Panama & Costa Rica
Explore the Panama Canal & the Natural Wonders of Costa Rica
Pachira Tour - 15 Night Itinerary
View the Panama Canal and Locks, by boat or land, explore Panama City's famous old city and discover Costa Rica's national parks, wildlife, endemic birds, cloud forest, flooded eco-systems, and end the tour relaxing in a remote coastal village in a wonderf…
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Travel Highlights
- A wonderful two-centre trip combing natural and man-made wonders of the world
- Explore Panama City's historic Casa Viejo
- Enjoy a fascinating cruise in a small boat on the Panama Canal
- Visit Costa Rica's capital city, San Jose
- Travel on foot or by boat discovering the endemic bird and wildlife at Tortuguero National Park
- Trek in the foothills of Arenal Volcano with expert guides
- Opt for boat trip on the Frio River and observe a wonderful array of birdlife
- Enjoy 4-nights in the remote lodge in the Nicoya Peninsula, surrounded by nature
Tour Route
- Panama - 3 Nights
- Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica - 1 Night
- Tortuguero National Park - 3 Nights
- Arenal National Park - 4 Nights
- Nicoya Peninsula - 4 Nights
- Fly back to the UK
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.
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Tour Itinerary
Panama
3 NightsDay 1 - Fly to Panama City
Day 2 - Guided tour of Panama City
Day 3 - Panama Canal cruise
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to Panama City
Depart the UK on a daytime flight to Panama City. On arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel for a 3-night stay including breakfast. Our guide will give you a short orientation tour near your hotel to help you get used to the local area.
Saturday, 15 August 2026
Guided tour of Panama City
Visit some of the most important sites of Panama City starting with the ruins of Old Panama - Panama La Vieja. Founded in 1519, Panama La Vieja is the first city and first settlement on the Pacific Ocean, capital of Castilla de Oro and centre of operations for the conquest of South America. This city was later partially destroyed because of the attack of the pirate Sir Henry Morgan in 1671. We will then visit the Casco Viejo, a colonial area that represents the second Panama City, characterized by a very special architecture.
Weather permitting; this tour will be a walking tour taking you through the Plaza de la Independencia with its Cathedral and the Palacio Municipal. Next visit the San Jose church and its Golden Altar. Followed by the Arco Chato and the Convento de Santo Domingo, home to the Religious artefact Museum.
Head up the Paseo de las Bovedas into the Plaza de Francia and finish at the Plaza Bolivar, where the national theatre, San Fransisco of Asis Church and some newly remodelled homes are located. At the end, we will enjoy the modern area of Pan
Sunday, 16 August 2026
Panama Canal cruise
The tour starts at the Flamenco Resort and Marina at 9:30 a.m. Passengers board motor coaches for a 45 minute ride to the town of Gamboa where the Panama Canal Dredging Division is located.
The Panama Canal is Panama’s most popular tourist attraction. The best way to experience the Canal is by taking a Partial Transit. During your transit, you will have the unique opportunity to see the Canal up close in operation. You will transit with the big ships and see the tug boats in operation and of course, the locks themselves. The partial transit can be northbound or southbound depending on the day of the month and also on the saturday of the month, you may board the Pacific Queen or the Fantasía del Mar.
When the Canal Transit is northbound you will board the boat either in Flamenco Marina or La Playita and sail north to cross the Miraflores Locks first and then Pedro Miguel Locks, to then finish the tour in Gamboa Dock. The return to Panama city will be by bus back to Flamenco Marina or La Playita, provided by the tour company.
When the Canal Transit is southbound it will be the other way around, in Flamenco Marina or La Playita, you will board a bus that will take you to Gamboa Dock, where you will board the vessel and sail south to cross Pedro Miguel Locks first, then Miraflores Locks and finish back in Flamenco Marina or La Playita.
A light lunch will be included on board with soft drinks, and a bilingual (Spanish/English) narrator will be on boar
Courtyard Panama City
Courtyard Panama City by Marriott Panama combines the newest technologies with a residential touch. The 120 guest rooms are totally equipped for the leisure and business traveler. Strategically located in the new Punta Pacifica area, next to the Multiplaza Pacific Mall. Every room is equipped with a free high speed internet connection, restaurant, bar and…
Bristol Panama
Located in the heart of Panama City's vibrant financial and commercial district, the Bristol is a serene and luxurious retreat with "The Rosewood Tradition of Excellence".
The Bristol has just 56 rooms, each with Mahogany furnishings. All rooms and suites feature marble bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers, sumptuous baths and distinctive personal amenities.
