Costa Rica and Panama

Explore Costa Rica, a destination that is home to more species of wildlife than any other place on Earth, and experience vibrant Panama City.

Positioned between two continents, Costa Rica features jungle, volcanoes and wilderness areas home to a plethora of wildlife. Panama is home to the marvellous Panama Canal, relaxing beach resorts and an exceptional tropical climate.

Our Costa Rica tours include wilderness and wildlife tours. Scarlet Macaws, sea turtles, tropical fish, butterflies, monkeys and sloths are just a few of the wonders to be encountered in this ecological jewel of a country. Active volcanoes tower above impenetrable jungle, and the pristine seas are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Once home to explorers, pirates and entrepreneurs, Panama has changed its fortunes from Inca gold to eco-tourism. Most famous for its canal, a major shipping lane and popular tourist attraction, you can also venture inland into its misty cloud forests, home to colourful exotic birds, volcanoes and coffee plantations, or stick to the coast for excellent scuba diving or fishing. When the time comes for a rest, head to some of the hundreds of palm-fringed islands, lie back and relax.

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Highlights

Costa Rica and Panama

Tortuguero National Park

Marvellous Tortuguero N.P.

Tortuguero National Park is a unique area where rainforest, freshwater lagoons and canals meet some of Costa Rica’s most pristine coastline.

The best way to explore is by boat, cruising the network of scenic waterways in search of amazing wildlife. Look out for spider, howler and Capuchin monkeys, the red-eye tree frog, the Keel Billed Toucan, spectacled caiman, southern river otters, and over 50 species of freshwater fish. The beaches are famous for turtle sightings including the green sea turtle and hawksbill turtle, both which nest from July to October, and the leatherback which comes ashore late February to April/May.
Osa Peninsula

Osa Peninsula, A Nature Lover’s Paradise

The idyllic Osa Peninsula is an area of rainforest so rich in flora and fauna it has been called“the most biologically intense place on earth” by the National Geographic Society.

Here, you can see a myriad of strange and wonderful creatures, including caiman, crocodile, sloths, the endangered Baird’s tapir, four different monkey species, two different kinds of anteater, the white-nosed coati, Scarlet Macaw, 5 different cats including puma and jaguar, myriad butterflies and a variety of hummingbirds. From the comfort of your eco-lodge, explore rainforest trails through mangroves, or snorkel and dive to see coral reefs harbouring rays, turtles and other marine wildlife.
Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest

The spectacular Arenal Volcano and rich wilderness of the Monteverde Cloud Forest are two of Costa Rica’s most popular sights.

Monteverde is an easy boat ride across Lake Arenal. It is an area of cloud forest teeming with rare plants and animals including several types of endangered cat and unique birds such as the resplendent quetzal. The best ways to explore are via the sky trams, forest trails, an exciting canopy walk (with zip lines), and hanging bridges.
Pacuare River

Remote Pacuare River and Protected Zone

Experience one of the world’s most remote luxury eco-lodges on the spectacular Pacuare River.

To reach this lodge, you must take an incredible scenic journey by 4WD and hanging gondola. Alternatively, raft down the Pacuare River. Explore the rainforest with a naturalist guide, enjoy gourmet meals and romantic canopy dinners, go horseback riding or white water rafting, and hike through the forest to visit a remote Cabecar Indian family. Pacuare Lodge is a successful conservation initiative which supports sustainable tourism.
Panama Canal

Panama and the Panama Canal

Most of us know Panama for its impressive example of human engineering – the canal which joins the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic.

The canal is well worth a visit and it’s possible to do a full or partial tour of this mega waterway. Panama also offers misty cloud forests, soaring volcanoes, pristine beaches and thriving indigenous communities.

Costa Rica and Panama Overview

Why Costa Rica & Panama: These two Central American countries offer modern tourist infrastructure, great accommodation, magnificent wilderness and wildlife as well as some of the world’s richest biodiversity.

When to Go: Generally, Costa Rica has only two seasons: dry and green. The dry season (late Dec – Apr) is the best time to visit as there is very little rain. The green, or wet season, lasts the rest of the year (May – Nov). The early months of the rainy season are an ideal time to travel to Costa Rica when you can avoid the tourist crowds. The green and hawksbill turtles’ nesting seasons run from July to October with a peak in August, while leatherback turtles nest from February to April. It is possible to see individual turtles however, at any time of the year.

Combine With: Colombia, Ecuador or Peru for culture and wildlife, or icy Patagonia for a complete change of scenery.

Getting There: For Costa Rica, fly into the international airport near San Jose. For Panama, fly into Tocumen International Airport near Panama City.

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