Tropical Essence: Costa Rica & Panama

Ready to discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica? Arrive at your chosen departure airport and take-off for Central America. Land at Juan Santamaría airport and transfer to your hotel in San José. Spend the evening resting or exploring the city as you please! Overnight in San José.

Breakfast at the hotel. Get an informative briefing from your guide before a shuttle ride to Arenal (approx. 4 hours). An icon of Costa Rica, Arenal is an active volcano nestled in the green, forested north-central part of the country with oppourtunities to hike, bike, and swim abound. Transfer to your hotel and take some free time to rest and enjoy an independent lunch.Meet your guide for a tour of La Fortuna, the main town in the region and a base for all further exploration. Get an insiders’ view with tips and hidden treasures, along with an included cup of local coffee to get your energy up! Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Arenal.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning at your leisure, further acclimating to your new surroundings. For those looking to relax on this trip, why not join an optional excursion to the Paradise Hot Springs?*In the afternoon, meet with your guide for a tour of the Arenal Volcano. Begin in the northwestern section, which was known to be the most active during the last eruptive period. Hike across the regenerating forest and cross over petrified lava, a product of past eruptions. During the tour, our experienced guides will provide context regarding the history of the volcano, lithological cycles, forest formation processes, and general volcanology. *Optional excursion to Paradise Hot Springs: Revitalize your mind and body with mineral waters naturally warmed by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy beautiful views and landscaped gardens along with relaxing music. Enjoy an included Costa Rican meal to end your excursion.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a free day to enjoy in Arenal as you wish. Not sure what to do? Try out one of our optional excursions! You could head to the La Fortuna Waterfall* or try a Tarzan tree-swinging zipline adventure.** Overnight stay in Arenal.*Optional Fortuna Waterfall & La Finquita tour: Begin your day with a guided tour of La Fortuna Waterfall, which stands 150 feet tall and boasts crystal-clear waters. The falls cascade into a pool below perfect for swimming, playing, and taking pictures! Next, head to La Finquita (“the little farm” in Spanish) to learn more about the local farm-to-table movement and enjoy a freshly-made meal together.**Optional Arena Canopy Adventure: Just 30 minutes away, visit the world-renowned Arenal Zipline Park and take a 1.2-mile journey through the sky! Observe multiple ecosystems from above, crossing forests, mountains, and canyons on your journey. Don’t worry: while this activity may sound intense, you’ll be accompanied by trained guides to keep you safe the entire time.

Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to Arenal, it’s time to take your private transfer to the Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. On your drive, you may opt to stop at scenic viewpoints like the Tarcoles River Bridge–you might even spot the crocodiles!Arrive at Manuel Antonio (approx. 5 hours) and check into your hotel. This relatively small reserve is known for its pristine beaches, rocky islets, hiking trails, and tropical wildlife. It's also one of Costa Rica's most popular destinations, with ziplines, snorkeling, and more! With the afternoon ahead of you, take advantage of free time to unwind on the beach or explore the picturesque surroundings of the hotel at your leisure. Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its biodiversity and beautiful beaches. Head to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park for a guided hiking tour. The trail is almost flat and approximately 2 miles long, and your guide will be equipped with telescopes that you can use to observe wildlife from afar. You may encounter toucans, sloths, raccoons, coatis, snakes, various species of monkeys and much more! Halfway through the hike you will make a stop at a beach located within the National Park.On finishing the tour, you will be provided with transportation back to your hotel. But you may also choose to stay behind and enjoy a sunset cocktail on the beach, although if you choose this option the return transfer will be arranged by you. Overnight stay in Manuel Antonio.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your final morning in Manuel Antonio at your leisure, soaking in your final hours in this natural paradise. In the afternoon, return to San José (approx. 3 hours) to spend your last night in Costa Rica. If you didn’t have the chance to explore the city's attractions before, you have some time now! Overnight in San José.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport (approx. 40 minutes) to board your flight to Panama City.Arrival at Tocumen International Airport in Panama* and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Panama City.*The driver will be there to greet you, holding a sign with your name and the Exoticca logo.