Pacific Magic - Discover Panama & Costa Rica

Experience the perfect balance of adventure, culture and relaxation in the breathtaking landscapes of Panama and Costa Rica.

Days
22
Destinations
9
Type of journey
Private
Activities
5

Overview from the travel specialist

Hi, I'm Alina: This itinerary is designed for travellers who want to combine nature, adventure and cultural experiences. From vibrant cities and indigenous communities to unspoilt beaches and lush cloud forests, this trip offers an unforgettable discovery of Panama and Costa Rica.

Highlights

of your Central America round trip

Panama City & Canal - Explore Casco Viejo and marvel at the wonders of the Panama Canal
Manuel Antonio National Park - Encounter exotic wildlife and relax on pristine beaches
Uvita & Marino Ballena National Park - Watch humpback whales and discover impressive waterfalls
Coiba National Park - Snorkel in one of the most biodiverse marine parks in the Pacific. Marino Ballena National Park - Watch humpback whales and discover impressive waterfalls
Coiba National Park - Snorkel in one of the Pacific's most biodiverse marine parks
Valle de Antón - Hike volcanic trails and experience Panama's lush cloud forests


An adventure between natural wonders and culture

Discover the diverse landscapes of Panama and Costa Rica on this 22-day adventure trip. Start in the lively capital Panama City, explore the historic Casco Viejo and marvel at the impressive wonder of the Panama Canal. Travel on to the highlands of the Valle de Antón, which lies in a volcanic crater and offers numerous hiking and cycling opportunities through picturesque landscapes.

Continue to the charming coastal town of Pedasí, known for its unspoilt beaches and rich cultural history. From there you travel to Santa Catalina, the gateway to the world-famous Isla Coiba, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters and discover the diverse underwater world. Boquete, a green highland town, offers you the opportunity to watch birds, take part in coffee tours or go on a challenging hike up the Volcán Barú.

The adventure takes you to Costa Rica, where you reach Uvita - a paradise for marine wildlife and impressive waterfalls. End your journey in Quepos and the breathtaking Manuel Antonio National Park with its unspoilt beaches and abundant wildlife, before concluding your trip in San José. A perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and cultural discoveries awaits you!

Day 1: Panama City

Welcome to Panama!

After your arrival, you will be taken by private transfer to your hotel in charming Casco Viejo.

Let the first evening come to a relaxed end - with a stroll through the historic district, a delicious dinner with local specialities or a drink in a stylish rooftop bar with breathtaking views over the city.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Panama City, private transfer from the airport to the hotel

Day 2: Panama City

Enjoy a free day in Panama City and discover the capital at your own pace. Explore the lively atmosphere of the city, stroll through local neighbourhoods or relax in a café.

Optionally, you can take part in a guided city tour through the historic Casco Viejo neighbourhood and then visit the famous Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal to experience one of the world's most impressive engineering structures up close.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Panama City (breakfast)

Optional: Guided city tour through Casco Viejo and visit to the Panama Canal

Day 3: Emberá indigenous community

Today you will go on an excursion deep into the rainforest and visit a traditional Emberá community. After the journey and a short boat tour, you will reach the village, where you will gain an authentic insight into the culture and way of life of this indigenous people. Learn more about their traditions, their artistic crafts and everyday life in the midst of tropical nature.

During the visit, you will also have the opportunity to sample typical dishes and learn more about the centuries-old customs of the Emberá.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Panama City (breakfast), Guided excursion to the Emberá community (incl. lunch)

Day 4: Valle de Antón

Today you will be travelling to the green highlands of Valle de Antón, a charming village located in an extinct volcanic crater. The journey takes you through varied landscapes and always offers beautiful views of Panama's nature.

After your arrival, you have the afternoon at leisure. Use the time to explore the village at your own pace, stroll through the small town or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the valley.

