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Panama & Costa Rica

Panama and Costa Rica, for Nature Lovers

Naturalista Tour - 22 Night Itinerary

Marvel at the Panama Canal, admire the old city and discover natural wonders, birdwatching in a variety of habitats, from flooded eco-systems, to cloud forest and pristine, dense, virgin rainforest.

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Travel Highlights

  • Explore Panama City's historic Casa Viejo
  • Take a small boat cruise on the incredible Panama Canal
  • Visit Costa Rica's capital city, San Jose and nearby La Paz Waterfall and Gardens
  • Observe the endemic bird and wildlife by boat at Tortuguero National Park
  • Trek and explore Arenal National Park, famous for its massive conical volcano
  • Take a boat trip on the Frio River and observe a wonderful array of birdlife
  • Enjoy 4-nights in the remote lodge in the Osa Peninsula, surrounded by nature
  • Head to the beach in Manuel Antonio National Park, with its fascinating coastal rainforest

Tour Route

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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Map of Naturalista

Tour Itinerary

Casco Antiguo, Panama City
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Friday, 13 June 2025

Fly to Panama City

Depart the UK and fly to Panama City, arriving later the same day. On arrival, our guide will meet and transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 3-night stay including breakfast.


Saturday, 14 June 2025

Guided city tour

Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the most important sites of Panama City visiting the ruins of Old Panama, founded in 1519 and Casco Viejo, the attractive colonial area that became the second Panama City. We then visit the Plaza de la Independencia with its Cathedral and the Palacio Municipal. Continue to San Jose Church and Convento de Santo Domingo, home to a religious artefact Museum. We end the tour at the modern area of Panama City, known for the home of banking with its striking skyscrapers.


Sunday, 15 June 2025

Cruise on the Panama Canal

Today (on Saturdays only) we take a partial transit cruise (about 5 hours) on the Panama Canal, aboard a small vessel that is dwarfed by the mighty cargo and cruise ships you will observe. The cruise can operate north or southbound. Regardless of your route, you will visit Flamenco Marina, Miraflores, Pedro Miguel Lock and Gamboa Dock. A light lunch is included on board with soft drinks, and an excellent English-speaking guide on board will explain the history of the canal, its operation and challenges - and the birdlife and flora that you can see from the boat.

Once a month, it is possible to also take a full transit of the canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic. A long day, but well worth it.

2124 Courtyard Marriott
Panama City - Tourist Hotel

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…

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2122 Bristol Hotel
Panama City - First Hotel

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…

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2126 Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Panama City - First Resort

Gamboa Rainforest Reserve

The Gamboa Rainforest Reserve is located next to the Panama Canal and in the lush Panamanian rainforest of the Soberania National Park, just 30 minutes away from Panama City. The resort has been carefully designed to provide a variety of educational and adventure experiences with trails located throughout the resort and a variety of educational…

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A grand historic building in downtown San Jose, proudly flying the Costa Rican flag, reflects the capital's cultural and political heritage.
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Monday, 16 June 2025

Fly to San Jose

Transfer to the airport and fly to San Jose. On arrival, transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 2-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.


Tuesday, 17 June 2025

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Today we visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a private reserve of more than 70 acres with five waterfalls, safe hiking trails, a butterfly garden and serpentarium exhibiting 30 of the most beautiful and deadly snakes of Costa Rica.

There is also a ranarium where frogs roam freely in a landscaped enclosure taken care of by knowledgeable guides. We also visit La Casita de la Paz, an old farmhouse that offers a cultural insight into the lives of rural Costa Ricans. The park has also a refuge for wild birds.

New Gallery 7
San Jose & Alajuela - Tourist Hotel

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…

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4808 Xandari Resort
San Jose & Alajuela - First Boutique

Xandari Resort And Spa

Xandari Resort and Spa is perfectly located for excursions to Poas Volcano, La Paz waterfall gardens, and Doka coffee plantation, and is only 30 minutes’ drive from San Jose International airport. Over 3km of scenic trails through coffee and fruit orchards lead into a lush natural tropical setting with a year-round river and five beautiful…

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4810 Finca Rosa Blanca
San Jose & Alajuela - Luxury Resort

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…

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Tourists explore the lush waterways of Tortuguero National Park by boat, guided through the dense tropical jungle.
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Wednesday, 18 June 2025

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.


