Classic Costa Rica & Panama

Explore the best of Central America with a vacation package to Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio, plus the vibrant culture and history of Panama City. Adventure, nature, and city life in one unforgettable trip.


$3,730

per person, double occupancy (May 1 – October 31, 2025)

See more pricing details

All tours are shared unless specified as private. Upgrade to private tours for a more personalized and efficient experience. Inquire for upgrade price.

*Price valid until: October 31, 2025.

10 days

9 nights

Trip Overview:

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Transfer to Arenal Manoa, Arenal Volcano

Upon your arrival in San Jose, meet your driver for transfer by ground approximately 3 hours to the Arenal Volcano area. Although the volcano is currently in a resting phase, the region offers exciting opportunities.

Arrive at the Hotel Arenal Manoa, an ideal place to base yourself for adventure in Arenal. Guests enjoy unmatched views of the Arenal volcano, along with a spacious pool and on-site restaurant. The spacious gardens are perfect for walks and the on-site farm recalls the agricultural roots of the area.

Day 2

Arenal Sky Tram & Trek Canopy Zipline

Board the Sky Tram, which gives you great views of the volcano and Lake Arenal on the way up to your zipline adventure.  The Sky tram ends at a wide observation platform at the highest point of the Arenal Reserve. Here you will receive a quick safety briefing from your guides before you head off into the canopy!

The Sky Trek is an adventure above the treetops, which consists of 7 zip-lines located throughout the forest. As you fly through the canopy, admire the beauty of Lake Arenal and the impressive volcano in the background. Zip across 7 transverse cables with lengths ranging from 30 – 750 meters long and 20 – 200 meters high. At these heights, you’ll exceed the tops of the largest trees on the mountain and enjoy incredible panoramic views. Overnight Hotel Arenal Manoa.

Day 3

Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River

Enjoy the abundant wildlife and undeniable beauty surrounding the Peñas Blancas River as you cruise downstream for an unforgettable experience. Your expert naturalist guide will do the rowing, while you relax and observe the surrounding rainforest in search of monkeys, sloths, reptiles, and other local species. You’ll be hands free to take pictures of the nearby iguanas sunning themselves on the passing branches or grab your binoculars to catch a closer look of a tropical bird. Upon exiting the river, visit “The Hidalgo Family Home” and experience Costa Rican culture and with a traditional snack. Overnight Hotel Arenal Manoa.

Day 4

Transfer to Si Como No, Manuel Antonio

Transfer by ground approximately 5 hours to the Manuel Antonio / Quepos area on the Central Pacific coast.

Arrive at Hotel Si Como No for overnight. This award-winning hotel combines environmentalism and unique design in a lush, tropical rainforest overlooking the ocean. Guests enjoy two on-site restaurants, two pools, and amazing Pacific sunsets! Note: Si Como No is set on a hillside with beautiful views, so some stair climbing and mild “hiking” may be a part of your stay.

Day 5

Private Manuel Antonio National Park Hike

Costa Rica’s favorite national park is Manuel Antonio, featuring three of the country’s most beautiful white sand beaches bordered by dense rainforest and trails abundant in wildlife. Follow a naturalist guide for a moderate walk through the park to explore this diverse natural habitat, with over 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds. Bring a bathing suit and towel to enjoy the beaches after the tour. Overnight Hotel Si Como No.

Day 6

Manuel Antonio Free Day

Take the complimentary shuttle down to the beach or visit Manuel Antonio National Park (closed on Tuesdays). Add restaurant reservations, taxi services, and additional tours with the help of your hotel concierge. Overnight Hotel Si Como No.

Day 7

Transfer to Bristol Hotel, Panama City

Transfer by ground approximately 3 hours to the international airport in San Jose to check in for your flight* to Panama City, Panama.

*International flight to Panama City is not included in itinerary package.

Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer approximately 30 minutes to your hotel. Arrive at The Bristol Hotel for overnight. The Bristol is a boutique hotel with an excellent standard of luxury and attention to detail. Set in the heart of the city, minutes from shopping, cultural attractions and nightlife, The Bristol is a rare jewel where luxurious accommodations and inventive dining blend to create uncompromising quality.

Day 8

Half Day Panama City & Miraflores Locks Tour

First you will visit the “Casco Antiguo” or Old Quarter – the city built in 1673 after the “Old Panama” was looted and burned. The predominant architectural style of the Casco Antiguo is a combination of Italian, French and Spanish colonial. You will have the opportunity to visit some churches – including the famous Golden Altar which survived the plundering and destruction of pirate Morgan, and different parks and plazas while you learn about the history of the city. Next, you will visit the emblematic Panama Canal. Visiting the Miraflores Locks visitor center makes it possible to learn about the history and the daily operation of the canal. This visitor center has three main attractions: The museum, the audiovisual presentation, and the lookout point where it’s possible to observe the ships passing through each one of the chambers. Overnight Bristol Hotel.

Day 9

Full Day Embera Quera Indigenous Tour

This morning, travel to the end of the Gatun River where the Embera Quera Indigenous Community is located. Your adventure begins with a 30-minute ride through the river in a motorized canoe; during the trip is possible to enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna of the region and learn a little bit about the lifestyle of the community.

Once in the community, one of the members will explain you in detail about the culture, the food and the language of the Emberas; and will answer all the questions you may have about their way of life. Besides, a cultural presentation with traditional dances and music will allow you to interact with the group and the members of the community. A light, traditional lunch is included during the tour; usually based on the catch of the day. At the end, you will have the opportunity to shop some of the handmade crafts by the community residents. Overnight Bristol Hotel.

Day 10

Depart Panama City, Panama

Transfer to the international airport in Panama City to check in for your return flight home.

Pricing is valid through the date listed for each itinerary (all pricing is subject to change until booked and confirmed). Holiday season supplements apply for Christmas, New Years, Presidents Day, and Easter travel dates. Green season specials and/or lower rates may apply for May to November travel dates.

All itineraries are land only and international airfare is quoted separately. Itinerary adjustments may be necessary depending on your international flight schedule. For example a late arrival will usually require a night near the airport in San Jose.

Please call one of our experts at 800-827-9046 to discuss your travel details.


Book this vacation

Our private vacation packages include accommodations, in-country transportation, and day tours to make your vacation hassle-free. Due to high demand, we are not offering individual day tours at this time. All vacation packages require a 7-day minimum.

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