Optionally, you can take a hike on the famous "India Dormida" trail, which rewards you with impressive panoramic views over the valley.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Valle de Antón (breakfast), private transfer to Valle de Antón

Optional: Hike on the India Dormida Trail

Day 5 and 6: Valle de Antón

Spend two relaxing days in the green highlands of Valle de Antón, a place located in an extinct volcanic crater and known for its impressive nature. Use the time to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the valley, stroll through the small village or discover the surrounding landscape.

Optionally, you can go on a guided e-bike tour through the valley. You can explore the varied landscape of the region and discover the natural beauty of Valle de Antón in an active way.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Valle de Antón (breakfast)

Optional: Guided e-bike tour through the valley

Day 7: Pedasí & Playa Venao

Travel to the charming coastal town of Pedasí, known for its relaxed atmosphere, colonial streets and the unspoilt beaches of the Azuero Peninsula. The small town is considered the cultural heart of the region and offers an authentic insight into life on the Pacific coast of Panama.

In the afternoon, visit Playa Venao, a favourite destination for surfers and nature lovers. Enjoy the golden sand, watch the waves of the Pacific or relax in one of the small cafés right on the beach.

The relaxed atmosphere and sweeping views of the ocean make this the perfect place to end the day.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Pedasí (breakfast), private transfer to Pedasí

Day 8 and 9: Pedasí

Discover the cultural heart of the Azuero Peninsula at your own pace. Use the days to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Pedasí, stroll through the small town or explore the tranquil beaches of the region.

You can also take an optional excursion to Isla Iguana. The small island off the coast is known for its white sandy beaches and colourful coral reefs. While snorkelling, you can discover the diverse underwater world of the Pacific and enjoy the unspoilt nature of this protected island paradise.

Services: Hotel overnight stay in Pedasí (breakfast)

Optional: Excursion to Isla Iguana with snorkelling and beach stay

Day 10: Santa Catalina

Enjoy a scenic drive along the Pacific coast of Panama on the way to Santa Catalina, a small fishing village known for its relaxed atmosphere and good surfing conditions.

Upon arrival, you can take a stroll along the beach, sample fresh seafood at a local restaurant or simply relax and enjoy the sunset over the Pacific.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Santa Catalina (breakfast), shuttle transfer to Santa Catalina

Day 11: Isla Coiba

Take a full-day excursion to Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its extraordinary biodiversity.

Snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters, you will discover the fascinating underwater world of the Pacific with colourful schools of fish and, with a bit of luck, sea turtles or reef sharks. Afterwards, you will have time to relax on the white sandy beaches of the island and enjoy the unspoilt nature of this unique national park.

Services: Hotel overnight stay in Santa Catalina (breakfast), excursion to Coiba National Park with snorkelling (incl. lunch)

Day 12: Santa Catalina

Spend the day as you wish and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Santa Catalina. Explore the coastal landscape, relax on the beach or watch the surfers on the waves of the Pacific.

If you want to be active, you can hike to a nearby viewpoint and enjoy impressive views of the coast and the Pacific Ocean.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Santa Catalina (breakfast)

Day 13: Boquete

Travel to the picturesque highland town of Boquete, which is known for its coffee plantations and pleasant mountain climate.

The fresh mountain air and green landscape form a refreshing contrast to the tropical coastal regions. In the afternoon, you have time to stroll through the charming little town, discover small cafés or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the mountain region.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Boquete (breakfast), shuttle transfer to Boquete

Day 14: Boquete

Spend the day in Boquete and discover the impressive nature of the surrounding mountain landscape. The region is known for its lush cloud forests, clear rivers and exceptional biodiversity.

You can choose from various outdoor activities. Take a hike through the mystical cloud forest, cross suspension bridges with spectacular views or visit one of the region's famous coffee plantations and learn more about the cultivation and processing of the high-quality Boquete coffee.

Services: Hotel overnight stay in Boquete (breakfast)

Optional: Hike through the cloud forest, visit suspension bridges or visit a coffee plantation

Day 15: Boquete

Enjoy another day in the green mountain region of Boquete. Use the time to experience the relaxed atmosphere of the town, stroll through the small streets or savour a cup of the famous Boquete coffee in one of the local cafés.

