ITINERARY

• 01 San José
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Welcome to San José , the colourful capital of Costa Rica . On arrival at the Juan Santamaria airport  you will be greeted by your local tour manager ,then we proceed and check into our hotel .Evening is at leisure you are free to take a stroll and explore the vibrant city . Later dinner and overnight at the hotel .

  San José is located in the heart of a vast and fertile valley, the Meseta Central (Central Valley). Born in the 18th century, it has few testimonies of the colonial era. The capital of Costa Rica has a population of one million and is now one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in Central America.  Costa Rican cuisine is based on fresh ingredients and local products of excellent quality. We favor places or menus that allow you to discover the vegetables, meat and other fish of our tropics, whether in a popular, family restaurant or at the table of chefs who revisit local recipes. We communicate with restaurants to ensure that drinks are served without straws or at least with bamboo or recyclable straws. 

  Presidente 4*

  Dinner included

• 02 San José - Poas Volcano - San José ( City Tour )
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we proceed by road to the Poas volcano through the morning mists and coffee plantations. Magnificent views of the central valley.

  Discovery of the Poas Volcano National Park

  Easy walk to the volcano observatory and its crater, one of the largest in the world. Observation of the fumaroles and the lagoon which fills the bottom of the crater. Multicolored rocks and sulfur fumes will fill your senses. Access to the site also allows you to discover the high altitude flora. The walk to the Boto lagoon completes the visit. Coffee stop/tasting.

  The sides of volcanoes are rich lands suitable for agriculture. They are covered with coffee plantations, strawberries and pastures for cows. A stop will allow you to discover the complex world of coffee production, the black gold of Costa Rica... With an explanation in the coffee fields and a tasting of this pure Arabica drink .

  Typical lunch (example: casado: meat, chicken or fish accompanied by black beans, white rice, vegetables and salad ) in a restaurant in the mountains. . Next return to the city of  San José.

  Guided walking tour in the center of the capital San Jose, the history of a nation emerging from the Spanish colony

  You will discover the facade of the magnificent national theater which is the pride of the Ticos because it is considered the main national monument by virtue of its architectural beauty, the metropolitan cathedral, the numerous parks which green the city center and the Avenida Central, a large pedestrian street very popular with josefinos because there are all kinds of shops there. The central market ( NB: closed on Sundays ) will open the doors to an unmissable place in the capital. Lulled by a Latin atmosphere, you will find fruits and vegetables, clothes, souvenirs, typical dishes while strolling along its many streets.

  Later dinner and over night at the hotel . 

  Presidente 4*

  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

• 03 Tierra Del Fuego - Arenal Volcano
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we checkout of the hotel and proceed to the  Land of Fire.

  On the way, we will make a stop at the village of Sarchi. We go to the monument to the cart, “Monumento a la carreta”, passing through the central park with a pleasant atmosphere between the garden and public square.

  Sarchi, with its 5,000 inhabitants, is the most famous town in all of Costa Rica for its crafts. In Sarchi, there are more than 200 craft workshops where they mainly produce hand-painted ox carts with bright, joyful and very typical colors, symbolic of Costa Rica, but also wooden or leather furniture. ... Carts were used to transport coffee in the 19th century from hilly, difficult-to-access lands to the Pacific coast. But for the record, this craft developed due to the proliferation of tractors and other vehicles in the countryside... Facing ruin, the cart manufacturers had the idea of miniaturizing their know-how and launched the fashion for this ornament...

  Lunch on site.

  Continuation towards the northern plain, rich in tropical fruit and citrus plantations with the perfect cone of the Arenal volcano rising in the background. The lush tropical vegetation surrounding the colossus, the warm waters that escape from it and the magnificent lake that spreads out at its feet make it one of the most spectacular sites in the country.

  On arrival we check into the hotel. . Later in the evening dinner in the village  and over night at the hotel.

