Compare Caribbean Dream Overview by Life Before Work vs Costa Rica & Panama in 12 days - Arenal, Puerto Viejo & Bocas del Toro - Superior by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 964 | $ 1,799 |
| Price Per Day | $ 138 | $ 150 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 11 breakfasts. |
| Description |
Panama connects North and South America and a major hub for the world’s goods and services, making it an ideal destination for the curious traveller. Despite being the richest country in Central America, it is still quite inexpensive to travel across – as long as you know where to go! On your tour, we take you to the highlights of this relatively undiscovered travellers’ destination. Immediately heading south to Bocas Del Toro, one of the hundreds of small islands on Panama’s Caribbean Coast. In this tranquil island town, relax on the beach, work on your tan, and party the night away with new friends. Four days later you will be on your way to Puerto Viejo In Costa Rica! You won’t be able to resist falling in love with the surfing community and beach paradise that is Puerto Viejo. |
Bask in the tropical paradises of Costa Rica and Panama on a wonderful journey from the rainforests of Arenal to the azure beaches of Bocas del Toro. Touch down in historic San José and explore the wildlife-rich rainforests that surround the majestic Arenal Volcano. In Puerto Viejo, soak up the Caribbean charms before crossing the border to fall in love with the paradise beaches of Bocas del Toro. |
Bocas Del Toro (4 Nights)
Bocas Del Toro is one of the hundreds of islands scattered amongst Panama’s Caribbean Coast. Tranquil, relaxing, and beautiful, this island has everything you need to experience the true Caribbean lifestyle!
Day 1
7:30AM departure from San Jose to Bocas Del Toro (we recommend coming a day early to avoid any flight layovers causing you to miss the transportation!)
Once arrived, we will spend the afternoon exploring the tranquil beaches. Enjoy one hell of a wild party night at one of the many oceanside dance clubs to start your adventure off right!
Optional Activities: Surfing ($20), Scuba Diving ($70), ATV Jungle Tour ($80-$100)
Included Experiences: Orientation Meeting
Day 2
Spend the day Underwater Coral Surfing. A sport like no other that's easy to do and incredibly fun!
Get your crazy on with the different parties taking place and get a taste of the Caribbean lifestyle.
Included Experiences: Underwater Reef Surfing, Sightseeing
Day 3
Today is a free day for you to enjoy one of the many optional activities Bocas has to offer.
Optional Activities: Surfing ($20), Scuba Diving ($70), ATV Jungle Tour ($80-$100)
Day 4
Today we're heading out to the ocean for a full day Catamaran cruising through the Caribbean! Enjoy the crystal clear water, spot dolphins, snorkeling, and one hell of a fun party day dancing and drinking aboard the boat.
Included Experiences: Catamaran Cruise.
Puerto Viejo (2 Nights)
Puerto Viejo is a surfing community known for the biggest and strongest wave - the Salsa Brava. It is your ultimate beach paradise so get ready to kick back and relax to the max!
Day 5
Boat and Bus tip to Puerto Viejo (3hrs). Explore the town and beaches on a bicycle trip, visit the Jaguar Animal Rescue Centre along the way and fall in love with the animals.
Be ready to party for the last few days, and soak up the Caribbean sun
Included Experiences: Bicycle Trip, Jaguar Animal Rescue Centre
Day 6
Enjoy a free day to chill out on the beach, a cocktail in one hand and a book in the other, or take on the endless options for activities!
Optional Activities: Waterfall Hike ($12), Snorkelling ($15), Parasailing ($25), Deep Sea Fishing ($150), Rafting ($75), Sloth Sanctuary ($50).
Day 7
Guests depart throughout the day, home or onto their next adventure.
Return transfer to airport and depart, or continue on with LBW to a connecting tour
Day 1: US - San José
Arrive at your US departure airport to board a flight* to San José. Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica and transfer to your hotel. If time allows, get out and explore the vibrant neighbourhoods and colonial architecture of this charming, historic city. Overnight stay in San José. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: San José - Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take a shared transfer to Arenal, passing by the lush landscapes of Costa Rica's interior. Arrive at the hotel and check-in. In the afternoon, meet your guide and embark on a guided hike to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano, with its nearly perfect cone shape and a height of 1633 meters. Along the hike, you can discover the abundant flora and fauna which inhabits the rainforest, which is being regenerated. Learn all about the Arenal Volcano and its history and activity from your guide. After the hike, you may choose to visit one of the popular hot springs in the area to relax and enjoy the thermal waters, which are naturally heated by the volcano (optional extras).* Overnight stay in Arenal. * Paradise Hot Springs Pass: Enjoy an evening of indulgence with a pass to the Paradise Natural Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy access to three different hot pools and two hydromassage hot tubs, perfect for relaxing in the beautiful tropical surroundings.