Alternatively, you can explore the surrounding nature or take a trip to the nearby Caldera hot springs, which are known for their tranquil location and relaxing effects.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Boquete (breakfast)

Day 16: Uvita

Cross the border into Costa Rica and continue your journey towards Uvita, a small coastal town known for its impressive marine biodiversity and unspoilt nature.

Upon arrival, you can relax at your hotel or take a stroll along the region's extensive beaches and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Pacific coast.

Services: Hotel overnight stay in Uvita (breakfast), transfer to Uvita with border crossing to Costa Rica

Day 17: Uvita

Discover the nature around Uvita and the impressive coastal landscape of the Marino Ballena National Park, which is known for its characteristic sand formation in the shape of a whale's fin. The region is also an important habitat for numerous marine species.

Depending on the time of year, you have the opportunity to take part in a whale watching tour and, with a little luck, observe humpback whales in their natural habitat. Alternatively, you can explore the surrounding area, visit nearby waterfalls or relax on the region's beaches.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Uvita (breakfast)

Optional: Visit to Marino Ballena National Park, seasonal whale watching or excursion to nearby waterfalls

Day 18: Uvita

Spend the day at your own pace and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Pacific coast. Take a walk along the beaches of Uvita, watch the waves of the Pacific or explore the lush tropical nature of the surrounding area.

The region around Uvita is known for its impressive landscapes with rainforest, rivers and wide beaches. Make the most of the day to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this coastal town and soak up the Costa Rican nature.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Uvita (breakfast)

Day 19: Quepos

Drive along the impressive Pacific coast to Quepos, the gateway to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park. The journey takes you through the green coastal landscape of Costa Rica and offers beautiful views of the Pacific again and again.

In the evening, you can explore the town's lively marina and enjoy fresh seafood in one of the local restaurants while soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of the coastal town.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Quepos (breakfast), private transfer to Quepos

Day 20: Quepos

Experience one of Costa Rica's most famous national parks - Manuel Antonio National Park. Discover the park's impressive wildlife on hiking trails through the tropical rainforest, including monkeys, sloths and numerous bird species.

In addition to the species-rich nature, some of the country's most beautiful beaches await you. The turquoise-coloured water and fine, white sand make this place a special highlight of your trip.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Quepos (breakfast), visit to Manuel Antonio National Park

Day 21: Quepos

Use the day off to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Pacific coast. Spend time on the beach, take a walk along the coast or discover the surroundings of Quepos at your own pace.

If you want to be active, you can take an optional catamaran tour or experience an exciting zipline adventure in the rainforest.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Quepos (breakfast)

Day 22: San José

Travel to San José, the capital of Costa Rica, from where you will board your return flight. On the way, you will have the opportunity to get to know the historic centre of the city and gain a brief insight into the cultural life of the capital.

Your journey ends with many unforgettable impressions and experiences from Panama and Costa Rica before you are taken to the airport.

Services: Breakfast, transfer to San José, guided city tour in San José, transfer to the airport


What is included?

Accommodation

Accommodation in selected hotels or similar accommodation

Transfer

In air-conditioned vehicles

Tour guide

Local, English-speaking tour guide for the activities included in the price

Meals

Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Entrance fees/ activities

All excursions and entrance fees listed in the itinerary

24/7 availability

We are available around the clock if you have any questions!

Plan your dream holiday

Don't miss the chance to make your dream trip a reality! Contact our experienced travel consultants now and let them inspire and advise you for your trip.

Your travel expert

Exclusive additions

  • International flights
  • Optional excursions and services
  • Gratuities and personal expenses (not included)

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All important travel information

Visit our travel information page and discover everything you need to know for your upcoming trip to Central America. Here you will find details on the best time to travel, information on time changes and recommendations for important health precautions that you should take before your departure.

We have summarised all the necessary information for you so that your stay in Central America is pleasant and smooth. You can also find out more about local customs, safety advice and tips for an authentic and unforgettable stay.

Travel information Central America