Panama & Costa Rica Eco Adventure

Upon arrival in Panama City, Panama you will be met and driven to The Bristol Hotel for overnight. This boutique hotel maintains a standard of elite luxury and attention to detail in the heart of the busy cultural capital of Panama.

The Panama Rainforest Discovery Center is situated on the famous Pipeline Road, one of the best places in the world for birdwatching! In fact, in 1985, the Audubon Society established a record bird count, spotting 385 bird species in 24 hours. A naturalist guide will bring you Gamboa and guide you along the pipeline road. Begin at the visitor center where one can spot 13 hummingbird species. Continue on the trails looking for trogons, anteaters, Mankins, and more. Up the 40-meter tower, you can observe birds in the canopy like toucans and the blue counting. At the viewing platform by the lake, aquatic birds like least grebes, herons, snail pitches, and wattled jacanas can be seen. Other wildlife like coatis, crocodiles, butterflies, and monkeys can also be seen! Overnight at The Bristol Hotel.

This morning you will head north toward Lake Alajuela where you will take boats up the Rio Chagres through dense jungle. Once you arrive upriver, you will set out on a short hike (which can be muddy) to a waterfall within the rainforest. Enjoy a refreshing swim! Then, visit the village of the Embera Indians, one of the seven indigenous tribes of Panama. Discover, the culture, history, beliefs, and handicrafts of the tribe before enjoying a traditional lunch of fish and plantations. In the afternoon, watch a traditional Embera dance and shop for handicrafts. Overnight at The Bristol Hotel.

Today transfer to the domestic airport in Panama City for a short flight to Bocas del Toro, Panama. Bocas del Toro is a pristine set of islands in the Caribbean Sea off the Northwestern coast of Panama. Emerald islands, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, extensive coral gardens, mangrove channels and exotic wildlife make this one of Panama’s top tourist attractions. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred by boat to Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge for overnight. Punta Caracol over-water bungalows are a highlight set in paradise, with a perfect balance of the coral reef, mangrove swamp, and the serene bay.

Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge sits in a pristine part of the archipelago that remains off the beaten path for travelers. The isolation and beauty of the area make it ideal for tours. Head out on a kayak tour to explore the area around the lodge, including a variety of untouched islands. Snorkeling is another great way to explore the clear, warm coastal waters. Overnight Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge.

Relax and enjoy the beauty of the islands. Book a boat tour to see the dolphins and other marine life of the Archipelago or a motorized canoe tour to see sloths and monkeys. Overnight Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge.

Today you will depart by boat to the local airport in Bocas town for a short flight to Panama City, Panama. Upon arrival, you will take the Panama Canal and Panama City Tour. An English-speaking guide will pick you up from your hotel for a private tour of Panama City and the Miraflores Locks. After a 30 minute drive to the Locks, you'll get to see the ships being lifted and lowered. On a sheltered terrace, your guide will explain. Next up is the Museum and Visitor Center, where you'll get to learn about the construction, impact on world trade, and the current expansion project of the Miraflores Locks. Continue on to the Amador Causeway, a road connecting three islands, with stunning views of the Panama City skyline on one side and the Canal on the other. When you reach Casco Viejo, Panama City's colonial quarter, it'll be like stepping into a time machine. Enjoy the narrow roads, lovely colonial houses, and looming churches. Panama's history is everywhere in this quarter.

After your tour, you will be driven to your hotel in Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama City, the American Trade Hotel. In addition to a fantastic location, the hotel offers delicious cuisine and a world-class Jazz Club.

Upon arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica you will be picked up and driven approximately 3 hours to Tabacon Grand Spa & Thermal Resort in the Arenal Volcano / La Fortuna region. One of the highlights of the Tabacon Resort are the on-site natural volcano-fed hot springs located just across the street where a sprawling garden of thermal springs awaits you at the end of each day to enjoy.

This morning, take the Sky Aerial Tram up through the forest canopy to an observation platform where you can enjoy views of Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the Tilaran Mountain Range. Then, your Sky Trek zipline adventure begins. Enjoy a bird's' eye view unlike any other! Set off a series of 8 cross-sectional cables that together total 4.5 miles with distances ranging from 100 to 2460 feet and a maximum height of 660 feet. Overnight Tabacon Thermal Resort.

Discover the sweet smiling face of the beloved Costa Rican sloth! The Arenal area is known for its diverse wildlife, including both species of sloth that can be found in Costa Rica: the two-toed sloth and three-toed sloth. You'll have the opportunity to see other animals like the blue jean dart frog and colorful toucans. You also might encounter monkeys, iguanas, and various other bird species. While searching for wildlife, your guide will drive you around La Fortuna's most beautiful wildlife viewing areas! Overnight Tabacon Thermal Resort.

Today you will be picked up at Tabacon Thermal Resort and driven approximately 2 hours to El Silencio Lodge & Spa in the cloud forest of Bajos del Toro. Discover the 500 private acres of tropical cloud forest surrounding El Silencio Lodge amid gently flowing creeks and hidden waterfalls and experience sustainable fine dining at this Relais and Chateaux property.

Bajos del Toro Waterfall is only a 15-mute hike from the hotel. This staggering 400-foot drop opens up to a multi-colored canyon with shades of red clay and green moss blend with the surrounding vegetation. The winding trail will bring you down approximately 400 steps to the bottom of the waterfall. It's a bit of a workout on the trip back up, but the view is worth it. Overnight El Silencio Lodge & Spa.

This morning you will be picked up at El Silencio Lodge and driven approximately 1 1/2 hours to San Jose International Airport for your return flight home.