Secrets of Panama and Costa Rica - 2017

16 days
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USTOA

Group Tour
The culture, contrasts and epic landscapes of Panama and Costa Rica are revealed on this trip, which ventures from capital to coast via Gamboa, Borinquen and Carrillo Beach. You'll enjoy Insider moments like... delving into local cultures whether it is riding a canoe to visit with the Embera Indians who live off the land in Panama or enjoying dance performe...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • City tour of Panama City
    • Cruise a portion of the Panama Canal
    • View the Natá basilica and Volcán Barú and Arenal Volcanoes
    • Visit Panama Viejo, the historic district of Casco Antiguo, Gamboa Rainforest and Los Angeles Cloud Forest, Chagres and Arenal National Park, coffee plantations in the Chiriqui Highlands and in San José, Sarapiquí, Palo Verde National Park, Borinquen and Carrillo Beach.

What's this trip about?

    The culture, contrasts and epic landscapes of Panama and Costa Rica are revealed on this trip, which ventures from capital to coast via Gamboa, Borinquen and Carrillo Beach. You'll enjoy Insider moments like... delving into local cultures whether it is riding a canoe to visit with the Embera Indians who live off the land in Panama or enjoying dance performed by local children in Costa Rica.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityPanama City
End CitySan Jos

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Costa Rica
  • Panama
  • South America

Attractions

  • Arenal Hot Springs
  • Arenal Volcano
  • Los Angeles
  • Panama City

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature
  • Short Cruise
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
    • Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
    • Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
    • Rain ponchos and umbrellas provided for your use
    • A Trafalgar bonus - Intra-Air Flights: Panama City to David and Panama City to San Jose including porter service at airport
    • Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
    • Hand-picked Insider Experiences
    • Optional Experiences and free time
    • Porterage and local charges included
    • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
    • An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
    • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
    • Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
    • VIP entry to many sights

