This Adventure Life exclusive 9-day tour travels from Costa Rica to Panama on an activity-packed exploration of Central America's Caribbean coast. From Selva Bananito Lodge in Costa Rica, you will be able to explore the wild rainforest, zipline through the canopy, and ride the rapids of the Pacuare River. Your trip concludes with three nights of coastal adventures like snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking, and more at Bocas del Toro.
Highlights
Raft the Class III rapids of the Pacuare River
Climb a giant Kapok tree and view the rainforest canopy
See one of the wonders of the modern world, the Panama Canal, in action
Choose from a menu of activities available at Tranquilo Bay
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
This morning head east towards the Caribbean and the Class III-IV whitewater of the Pacuare River. One of Costa Rica's most exciting whitewater trips, the Pacuare plunges through spectacular mountain gorges and passes through virgin rainforest filled with howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, ocelots and more. After the river trip, the adventure isn't over. At river's end, you're picked up and transferred to Selva Bananito Reserve for a few days of jungle discovery and adventure.
While exploring one of Costa Rica's most pristine rainforests, have the chance to climb a giant kapok tree and enter the fascinating world of the rainforest canopy. There's also horseback riding through the adjacent family farm to learn about organic tropical farming techniques. For the adventurous you can spend a day hiking deep into the jungle to a 70-foot waterfall and then take a dip in its cool waters. You can also add the option to rappell down the falls - let us know if you want to add this to your adventure. For those who prefer a more relaxed day, Selva Bananito offers plenty of smaller excursions too. At the end of each day, locally grown food is served by candlelight before you retire to the tranquil retreat of your jungle cabaña.
This morning you are off to your private island escape. You are picked up and transferred to the Panama border where you meet your next driver. From here you travel south to your rendezvous point with the boat that navigates through the Bocas archipelago's small canals, passing local communities, mangroves, and into the Caribbean Sea. Arrive to your home for the next 3 nights, a secluded casually elegant resort overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring your new surroundings.
Awake in your bungalow overlooking the Caribbean Sea ready for a day of exploration of the natural beauty all around. Included during your stay is one daily standard activity each day. You can spend your days snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, surfing, birding, or exploring nearby beaches. Your days are filled with marine and inland exploration, followed by a relaxing evening in the middle of paradise! Click here to see activity options.
The island's midsection and surrounding waters are protected in the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, and the entire island offers nature lovers an array of wildlife, both terrestrial and marine. The waters here are filled with brilliant parrot fish, angel fish, red snapper, slender needle fish, and many others. The forests are home to many endemic and endangered species such as neon colored frogs, the red billed tropic bird, and two- and three-toed sloths.
Your Panama travels continue with a short flight over vast jungles and into the center of Panama's vibrant capital city. You are met at the airport and first head to the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal to observe the "eighth wonder of the world." Locomotives tie onto the mammoth ships and pull them through the locks to lessen the chance of mishap. Explore the exhibits here that tell the story of the canal's history. After lunch on the causeway, next visit Casco Antiguo Panama's "second" city, whose Spanish and French architecture reminds one of its past citizens. Last, finish up the tour with ruins of Panama La Vieja, where loads of Peru's gold once crossed. Later the pirate Henry Morgan came in search of the famed gold, and after Morgan's attack in 1671, Casco Antiguo was built. This afternoon you are dropped off at your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the many restaurants, bars and cafes the city has to offer - toast your Caribbean adventures!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,5232-3 travelers
Notes
Select a Date
Please note: This trip starts in San Jose, Costa Rica and ends in Panama City, Panama.
Note: Payment in full for internal flights is due at the time of booking.
Initial deposit is $400 (50% during holiday season) plus internal flight fare, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
8 Nights Accommodations
1 Day Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wifi is only available at the main office and it won't reach the lodges.
Gear Rental: Rafting Gear (helmet, life vest, paddles)
Transfers to and from San Jose Hotel
Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided on your trip free of charge. Occasionally the snorkeling gear that is supplied is worn, and there may not be enough sizes available to fit every traveler. Therefore, you may want to bring your own snorkeling gear (particularly a mask and snorkel).
Arrival Airport Transfer
Miraflores Locks Visitor Center Entrance Fee
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Air-conditioning
Optional Excursions - Waterfall rappelling tour is an additional $125 Please let us know if you would like to arrange it.
Internal Flight: Bocas del Toro - Panama City
Panama Viejo Museum Entrance Fee $15
Border Crossing Fees & Taxes
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
We have been working with Adventure Life for 5 years now and it is very easy to plan out our trips. Our holidays include customization of activities and side trips along with the standard packages available on the Adventure Life website. Kevin, Jess, Mary Rose and their teams have many recommendations that have enhanced our travel.
Joe
2 weeks ago
We had a great experience- they were very helpful in trip planning and making sure we got to do all the activities and see the places we wanted. There were some things we couldn't do/see due to the time of year being the rainy/low season and they steered us away from those. We had never been to Costa Rica before and it gave us a good overview of this lovely country.
Jody Dice
2 months ago
Jess was terrific and patiently guided us to make what we feel will be a wonderful family adventure.
David Herr
2 months ago
Jessica was extremely helpful and generous with her time. She was very responsive to our questions and comments and in a very timely fashion. She worked with us in partnership to plan a trip specifically for us and our wants and needs.
Linda Coleman
2 months ago
Shannon has been a real pleasure to work with. Responsive, quick to come back with answers and alternatives, and very knowledgable. Everything you want in a travel planner!