San Jose Trip Overview
Enjoy the exotic virgin canals in the tropical forest of Tortuguero, walk through the ancient lava flows of the majestic Arenal Volcano, learn about the Afro-Caribbean cultural and gastronomic richness, and discover the Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama and its paradisiacal islands with crystal clear waters.
Additional Info
Duration: 13 days
Starts: San Jose, Costa Rica
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> Nature & Wildlife
Explore San Jose Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting San Jose, Province of San Jose, Costa Rica
Enjoy the exotic virgin canals in the tropical forest of Tortuguero, walk through the ancient lava flows of the majestic Arenal Volcano, learn about the Afro-Caribbean cultural and gastronomic richness, and discover the Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama and its paradisiacal islands with crystal clear waters.
Itinerary
Day 1: SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA (20 MINUTES APPROX.) 16.9 KMS
Stop At: San Jose, San Jose, San Jose Metro, Province of San Jose
Welcome to San Jose, Costa Rica.
Reception at the Juan Santamaría airport and transfer to a hotel in San José.
The capital of San José is located in the middle of the Central Valley and in the center of the country, considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. The city is located at a strategic point near the main tourist attractions such as: historic buildings, museums, theaters, craft markets, beautiful parks, shopping centers and offers a varied gastronomic offer.
Duration: 10 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Superior Category: Crowne Plaza Corobici
Day 2: SAN JOSÉ – ARENAL VOLCANO (3.5 HOURS APPROX.) 135 KMS
Stop At: Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Province of Alajuela
In the morning transfer to the Northern Plains where the impressive and conical Arenal Volcano awaits you, one of the natural wonders of the country due to its majesty. Today there are no lava eruptions, but you can still see the smoke and ash being spewed out of the top of the volcano. This region is an exquisite destination for its attractive landscape, its hot springs and Lake Arenal. Along the route you will be able to appreciate agricultural plantations, ornamental plants and cattle farms.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Superior Category: Arenal Springs
Day 3: ARENAL VOLCANO
Stop At: Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Province of Alajuela
Departure in the morning to make the walk inside the Arenal Volcano National Park, where it will take you through vegetation and changing terrain of the ancient lava rivers called las coladas.
Later, hike to Rio Fortuna Waterfall, located in a biological reserve of pre-montane transitional humid tropical forest that is part of the Arenal Volcano National Park. The path has 530 steps, with comfortable rest areas. Finally you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the Fortuna River followed by lunch.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Superior Category: Arenal Springs
Day 4: ARENAL VOLCANO – TORTUGUERO (5 HOURS APPROX.) 174 KMS
Stop At: Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Costa Rica
Departure in the morning until you reach the Guápiles area where you can enjoy an exquisite breakfast. On the way, you will pass through banana plantations until you reach the jetty where you will board your boat. From here, the journey will continue by boat crossing rivers and canals, approximately an hour and a half until arriving at the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, guided visit to the picturesque town of Tortuguero. Dinner included in lodge.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Superior Category: Pachira Group
Day 5: TORTUGUERO
Stop At: Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Costa Rica
Guided walk in the morning on the lodge’s private trails. Free time to enjoy the facilities before lunch. In the afternoon, boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero National Park is one of the wild areas with the greatest biological diversity, famous for being the habitat of seven species of turtles, surrounded by tropical forests and exuberant fauna. We also recommend the turtle nesting night tour.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Superior Category: Pachira Group
Day 6: TORTUGUERO – PUERTO VIEJO DE LIMÓN (6 HOURS APPROX.) 201 KMS
Stop At: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Province of Limon
Mid-morning departure through the canals to take land transportation, after disembarking at the pier where we will once again make a stop in the Guápiles area. After lunch, you will continue on a regular transfer to the South Caribbean, Puerto Viejo de Limón.
The Caribbean area is identified by its cultural richness full of Afro-descendant and indigenous nuances that finally form a unique mix in the country.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Top Category: Namuwoki
Day 7: PUERTO VIEJO DE LIMÓN
Stop At: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Province of Limon
In the morning visit a rescue home for injured, sick or orphaned animals where they are offered 24-hour care, as they would not otherwise be able to survive in the rainforest.
Free afternoon to enjoy the beautiful beaches, covered with tropical vegetation and allow the mixture of adventure activities and history that is definitely complemented by culture, gastronomy and music. The coral reefs, multicolored sand beaches, coastal vegetation and medium height forests stand out.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Top Category: Namuwoki
Day 8: PUERTO VIEJO DE LIMÓN – BOCAS DEL TORO (3 HOURS) 82 KMS
Stop At: Bocas del Toro Province, Bocas del Toro Province
Transfer to Sixaola where you will carry out the immigration formalities to cross the border with Panama and later you will be transferred to Almirante. In Almirante, you will board a boat that will take you to Bocas del Toro.
This island located in the archipelago of Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean Sea, has coral reefs, multicultural diversity and a natural beauty with exotic species of flora and fauna. It is made up of several islands and some keys.
Accommodation at the hotel of your choice.
Duration: 10 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Superior Category: Tortuga Beach
Day 9: BULL’S MOUTHS
Stop At: Bocas del Toro Province, Bocas del Toro Province
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure by boat through the emerald water to Dolphin Bay to greet the numerous dolphins that inhabit the area. Then continue traveling to Cayo Coral where the characteristic local architecture with thatched roofs and wooden piers connecting the different cabins make Cayo Coral an impressive place. Later, you will visit the beautiful beach with incredible white sand scenarios called Playa Rana Roja, surrounded by extensive rain forest. Enjoy a snack on tour.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Superior Category: Tortuga Beach
Day 10: BULL’S MOUTHS
Stop At: Bocas del Toro Province, Bocas del Toro Province
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure by boat to visit the picturesque and beautiful beach of Bocas del Drago located on the opposite side of Isla Colón, approximately 14-17 km away, ideal for snorkeling when sea conditions allow it. Then you will visit a magical place where dozens of giant starfish are concentrated in Playa La Estrella, where nature will surprise you and you will live a unique experience. You will also have free time to enjoy its crystal clear waters. Enjoy a snack on tour.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Superior Category: Tortuga Beach
Day 11: BOCAS DEL TORO – PANAMA CITY
Stop At: Panama City, Panama City, Panama Province
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the Isla Colón airport to board a local flight to Panama City. Arrival at the Panama airport and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free to go shopping and explore the city on your own.
Panama is a multicultural city full of contrasts, being an eclectic and fun destination. It is the main cultural and economic center of the country and offers a high cultural and gastronomic offer, being one of the cities with the best quality of life.
Accommodation at the hotel of your choice.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Superior Category: The Panama
Day 12: CITY OF PANAMA
Stop At: Panama City, Panama City, Panama Province
Breakfast at the hotel.
This day will begin your excursion with a panoramic tour of the modern city, continuing to the Canal Administration Building, followed by the Miraflores Locks with its Visitor Center. On the way back to the city, you will make a stop at the Amador Causeway and visit a handicraft center. Finally, you will cross part of the Old Town on foot, passing through Plaza Herrera, Church of San Jose (Altar de Oro), El Arco Chato, Plaza Bolívar, the Cathedral, the Post Office Building.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Superior Category: The Panama
Day 13: PANAMA CITY (40 MINUTES APPROX.) 20 KMS
Stop At: Tocumen International Airport, Av. Domingo Díaz, Panamá, Panama
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Tocumen International Airport, remember to be at the air terminal at least 3 hours before your departure flight.
Happy return trip, we hope to have you visit again.
Duration: 10 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
