Enjoy the riotous rapids of Costa Rica's Pacuare River and three nights at Selva Bananito Lodge surrounded by wild rainforest. Finish your trip by traveling into Panama for two nights in Bocas del Toro with a day of snorkeling in blue-green waters and exploring uninhabited islands.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive San Jose
Day 2: Pacuare River Rafting (B,L,D)
Begin your Costa Rica travels by heading east towards the Caribbean and the Class III-IV whitewater of the Pacuare River. The Pacuare plunges through spectacular mountain gorges and passes through virgin rainforests filled with howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, ocelots and more. At river's end, you're picked up and transferred to Selva Bananito Reserve for a few days of jungle discovery.
Days 3-4: Rainforest Adventure (B,L,D)
While exploring one of Costa Rica's most pristine rainforests, you can horseback riding through the adjacent family farm to learn about organic tropical farming techniques. Or you might enjoy climbing a giant kapok tree and enter the fascinating world of the rainforest canopy. For the adventurous, you can spend a day hiking deep into the jungle to a 70-foot waterfall and then take a dip in it's cool waters. For those who prefer a more relaxed day, Selva Bananito offers plenty of smaller excursions too. At the end of each day, locally grown food is served by candlelight before you retire to the tranquil retreat of your jungle cabaņa.
Day 5: Colon Island - Bocas del Toro (B,D)
In the early afternoon, you transfer to the border at the village of Sixaola where you'll meet your Panamanian guide who'll take you to Almirante where you'll board a water taxi. Navigate through small canals, passing local communities, mangroves, and into the Pacific Ocean. Your destination is Colon Island and the charming Caribbean town of Bocas del Toro on Isla Colon. A welcome-to-Bocas dinner tonight is on us.
Day 6: Isla Bastimentos (B)
Today you'll board a motor launch to explore some of the area's most idyllic beaches, forests and snorkeling waters. The island's midsection and surrounding waters are protected in the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park and the entire island offers nature lovers an array of wildlife, both terrestrial and marine. Four species of sea turtles come ashore to nest on the beaches and the forests are home to many endemic and endangered species, such as neon colored frogs, the red billed tropic bird and two and three toed sloths. The waters here are filled with brilliant parrot fish, angel fish, red snapper, slender needle fish, sea anemone, leafy stinging coral and many others.
Your snorkeling tour begins at Dolphin Lagoon, which is an important feeding area for bottle-nosed dolphins. Then onto Coral Cay and Red Frog beach. It is a short walk through mangroves to Red Frog beach -- keep an eye out for its endangered namesake. You'll enjoy a relaxing swim at the beach before heading to Hospital Point for more snorkeling. Once the primary medical center for the United Fruit Company, Hospital Point is now popular for its wonderful snorkeling and diving. Tonight, enjoy the laid back night life of Bocas town.
Day 7: Panama City and Canal (B)
Continue your travels with a short flight over vast jungles and into the center of Panama's vibrant capital city. You'll be met at the airport for a tour of the ruins of Panama La Vieja, where loads of Peru's gold once crossed and later the pirate Henry Morgan ransacked in search of that same gold. After Morgan's attack in 1671, Casco Antiguo was built. You'll spend some time exploring Panama's "second" city, whose Spanish and French architecture reminds you of its past citizens. Next it's off to the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal to observe the "eighth wonder of the world." Locomotives tie onto the mammoth ships and pull them through the locks to lessen the chance of mishap. The day ends in Panama City. Spend the evening strolling the famous causeway along the Panama Canal, which is conveniently located just steps outside your hotel. The causeway is dotted with restaurants, bars and cafes - toast your Caribbean adventures!
Day 8: Return Home
With a few more days, you might continue your Panama travels with a visit the San Blas Islands and the Kuna Indians or stay at the famous Rainforest Tower.
Accommodations: 3 nights comfortable jungle lodge, 2 nights waterfront hotel, 2 nights comfortable hotels.
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: Minibuses or jeep, local flight, charter boat
An itinerary filled with beach and adventure. Crossing from Costa Rica to Panama, the rainforest and marine adventures in each country are exciting enough for the most intrepid traveler.
Weekly Departures: Sat-Sat
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$265
Note: Flight Bocas del Toro - Panama City is not included. Please add US$115 (flight cost subject to change).
Personal Budgeting: Allow $90 for meals not included, $35 border crossing and airport taxes, $65 optional excursions, $5 water taxi, $6 museum fee at Panama Viejo
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: San Jose: Share US$60, Single US$110 Panama City: Share US$60, Single US$120
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica
Panama
Rainforest
Ecotourism
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