Panama and Costa Rica in a Rental Car 2027

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 Hotel Hilton Garden Inn.
Distance today: Approx. 30 km
Meals included: None
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

The excursion begins with a trip to the origins of the city. You will visit the ruins of Panamá Viejo, in the eastern part of the current metropolis. The ruins are the remains of the first Spanish settlement, which was completely destroyed in 1671 during a raid by corsair Sir Henry Morgan.
The tour continues along the Pacific coastal road to the old town. Today, the oldest institutions and buildings of the modern city 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 center, 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.
The journey 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 impression of the functioning and gigantic dimensions of the famous Panama Canal. The terrace offers a unique view of the locks. With a little luck, you may see one of the large container ships pass through the locks heading to the Pacific or Atlantic. The excursion ends at the hotel.
Accommodation at Hotel Hilton Garden Inn.
Distance today: Approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: Private Panama City Tour with guide.

In the morning, a driver will take you to the car rental company office. Then pick up the 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 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 sits at 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 riding, visit to the "Cerro de la Cruz" viewpoint or hiking through the charming 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 Panamericana. 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 starting 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 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 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), sport fishing, stand-up paddling or relaxing 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 on Coiba. The isolation of the island 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 hides delightful flora and fauna. The island is surrounded by mangroves and fabulous white sand beaches that invite relaxation.
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 an unforgettable experience.
During the months of July to October, you will also have the opportunity to observe the passage of humpback whales, which, attracted by warm currents, use the bays of the Panamanian 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) with guide

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 growing high-quality coffee and offers many activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Local activities: Hiking, canopy tours, hanging bridge tours, excursions to coffee plantations or beekeeping, horseback riding, bird watching excursions, rafting, mountain biking, agritourism excursions, visiting flower gardens or enjoying a spa massage.
Accommodation at 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 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 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 overwhelming and unforgettable experience on your trip through Panama!
After completing the first excursion, lunch awaits you at the Boquete Tree Trek Mountain Resort restaurant. Afterwards, let yourself be drawn 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 world market. For this reason, this excursion is a must-visit, not just for experts and coffee lovers. 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 picking 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 yourself during the subsequent tasting.
Accommodation at Boquete Garden Inn.
Distance today: None
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Entrance fees/excursions included: Coffee Tour and Hanging Bridges (group) with guide

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. 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 stands and shops. The atmosphere is relaxed, typically Caribbean.
Accommodation at Hotel Swans Cay.
Distance today: Approx. 197 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

Discover today the wonderful Bocas del Toro archipelago with the paradisiacal beaches of the Zapatilla Islands!
The boat excursion is conducted in an international group.
You will be picked up at the hotel and head together to the dock. From there you will depart for today's excursion. First you will head to Coral Cay, where the sea is calm year-round, making it ideal for divers of all ages. Local restaurants, built on stilts over the water, offer various seafood (not included). In the afternoon you visit the two Zapatilla islands, the most beautiful in Bocas del Toro. The Zapatilla Cays are located within the Isla Bastimento Marine National Park. Here awaits you a white sand beach with crystal clear waters. The island is surrounded by palm trees. Later you will return to the main island of Colón.
Accommodation at Hotel Swans Cay.
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: Zapatilla Islands boat tour (group) with guide

After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to the central dock. The boat will take you back to shore to Almirante. Another driver will already be waiting for you here 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 sensation!
Accommodation at Hotel Namuwoki Lodge.
Distance today: Approx. 18 km in Costa Rica
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: None

As a daytime program, we recommend visiting the Manzanillo Wildlife Reserve, where you can enjoy the beautiful viewpoint, hike or simply enjoy the Caribbean Sea. In the evening you will visit a local family and cook together with your hostess. You will learn about the family's daily life, share many stories with them that will help you better understand the culture and learn old recipes from the Caribbean grandmother. From the start, 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. Gradually, you will work through 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 (group) with guide

The journey continues inland to Costa Rica. Not without first 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 northern lowlands 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, along which you will travel by boat 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, you will find the tropical gardens and private jungle reserve of the lodge, as well as the lagoon, which you can explore, for example, by kayak. A unique experience in the jungle.
Accommodation at Pedacito de Cielo Hotel Eco Lodge.
Distance today: None
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: San Carlos River boat tour (group) with guide

Today you will drive along large pineapple and other fruit plantations to Arenal Volcano, in whose vicinity an impressive tourist infrastructure has developed that will allow you to take advantage of a wide variety of optional excursions, adventure activities and a wide range of spas that include natural hot springs.
Accommodation at Hotel Lomas del Volcán.
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 old lava flows from the 1968 eruption, book an adrenaline-filled canopy or canyoning excursion or approach the colossus on horseback. In any case, we recommend that in the afternoon you visit one of the natural hot springs in the area, where you can relax perfectly with a tropical cocktail in hand.
Accommodation at Hotel Lomas del Volcán.
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 across metal bridges and enjoy magnificent views. The bridges cross a private nature reserve of about 250 hectares of tropical humid forest. You are sure to spot birds and, if you are lucky, monkeys, coatis and sloths. The bridges were designed by engineers specializing in structures and meet even the strictest safety standards. Undisturbed, you can explore the tree canopy here and fully enjoy nature. Then: Continue towards the area of Tenorio National Park, to the rural area of Bijagua.
Accommodation at Tenorio Lodge.
Distance today: Approx. 100 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Entrance fees/excursions included: Hanging Bridges entrance (self-guided hike, no guide)

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

Time to explore the Pacific coast of Costa Rica as well. You will reach the legendary Panamericana 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 visit the port city of Puntarenas and make a stop at the bridge over the Tárcoles River, where huge crocodiles romp.
Accommodation at Hotel Parador Nature Resort & Spa.
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 book 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 trails with magnificent viewpoints. Animal watching is not neglected here either, as capuchin and squirrel monkeys are especially curious contemporaries. Hike as much as you like and then refresh yourself 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 make purchases.
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: Manuel Antonio National Park entrance (self-guided hike, no guide)

In time for check-in, today you will drive to the Central Valley and return your rental car at the rental company office near the airport. From here you can use the shuttle service to the departure terminal, where you 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