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 surrounding area you will find shopping streets, restaurants and bars.
Accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn.
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, stately colonial villas, the impressive Panama Canal and the colorful blend of different cultural influences. The excursion begins with a journey to the origins of the city. 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 city's oldest institutions and buildings are found here; locally, the neighborhood is known as 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 quarter, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has developed in recent years into the center of art, design and cultural renaissance in the country. Numerous bars, terraces, restaurants and hotels have opened here.
Next, the journey takes you to the Amador Causeway, an artificial causeway of several kilometers at the entrance to the Panama Canal. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of Panama City's unique skyline.
Finally, the program includes a visit to the Miraflores Locks. Here you can get a first impression of the operation and gigantic dimensions of the famous Panama Canal. The terrace offers a unique view of the locks. With a bit of luck, you may see one of the large container ships passing through the locks heading to the Pacific or Atlantic. The excursion ends at the hotel.
Accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn.
Attention: Panama Viejo closes 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. Then 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 the Altos de Campana National Park. Turn left on the Pan-American Highway towards 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 garden, "El Valle" museum, Mozas waterfalls, canopy tour, horseback riding, visit to the "Cerro de la Cruz" viewpoint or hiking through the enchanting landscape of El Valle de Antón.
Accommodation at Hotel Golden Frog Inn.
Distance today: Approx. 125 km.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Entrance fees/excursions included: None.

Today you will return to the Pan-American Highway. In Santiago, turn towards Sona and continue on the road. When you reach the small town of Sona, turn left towards 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 virgin beaches. It is the best place for diving and snorkeling throughout Panama. Santa Catalina is also famous among surfers. Once a year, a world surf championship is held here with the best surfers from around the world. The Sol y Mar accommodation is magnificently situated on a small hill and offers fantastic views 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 paddle or relax on the beach or in 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 the tank and bring enough cash.
Accommodation at Hotel Sol y Mar.
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 on a simple fishing boat. The crossing takes approximately 1.5 hours (weather permitting). Isla Coiba is home to about 130 different bird species, of which about 20 are endemic and found exclusively in Coiba. The island's isolation from the continent 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 conceals delightful flora and fauna. The island is surrounded by mangroves and fabulous white sand beaches, which invite relaxation.
An extensive diving excursion allows you to explore Coiba's underwater world and encounter many marine creatures, such as 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 through, which, attracted by warm currents, use the bays off Panama's Pacific coast to give birth to their calves in a protected environment.
Accommodation at Hotel Sol y Mar.
Distance today: None.
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch.
Entrance fees/excursions included: Isla Coiba Full Day 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 springlike climate. Boquete is also known for the cultivation of high-quality coffee and offers many activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Local activities: Hiking, canopy, hanging bridge tour, excursions to coffee plantations or beehives, horseback riding, bird watching excursions, rafting, mountain biking, agro-tourism excursions, visiting flower gardens or enjoying a massage at a spa.
Accommodation at Hotel Boquete Garden Inn.
Distance today: Approx. 280 km.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Entrance fees/excursions included: None.

On an adventurous walk through Boquete's cloud forests, you will cross several hanging bridges, which offer you spectacular views 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 Barú Volcano. 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 awe-inspiring 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 taken into 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 highest prices at auctions and is considered one of the most expensive and exclusive varieties on the global market. For this reason, this excursion is a must-see, not just for experts and lovers of this caffeinated beverage. You will visit one of the many coffee plantations nestled in Boquete's mountainous landscape. There you will learn everything about the cultivation, harvest and processing of the coffee fruit: from plant care to the collection of coffee cherries and the drying process to roasting the small beans. Of course, you will also be able to experience the high quality and unique flavor of selected varieties yourself during the subsequent tasting.
Accommodation at Hotel Boquete Garden Inn.
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 Range and then along the Caribbean coast and through ever-changing vegetation to Chiriquí Grande, where you will leave your rental car. You will then switch 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 clear and fish-rich Caribbean Sea. In the small town you will find cozy bars, restaurants, souvenir stalls and shops. The atmosphere is relaxed, typically Caribbean.
Accommodation at Hotel Swans Cay.
Distance today: Approx. 230 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

Experience today the dream island world of Bocas del Toro. The boat excursion 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 all year round, making it suitable for divers of all ages. Local restaurants built on stilts over the water offer a great variety of seafood (not included).
Later, the boat trip continues to Bastimentos Island. The island is covered with mangroves everywhere, and is surrounded by nature and good air. Isla Bastimentos remains largely jungle, with no roads or airstrips. For this reason, the island can only be reached by boat.
Not only adventurers or nature lovers will find themselves on Isla Bastimentos, because here you will find one of the most famous beaches in Bocas del Toro, "Red Frog Beach", which owes its name to red poison dart frogs. Inside the island, there are many trails and paths through the jungle that invite exploration. The most popular activity, however, is "simply letting your mind wander" and listening to the sounds of the sea. In the afternoon you return to the main island.
Accommodation at Hotel Swans Cay.
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: Coral Cay & Red Frog Beach Boat Tour (group)

