Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

11 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Map not provided by operator
View all 14 photos
Video not provided by operator
4.1/5 Great
100+ reviews  
87%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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...
36%
$4,182
From$2,668
See departure dates

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. 

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIndependent
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySan Jose, Costa Rica
End CityColombia

Destinations

  • Central America
  • Costa Rica

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

View Similar Trips

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. 

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $2,668
Price per day$243
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

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.

Great Value Vacations Reviews & Ratings

4.1/5  Great
Excellent
11,158
Great
5,051
Average
2,487
Disappointing
1,143
Terrible
1,572
Write a Review

Other Great Value Vacations Reviews

E

Eddie H.

Dec 2023

Written on
Great Value Vacations Company Reviewsby Great Value Vacations

Great hotel choices and itinerary

Great Value did an amazing job with the basic outline ...

P

Prakash B Bom

Dec 2023

Written on
Great Value Vacations Company Reviewsby Great Value Vacations

Trip to Venice, Florence and Rome

Any trip to Italy ought to have breakfast included. We were disappointed with our plan that only Florence hotel had breakfast included. Rest was dried. Otherwise, it...

C

Cara Seiden

Dec 2023

Written on
Great Value Vacations Company Reviewsby Great Value Vacations

Great value

Really impressed with the deal. The hotel was outstanding I was shocked. Will be booking again!

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Great Value Vacations

preferred
View Profile

At Great Value Vacations, our mission is to be the pre-packaged vacation solution provider from the US to the most desirable vacation destinations in the world.

We offer premium, pre-built vacation packages to the top destinations in the world. Our vacations feature itineraries designed by travel experts and superior accommodations which have been hand-picked and vetted for quality.

What’s more, we offer these vacations packages at Great Value prices that are at or better than if you were to purchase the components separately.  Our state-of-the-art technology provides our customers with an easy to use booking system that allows you to book complicated vacations with just a few clicks.

Expert Advice

Our team of product experts are your “feet on the street” creating vacation itineraries we’d send our family on (and they have VERY high standards!) We do the heavy lifting for you by researching the best destinations, hand selecting the most desirable accommodations, designing a perfect vacation itinerary and recommending things to do and see along the way.

Customer Support

We’re there for you at every step – from your first call or visit to our website right up until your flight home. Our vacation specialists and support staff are available to answer questions, provide advice or assist you at any point during the vacation planning process. Plus we offer Trip Protection Plans which allows you to cancel your trip for any reason up to 72 hours prior to travel and received a full refund and have access to 24-hr Emergency Assistance while you travel.

What they’re known for
Budget-friendly vacation packages and expert itineraries designed for independent travelers wanting an easy trip planning experience.

Associations

Why Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Trip ID
Greatvaluevacations-PK-GC4P-SH-CRPC-SJO

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >