Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

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4.1 . Great
87%
Travel Style: Array Relaxed
Physical Level: N/A
  • N/A
  • Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
    11 days
    From: $ 2,668 $ 243 / day
    Checking price

    Overview

    Highlights (Bullets)

    • 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

    Short Description

    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. 

    Style Self-guided tour
    See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
    Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
    Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
    Lodging Level Value (3*)
    Flight & Transport Inclusions Roundtrip air to/from trip start & all internal transport
    Start City San Jose, Costa Rica
    End City Colombia

    Theme

    N/A

    Destinations

    Costa Rica

    Attractions & Cities Visited

    N/A

    Activities & Interests

    N/A

    N/A
    See more

    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 Mercado Central, treat yourself to a plate of arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), then continue on your way, stopping to enjoy the singing and dancing of the street performers along the way.


    You can also stop by the National Theater of Costa Rica - perhaps you'd like to take a tour or see a performance!

    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 la Aduana, the largest and oldest square in Cartagena's old town that was once the home of the city's government (aduana means customs). 

    Sip an ice cold cocktail at one of the outdoor bars near Plaza de la Aduana as you watch the sun go down!

    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. 

    Availability

    Checking price
    Price From $ 2,668
    Price Per Day: $ 243 per day

    20,845 Great Value Vacations Travel Reviews & Ratings

    87%
    4.1 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
    Excellent 10,832
    Great 4,926
    Average 2,421
    Disappointing 1,124
    Terrible 1,542
    Value
    4.1
    Guide
    4.1
    Activities
    4.1
    Lodging
    4.1
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    4.1
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    4.1

    Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia

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    Company Reviews

    Amazing trip to Greece with GVV!

    5.0
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    Guide5.0
    Activities5.0
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    Meals5.0
    Our trip to Greece with Great Value Vacations was amazing! It was so nice to have everything all scheduled and booked ahead of time for us. Will definitely travel with GVV again!
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    Being able to select our own B&Bs

    5.0
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    Lodging5.0
    Transportation5.0
    Meals5.0
    Being able to select our own B&Bs

    Because of unexpected situations

    2.0
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    Value2.0
    Guide2.0
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    Because of unexpected situations, I need to cancel reservations not postpone. We had to go forth with the trip but had to leave earlier than first planned.
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    Wow, what a vacation!

    5.0
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    Wow, what a trip! The name great value vacations says it all.

    Okay but could have been better.

    3.0
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    Value3.0
    Guide3.0
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    Meals3.0
    Hotel in Santorini was nowhere near anything and breakfast was terrible. Other people with GV had great locations. I guess we good the short end of the stick . We arrived very late in Crete and ended up only having one full day there. Would have better to have a hotel near the airport for our last night.
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    The ability to stay at different B&B

    4.0
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    Value4.0
    Guide4.0
    Activities4.0
    Lodging4.0
    Transportation4.0
    Meals4.0
    The ability to stay at different B&B each night as we travel across Ireland and Scotland was wonderful. Now staying and traveling in Scotland can cost over the initial sale price due to most accommodation cost more than the allowance provided and the rental car insurance cannot be purchased in advance. Car insurance and a hold on you credit card will cost several hundred dollars on the spot at Enterprise Car Rental. The Vacation was a success but with vehicle upgrade, B&Bs that were available, car insurance, and hold on credit card all was $2000 extra. It was a great experience and i would do it again.
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    Details

    Flight & Transport Inclusions

    Roundtrip air to/from trip start & all internal transport

    Group Size

    Independent

    Trip ID#:

    Greatvaluevacations-PK-GC4P-SH-CRPC-SJO

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