Panama and Costa Rica by Car

Welcome to Panama!
Individual arrival in Panama City. Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit to transfer you to the hotel in the city center. In the surroundings you will find commercial streets, restaurants and bars.
Distance today: Approx. 30 km
Meals included: None
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

Discover the capital of Panama on an exciting sightseeing tour. Founded by the Spanish in 1519, the city enchants with its fascinating history, modern skyscrapers, noble colonial villas, the impressive Panama Canal and the colorful blend of different cultural influences. The excursion begins with a journey to the city's origins. You will visit the ruins of Panama Viejo, in the eastern part of the current metropolis.
The tour continues along the Pacific coastal road to the old town. Today, the oldest institutions and buildings of the modern city are located here; locally, the neighborhood is called Casco Viejo or Casco Antiguo. On a walking tour you will see many charming colonial buildings, some still largely in their original state and others lovingly and colorfully restored. The historic district, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has become in recent years the center of art, design and cultural renaissance in the country. Numerous bars, terraces, restaurants and hotels have opened here.
Next, the trip will take you to the Amador Causeway, an artificial causeway several kilometers long at the entrance to the Panama Canal. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of the unique skyline of Panama City.
Finally, the program includes a visit to the Miraflores locks. Here you will get a first idea of how the famous Panama Canal works and its gigantic dimensions. The terrace offers a unique view of the locks. With a bit of luck, you may see one of the large container ships heading to the Pacific or Atlantic pass through the locks. The excursion ends at the hotel.
Note: Panama Viejo is closed on Mondays.
Distance today: Approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: Miraflores locks, Panama Viejo

In the morning, a driver will take you to the car rental company office. Next, pick up your rental car and drive for approximately 1 ¾ hours to El Valle de Antón. On the way to El Valle de Antón you will pass through Altos de Campana National Park. Turn left on the Panamericana toward Altos de María until you reach a viewpoint. From here, on a clear day, you can see the sea and Cape Punta Chame. For hiking enthusiasts, there are trails about 10 km in the national park. The journey continues to El Valle de Antón. The town is 600 meters above sea level and is ideal for nature excursions.
Local activities: Sunday market, bird watching, visit to the "Haven" butterfly farm, "El Valle" museum, Mozas waterfalls, canopy tour, horseback rides, visit to "Cerro de la Cruz" viewpoint or hiking through the enchanting landscape of El Valle de Antón.
Distance today: Approx. 125 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

Today you will return to the Panamericana. In Santiago, turn toward Sona and follow the road. When you reach the small town of Sona, turn left toward the south and continue to Santa Catalina. The small town is located directly on the Pacific Ocean and is the departure point for boat excursions to Isla Coiba National Park, famous for its colorful and diverse underwater world. But also explore its pristine beaches. It is the best place for diving and snorkeling in all of Panama. Santa Catalina is also famous among surfers. Once a year, a world surfing championship is held here with the best surfers from around the world. The Sol y Mar accommodation is magnificently located on a small hill and offers a fantastic view of the sea and surrounding nature.
Local activities: Excursion to Isla Coiba - diving or snorkeling, surfing (courses can also be booked on-site), deep-sea fishing, stand-up paddling or relaxing on the beach or at the hotel pool.
Note: there is no gas station or ATM in Santa Catalina. Only some local shops and restaurants accept credit cards. Fill up your tank and bring enough cash.
Distance today: Approx. 250 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

Today, embark on an impressive journey to discover the fascinating flora and fauna of Panama's largest island. In the morning, the adventure begins with a crossing in a simple fishing boat. The crossing takes approximately 1.5 hours (weather permitting). Isla Coiba is home to about 130 different bird species, about 20 of which are endemic and found exclusively on Coiba. The island's isolation from the mainland has developed and preserved a unique biodiversity over the centuries. Larger mammals, such as the Coiba howler monkey or the Coiba agouti, are also found only here. Almost 80% of the national park consists of water, which harbors delicious flora and fauna. The island is surrounded by mangroves and fabulous white sand beaches, which invite you to relax.
An extensive diving excursion allows you to explore Coiba's underwater world and encounter many sea creatures, such as sea turtles, dolphins, sharks and manta rays, to name just a few. Diving here is truly an experience.
During the months of July to October, you will also have the opportunity to observe humpback whales passing by, which, attracted by warm currents, use the bays of Panama's Pacific coast to give birth to their offspring in a protected environment.
Distance today: None
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
Entrance fees/excursions included: Full-day Isla Coiba tour (group)

