Costa Rica & Nicaragua & Panama
The Natural World, Ocean to Ocean Canal & Colonial Heritage
Granada Tour - 18 Night Itinerary
Lush rainforest supports exuberant wildlife for birdwatching and the amazing Panama Canal linking two Oceans. Stay in character lodges in National Parks, mountains and coastline; learn history, colonial heritage and admire stunning volcanoes.
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Travel Highlights
- Explore Panama City's historic Casa Viejo and admire the incredible Panama Canal.
- Visit Costa Rica's capital city, San Jose and nearby Poas Volcano.
- Observe the endemic bird and wildlife by boat at Tortuguero National Park.
- Trek and explore Arenal National Park, famous for its massive conical volcano.
- Discover beautiful waterfalls, nature and hot springs at Rincon de la Vieja.
- Travel into Nicaragua and stay on Ometepe Island, formed by two volcanoes.
- Spend 3 nights in the charming colonial city of Granada, full of grand architecture and bustling local life.
- Visit the Masaya Volcano to view the red hot lava lake deep inside the crater.
- Explore local markets and handicrafts.
Tour Route
- Panama City - 3 Nights
- San Jose - 2 Nights
- Tortuguero National Park - 2 Nights
- Arenal National Park - 3 Nights
- Rincon de la Veija National Park - 2 Nights
- Ometepe Island, Nicaragua - 2 Nights
- Granada - 3 Nights
- Leon - 1 Night
- 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.
Request QuotationTour Itinerary
Panama City
3 NightsDay 1 - Departure from the UK on daytime flight to Panama City
Day 2 - Guided tour of Panama City
Day 3 - Optional Panama Canal cruise or rail journey
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to Panama City
Depart the UK on daytime flight to Panama City. On arrival, you will be met by our local guide and transferred to your chosen hotel for a 3 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Your guide will give you a short orientation tour of you local surroundings.
Monday, 23 June 2025
Guided tour of Panama City
Today enjoy a tour of Panama City with your local guide, visiting the historic streets of Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo or San Felipe. First settled in 1673, Casca Viejo was built following the near total destruction of the original Panama city, Panama Viejo in 1671, when the latter was attacked by pirates. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997.
We also visit the Miraflores locks on the famous Panama Canal and watch the ships passing through this narrow stretch of water.
Tuesday, 24 June 2025
Optional Panama Canal cruise or rail journey
Today, you can choose to take a cruise on the Panama Canal aboard the comfortable small ship, the Pacific Queen or a journey by rail to the picturesque Caribbean town of Colon.
The ship departs from the docks in Panama City sailing under the striking Bridge of the Americas to Miraflores Lock, a 2 step flight with gigantic lock chambers. Here, guided by the on board expert commentary, you will understand the history of the Canal and get a close up view of the mighty locks powered by their locomotives, known as mulas. You will see many large cargo ships and several cruise liners towering above the Pacific Queen - you become the attraction for these massive ships and their intrigued passengers!.
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…
San Jose
2 NightsDay 4 - Fly to San Jose
Day 5 - Tour to Poas Volcano
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to San Jose
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to San Jose. On arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel for a 2 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Thursday, 26 June 2025
Tour to Poas Volcano
Today, enjoy a full day tour visiting the active Poas Volcano, the waterfall gardens and a local coffee plantation.
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…
Hotel Presidente
The Presidente Hotel is located in the heart of San José in the pedestrian zone of Central Avenue, 2 blocks from the National Theatre and the Cultural Square. The hotel has over 100 comfortable and spacious rooms, which all include cable TV, air conditioning, safety box and en-suite bathroom. The hotel offers amenities such as…
Hotel Alta Las Palomas
Located on the outskirts of San Jose in Santa Ana, the 23 room Hotel Alta is an excellent base to explore the capital city and surrounding attractions, including the Poas Volcano.
Public areas include a swimming pool, excellent dining at the elegant La Luz Restaurant and bar or the more relaxed cafe de Verano.
There are 5…
Tortuguero National Park
2 NightsDay 6 - Travel to Tortuguero National Park
Day 7 - Exploring the rainforest
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Tortuguero National Park
Up early as we travel to the Caribbean coast and the famous Tortuguero National park, a vast tract of rainforest with canals and a unique habitat mixing fresh and salt water. On arrival, check into your chosen lodge for a 2 night stay on a full board basis including excursions in the rainforest on foot and by local boat.
Saturday, 28 June 2025
Exploring the rainforest
Today, enjoy a full programme of excursions by boat and on land exploring the diverse and spectacular sights and sounds of the rainforest. Optional activities also available, such as kayaks, zip wire adventures and night walks.
