fresh produce from the gardens. The famous cloud forest of Monteverde awaits you, with an expert guide ready to share insights about the flora and fauna. Cloud forests are just as green and lush as rainforests but offer a cooler climate with moisture coming from fog, creating a surreal scenery unlike any other. The six-kilometre walk through the forest will take around three hours, giving you ample time to absorb the area’s beauty. At around 5 pm, you will return to your hotel, where another locally sourced meal will be prepared for dinner. After dinner, you will explore the cloud forest at night. From around 6 to 8 pm, you will be guided through a smaller section of the national park with a flashlight. The forest comes alive at night, allowing you to see an array of animals such as colorful frogs, tarantulas, sloths, armadillos, and more.
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Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
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After a long day of exploring the Monteverde region, you can retire to the beautiful Hotel Heliconia.
Day 5
San Jose
Transportation. After breakfast, you will embark on a 2.5-hour transfer to the coastal town of Jaco.
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Jaco
Leisure. Jaco Street Art Tour: Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a delightful oceanside lunch, providing the perfect opportunity to savor some of the local seafood. Following lunch, you’ll explore the town with a guide who will show you all the amazing street art the place is famous for.
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Transportation. Once your tour concludes, you’ll embark on another 1.5-hour transfer down the coast to your hotel in Manuel Antonio National Park. Villas Lirio offers an ideal setting for unwinding and cooling off by the pool in the late afternoon, surrounded by Costa Rican rainforest.
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Breakfast. Lunch. Your day will finish with a delightful dinner, allowing you to relax and prepare for an early morning rise to explore the famous Manuel Antonio National Park.
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Accommodation.
Day 6
Quepos
Eco Tour at Manuel Antonio National Park. Manuel Antonio walk: An early breakfast kicks off your day, as you prepare to beat the crowds on a 7 am tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. Despite being the smallest national park in Costa Rica, it is also the most famous, renowned for its intense biodiversity, lush jungle, and white sand beaches. Your walk will cover around 7 kilometers, leading you through the entirety of the park. During this 3-hour expedition, your guide will help you spot all the incredible wildlife the area hosts. After your walk, you can cool off with a dip in the blue waters surrounding the park’s white sand beaches.
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Transportation. Following a lovely lunch, your next transfer will be waiting to take you to Drake Bay, located in Corcovado National Park. Known as the most densely biodiverse place on Earth, this is the ultimate destination for wilderness lovers. Upon arrival at your beautiful lodge, you can begin to envision your jungle expeditions
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Breakfast. Lunch. Delectable cuisine served for dinner.
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As your bed welcomes you, you’ll be ready for another day of jungle adventure.
Day 7
Puerto Jimenez
Boating at Corcovado National Park. Boating tour at Corcovado National Park: You’ll be up before daybreak to kickstart your day, boarding a boat after breakfast to commence your jungle expedition at 6 am. Beginning by the coast, the walk will gradually lead you deeper into the jungle. Accompanied by an expert guide who knows all the best spots for viewing incredible flora and fauna, you’ll delve into the heart of the most biodiverse place on Earth. From tropical birds to monkeys, sloths, and more, the forest will come alive around you, with your guide ensuring you catch sight of it all.
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Puerto Jimenez
Eco Tour at Corcovado National Park. Corcovado National Park Wilderness Walk: The leisurely 12-kilometre trek will allow you to absorb the surroundings fully. Nearing the afternoon, you’ll pause for a picnic lunch before completing the last leg of the walk, which will lead you out of the jungle and back onto the boat.
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Breakfast. Lunch. Returning to the lodge around 3 pm, you’ll have time to relax by the pool or ocean until the chefs prepare a delightful dinner for you to enjoy.
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A restful night’s sleep at the lodge will recharge you for the second part of your rainforest expedition.
Day 8
Puerto Jimenez
ATV/UTV & Off Road Tours at Corcovado National Park. Corcovado National Park Jungle Exploration: Wake up in the tranquility of a jungle oasis, surrounded by the sounds of nature, and savor your breakfast as the sun begins to cast its golden light over the blue sea and lush green palms. Today, you’ll once again venture into the depths of the verdant jungle, where more wildlife and natural wonders await. On your final day in Costa Rica, you’ll immerse yourself in the country’s glorious wilderness with another exhilarating hike into the forest. Your journey will take you further into the heart of the jungle, where you’ll explore around the famous Sirena Ranger Station, renowned for its wildlife study and extreme biodiversity. As you trek through the lush landscape, marvel at the towering jungle trees draped in vines and uncover the myriad creatures that call this area home. It’s the perfect opportunity to practice your bird calls, as the jungle reverberates with the melodious songs of hundreds of bird species. After today’s extraordinary exploration, you’ll return to your lodge to unwind in your tropical hideaway.
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Leisure. Whether you choose to relax by the pool, take out a kayak, or simply enjoy a few drinks while soaking in the last hours of sunlight, you’ll cherish these final moments in Costa Rica.
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Breakfast. Lunch. Tonight, another delightful dinner awaits.
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A fitting farewell to the beauty and diversity of Costa Rica as you prepare to embark on your journey to the equally captivating country of Panama. Overnight at lodge.
