Costa Rica & Panama Combo

Day 1: Upon arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica, you will be met and transferred to Hotel Grano de Oro for overnight. Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colón, San José's main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city.  Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the 35-room hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home. The gardens at Grano de Oro are both inside and out. A rooftop terrace offers relaxing Jacuzzis and a spot for secluded sunbathing and stargazing. The restaurant is one of the most renowned in Costa Rica.

Day 2:   Pacuare River Overnight (Class III-IV rapids): You'll depart San José early in the morning, stopping for a delicious breakfast, at the Ríos Tropicales Operations Center, before arriving at the river. Once at the river friendly and professional guides will load your gear into dry bags, prepare the equipment and give you complete safety and paddle instruction. The first day's Class III rapids welcome you to the Pacuare gorge's charm as you raft deep in the heart of primary rainforest. While your guides prepare you a hearty picnic lunch on the riverbank, you'll be led through the jungle to an enchanting waterfall and pool to swim.  Before you know it, you'll arrive at the award-winning Ríos Tropicales Lodge where you can spend the afternoon relaxing, hiking or soaking in the waterfalls and pools. As an exciting new addition, you can brave the Canopy Zip lines for unparalleled views of the stunning forest.  The lodge is nestled in the jungle on a 1,000-acre private reserve and offers basic but comfortable accommodations.  Private single and double rooms are spacious offering beds with clean linens and private bathrooms with showers. Electricity is generated by a self-sufficient hydro-plant. Happy Hour will put you in the mood for a tropical evening, followed by a luscious candlelight dinner with wine served by your guides.  Then fall asleep to the roar of the river.

Day 3:   Pacuare River Rafting (Continued): After a hearty breakfast and loading the rafts, you'll prepare to paddle down the Pacuare gorge past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids. A snack stop by the riverside lets you explore more waterfalls and natural waterslides. An adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montañas and many more, will have you cheering ecstatically. Hot lunch will be served at the Ríos Tropicales Operations Center. Showers, changing rooms, cold and hot drinks and snacks are also available.  Afterwards you will be met and transferred approximately 2 and ½ hours to Almonds & Corals Lodge Tent Camp, located in the heart of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge on the Southern Caribbean Coast, for overnight. This is a secluded, rustic and unique nature lodge set beneath massive trees, located where the jungle meets the ocean. The furnished tents, inside raised wooden platforms covered by large canvas roofs, are complete with mosquito netting, lamps, fan, hammock, sofa and private bathroom. Be serenaded by frogs as you walk along raised boardwalks to the restaurant, bar and white sand beach.

Day 4 – 5:    Free days to plan day excursions or to relax on the beach.  A prime option to consider would be a guided walking tour of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. This trail - that penetrates the jungle - is teeming with monkeys, parrots, sloth and snakes. Other optional activities include kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, snorkeling and diving, and tours into Cahuita and Puerto Vargas National as well as the Indian ranch of Volio. Overnight Almonds & Corals Lodge Tent Camp.

Day 6:  This morning transfer 1 hour to the border of Panama, where you will visit customs to check out of Costa Rica.  You will walk across the bridge to enter Panama and meet your new driver before departing for a scenic 2 hour drive across the low flood plains of the Sixaola and Changinola river valleys.  This area collects the watershed from the massive Talamanca mountain range, which extends through both countries.  It is an important wetland for many species of tropical flora and fauna and includes habitats such as rivers, humid lowland forest, mangroves, coastal lagoons and other marine coastal environments.     Arrive at La Escapada Lodge where you will be met for a 45 minute boat ride to Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge for overnight.    Tranquilo Bay is a magical place tucked into a stunning Panamanian rain forest in the province of Bocas del Toro — an archipelago (a group of islands formed by volcanoes) that includes two national parks.  The handcrafted cabanas will become your secluded paradise retreat and the perfect place to soak up the natural tropical landscapes and wildlife that can only be found in this one-of-a-kind destination.  As a deluxe adventure lodge, Tranquilo Bay offers unparalleled personal service and seclusion.  The lodge offers six comfortable and pleasantly appointed cabanas unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.  Each is tastefully decorated with art, fine linens and beautiful furnishings hand-made exclusively for Tranquilo Bay by local artisans in native hardwoods.   The rest of the day is free to relax. 

Day 7 – 8:   2 Full Day Guided Excursions:    Tranquilo Bay is fortunate to have an incredible number of excursions for the outdoor enthusiast.  Each day pick one of the following activities:  jungle hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, bird watching, beach trips to deserted islands and surfing.  Overnight Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge. 

Day 9:  This morning will be free to explore the trails at Tranquilo Bay or to take out a kayak.  Afternoon boat and ground transfer to the local airport in Bocas del Toro for a short and scenic flight to Panama City.  Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Hotel DeVille, located in an exclusive address in the financial heart of Panama City, for overnight.   This boutique hotel has been designed to meet the needs of the recreational or business traveler who demands much more than the traditional hotel room. Our rooms (exclusively Suites) afford generous extra space, including all the appointments of a small residence.   The rest of the evening will be free to explore the city or get in some last minute shopping. 

Day 10:   Morning transfer to the international airport in Panama City for your return flight home. 

Includes: 

• One way San Jose international airport transfer. 
• 1 night Hotel Grano de Oro, standard room. 
• Pacuare River Rafting Overnight Tour.  Includes:  transfers, guide, equipment, all meals and 1 night lodging in the Ríos Tropicales Lodge (room with private bathroom). 
• One way private ground transfer Siquirres / Puerto Viejo. 
• 3 nights Almonds & Corals, suite with Jacuzzi.  Includes: breakfast & dinner daily and one way ground transfer to Sixaola (Panama border). 
• 3 nights package Tranquillo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge.  Includes:  roundtrip boat & ground transfers, 3 nights lodging in cabana, all meals and your choice of 2 full day excursions.  
• One-way domestic flight Bocas del Toro / Panama City.  *MAX 25 lbs luggage per person to avoid excess luggage fees. 
• One way Panama City domestic airport transfer. 
• 1 night Hotel DeVille, suite.  Includes breakfast. 
• One way Panama City international airport transfer. 
• ALL HOTEL TAX INCLUDED. 

Price valid through October 31, 2009