  LAVAS TACOTAL

   

  Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner included

• 04 Suspension Bridges - Meeting - Arenal
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast  we visit to an ecological farm, trapiche tour and tortilla class

  Meeting with the Gonzalez family, a home of committed farmers who have been practicing organic farming for over 40 years. Under the Troja, a traditional place of life and discussion, you will learn everything about sugar cane and the tool formerly used for its transformation: the trapiche, before tasting all the flavors of sugar cane: the fresh fruit, its juice and its alcohol, artisanal guaro, favorite of the Ticos . Continuing the visit, you will cross plantations of plants and vegetables grown according to a sustainable organic production method and will discover some emblematic legends of Costa Rica. All in an enchanting natural setting and accompanied by the owners of the farm who will not fail to let you taste the coffee produced on the farm after welcoming you for an introductory course on homemade tortillas !

  Traditional lunch (example menu: “olla de carne” or Costa Rican “pot-au-feu” with tropical vegetables: plantain, cassava, macabo, and beef) on site, during the excursion.

  Walk on the suspension bridges of Arenal

  On a route of some 3000 meters, you will cross the tropical forest by paths linked together by 8 fixed bridges and 6 suspension bridges. The trails were designed to be accessible to everyone. Bridges are high-tech metal structures offering all the necessary safety. They measure from 8 to 98 meters in length and the tallest of them rises to 45 meters in height. The succession of trails and bridges allows you to appreciate the flora of this tropical rainforest from a different perspective, from the roots to the canopy.

  Walk and visit the village of La Fortuna, the opportunity to learn more about this famous village and its volcano! Free time to do some shopping or enjoy the hotel facilities.

  Later in the evening dinner outdoors and overnight at the hotel.

  Lavas Tacotal Lodge

  Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner included

• 05 Arenal - Caribbean Jungle - Tortuguero
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we proceeed for the northern Caribbean coast by  road through the gigantic banana plantations to the pier on the edge of the river and board the boat to join the main canal to Tortuguero, a small isolated village on the North Caribbean coast, wedged between a wide estuary and the Atlantic Ocean and accessible only by plane and boat.

  On arrival we check into our hotel and have lunch .

  Visit to the village of Tortuguero

  Short stroll in the village to discover the school, the church.... Free time to stroll, do some shopping...! . It is a small community lost at the end of the world which today comes out of its isolation with the visit of travelers to the National Park. Between the small streets, sometimes still on sandy paths, the beach and the lagoon, a moment to see the peaceful tropical life lulled by the Caribbean colors of the decorations and vegetation.

  Presentation of the guide on sea turtles

  The guide will give you a presentation on sea turtles in Costa Rica, starting with the history of the village of Tortuguero and the initiation of the project for the protection of turtles and the creation of the STC (Sea Turtle Concervancy) organization. It will provide you with explanations on the migrations of turtles, their biology and the different methods put in place to protect them, in particular the patrols which are organized each year in the country.

  Later in the evening dinner and overnight at the hotel . 

   

  Lavas Tacotal Lodge

  Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner included

• 06 Boat Safari & Tortuguero National Park
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we check out of the hotel and proceed for the discovery of Tortuguero National Park by boat safari as we visit the canals of the National Park (approx. 2 hours). Observation of the flora and fauna of this 32,000 ha primary forest, which extends as far as the eye can see. It is home to hundreds of species of plants - orchids, ferns, bromeliads - and century-old trees. At the heart of this splendid tropical setting, the spectacle is everywhere and the incredibly sharp eyes of the captains will allow explorers to discover the barely hidden life that unfolds before them. Near the banks, the caimans peacefully wait their turn to appear on the scene while the spider monkeys play in the branches laden with fruit. The birds are most active and fish in the canal. The tranquility of the picture is not feigned and the lazy people who live here in large numbers are the first to welcome it.

  Walk on the lodge trails . Crossing the tropical forest. In the gardens, the guide will introduce you to the incredible diversity of tropical plants and flowers. Buffet lunch .