Thursday, 19 June 2025

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.


Friday, 20 June 2025

Optional excursions 

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! 

Lodge walkway
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

Evergreen Lodge

Located near the entrance to Tortuguero National Park, Evergreen Lodge offers a sustainable way to explore the rainforest from the Penitencia Canal that flows directly in front of the Lodge.

The lodge has 66 rooms and private bungalows constructed over pillars designed in a Caribbean style, with wooden and bamboo furniture. Each has comfortable beds, ceiling…

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Pachira Lodge
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Tourist Lodge

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…

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Tortuga Lodge
Tortuguero Forest & Canals - Deluxe Lodge

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…

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A dramatic aerial shot captures Arenal Volcano's perfect cone rising above rugged lava terrain.
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Saturday, 21 June 2025

Travel to Arenal National Park

Travel by road to Arenal National Park and check into your chosen hotel for a 4-night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax at your hotel.


Sunday, 22 June 2025

Exploring Arenal Volcano

A half-day guided excursion beginning with the El Silencio Private Reserve along a volcanic rock path to an observation point that is the closest to the base of the volcano.

Here, enjoy incredible views of Arenal volcano and lake! We then enter the regenerated forest and a small area of primary forest that is at the base of the Arenal Volcano where we will observe a great variety of biodiversity, such as toucans, turkeys, orioles, peccaries, snakes and monkeys.


Monday, 23 June 2025

Cano Negro & Rio Frio boat trip

Today enjoy a boat ride on the Frío River, starting at Los Chiles, a little town located 4 km from the Nicaraguan border. The river is part of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a Ramsar site, where you will find one of the most diverse flora and fauna habitats in Costa Rica.

Along the river it is possible to observe a great quantity of birds such as snake-birds, herons, cormorants and animals such as howlers, spiders or even white face monkeys, and three-toed sloth's. You can also see reptiles like caimans, Jesus Christ lizards and turtles. 


Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Optional excursions

Today is free to relax at your hotel or take an optional excursion, perhaps to a coffee plantation, enjoy a dip in a hot spring or take a trek or canopy ride in the rainforest.

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Arenal Volcano National Park - Tourist Hotel

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…

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Relax by the pool at Arenal Manoa with stunning volcano views and tropical tranquillity all around.
Arenal Volcano National Park - First Hotel

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…

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Nayara Springs
Arenal Volcano National Park - Luxury Hotel

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,…

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A resplendent Quetzal
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Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Travel to Turrialba National Park

Travel by road to Turrialba Volcano National Park south of San Jose. Here, we check into the fabulous Rancho Naturalista lodge for a 3-night stay including all meals. Rancho Naturalista is one of the finest birdwatching lodges in Costa rica. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded in the area, many of these birds can be seen right from the spacious balcony where you also have a great view of the distant smoking Turrialba volcano. It’s a wonderful getaway for birders, photographers, and naturalists.


Thursday, 26 June 2025

Guided tour

Today enjoy a guided hike and birdwatching tour with a knowledgable local guide.


Friday, 27 June 2025

At leisure

Enjoy the relaxed surroundings of the lodge, take an independent trek into the rainforest to join a guide to explore.

Rancho Naturalista
Turrialba Volcano National Park - First Lodge

Rancho Naturalista

Located just 2 hours drive from San Jose, Rancho Naturalista is set in its own private reserve 3000 feet above sea level in the Northern end of the Talamanca mountain range in premontane rainforest.

Multiple species of hummingbirds, as well as many other birds, can be seen right from the balcony where you also have a…

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A vibrant toucan rests on a branch, its bold beak cutting through the lush Costa Rican canopy.
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Saturday, 28 June 2025

Travel to the Osa Peninsula

Travel to San Jose airport and take a domestic flight to Puerto Jimenez. On arrival, transfer to your chosen lodge in the Osa Peninsula for a 4-night stay including all meals. The rest of the day is free to relax at your lodge.


Sunday, 29 June 2025

Guided walks

Enjoy a guided walk exploring Corcovado National Park, including the coastal rainforest.