Popular Trips

Itinerary

1. ARRIVE PANAMA CITY (2 NIGHTS) Bienvenidos a Panama City. You are greeted at the airport by a local host and transferred to your hotel overlooking the Bay of Panama. In the evening, join your fellow travel companions and your Travel Director at the hotel for a Welcome Reception. Meal(s) Welcome Reception Hotel Le Meridien Panama 2. PANAMA CANAL CRUISE AND FREE TIME Board your vessel to cruise the Panama Canal. As you enter the most important waterway in the world, cruise down from the north end of the Galliard Cut, where the Chagres River flows into the Canal. Cruise over the Continental Divide and under the Centennial Bridge and Bridge of the Americas. Snacks and lunch are included onboard. Once in the beautiful Bay of Panama, prepare for the best views of Panama City's modern, fast-changing skyline. Afterward, enjoy the evening in Panama City to sample local cuisine. Note: The start time of the canal cruise is dependent on ship traffic and in some instances the trip may operate in the afternoon. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Lunch 3. PANAMA CITY SIGHTSEEING – GAMBOA RAINFOREST (2 NIGHTS) Visit Panama Viejo, site of the ruins of the original Panama City. Wander the quaint streets of Casco Antiguo-a UNESCO World Heritage Site-in Panama's Historic District. Afterward, stop at the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center and Canal Museum. Then head for the lush vegetation and tropical climate of the rainforest. Once at your resort, join a guide on an exciting nature walk and aerial tram ride. Visit the Observation Tower and admire the panoramic views of the Chagres River and Panama Canal. After dinner, join a discussion with a Smithsonian researcher, a Local Specialist, and learn more about the diversity of Panama. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Dinner Hotel Gamboa Rainforest Resort 4. GAMBOA RAINFOREST SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME Embark on a different kind of water adventure and meet your boteros (boatmen) at the edge of the Chagres National Park. Enjoy a ride up river through the jungle, possibly sighting toucans, sloths and monkeys. Arrive at the village of Emberá Drua where you are met with a traditional greeting and learn about the Emberá Indians' fascinating culture. Enjoy a Cultural Insight by tasting delicious patacones (fried plantains) with small samples of fried fish or chicken. Listen to local music and watch traditional shamanic dances. Back at the resort, the afternoon is free. Meal(s) Full Breakfast 5. GAMBOA RAINFOREST – DAVID – CERRO PUNTA – BOQUETE (2 NIGHTS) Fly to David and travel up the mountain slopes of the Chiriqui Province. At Cerro Punta, take in the superb views of the prominent Volcán Barú volcano. An exclusive Be My Guest lunch awaits at a thoroughbred farm situated in Cerro Punta Valley. As guests of the owners, explore the farm and learn how they breed these magnificent horses. Later, arrive at your mountain resort in beautiful Valle Escondido. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Be My Guest Dining Dinner Hotel Valle Escondido Resort, Golf and Spa 6. BOQUETE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME Visit a coffee plantation and learn how coffee in Panama is making a grand entrance on to the world stage of gourmet grounds. Learn about the coffee-making process with a Local Specialist and see the Ngobe-Bugle, an indigenous group who handpick the red coffee berries when they are perfectly ripe. The rest of the day is free before dinner this evening. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Dinner 7. BOQUETE – SANTIAGO – NATA – PLAYA BLANCA Descend from the Chiriqui Highlands to Santiago. Then it's on to Aguadulce and Natá in Cocle Province, the heart of Panama's sugar cane industry. In Natá, view the beautiful basilica, said to be the oldest church in Central America. Arrive at your resort, nestled alongside the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy dinner on your last evening in beautiful Panama. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Dinner Hotel JW Marriott Playa Blanca 8. PLAYA BLANCA – PANAMA CITY – SAN JOSÉ This morning, transfer to Panama City International Airport for an evening arrival into San José. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Hotel Studio 9. SAN JOSÉ – SARAPIQUÍ – ARENAL (2 NIGHTS) Head toward the Poas Volcano area, where you visit a local coffee plantation. Learn about coffee production in Costa Rica from the owner and sample a cup of gourmet coffee. Continue to Sarapiquí, an off the beaten path area surrounded by dense rainforests and wildlife. Here you are welcomed by Don Alberto and Doña Ana Quintana for a Be My Guest experience at their home, Hacienda Pozo Azul. Enjoy a tour of the plantation before sitting down for a luncheon with your hosts. Afterward, continue to La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the giant Arenal Volcano. The afternoon is free for you to relax before dinner. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Be My Guest Dining Dinner Hotel Arenal Kioro Hotel Suites and Spa 10. ARENAL SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME Start the day with an informative visit at the Asis Project, a wildlife refuge where you will learn how the centre helps preserve the life of endangered animals and get up close and personal with a wide variety of animals. Savour a typical Costa Rican lunch before an entertaining Cultural Insight, brightened by the dances of children at a local education center. Afterward, enjoy a guided visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges to walk eye-level within the lush canopy. Back at the hotel, there is time to relax. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Lunch 11. ARENAL – BORINQUEN (2 NIGHTS) Today, head toward the Guanacaste province. Famous for its cowboys and cattle ranches, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking views of open fields. View Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, a smooth cinder cone volcano made up of 9 contiguous craters before arriving at your hotel in Borinquen. The beautiful resort offers an abundance of relaxing activities. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Dinner Hotel Borinquen Mountain Resort and Spa 12. BORINQUEN FREE TIME The day is free for you to pursue your own interests. Thrill seekers can bike the miles of trails, zip line, take a hike, or set off on a horseback ride. The property's thermal hot springs and natural steam room are available if pure relaxation is what you're after. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Dinner 13. BORINQUEN – PALO VERDE – CARRILLO BEACH (2 NIGHTS) Today, descend to Carrillo Beach. This white sand beach is a secret paradise framed by mountains. En route, enjoy a boat ride on the Tempisque River through the famous Palo Verde National Park. Cruise through 12 different types of habitats including 55 aquatic plants and 150 species of trees. After lunch is served in the park, continue your journey to the hotel where the rest of the day is free. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Lunch Hotel Nammbú - Beachfront Bungalows 14. CARRILLO BEACH FREE TIME A white sand beach right off your bungalow, pristine and warm water and a beautiful blue sky-the perfect way to enjoy the "pura vida" way of living like the locals. The options are endless, and the choice is all yours. Your Travel Director is on hand to help you plan the perfect day. Meal(s) Full Breakfast 15. CARRILLO BEACH – LOS ANGELES CLOUD FOREST After a leisurely breakfast, travel to the Los Angeles Cloud Forest. Later, join your Travel Director for a different type of experience as you are taken on a nocturnal visit through the Cloud Forest-when the sun goes down, the forest transforms itself like no other habitat in the world. You'll see countless species of animals, birds, insects and plants. Tonight, share experiences with your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner. Meal(s) Full Breakfast Farewell Dinner Hotel Villa Blanca Los Angeles Cloud Forest Hotel 16. CLOUD FOREST – DEPART SAN JOSÉ Travel back to San José's Juan Santamaria International Airport for your flight or extend your stay at the Studio Hotel. Meal(s) Full Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,300
Price per day$269
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Trafalgar.

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.

Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings

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Mar 2024

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Best of Portugal

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Italy Bellissimo

Great price plus 5 percent discount for previous customers plus early registration discount as well.

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Gail

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Both our guide, were THE BEST.

*personal info removed by Feefo* our skilled driver was great. He kept us safe and on time. *personal info removed by Feefo* our guide, was just wonderful. She...

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At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

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About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

 

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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 .
Meals Included
  • 15 full breakfasts.
  • 8 dinners.
  • 5 lunches (including 2 Be My Guests).
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities

We offer a range of Optional Experiences and entertainment options to complement our trips. These are purchased when you are on your trip, via your Trafalgar Travel Director. Depending on the region visited, these can be paid with cash or credit card. We are sorry but at this time we are unable to display all optionals for this trip. Where available, these Optional Experiences will be added to our website shortly.

Trip ID
trafalgar-SecPanCosTra

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