After breakfast, you will leave the Pacific and venture into the mountains of Chiriquí. Your destination today is the small town of Boquete. Due to its high altitude of 1,200 m above sea level, it has a spring-like climate. Boquete is also known for the cultivation of high-quality coffee and offers many activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Local activities: Hiking, canopy tours, hanging bridge tours, coffee plantation excursions or honeycomb visits, horseback riding, bird-watching excursions, rafting, mountain biking, agritourism excursions, visiting flower gardens or enjoying a spa massage.
Distance today: Approx. 280 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

On an adventurous hike through Boquete's cloud forests, you will cross several hanging bridges, which offer you a spectacular view of the diverse nature from above. On the trail of approximately 4.5 kilometers in length, you will pass beautiful river courses and waterfalls in the shadow of the imposing Volcán Barú. The hanging bridges you will cross are between 70 and 135 meters long and are at a height of up to 75 meters above the ground. From there, you have a unique bird's eye view of the landscape below. Definitely an overwhelming and unforgettable experience on your trip through Panama!
After completing the first excursion, lunch awaits you at the restaurant of the Boquete Tree Trek Mountain Resort. Afterwards, let yourself be immersed in the world of coffee. Boquete is famous worldwide for its delicious high-quality coffee. Geisha coffee from the mountainous region of western Panama regularly achieves the best prices at auctions and is considered one of the most expensive and exclusive varieties on the world market. For this reason, this excursion is a must-visit, not only for experts and lovers of this caffeinated beverage. You will visit one of the many coffee plantations embedded in Boquete's mountainous landscape. There you will learn everything about the cultivation, harvesting and processing of coffee fruit: from plant care to the harvesting of coffee cherries and the drying process for roasting the small beans. Of course, you will also be able to experience the high quality and unique flavor of selected varieties firsthand during the subsequent tasting.
Distance today: None
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Entrance fees/excursions included: Coffee tour and hanging bridges (group)

After breakfast, a 2.5-hour drive over the Talamanca mountain range and then along the Caribbean coast and through ever-changing vegetation to Chiriquí Grande, where you will leave your rental car. Next you will change to a boat that will take you to Colón Island (Bocas del Toro).
Bocas del Toro is a collection of numerous idyllic islands, bathed by the transparent and fish-rich Caribbean Sea. In the small town you will find cozy bars, restaurants, souvenir stands and shops. The atmosphere is relaxed, typically Caribbean.
Distance today: Approx. 230 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

Experience the dream island world of Bocas del Toro today. The boat tour with a local captain is conducted in an international group. First, the boat takes you through small waterways that wind between vegetation-covered mangroves. Keep an eye out for water birds. Then you arrive at Coral Cay, where the sea is calm year-round, making it suitable for divers of all ages. Local restaurants built on stilts over the water offer a wide variety of seafood (not included).
Later, the boat tour continues to Bastimentos Island. The island is covered with mangroves everywhere and is surrounded by nature and fresh air. Bastimentos Island remains largely jungle, with no roads or landing strips. For this reason, the island can only be reached by boat.
Not only adventurers or nature lovers will find themselves on Bastimentos Island, because here you will find one of the most famous beaches in Bocas del Toro, "Red Frog Beach", which gets its name from the red poison dart frogs. In the interior of the island, there are many trails and paths through the jungle that invite exploration. The most popular activity, however, is simply to "let your mind wander" and listen to the sounds of the sea. In the afternoon you return to the main island.
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: Boat tour Coral Cay & Red Frog Beach (group)

After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to the central pier. The boat will take you back to the mainland to Almirante. Here another driver will be waiting to take you to the Guabito border station. Border crossing to Sixaola in Costa Rica. Your Costa Rica rental car will be delivered to you on the Costa Rican side of the border by a representative of our car rental partner. From here, in just 30 minutes, you will reach your destination for the day, the charming town of Puerto Viejo de Limón. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit one of the beautiful beaches in the area (for example, Playa Chiquita or Punta Uva) and take your first dip in the sea. Awaits you: pure Caribbean feeling!
Distance today: Approx. 18 km in Costa Rica
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

