Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

11 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Experience the best of Central and South America on this three-country adventure! Indulge in delicious culinary favorites, like empanadas and ceviche, and feast your eyes on breathtaking natural landscapes. From Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, to the Rosario Islands off Cartagena, get ready for this vacation that's a thrill for the senses. Kick off in Costa Ri...
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Full-day Tortuga Island Tour, with light breakfast, lunch, cruise & tour
    • Full-day Arenal Volcano & Tabacon Hot Springs Tour
    • Panama & Miraflores Locks Tour
    • Cartagena City Tour (half-day)
    • Full-day Tour to the Rosario Islands

What's this trip about?

    Experience the best of Central and South America on this three-country adventure! Indulge in delicious culinary favorites, like empanadas and ceviche, and feast your eyes on breathtaking natural landscapes. From Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, to the Rosario Islands off Cartagena, get ready for this vacation that's a thrill for the senses. Kick off in Costa Rica. With the city of San Jose as your home base, you'll always have things to see and do! Explore the historical streets of San Jose, filled with architectural beauty and spirited culture. While in Costa Rica, enjoy two full-day tours that showcase the diverse landscapes of the country - from volcanoes and hotsprings, to the blissful waters of Tortuga Island. From Costa Rica, you'll party it up in Panama City! Stroll through the cobbled streets of historic Casco Viejo, then enjoy a half-day tour that takes you to the Panama Canal and Miraflores Locks! Learn all about the groundbreaking innovations that now make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Last but certainly not least, hop on a quick flight to the vibrant city of Cartagena. Meander through picturesque streets of colonial architecture and soak up the spirit of this colorful seaside city. Enjoy a tour of Cartagena, then escape to the Rosario Islands on a full-day tour! This vacation blends colonial charm with postcard-worthy natural beauty. 

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIndependent
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CitySan Jose, Costa Rica
End CityColombia

Destinations

Trip includes

    • Roundtrip economy class airfare into San Jose (SJO), out of Cartagena (CTG)
    • All airport transfers
    • 4 nights in San Jose at the Crowne Plaza San Jose Corobici, or similar
    • Full-day Tortuga Island Tour with lunch
    • Full-day Arenal Volcano & Tabacon Hot Springs Tour with lunch & dinner
    • One-way economy class flight from San Jose (SJO) to Panama City (PTY)
    • 3 nights in Panama City at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, or similar
    • Half-day Panama & Miraflores Locks Tour
    • One-way economy class flight from Panama City (PTY) to Cartagena (CTG)
    • 3 nights in Cartagena at the Caribe by Faranda Grand Hotel, or similar
    • Cartagena city tour (half-day)
    • Full-day tour to the Rosario Islands
    • Breakfast daily

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Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to San Jose, Costa Rica!

Upon your arrival at SJO International Airport, enjoy a convenient transfer to your home for the next four nights!

Spent the rest of the day settling in. Treat yourself to a delicious first-night meal! 

Day 2 San Jose, Costa Rica

Grab your camera and get ready for a full day of natural beauty! Enjoy a guided excursion to Tortuga Island. This will be the first of many postcard-worthy days! 

Day 3 San Jose, Costa Rica

Discover two of Costa Rica's most iconic sights today on your full-day tour of the Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs! Indulge in delicious meals and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica. 

Day 4 San Jose, Costa Rica

Discover the vibrant energy of San Jose today. Make your way through the crowds as you walk down Central Ave (Avenida Central); San Jose's main street runs straight through the city and offers an abundance of shopping and eating options! Pop into the famous Mer...

Day 5 San Jose, Costa Rica - Panama City, Panama

Waive goodbye to Costa Rica and get ready for paradise in Panama! Hop in a transfer to the airport, enjoy a quick flight, then enjoy a transfer to your hotel in Panama City. Check-in, get settled, and explore!

Day 6 Panama City, Panama

Set out in the morning for a half-day tour through Panama City to the Panama Canal where you'll get to see the Miraflores Locks in action. The rest of the day is yours to wander as you wish.

Day 7 Panama City, Panama

Today is your last full day in Panama City, so make the most of it! Maybe you'll take a walk through the cobble stoned historic center Casco Viejo, which boasts colonial-era landmarks and plazas lined with cafes and bars.

Day 8 Panama City, Panama - Cartagena, Colombia

Get ready for your last stop - colorful Cartagena! Enjoy roundtrip airport transfers and a quick flight to Colombia.

Upon arrival at your Cartagena hotel, settle in and relax. When it's time for dinner, consider a delicious seafood restaurant by the water. 

Day 9 Cartagena, Colombia

Today you will visit some of Cartagena's highlights on an included city tour. Cartagena was given the name La Heroica (Heroic City) by Simon Bolivar in 1815 after the city resisted 105 days of siege by the Spanish. 

After the tour, stroll over to Plaza de...

Day 10 Cartagena, Colombia

Set your clock to island time! Today, get ready for crystal-clear water and swaying palms. Enjoy a full-day tour to the stunning Rosario Islands. 

Day 11 Depart Colombia

Your stay in Cartagena comes to an end today. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, for your flight home. 

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,037
Price per day$276
Last Updated: 6/27/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Great Value Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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