Day 3: Arenal
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a day at your leisure to relax or explore. We recommend an optional excursion to La Fortuna Waterfall or, alternatively, explore the hanging-bridges of Arenal's cloud forest.* Whatever you choose to do, the beauty of the natural surroundings is sure to make for a memorable day! Overnight stay in Arenal. * Optional Hanging Bridges Cloud Forest Excursion: Admire the beauty of the forest and the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano and gain valuable insight into the native plant and animal species from your expert guide. Journey across a series of hanging bridges for a birds-eye view of the rainforest. *Optional Excursion to La Fortuna Waterfall: Explore the delights of the exotic rainforest as you take a guided hike to the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall. The well-kept walkways make this an accessible nature walk for most people, who will be rewarded with excellent views of the waterfall and the chance to take a dip in its crystalline waters.
Day 4: Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful natural environment. We recommend an optional horseback ride excursion to explore the region in the traditional way.* Overnight stay in Arenal. * Optional Half-Day Horseback Ride Excursion: Set off on a scenic horseback ride to appreciate the beauty of nature and the sounds, color and energy of the rainforest. Ascend to a viewpoint where you will have an impressive view of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. Lunch included.
Day 5: Arenal - Puerto Viejo
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a laid-back morning at your leisure to relax or explore the local area. In the afternoon, set off towards the Atlantic Coast and to Puerto Viejo in the province of Limon. Know for its laid-back atmosphere, nightlife and great food and drinks scene, a stay in sunny Puerto Viejo is the perfect antidote to our busy lives. Arrive, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Puerto Viejo.
Day 6: Puerto Viejo - Cahuita National Park - Puerto Viejo
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set off to the Cahuita National Park for an unforgettable nature hike where you can observe the local wildlife ranging from snakes to monkeys, racoons, butterflies and anteaters. Explore the 3.5 kilometres of natural trails between Punta Cahuita and Cahuita town with an expert guide, learning lots about the local animal and plant life along the way. Enjoy a traditional tropical fruit-based snack before returning to Puerto Viejo. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. Overnight stay in Puerto Viejo.
Day 7: Puerto Viejo - Bocas del Toro
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early this morning to catch a shared transfer to the Sixaolo border between Panama and Costa Rica and across to the idyllic paradise of Bocas del Toro, taking the boat from Almirante to Isla Colon and continuing by road to your hotel. This gorgeous island chain, which stretches out into the Caribbean Sea, is a tropical wonderland of turquoise waters, lush rainforests and sandy atolls. Once settled at the hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing at your own pace. Overnight stay in Bocas del Toro.
Day 8: Bocas del Toro - Cayo Coral - Cayo Zapatilla - Bocas del Toro
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day by walking to the pier where the adventure begins as you set off on a boat tour to observe the dolphin pods that inhabit the waters around Bahia Honda. Continue to Cayo Coral where you'll have the chance the snorkel in the warm waters to explore the colorful underwater world and 'coral gardens'. Discover the gorgeous beaches of Cayo Zapatilla and stop at Sloth Island, where you can observe these notoriously lazy animals in their natural habitat. As the day draws to a close, return to Bocas del Toro and your hotel. Overnight stay in Bocas del Toro. Please note: The order of the tour may differ depending on the weather. Snorkelling equipment included. The total duration of the tour will be between approximately 6 and 7 hours.
Day 9: Bocas del Toro
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Bocas del Toro. This is the perfect opportunity to kick-back on the beach and enjoy the tropical climate at your own pace. Tuck into the Caribbean cuisine that this region is famed for and soak up the laid-back atmosphere. Overnight stay in Bocas del Toro.
Day 10: Bocas del Toro - Puerto Viejo
Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to return to Costa Rica this morning as you take a shared boat transfer back to Almirante and a shared road transfer to Puerto Viejo, crossing the border at Sixaola. Get settled at the hotel in Puerto Viejo and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure, taking in the beautiful sea views. Overnight stay in Puerto Viejo.
Day 11: Puerto Viejo - San José
Breakfast at the hotel. Take a shared transfer back to the capital, to spend your last night in San José. We suggest taking a stroll through this beautiful city or enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Alternatively, enjoy an optional VIP City Bus Tour for a good overview of the city sights and a memorable end to your Costa Rican adventure.* Overnight stay in San José. * Optional San José VIP City Tour Bus: Visit the most prominent sights of the city such as the National Theater, the Art Museum, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the charming Central Market, among other places. Traditional dinner included.
Day 12: San José
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the US.* Arrive in the US and end your trip. * If your return flight departs in the evening, your arrival in the US will be the following day and the total duration of your trip will be 13 days.