  Afternoon, free time to enjoy the optional activities offered by the lodge (kayak, etc.) or to relax by the swimming pool .

  Later in the evening dinner and overnight at the hotel .

  Laguna Lodge

  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

• 07 Southern Caribbean
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakafst we checkout of the hotel  by boat before returning to the main Caribbean route. Buffet lunch along the way .

  We continue towards the South where the small seaside villages of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo have developed. Welcome to the unparalleled atmosphere of Afro-Caribbean culture! Here the inhabitants are of Chinese origin or come from a wave of immigration of Afro-Jamaicans who speak English Creole mixed with Spanish. Surf spots, coral areas and black or white sand beaches, lined with vegetation populated by monkeys and sloths, await you. The excellence of its gastronomy and the rich biodiversity and scenic beauty of the Cahuita and Gandoca-Manzanillo parks are also at the origin of the reputation of this region with its particular charm .

  On arrival we check into the hotel and later dinner and overnight at the hotel . 

  Laguna Lodge

  Breakfast ,Lunch &Dinner included

• 08 Manzanillo
  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we proceed for a visit to the Manzanillo Reserve

  Turquoise waters and rocky, white-sand beaches backed by coconut palms and lush rainforest are characteristic of Costa Rica's southern Caribbean coast. The Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve protects approximately 70% of the southern Caribbean, stretching from the small village of Manzanillo all the way to Panama. The refuge has wild white sand beaches, small picturesque coves, rocky outcrops and a rainforest teeming with wildlife. On land, monkeys, coatis, sloths, iguanas, poison dart frogs and more can be seen. More than 350 species of birds can be observed in the park. Offshore, the coral reef attracts marine life. The waters are some of the clearest in the country when the water is calm (August to October) – ideal for snorkeling! Three different species of dolphin (including one endemic freshwater species), four different species of sea turtle (March to July), manatees, crocodiles, lobsters and long-spined sea urchins have been seen offshore . Lunch . Relaxing afternoon.

  Later in the evening  dinner in the village and overnight at the hotel .

   

  Puerto Viejo

  breakfast; lunch ; dinner included

• 09 Puerto Viejo , Limon - Bocas Del Toro ( Panama )
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we checkout of the htoel and  proceed by road towards  Panama .  Once we have cleared immigration, we will continue on to the dock and board a boat for our transfer to Isla Coln in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. 

  On arrival we check into our hotel . The rest of the day is at leisure .

  In the evening we have dinner and overnight at the hotel .

  Puerto Viejo

  Breakfast & Dinner included

• 10 Bocas Del Toro ( Dolphin Bay & Coral Keys )
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast the tour starts at the Bocas del Toro pier with a short boat ride to Laguna Bocatorito. In this bay, also called dolphin bay, the probability to spot dolphins is about 95%. You will spend some time watching them jump and play around your boat. You then continue to the Coral Keys to practice some snorkeling and to enjoy the colorful Bocas del Toro underwater world. At the Coral Keys there is a restaurant where you can have lunch if you want to (not include in the tour!). You will then continue to Red Frog Beach. It received its name thanks to the abundance of tiny red frogs that can be found at that beach. Enjoy the afternoon looking for the red frogs or relaxing at this clean white beach.In the late afternoon you will be taken back to Bocas del Toro.

  Later in the evening dinner and overnight at the hotel . 

  BOCAS DEL TORO 2 nights Playa Tortuga Resort – Standard room

  Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner included

• 11 Bocas Del Toro - Panama City
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today afetr breakfast it is a free morning to enjoy the archipielago. Lunch. Next we check out of fthe hotel and  proceed to the airport for our flight to Panama City .

  On arrival we check into our hotel .Later in the evening dinner and overnight at the hotel .