There is a…
The American Trade Hotel
The American Trade Hotel is a boutique luxury hotel combining old world elegance with clean, current design. It’s located in the most desirable area in Panama City: Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering the best sight-seeing, dining and nightlife, all combined with an authentic Panamanian cultural experience.
The property occupies a lovely restored…
Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica
1 NightDay 4 - Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica
Transfer to the airport and fly to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. On arrival, our guide will transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 3-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.
David Jiménez
Balmoral Hotel
The Balmoral Hotel is located on Avenida Central, San Jose’s most famous street and walking distance to the historic centre. It is easy to visit the Iglesia de la Merced, the cathedral, the central and Morazán parks, as well as the impressive gold and jade museums.
The hotel’s rooms include double beds, complimentary coffee, safe, hair…
Buena Vista Hotel
Buena Vista hotel is a Spanish colonial style resort located just outside San Jose, at the top of a mountain offering panoramic views of three volcanoes in the Central Valley - Poas, Barva and Irazu. It is a super place to stay when you arrive in Costa Rica.
The hotel has 30 air-conditioned and comfortable rooms. Deluxe…
Finca Rosa Blanca
Finca Rosa Blanca Country Inn is situated above the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica, offering amazing views of volcanoes, cloud forests and coffee plantations and nestled amongst 10 acres amid hundreds of fruit trees and tropical flora. It offers luxurious rooms including mini bar, Jacuzzi bath and private verandas overlooking the Valley. Each room…
Tortuguero National Park
3 NightsDay 5 - Travel to Tortuguero National Park
Day 6 - Exploring on foot and by boat
Day 7 - Further explorations
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Tortuguero National Park
Today we travel by road through the mountainous Braulio Carrillo National Park to La Pavona river dock, where we embark a small boat for the journey along rivers and canals to your chosen lodge in Tortuguero National Park.
Here we stay for 3-nights including breakfast, lunch and dinner. The rest of the day is free to relax at your lodge - perhaps enjoy a dip in the pool with the sounds of the forest abound.
Wednesday, 19 August 2026
Exploring on foot and by boat
This morning enjoy a fascinating guided walking tour in the rainforest. After lunch, we take to the water again for a boat tour of Tortuguero National Park, exploring the network of navigable lakes, rivers and canals (both natural and man-made) that are used for transportation and are a great place for observing local wildlife such as many species of birds, monkeys, two and three-toed sloths, American crocodiles and caimans.
The canals also provide shelter to endangered animals such as the oriental Indian manatee, crocodiles, a large variety of crustaceous and about 30 species of sweet water fish, including the gaspar, considered as a living fossil.
Thursday, 20 August 2026
Further explorations
Today is free for you to choose any other optional excursions or experiences you might like, such as a zip wire adventure in the forest canopy, a visit to Tortuguero village and further explorations in the rainforest. If you visit from July to October, you can also observe leatherback turtles laying their eggs on the beach and the baby turtles starting their new life as they crawl back to sea. A wonderful experience!
Pachira Lodge
Pachira Lodge is located only five minutes away from the entrance to Tortuguero National Park. This wild and remote area is only accessible by boat or plane and it takes 5 to 6 hours by land and boat from San Jose. Pachira Lodge offers 96 comfortable rooms with bamboo furniture and ceiling fans. The rooms are…
Aninga Lodge
Located only 5 minutes from Tortuguero National Park and surrounded by a network of picturesque canals, the Aninga Lodge offers a comfortable base to explore.
The lodge has 33 comfortable spacious bungalows with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, hot water and ceiling fans. Public areas include a beautiful swimming pool. an excellent restaurant, bar and a spa…
Manatus hotel
The Manatus Hotel is located 2.5km from Tortuguero town centre, very close to the airstrip that you fly into thus avoiding a long transfer by road. It is also one of the few properties that sit directly on a strip of land separating the Caribbean Sea from several canals. With only 12 bungalows with 2…
Arenal National Park
4 NightsDay 8 - Travel to Arenal volcano
Day 9 - Arenal Volcano expedition
Day 10 - At leisure - optional excursions
Day 11 - Optional excursions
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Arenal Volcano expedition
This morning, enjoy a guided excursion to the El Silencio Private Reserve, getting as close as possible to the base of the Arenal Volcano by vehicle. Once there, take a 1km hike along a volcanic stone path with a moderate level of difficulty until you reach the viewpoint, the closest permitted point to the volcano.
Continue the hike into the regeneration forest where you can observe toucans, guans, and oropendolas, and occasionally peccaries and snakes.