Monday, 30 June 2025

Optional excursions

A further day to explore, depending on your interests. The lodges all have superb teams of guides to ensure you observe the rare species such as hummingbirds or Baird's trogon.


Tuesday, 01 July 2025

At leisure

A final day to enjoy this paradise of nature.

Iguana Lodge
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - Tourist Lodge

Iguana Lodge

Iguana Lodge is the only lodge on the Osa Peninsula on a sandy beach. This six-mile-long, gorgeous, deserted stretch of sandy beach is made for swimming, boogie boarding, paddle boarding, kayaking, short board surfing…and just perfect for wandering along. You can walk for miles without seeing another person, but you can’t avoid the scarlet macaws!

The…

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Bungalow 3
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - Tourist Lodge

Luna Lodge

Luna Lodge is situated within 60 acres of primary and secondary rainforest, on the pristine and captivating Osa Peninsula in Carate near Corcovado National Park. 

Corcovado is one of the largest parks in Costa Rica and protects one-third of the peninsula. Described as “…the most biologically intense place on Earth.” by National Geographic Magazine.

There are eight…

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A peaceful retreat at Lapa Rios overlooks the lush Osa rainforest and sparkling Pacific horizon.
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado - Deluxe Lodge

Lapa Rios

Lapa Rios is a wonderful combination of a sustainable luxury lodge and eco-conservation project spread over 1000 acres of tropical rainforest on the Osa Peninsula overlooking the Golfo Dulce. The main lodge and bungalows line three ridges, connected by walking paths and many steps.

Nearly all of the 17 thatched bungalows have an ocean view and…

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Manuel Antonio 07
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Wednesday, 02 July 2025

Travel to Manuel Antonio National Park

Transfer to Puerto Jimenez airport and fly back to San Jose. From here, travel by road to Manuel Antonio National Park and check into your chosen hotel or lodge for a 3 night stay including breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure.


Thursday, 03 July 2025

Explore the National Park

Today is an opportunity to discover the unique coastal rainforest at Manuel Antonio National Park, on an optional guided tour from your lodge or hotel. Or head to the beach and enjoy the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. 


Friday, 04 July 2025

At leisure 

Your final day in Costa Rica, to relax at your hotel or on the beach.


Saturday, 05 July 2025

Fly back to the UK

Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to San Jose Airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.


Sunday, 06 July 2025

Arrive back in the UK

Arrive back in the UK inn the morning.

2028 Costa Verde
Manuel Antonio National Park - Tourist Hotel

Costa Verde

Hotel Costa Verde is located on a coastal rainforest bluff overlooking the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park near Quepos, Costa Rica. Its many amenities make Costa Verde a perfect destination for those seeking adventure travel, ecotourism, sports, fishing or just the tranquility of white sand beaches and magnificent ocean views.

The rooms are…

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aerial-parador_5_orig.jpg
Manuel Antonio National Park - First Resort

Parador Resort & Spa

The Parador Resort & Spa is settled on a hill, immersed in the tropical rainforest and located at a walking distance from the beach. You will enjoy stunning ocean views

The coast offers a wide variety of facilities such as bars, restaurants, supermarkets, banks, stores, natural attractions and beautiful beaches like Biesanz & Espadilla.

The…

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Infinity pool.jpg
Manuel Antonio National Park - Deluxe Hotel

Makanda by the Sea

Makanda by the Sea is the ideal location for adults wishing to experience Manuel Antonio's natural splendour, magical sunsets and wildlife while enjoying the comforts of first-class accommodation within 12 acres of rainforest sanctuary. All of the 11 air-conditioned villas and studios are uniquely contoured into the surrounding jungle and descending mountain terrain, and provide…

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Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates April to June & September to November July to August & December to March
Room Arrangement Tourist First Deluxe Tourist First Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms £6,493 £8,467 £10,379 £7,460 £9,542 £11,454

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.

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What's Included

  • 24 Days/22 Nights
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Flights from Panama City to San Jose
  • Internal flights as described
  • Accommodation 
  • 22 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 10 dinners
  • Transfers and transportation as described
  • Excursions with English-speaking guides
  • Transport and meals as shown

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