Panama & Costa Rica

Day 6, Tortuguero National Park
Awaken early to take a sunrise boat ride through on the canals surrounding your lodge. There is a huge range of wildlife, including sloths, snakes, bats, iguanas, monkeys, caiman and a variety of birds that your eagle-eyed guides will be able to point out.

Take the opportunity to head out on foot into the jungle during the afternoon to spot some of the beautiful birds and insects that live here.

In the evening, there is the chance to go to the beach and see mother turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. As the viewing times are late in the evening and are strictly controlled by the national park, it can be difficult for younger children. However, it is fascinating to see these giant creatures come onto the shore under the moonlight, dig a hole and then lay dozens of eggs.

Day 7, Tortuguero – Caribbean Coast
After breakfast, you will transfer back by boat and vehicle to head to Guapiles, where you can enjoy lunch, before continuing on to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean Coast. The coastline here is an endless series of beaches backed by swaying palms with a wonderfully laidback vibe. It’s time to find a hammock and relax!

Day 8, Cahuita National Park
Today you will enjoy a guided hike to explore the wilderness of Cahuita National Park. Taking a route through the rainforest to Punta Cahuita, you will cross beautiful beaches where you may be able to take a dip in the Caribbean Sea.

Your guide will help keep a lookout for the various types of sloths, white-faced monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, blue morpho butterflies, birds and much more. Enjoy lunch in this lively jungle before heading back with your guide.

Day 9, free day Caribbean Coast
Lots of options today! The surfing in this area is excellent, with suitable surf spots for all levels, from beginners to experts. Spend time with a surf guide, then head into the waves and put your lesson into practice! Alternatively, you could take a trip to the Jaguar Rescue Centre, which provides a home to ill, injured or orphaned animals who otherwise wouldn’t be able to look after themselves. Although there are no actual jaguars, you will see sloths, monkeys, other mammals, birds and reptiles during your guided tour of the centre.

Or hire bikes and head to Manzanillo National Park (far removed from any crowds). Leaving your bike at the entrance, you can then follow self-guided trails through this tropical haven for wildlife, enjoy dips in the sea to cool off and a local lunch with a clifftop view.

Day 10, Puerto Viejo – Panama border – Bocas del Toro
Farewell, Costa Rican Caribbean, hello Panama Caribbean! Take the short journey to the border and cross into Panama. Hop on a boat at Almirante and head to the pristine islands of Bocas del Toro.

Bocas del Toro is an idyllic group of Caribbean islands and undoubtedly one of Panama’s highlights. Here, the taxis are all boats, and the gentle pace of life makes a perfect ending to any holiday. Across the six larger islands and countless smaller islets, there are dense forests filled with native wildlife and centuries-old communities still maintaining their traditions. You’ll find palm-fringed beaches where sea turtles nest, mangrove forests, crystal clear turquoise waters and protected coral reefs with amazing snorkelling and diving.

On arrival at the lively Bocas Town, on the main island of Isla Colon, you will transfer to your beach resort (by speedboat or land, location dependent). There are a variety of hotels to choose from, varying from luxurious over-the-water bungalows and barefoot eco-retreats on smaller islands to more economical options closer to town. Please discuss your preferences with us.

Day 11, Bocas del Toro
Hop onto the boat tour to see three different coastal ecosystems! The rocky islet of Bird Island is the first stop and a designated marine reserve. You’ll see red-billed tropicbirds, brown boobies, frigatebirds and terns nest along steep cliffs. If conditions permit, this is a fabulous spot for some snorkelling.

Continuing to Boca del Drago, you can swim, meander along the shore or relax under palm trees before tucking into a local lunch. The final stop is Starfish Beach, with shallow, clear water perfect for swimming and snorkelling to see the starfish sitting on the sea floor.

Day 12, Bastimentos National Marine Park
Enjoy a boat tour via some of the best coastal areas in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Begin with a dolphin-spotting cruise and then head to a small mangrove forest to look for sloths in their natural habitat – a lot of excitement ensues when either is seen! In Coral Cay, you will be able to have a snorkel session over coral reefs, home to parrotfish, rays and sea turtles.

Afterwards, continue to the Zapatilla Cays – two small islands surrounded by mangroves and white sand beaches. There will be plenty of time to stroll around and enjoy the gorgeous beaches and the crystal-clear waters, as well as a tasty picnic lunch, before returning to your hotel.

Day 13, Bocas del Toro
This is a free day to explore at your own pace. Possibilities include a day relaxing on pristine beaches, exploring lush tropical trails with vibrant wildlife, and all located within the breathtaking surroundings of Bocas del Toro.

On Colon Island, there are opportunities for ATV or biking as well as wildlife walking safaris. Keeping active, you could head out with a guide from Basti Town, with its strong Afro-Caribbean heritage, along the coast to Red Frog Beach on Isla Bastimentos. The kayaking tour through the black, red and white mangroves is also highly recommended and diving is also an option.

Day 14, Bocas del Toro – Panama City
A sad farewell to the Caribbean this morning as you transfer to the tiny domestic airport in the main town. From here, you will take the short flight to Panama City and transfer to your hotel.

Panama’s iconic capital city is like nowhere else in Central America, where big business and giant skyscrapers meet cobbled colonial streets and a mix of cultures formed by centuries of immigration and trade. At first glance, it can seem chaotic, but there’s plenty of fun to be had, especially around the vibrant UNESCO-listed Old Town – Casco Viejo – where many of the best bars, restaurants and hotels are found.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and start exploring.

Day 15, Panama Canal and City walking tour
Head out to the Miraflores Locks for an insider’s look at the mechanics behind one of history’s greatest engineering feats. After viewing the entertaining IMAX documentary about the building of the canal, you will observe up close ships transit the chamber (shipping schedules dependent) and learn about canal operations from your guide. Conclude with a panorama of the former Canal Zone town of Balboa before returning to Panama City.

Later this afternoon, you will take a guided walking tour of the historic old quarter, also known as Casco Antiguo, strolling along narrow avenues lined with colonial mansions and plazas. Wander cobblestone streets to discover hidden courtyards, ornate balconies, and vibrant street art reflecting Casco’s modern revival. Your walk through history will also include a casual chocolate tasting, as well as time perusing the main artisan stalls along the seafront.

This evening, check out one of the superb local restaurants for some ceviche and maybe even a rooftop bar… The perfect way to round off your last evening in Central America.

Day 16, Panama City – departure
Time to bid goodbye – or perhaps ‘hasta luego’. You’ll be picked up to transfer to the airport for your flight home.