After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the central pier. The boat will take you back to the mainland to Almirante. Here another driver will already be waiting to take you to the Guabito border station. Border crossing to Sixaola in Costa Rica. Your Costa Rican rental car will be delivered at 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!
Accommodation at Hotel Namuwoki Lodge.
Distance today: Approx. 18 km in Costa Rica.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

As a daytime activity, we recommend visiting the Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, where you can enjoy beautiful viewpoints, hiking or simply enjoy the Caribbean Sea. In the evening you will visit a local family and cook together with your hostess. You will get to know the family's daily life, share many stories with them that will help you better understand the culture, and they will reveal old recipes from the Caribbean grandmother's kitchen to you. From the beginning, you will participate in the preparation of the dish, relaxed, among friends and with friendly conversation. The hostess will help you with the preparation and show you what is important. Little by little, you will prepare 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 prepared as a family during a relaxed gathering. Definitely an unforgettable and authentic experience. Return to the hotel in your rental car.
Accommodation at Hotel Namuwoki Lodge.
Distance today: Individual
Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
Entrance fees/excursions included: ARA Xperience Puerto Viejo de Limón: Caribbean Cooking

The journey continues inland to 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.
Accommodation at Pedacito de Cielo Hotel Eco Lodge.
Distance today: Approx. 270 km.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Entrance fees/excursions included: None.

The lodge is situated in a huge protected area and borders the San Carlos River, which you will travel on today by boat 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 great variety of birds, reptiles and mammals. Back at the lodge, you will find the tropical gardens and the lodge's private jungle reserve, as well as the lagoon, which you can explore, for example, by kayak. A unique jungle experience.
Accommodation at Pedacito de Cielo Hotel Eco Lodge.
Distance today: None
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: San Carlos River Boat Tour

Today you will drive past large pineapple and other fruit plantations to Arenal Volcano, in whose vicinity impressive tourist infrastructure has developed that will allow you to take advantage of a wide variety of optional excursions, adventure activities and an extensive spa offering that includes hot springs.
Accommodation at Hotel Lomas del Volcan.
Distance today: Approx. 85 km.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Entrance fees/excursions included: None.

Today is free for these activities. Visit the trails at the base of the volcano that will lead you to the ancient lava flows from the 1968 eruption, book an adrenaline-pumping canopy or canyoning excursion or approach 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.
Accommodation at Hotel Lomas del Volcan.
Distance today: Individual.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Entrance fees/excursions included: None.

The first stop on today's journey is the Mystical Hanging Bridges, where you can discover the tree canopy on a walk across metal bridges and enjoy magnificent views. The bridges cross a private natural 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 specializing in structures and comply with even the strictest safety standards. Here you can explore the tree canopy undisturbed and fully enjoy nature. Afterwards: Continue towards the Tenorio National Park area, to the rural area of Bijagua.
Accommodation at Hotel Tenorio Lodge.
Distance today: Approx. 100 km.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Entrance fees/excursions included: Hanging Bridges Entrance.

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 spectacular natural show in the midst of beautiful forest, which also boasts an impressive waterfall. Hiking enthusiasts will get their money's worth here!
Accommodation at Hotel Tenorio Lodge.
Distance today: Approx. 40 km (Bijagua - National Park and back).
Meals included: Breakfast.
Entrance fees/excursions included: None.

It's time to explore Costa Rica's Pacific coast as well. You will reach the legendary Pan-American Highway just north of Cañas and from there you will drive to the central Pacific coast, to Manuel Antonio National Park. Along the way, you can get to know the port city of Puntarenas and make a stop at the bridge over the Tárcoles River, where huge crocodiles bask.
Accommodation at Hotel Parador Nature Resort & Spa.
Distance today: Approx. 250 km.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Entrance fees/excursions included: None.

The number of visitors accessing Manuel Antonio National Park every day (except Tuesdays) is limited, so we reserve your entrance in advance and attach it to 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 routes with magnificent viewpoints. Animal watching is not neglected here either, as capuchin and titi monkeys are especially curious contemporaries. Hike as much as you like and then refresh yourself on one of the park's two beautiful beaches. Eating snacks is not permitted, but there is a kiosk in the park where you can shop.
Accommodation at Hotel Parador Nature Resort & Spa.
Distance today: Approx. 10 km (Hotel Parador - 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 car 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