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.

Breakfast at the hotel. Then, set off to visit the iconic Panama Canal and the historic district of Casco Viejo.Considered an engineering marvel and often called the eighth wonder of the world, the canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its massive gates and lock system allow ships to pass through different sea levels—an unforgettable sight. As well as seeing the Miraflores Locks, you might even spot toucans or wild monkeys in the surrounding rainforest, especially on our optional Gatun Lake boat tour.*Next, enjoy a walking tour of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO-listed gem and the cultural heart of Panama City. Stroll along 17th-century cobblestone streets lined with colonial architecture, lively plazas, and historic churches. Highlights include Panama Cathedral, Santo Domingo Convent, and vibrant squares surrounded by cafés, galleries, and museums. This old-meets-new neighborhood is also one of the city’s trendiest spots.The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace. Overnight stay in Panama City.Please note: The order of visits may vary depending on ship traffic, the season, or weather conditions.*Optional Gatun Lake Boat Tour: Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Gatun Lake—the vast, man-made lake that forms the central section of this famous waterway. Keep an eye out for tropical wildlife such as capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths, and crocodiles as you explore some of the islands within this protected area. It could also be a unique chance to see a cargo ship navigating the canal up close!

Breakfast at the hotel. Then, transfer to Albrook Domestic Airport to catch your flight* to Bocas del Toro.Arrive in Bocas Town and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore—whether discovering local island life, visiting crystal-clear beaches, or diving into our optional bioluminescence tour** for a unique nighttime experience. Overnight stay in Bocas del Toro.*Each passenger is allowed one checked bag up to 23 kg and one piece of hand luggage up to 4 kg (without wheels).**Optional Bioluminescence Tour: Once it’s nightfall, prepare for a magical, unique visual experience. Take a boat trip in Caribbean waters and watch as even the slightest movement illuminates thousands of microorganisms in the dark. With our expert guides who know all the secret spots, you’ll be in good hands.Please note: the bioluminescence tour is only offered during the new moon.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is full of marine life and coastal beauty on a tour to Dolphin Bay, Coral Cay, and Zapatilla Cay.Arrive at the tranquil Dolphin Bay, where, if you are lucky, you will observe wild dolphins in their natural habitat and feel at peace surrounded by mangroves and rainforest. You’ll then continue to Coral Cay for a snorkeling adventure to remember, swimming among colorful coral gardens. Finally, visit Zapatilla Cay, known for its pristine beaches and wildlife. During the tour, there’ll be a stop for lunch at a restaurant built over the sea. After an eventful and memorable day of immersing yourself in paradise, spend the rest of the afternoon at your own pace. Overnight stay in Bocas del Toro.Please note: The order of stops may vary depending on weather, season, or group demand. Lunch is not included (approx. $12–$20 per person), but you’re welcome to bring your own if preferred.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day to explore Bocas del Toro at your own pace. We also recommend joining one of our optional tours, such as a visit to a cacao plantation* or a tour that includes Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach.** Overnight stay in Bocas del Toro.*Optional Traditional Cacao Tour: In a charming Ngäbe village, dive into the world of cacao and watch it transform into delicious chocolate. Experience every centuries-old step—from harvesting and chocolate-making to the best part: tasting! Enjoy a scenic hike through cacao trees, lend a hand in the chocolate-making process, and finish with a traditional lunch.**Optional Visit to Bird Island, Boca del Drago & Starfish Beach: Birdwatching and coastal beauty take center stage on this unforgettable adventure. Explore the northern tip of Isla Colón, beginning with Bird Island—an offshore islet and a haven for year-round birdwatching. Next, stroll through Boca del Drago for sweeping views of the Caribbean waters. Finish your tour at Starfish Beach, an idyllic spot perfect for swimming and relaxing.Please note: you can only choose one of the two optional activities.

Breakfast at the hotel. It’s time to say goodbye to Bocas del Toro. You’ll transfer to the local airport for your flight back to Panama City.* Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day in the vibrant capital. To end your trip on a high note, we recommend our optional Panamanian dinner with traditional music and dance.** Overnight stay in Panama City.*Each passenger is allowed one checked bag up to 23 kg and one piece of hand luggage up to 4 kg (without wheels).*Optional Dinner with Panamanian Show: Taste authentic Panamanian cuisine while listening to musicians play the repicadores, pujadores, and güiro — all traditional instruments. The experience is a vibrant fusion of cultural elements, from dancers dressed in Panama’s national costume, the Pollera, to finely handcrafted hats and the rhythmic beat of the drum.

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Canada. Arrive in Canada and end your trip.*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.