As a daytime program, we recommend you visit the Manzanillo Wildlife Reserve, where you can enjoy the beautiful viewpoint, go hiking or simply enjoy the Caribbean Sea. In the evening you will visit a local family and cook together with your host. You will learn about the family's daily life, share many stories with them that will help you better understand the culture and discover old recipes from the Caribbean grandmother's kitchen. From the beginning, you will participate in the preparation of the dish, relaxed, among friends and with friendly conversation. Your host will help you with the preparation and show you what is important. Gradually, you will develop the recipe and fully enjoy Caribbean cuisine. The cooks speak English and Spanish, so you will not need a local guide. Afterwards, you will enjoy the meal you prepared as a family during a relaxed gathering. Definitely an unforgettable and authentic experience. Return to the hotel in your rental car.
Distance today: Individual
Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
Entrance fees/excursions included: ARA Xperience Puerto Viejo de Limón: Caribbean Cooking

The journey continues into the interior of Costa Rica. But not before making a small detour to Cahuita National Park. If you choose the entrance in the town of Cahuita, you can take a walk along the protected beach in exchange for a voluntary donation or simply enjoy the beach and sea again. Passing the port city of Limón, you will venture into the lowlands of the north to Boca Tapada, a small town located on the San Carlos River, near the border with Nicaragua. Today, at your jungle lodge, you will experience the impressive sounds of nature at dusk.
Distance today: Approx. 270 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

The lodge is located in a huge protected area and borders the San Carlos River, which you will travel by motorboat today to the mouth of the San Juan River, which forms the natural border with Nicaragua. Along the way you will be able to observe a wide variety of birds, reptiles and mammals. Back at the lodge, the tropical gardens and the lodge's private jungle reserve as well as the lagoon await you, which you can explore, for example, by kayak. A unique experience in the jungle.
Distance today: None
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: San Carlos River boat tour

Today you will drive along large pineapple and other fruit plantations to Volcán Arenal, in whose surroundings an impressive tourist infrastructure has developed that will allow you to take advantage of a wide variety of excursions, adventure activities and a wide range of spas including hot springs.
Distance today: Approx. 85 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

Today is free for these activities. Visit the trails at the foot of the volcano that will lead you to the ancient lava flows from the 1968 eruption, book an adrenaline-filled canopy or canyoning excursion or get close to the colossus on horseback. In any case, we recommend that in the afternoon you visit one of the hot springs in the area, where you can relax perfectly with a tropical cocktail in hand.
Distance today: Individual
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

The first stop of today's journey is the Mistico Hanging Bridges, where you can discover the tree canopy on a walk over metal bridges and enjoy magnificent views. The bridges cross a private nature reserve of about 250 hectares of tropical humid forest. You will surely spot birds and, if you're lucky, monkeys, coatis and sloths. The bridges were designed by engineers specialized in structures and even comply with the strictest safety standards. Undisturbed, you can explore the tree canopy here and fully enjoy nature. Then: Continuing towards the surroundings of Tenorio National Park, to the rural area of Bijagua.
Distance today: Approx. 100 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: Hanging bridges entrance fee

If you visit Tenorio National Park today (entrance can be purchased online or through ARA Tours), you will experience the turquoise color of the water at the confluence of the Buenavista and Quebrada Agria rivers. A great natural spectacle in the middle of beautiful forest, which also features an impressive waterfall. Hiking enthusiasts will get their money's worth here!
Distance today: Approx. 40 km (Bijagua - National park and back)
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

It's time to explore the Pacific coast of Costa Rica as well. You will reach the legendary Panamericana highway just north of Cañas and from here you will drive to the central Pacific coast, to Manuel Antonio National Park. On the way, you can visit the port city of Puntarenas and stop at the bridge over the Tárcoles River, where huge crocodiles frolic.
Distance today: Approx. 250 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

The number of visitors entering Manuel Antonio National Park every day (except Tuesdays) is limited, so we reserve your entrance in advance and include it with your documentation. During the specified time slot, you will have access to this national park, the smallest in the country, which, however, offers several attractive hiking trails with magnificent viewpoints. Animal watching is not neglected here either, as white-faced capuchin and titi monkeys are especially curious contemporaries. Hike as much as you like and then cool off on one of the two beautiful beaches in the park. Eating snacks is not permitted, but there is a kiosk in the park where you can buy food.
Distance today: Approx. 10 km (Parador Hotel - National Park entrance and back)
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: Entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park

In time for check-in, today you will drive to the Central Valley and return your rental car to the rental company office near the airport. From here you can use the shuttle service to the departure terminal, where you will say goodbye to Central America. We hope you take home beautiful and unforgettable experiences!
Distance today: Approx. 160 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: None