Day 9
San Jose
Transportation. Prepare for another early start as you transfer from Drake Bay to Boquete, Panama. The scenic transfer will take approximately 6 hours,
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Boquete
Eco Tour. Lost Waterfalls - Boquete - Panama: Offering a mesmerizing transition from dense jungle to sprawling farmlands, and finally, cloud forest mountains. Along the way, you’ll pause to enjoy a delightful local lunch in Boquete. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a trek to the Lost Waterfalls, immersing yourself in the heart of the cloud forests. As you traverse the trail, you’ll encounter babbling streams, rushing rapids, and, ultimately, breathtaking waterfalls to behold. The cooler climate of Boquete is perfect for walking, offering a refreshing change from the humid jungles of Corcovado. After this invigorating 3-hour walk, you’ll retire to your charming farmland hotel,
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Breakfast. Lunch. Where you can unwind and enjoy dinner amidst the lush, forested hills that surround you.
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Accommodation.
Day 10
Boquete
Eco Tour. Boquete Cloud Forest - Pianista Trail: Today, following a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you’ll delve deeper into the splendor of Boquete. Your morning will be filled with the El Pianista walk, a trail that unveils the highlights of the cloud forest. Beginning amidst open fields with views of mountains on the horizon, the trail gradually leads you into the heart of the forest, where you will be completely enveloped in the lush greens. As you traverse the path, you’ll walk through a narrow canyon adorned with moss-covered rocks and small plants. While the trail may pose challenges to navigate independently, our expert guides ensure a seamless journey through this enchanting landscape. Throughout much of the day, the forest is veiled in mist, adding a magical touch to the scenery. After completing the trail, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before heading off to visit a local coffee farm. Here, you’ll partake in a tour that unveils the intricate process behind producing excellent coffee. Even for non-coffee lovers, it’s a great place to go for a leisurely walk with great views all around. Following the coffee farm experience, you’ll return to your hotel.
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Breakfast. Lunch. Another regional dinner will be prepared for you to enjoy.
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Accommodation.
Day 11
Anton
Eco Tour at Anton Valley Waterfalls (El Valle Panama). Anton Valley - La Silla Walk: A fascinating journey through the beautiful country of Panama awaits, taking you to Anton Valley. Breakfast will be provided en route, allowing you to arrive in Anton Valley early. Upon arrival, lunch will be served at the hotel. The afternoon is reserved for a short hike up La Silla, offering breathtaking views. This brief ascent rewards you with a 360-degree panorama, showcasing Panama’s natural beauty. Covered in lush grass, the hill resembles something out of a Disney movie.
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Anton
Leisure at El Nispero Zoo. Nispero Zoo: After descending, you’ll visit the Nispero Zoo, an animal rescue center housing a variety of local creatures. Here, you can observe wildlife up close while contributing to its preservation. From jaguars and monkeys to tropical birds, the zoo offers a diverse array of animals to admire.
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Breakfast. Lunch. As the day comes to an end, the chefs at your hotel will craft a gourmet dinner for you to enjoy before retiring to your room.
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Accommodation.
Day 12
San Jose
Hiking. Walk La India Dormida: Before heading to the final destination of Panama City, you will make it up the India Dormida trail for breathtaking sunrise views. Overlooking Anton Valley and its surrounding mountains, India Dormida is a moderate hike that will take around 4 hours in total. Much like La Silla, this climb ends above the trees on a picturesque grass covered rolling hill. Once on top you can sit and enjoy breakfast as you watch the sun rise, illuminating the now gold looking grass around you. After all pictures have been taken you can make your way down where the transfer to Panama City will be waiting for you. The drive will be just over two hours and permits you to take a quick nap before arriving in the city for Lunch.
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Panama City
City/Town Tour at Casco Viejo Panama. Casco Viejocity tour: The Afternoon program contains a historical tour of the old colonial center of Panama. Casco Antiguo or Casco Viejo is considered a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site, and dates back to 1673. It is known for vibrant plazas and beautiful brick-paved streets surrounded by colorful houses. After this walk you will be taken to the hotel located inside this historic center. Here you will be greeted with a festive dinner to celebrate the end of the Central America tour.
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Breakfast. Lunch. Whether you started all the way back in Mexico or in Costa Rica, everyone will be many wonderful experiences richer, and this festive dinner will top it off.
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Accommodation.
Day 13
San Jose
Breakfast.
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Transportation. You’ll enjoy one final breakfast with us at your hotel in Panama. Following breakfast, you can choose to stay in Panama and continue your travels, or transfer to the airport if you’re departing. For those leaving later transportation to the airport will be at your own expense. Taxis are a convenient and readily available option, and arrangements can be made in advance, online, or through the hotel. END: Your tour will conclude around 10 am after breakfast. You can opt to be transported to the airport or continue your journey independently. Thanks for travelling with us!
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Flexible walking options and activities each day Professional and passionate guides Knowledgeable local experts during every tour All transfers including private boats, ferries, and a domestic flight Access to all National Parks All tours are private for our group Colonial towns and city tour in Panama Access to Hot Springs Nighttime wildlife tour Monteverde cloud forest Coffee farm tour Boquete Exclusive primary rainforest tour in Corcovado
Not Included
Tips and gratuities
What to Bring
Hiking shoes Comfortable clothes
Meeting & Pickup
RECOMMENDED PRE-NIGHT: We suggest staying at the Doubletree by Hilton in San José, Costa Rica, where our pick-up will be arranged. Other hotels in San José are also convenient, but ensure you are at the Doubletree by Hilton before meeting time. MEETING DETAILS: Meet your driver in the foyer of the Doubletree by Hilton in San José, Costa Rica at 1 pm.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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