  BOCAS DEL TORO 2 nights Playa Tortuga Resort– Standard room

  Breakfast ,Lunch &Dinner included

• 12 Panama City (City Tour)
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast  we will go to Colonial Panama or Old Quarters, and will visit the "Paseo Esteban Huertas", Metropolitan Cathedral, National Theater, the Simon Bolivar Plaza and many more places of the colonial period. After, we will visit the Miraflores Locks where you will be able to watch the functioning of the Panama Canal from its best spot. Afternoon at leisure.

  Later in the evening dinner and overnight at the hotel.

  PANAMA CITY 5 nights Hotel EL PANAMA– Standard room

  Breakfast &Dinner included

• 13 Panama Embera Indian Community
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after  breakfast  we proceed  for an amazing cultural day in the footsteps of the Embera Indians who live on the banks of the Chagres River. Transfer to the edge of Lake Alajuela and up the Chagres River to their village at the “end of the world” on stilts. A day to share with the Embera their knowledge of the jungle and medicinal plants, their art of tattooing,their music and dances without forgetting their very rich craftsmanship.Simple but excellent lunch of grilled fish and plantains.This Indian community can maintain its traditions and customs thanks to tourism which is now their main resource. They live in this village, certainly they know the modern world,however this activity allows them to live with their family in this national park. They can continue to live like their ancestors, pass on to teach their children their way of life. Otherwise, they would have to go and live in the city, very few of them would bear it, they would definitely have to abandon their cultural traditions.

  Later in the evening  dinner and overnight at the hotel.

  PANAMA CITY 5 nights Hotel EL PANAMA – Standard room

  Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner included

• 14 Caribbean Coast – San Lorenzo & Aguas Claras
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we proceed  for a day to discover the Caribbean coast, Afro-Caribbean culture and pirate hideouts. Direction Colon and San Lorenzo National Park. World Heritage. To access it you will first have to pass through the Gatun locks, then Fort Sherman, a former American military base. Very beautiful tropical forest dense in fauna and flora. The track will take you to the ruins of the fortress of San Lorenzo, a site overlooking the mouth of the Chagres River with the Caribbean Sea.Lunch of local specialties at the Shelter Bay marina.

  Discovery of the new Gatun locks, inaugurated in June 2016.The new observatory, Aguas Claras, in a setting of exuberant beauty of the Atlantic coast and in the middle of tropical nature that visitors can observe the construction works that have been carried out and the first post-Panamax ships that imprint new locks.In addition, due to its privileged location, it is also possible to observe the majestic Gatún Lake where the boats follow their course on the interoceanic route.Explanation on the realization of this titanic construction site and the operation of these new locks.

  Later  back to Panama City by late afternoon.

  In the evening dnner and overnight at the hotel.

  PANAMA CITY 5 nights Hotel EL PANAMA – Standard room

  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

• 15 Pacific Archipielago - Pearl Island
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after  breakfast we proeed to the pearl archipelago where the famous Survivor Pearl Island program was recorded. Our Tour starts with the departure of the port Flamenco Marin Causeway at 7:30 AM in our spacious and comfortable catamaran with chairs and air conditioning. We also have outdoor seating for the more adventurous. The trip lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes and during our tour in the months of July to September we will meet Humpback Whales that make their migration south. Once on the island our staff will receive you to explain all the details of our islands and the Eco friendly operation of it.

  The Island has full bathrooms, showers, a beach club so you can enjoy the lunch of the day wehave prepared for our visitors. If after enjoying the turquoise Waters you want to do some Extra activity, we have available area for Beach Football, Beach Volleyball, Corn Hole, Snorkel and more. Return to Panama city in the end of the  afternoon.

  Later in the evening farewell dinner at a restaurant and overnight at the hotel . 

  PANAMA CITY 5 nights Hotel EL PANAMA – Standard room

  Breakfast ,Lunch &Dinner included

• 16 Panama City - Departure
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we check out of the hotel and proceed to the airport for our international flight back home with a lifetime of memories from  Costa Rica & Panama .

  PANAMA CITY 5 nights Hotel EL PANAMA– Standard room

  Breakfast & Lunch included

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