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…
Tortuga Lodge
Overview and location
Tortuga Lodge and Gardens was the first upscale lodge built in Tortuguero National Park on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast and remains the most comfortable place to stay in the area. Facing the Tortuguero River in its own 146 acre estate, the lodge offers a quiet, eco-friendly experience with solar powered energy, locally sourced…
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
3 NightsDay 8 - Travel to Arenal
Day 9 - Guided tour of the wetlands
Day 10 - Optional activities
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Travel to Arenal
Depart Tortuguero this morning and travel by road to Arenal, where we check into your chosen hotel for a 3 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Monday, 30 June 2025
Guided tour of the wetlands
Today enjoy a guided tour of Arenal National Park, including trekking around the volcano and a tour of the wetlands area of Cano Negro by boat. Here, there is an abundance of endemic bird species to observe in a beautiful, natural environment.
Tuesday, 01 July 2025
Optional activities
Today is free to relax at your hotel or lodge, or take a range of optional activities available, from mountain biking, trekking, zip wire adventures, white water rafting, nature tours and more. You local guide will assist you depending on your personal requirements.
Nayara Gardens
Located in the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano, Arenal Nayara Gardens provides a uniquely natural experience. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, each one of its 24 spacious casitas provides an exclusive retreat in which you can relax amidst the breathtaking view of the volcano. Interwoven with rich gardens its tropical grounds create the perfect setting…
Nayara Springs
Voted the leading spa hotel in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveller in 2105, the Nayara Springs has a proud reputation for excellence in the most lush and enjoyable surroundings. It is one of the few hotels in the region that are adults only.
The public areas include a stunning pool, the award-winning spa,…
Rincon de la Veija National Park
2 NightsDay 11 - Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Day 12 - Full day hike
- Full Description
Drive to Rincon de la Vieja
Travel by road to Rincon de la Vieja National Park and check into your chosen hotel or lodge for a 2 night stya on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Rincon de la Vieja is the largest and most active volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Standing at 6,286 feet (1,916 meters) high and nine miles (15 km) wide, it is known as the Colossus of Guanacaste. The massive 600,000-year-old geological wonder has at least nine volcanic craters and at least 32 rivers flow down its sides.
Thursday, 03 July 2025
Full day hike
Today, enjoy a full day hike in the national park, exploring the variety of birds, wildlife, waterfalls and boiling sulphurous fumaroles which signal the power and activity of the mighty volcano.
Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
2 NightsDay 13 - Travel to Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
Day 14 - Guided tour
- Full Description
Travel to Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
Today we cross the border and enter Nicaragua where we continue to Ometepe Island in the Southwest of the country, known for its twin volcanoes. We arrive by boat and check into your hotel or lodge or a 2 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Saturday, 05 July 2025
Guided tour
Today, enjoy a full day guided tour exploring the island including a visit to a local farm, swimming in natural pools in the forest, trekking in the foothills of the volcanoes and discovering fascinating pre-Colombian rock carvings.
Granada
3 NightsDay 15 - Drive to Granada
Day 16 - Guided tour of Granada
Day 17 - Masaya Volcano
- Full Description
Drive to Granada
We travel by road to Nicaragua's colonial gem Granada, where we check into your chosen hotel for a 3 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Monday, 07 July 2025
Guided tour of Granada
Today enjoy a half day tour of Granada with our local guide. Granada is the oldest city on the American continent, with a colourful Spanish colonial centre, best exemplified by the vibrant yellow facades of the cathedral. Your tour includes a horse-drawn carriage ride showcasing the best of the city in style.
Tuesday, 08 July 2025
Masaya Volcano
Today, enjoy a full day visit to the nearby Masaya Volcano where you will trek to the vantage point to view the turbulent, red hot lava lake deep inside the crater. We also visit a local and authentic handicraft market.
Leon
1 NightDay 18 - Travel to Leon
- Full Description
Travel to Leon
Drive to Leon and check into your chosen hotel for your final night in Nicaragua. Rest of the day is free to explore Leon at your leisure. Founded by the Spanish, Leon is Nicaragua's second largest city boasts a burgeoning food scene and is packed full of beautiful churches, bustling markets, interesting museums, and wonderful colonial architecture.
Fly back to the UK
Day 19 - Fly back to the UK
Day 20 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Fly back to the UK
Transfer to the airport and fly overnight back to the UK.
Friday, 11 July 2025
Arrive in the UK
Arrive back in the UK in the morning.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season |
|---|---|
| Travel Dates | Year round |
| Room Arrangement | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £5,015 |
| Multiple Travellers - Own Room | £6,288 |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | £7,760 |
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
- 21 Days / 18 Nights
- International flights (2 overnight)
- Accommodation
- 18 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 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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READY - 16 June 2025
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