Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Panama
Arrive at Panama International Airport, where you will be met by an EcoCircuitos representative and then taken to your hotel in Panama City.
Day 2: Chagres National Park / Indian Village
After breakfast visit paradise found in its purest form. This tour leaves Panama City at 8:00 AM and begins with a ride in a "piragua" (a native boat) along the route commonly used by the Indians for their daily transport along the Chagres River. Hike through the forest with a local indigenous guide who is an expert at explaining the local botanical novelties and the culture of this Chocoe-Embera village. In the village, the tribe will share their culture through dances, rituals, and food, etc. You will also have the opportunity to partake in "jagua", body painting with vegetable ink. Arrival back in Panama City is estimated at 4:00 PM. (BL)
Day 3: El Valle Mountain Town
This excursion begins early in the morning with a two-hour drive along the Pan-American Highway to the beautiful mountain town of El Valle de Anton, in the province of Cocle. According to geologists, El Valle is the crater of a dormant volcano, probably the largest in Central America. With a cool and pleasant climate, this picturesque valley rises 600 meters above sea level and has a great variety of attractions such as Indian petroglyphs, hot springs, waterfalls, rock climbing and numerous hikes for all abilities. Upon arrival, visit the Sunday Indian Market where large selections of native and natural handicrafts are on sale. The tour continues with a visit to the ancient petroglyphs of the El Chorro Macho Waterfall and a trip to the Nispero Gardens and Zoo where you can observe the rare “golden frogs” found only in this area. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Panama City in the late afternoon. (BL)
Day 4: San Blas Islands
Early morning transfer to the local airport for a 20-minute flight to the El Porvenir airstrip on Panama’s Atlantic Coast. Transfer by a motorized dugout canoe to the Kuna Lodge on the Island of Wichub-Wala. The lodge is in the center of the Kuna community and has a capacity for 24 guests. The lodge has fresh water showers and toilets located outside. Visit the surrounding islands and homes of the Kuna Indians whose culture, traditions and beautiful beaches have remained virtually undisturbed. Tour Grass Island and relax at one of the many beautiful beaches. San Blas seafood is featured at lunch and dinner. Spend the night at San Blas Hotel. (BLD)
Day 5: San Blas Islands
Rent (or bring your own) snorkeling gear and explore the beautiful reefs of this area. You can also tour a neighboring island and swim in its crystal-clear waters. Relax on the white sand beaches or in a hammock under palms while enjoying this unique destination. (BLD)
Day 6: Panama City
Early in the morning you will take your return flight to to Panama City from San Blas. Your afternoon will be free for you to enjoy or to take additional tours. A folkloric show and dinner is offered at Tinajas Restaurant. Spend the night at a hotel in the city. (BD)
Day 7: Depart Panama/ Arrive Costa Rica
Transfer to the international airport approximately two hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time. Then transfer from Costa Rican airport to Hotel Quality Real San Jose (or similar). (No meals.)
Day 8: Transfer to the Pacific Coast
Your lodging will be at Tamarindo Diria Hotel. This is an ideal place to spend a peaceful yet exciting stay on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Remodeled with a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, the hotel boasts of fine national and international cuisine and a full breakfast buffet. Optional tours include: horseback riding, fishing and wildlife observation. (B)
Day 9: Tamarindo Diria Hotel / Mangrove Estuary Tour
After breakfast visit the Mangrove estuary. Includes drinks, fruits, transportation and park fees.
Day 10: Shuttle Bus to Montverde Area
Lodging will be at the Trapp Family Hotel (or similar), where you will be surrounded by the cloud forest. (B)
Day 11: Butterfly Farm Tour / Sky Walk
Visit the Butterfly Farm and Nature Center, where there is an extensive collection of insects and a medicinal plant garden. In the afternoon you will have a Sky Walk Tour. Discover the outstanding views of the cloud forest from the hanging bridges, platforms and trails in the tree canopy. This unique ecosystem will be explained in a guided tour. (B)
Day 12: Transfer Arenal / Volcano Lodge (or similar)
This is a scenic area offering a panoramic view of the Arenal volcano and the nearby tropical rainforest. The lodge is also nestled in the forest and all rooms have a terrace overlooking the volcano. (B)
Day 13: Transfer from Arenal to San José
Lodging at Quality Real San Jose for 1 night. (B)
Day 14: Departure Costa Rica
Transfer from your hotel to the international airport. (B)
More information from EcoCircuitos Panama:
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