COSTA RICA PANAMA TRAIL

ITINERARY

• Day: 1 San Jose - Puriscal

Start the adventure with an easy walk at the Universidad de la Paz nature reserve, then continue to the Puriscal area for a truly unique experience, the Survivor Adventure course through the jungle. Enjoy a Tarzan rope swing across the river to get the adrenalin flowing, as your team competes for victory! There will also be time for an optional visit to the Turu Bari Adventure Park, whose jungle canopy tours and horseriding will make you say "Pura Vida!"
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

• Day: 2-3 Monteverde National Park

Next up, Monteverde. Home to incredible biodiversity (and some fun nightlife), there will be plenty of time to explore the famous cloud forest with many species of insects, amphibians & mammals that live in the trees. For some extra adrenaline, try the zip-line tour among the clouddrenched canopies and across open ravines!
Accommodation: Lodge with breakfast included. Other meals paid locally.

• Day: 4-5 Arenal National Park

From the forest to one of the most active volcanoes in the hemisphere, Arenal Volcano will blow you away. You can hike, or horseride to hidden waterfalls before relaxing in the natural hot springs! Watch the night skies for the volcano's natural pyrotechnics!
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

• Day: 6-7 Rincon De La Vieja

From Arenal, we travel northwest to the undiscovered Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja with its boiling mud pots emanating from beneath the exotic foliage on the forest floor. Here we will explore the park, with a guided full-day trek through the enchanting lowland forest and up to the barren lunar landscape that marks the rim of a smoking cauldron. It is a challenging hike, but well worth the effort!
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

• Day: 8-10 Samara & San Jose

Heading south, we arrive at the beautiful Pacific Ocean and Sámara beach. In Sámara, the soft sound of gentle waves is a perennial backdrop to your adventure. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy Costa Rica's beautiful coastline. Horse ride, snorkel, sea kayak, learn to surf or swim in the warm, clear Pacific Ocean before returning to San Jose.
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge with breakfast included. Other meals paid locally.

• Day: 11-12 San Jose & Turialba

Leaving the capital of San José, we visit Volcán Irazu with time enough to climb and gaze into its perfect crater. The view is breathtaking and Irazu is the highest volcano in Costa Rica. We then continue to Turialba to set up camp. Here we will explore some incredible waterfalls and hikes along the Reventazón River, and there will be opportunities to white water raft on the Sarapiqui River or trek in this natural playground.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

• Day: 13 Caribbean Wildlife Refuge

The next day finds us travelling south towards Panamá and its enchanting archipelago, Bocas del Toro, but first we will spend an evening at the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Reserve. Gandoca Manzanillo is home to tropical rainforest and champagne-coloured sandy beaches that are dotted with coconut and palm trees. Its pristine coral reef, year-round warm weather and lack of crowds will be sure to impress. Swim or snorkel in the refreshing Caribbean sea, bask in the sun or watch for "congos" (howler monkeys) in the nearby trees.
Accommodation: Hotel included. Meals paid locally.

• Day: 14-15 Bocas del Toro, Panama

With an early morning departure, we cross the border into Panama and take a scenic boat transfer to Bocas del Toro via where you will savour the area's natural beauty. During the day, opt for a boating excursion to Bastimentos Marine Park and snorkel among the rare coral reef and a myriad of brightly coloured fish or just relax, fish or kayak. In the evenings sip rum cocktails and dance with the locals to the unique rhythms of Panama's Caribbean islands... Perfect for perfecting your salsa moves!
Accommodation: Lodge/cabins included. Meals paid locally.

• Day: 16-17 Cahuita

Crossing the border via boat back into Costa Rica we stop in Cahuita/Puerto Viejo. Explore the marine park that bears its name with some of the most beautiful palm trees and white sandy beaches in the country. There will be plenty of time to walk or bike to nearby waterfalls or enjoy the day on the beach.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

• Day: 18 San Isidro

Travelling across the Talamanca moutnain range, we arrive at San Isidro in time to explore the local markets and the Costa Rican nightlife. The temperature is cooler here and you will appreciate the fresh mountain air.
Accommodation: Hotel included. Meals paid locally.

• Day: 19-21 Manuel Antonio & San Jose

Our last days have us in one of the most famous beach areas in all of Central America, Manuel Antonio. From the national park's beaches and tropical forests to the delicious seafood, salsa clubs and beach bars of the town, what better way to end your 3 week romp in Costa Rica and Panama than by body-surfing Manuel Antonio's perfectly curled waves and perfecting your sun tan!
Accommodation: Hotel included. Meals paid locally.

Tour ends at approx 17:00 hrs in San Jose on day 21.

BOOK YOUR TRIP ONLINE

You can book your trek online in minutes using our secure booking engine below. You only need to pay a deposit with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of Britsh Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe & protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card. If you prefer to book by telephone, please contact our sales office and speak to one our friendly travel consultants.

Status Key

PHOTO GALLERY

Click an image to see an enlarged version.

TREK CONNECT