Saturday, 22 August 2026
Travel to Arenal Volcano National Park
This morning, drive to Arenal Volcano National Park and transfer to your chosen hotel for a 4-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Sunday, 23 August 2026
At leisure - optional excursions
Today is free to explore this scenic region of Costa Rica depending on your interests.
Choose from a wide range of optional guided tours, including the Rio Celeste waterfall, zip wire adventures, a coffee plantation tour, horse riding, a birdwatching tour, a boat trip on the Rio Frio, mountain biking, hot springs and a visit to a local village.
Monday, 24 August 2026
Optional excursions
Today is free to relax at your hotel or take an optional excursion with our local guides, depending on your interests.
Henry Porras
Arenal Volcano Inn
Arenal Volcano Inn is a cozy hotel located in front of the Arenal Volcano, just minutes away from the main attractions in Arenal National Park.
The hotel has just 25 rooms, from standard to deluxe. Each is air-conditioned with FREE Wi-Fi, private bathroom with shower, cable TV, mini bar, safe and telephone. Choose from a garden…
Arenal Manoa Hotel
Located a short drive from Arenal Volcano in a very natural and private environment, surrounded by the La Palma River, the Arenal Manoa Hotel is an ideal refuge for the great diversity of birds, mammals, lizards, and a large variety of plants. Surrounded by gardens, pastures and animals, the rooms have been designed so that…
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa is a green-friendly luxury hotel framed by the crystalline waters of the La Palma and Kioro streams, lush, vibrant gardens and private thermal water spas. It is a peaceful setting for exploring the beauty and exhilarating activities of Arenal Volcano National Park.
There are 53 spacious, air conditioned suites designed for couples…
Nicoya Peninsula
4 NightsDay 12 - Travel to Nosara, Nicoya Peninsula
Day 13 - Exploring the coast
Day 14 - At leisure
Day 15 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Nosara, Nicoya Peninsula
This morning, we drive to the village on Nosara on the remote Nicoya Peninsula. Check into your chosen hotel or resort for a 4-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Exploring the coast
Relax at your lodge or explore the coastal rainforest, sandy beaches and the meeting of two rivers. Admire magnificent mangrove trees and subtropical dry forest. Opt for a guided tour of the nature reserve with a naturalist guide, or a wildlife spotting boat trip through the Mangrove forest to see the many wetlands bird species of the area.
Nearby Ostional Beach is the world's 2nd largest nesting site for Olive Ridley Turtles. Their mass arrivals, called 'arribadas', mainly happen between July and December, and it is possible to see thousands of turtles arriving within 3 or 4 days to lay their eggs on the beach.
Thursday, 27 August 2026
At leisure
A day free to relax on a remote beach or at your hotel.
Friday, 28 August 2026
At leisure
The last day to enjoy this beautiful stretch of coastline, at your leisure.
La Ensenada Lodge
La Ensenada Sanctuary is located in its own 800 acres estate, on the Pacific Coast, in the Gulf of Nicoya. It is an ideal place for birdwatchers, naturalists and nature lovers in general. The Tretti facility are committed to sustainability and have a major reforestation project and other work to protect this special area of…
Lagarta Lodge
Lagarta Lodge Hotel sits between two rivers on the Nicoya peninsula, with sandy beaches and woods to explore along the pacific shores of Costa Rica. With sustainability and social responsibility in mind Lagarta Lodge has its own private nature reserve of mangrove trees.
Public areas include the observation tower with panoramic vistas, a sun deck, restaurant and sunset bar…
Nantipa Hotel
Nantipa is the Chorotegan word for blue, aptly named for this stylish beachfront hotel in the heart of the Nicoya Península. A hidden treasure where deep blue waters are framed by vividly green tropical rainforests.
Public facilities include the excellent Manzu Restaurant located on the beach, swimming pool, bar and spa.
The hotel has 15 guest bungalows and…
Fly back to the UK
Day 16 - Transfer to San Jose and fly back to the UK
Day 17 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Transfer to San Jose and fly back to the UK
Drive to San Jose airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Sunday, 30 August 2026
Arrive in the UK
Arrive in the UK in the morning.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | High Season | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | March - June & September - November | December - February & July - August | ||||
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First | Deluxe | Tourist | First | Deluxe |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £4,366 | £5,450 | £6,238 | £4,572 | £5,644 | £6,428 |
Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 17 Days/15 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Flights from Panama City to San Jose
- Internal flights as described
- Accommodation
- 15 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- Transfers and transportation as described
- Excursions with English-speaking guides
- Transport and meals as shown
Complete a form or call our specialist advisors to start planning your trip. Please provide as much information as possible, and we will aim to respond to your enquiry the same or next working day.
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