Panama and Costa Rica

Lake Gatun is situated in the heart of the Isthmus of Panama. It was constructed between 1910-14 to make the Panama Canal possible. From the lake's shore you will board a fast panga style boat for a voyage of discovery. Navigate ancient routes that crossed the isthmus long before the lake’s creation. Huge ships can be seen transiting across the ocean, the canal is a water bridge that links the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Go past the rainforest to a scenic region of the lake and witness firsthand the splendor and excitement of the jungle. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just a few of the animals that you can view in their native surroundings.

Sail a traditional piragua canoe through the lush rainforest of Chagres National Park, rich with wildlife and tropical flora. Enjoy a guided hike to a refreshing waterfall, then visit an Emberá village. Share a traditional lunch and learn about their vibrant culture, ancestral traditions, and handmade crafts.

Representing Panama’s vibrant Caribbean culture, the Bocas Del Toro province comprises part of Panama’s mainland, as well as a chain of islands in the Caribbean Sea. In Bocas, expect to find a relatively undeveloped landscape, and a friendly, laid-back vibe. Bocas is also home to a tropical rainforest, some of the area’s indigenous cultures, like the Ngäbe and NasoTjerdi, as well as many of the country’s most popular beaches. There are three main islands in Bocas Del Toro: The main island, Isla Colon; Isla Bastimentos, which is one of the largest islands in Panama; and the small island of Isla Carenero.

Follow your Tour Director on a walking tour of the small town of Bocas, a resort located on the southern tip of Colón Island in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago in the Caribbean Sea.

Snorkel in Coral Cay, Dolphin Bay Preserve, Zapatilla Island

You will be dropped off at the border in Panama to cross customs by foot and board a new bus on the Costa Rica side. Border crossing taxes are included in your tour fee.

Escape to the Caribbean coast to explore Cahuita National Park. The park is considered one of the nicest in Costa Rica and is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife on both land and sea, and is also a nesting ground for sea turtles.

Enjoy a fun, informative introduction to the world of sloths (and maybe meet our mascot, Tico, along the way!). Visit sloth enclosures in the Learning Center before boarding a fiberglass canoe to experience the animal’s natural habitat. Learn about the rescue, rehabilitation, research and release of Costa Rican sloths at this family-run sanctuary. *Though you will see sloths up close, only sanctuary staff can handle sloths.

Arenal is famous for its volcano, an unavoidable presence while traveling within this part of the country. It is tall, imposing, perfectly symmetrical shape makes it instantly recognizable.

Harness in and soar above the jungle canopy on a thrilling zipline tour that takes you through the Costa Rican rainforest. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.

Let the volcanoes take you away. At Arenal’s hot springs, bubbling lava fields heat the waters to make nature’s own jacuzzi.

Hike through historical lava trails from the 1968 Arenal Volcano eruption that covered most of the surrounding rainforest. Enjoy impressive views of the volcano along the way.

Glide along the still waters reflecting the perfect cone of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding rolling hills. Lake Arenal, the country's largest, is also among its most scenic, and the area has become popular area to kayak, windsurf, sail, fish, and hike. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.

Costa Rica’s culture draws on African, Caribbean, and Spanish roots to create a unique and lively blend. Sit back and surround yourself with this colorful culture during an evening of fine food and fiesta. Brightly costumed locals serve up a typical Costa Rican meal of beans, rice, white cheese, fruit, and a main dish of fish, chicken, or beef, and a performance of traditional music follows.