Crossing Central America: Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama

Managua

Day 1: Touchdown in Central America

Welcome to Central America. Your travels begin in Nicaragua where you’ll be welcomed at Managua International Airport. Your driver will be waiting for you for your private transfer to your hotel in Managua.

Managua - Granada

Day 2: Discover the colonial treasures of Nicaragua

After breakfast at your hotel, spend the morning exploring the capital of Nicaragua, Managua. Perhaps visiting the National Museum, strolling the historic centre and admiring the cathedral.

Later, you’ll take a one-hour drive to the lovely city of Granada. Founded in 1524, this is one of the oldest cities in the Americas and a real colonial gem. Check in at your hotel, then wander through the historic streets soaking up Granada’s unique atmosphere. Stroll cobbled streets, visit the central market and stop for refreshments in shady plazas and buzzy cafes.

Granada

Day 3: A rainforest & volcano hike

Head out of the city to the Mombacho Volcano for a self-guided hike. Shared transport is included and a 4x4 ride to the trailhead. The park is composed of four volcanic craters and peaks reaching 1,345 meters.

The trails take you through the only rainforest on the Pacific Coast of Central America where nearly 150 species of orchids, 50 types of mammals and 120 species of butterflies have been identified. You can also visit a museum telling the story of the volcano’s explosive history.

This is a 1.5-hour self-guided hike of medium difficulty taking you to an altitude of 1000m. The afternoon is free for you to choose your own activity or relax at the Laguna de Apoyo lake.

Granada - San Juan Del Sur

Day 4: Journey to the Pacific Coast

Depart from Granada and enjoy a two-hour scenic drive to the Pacific Coast. Arrive at San Juan del Sur, a laidback beach town popular with Nicaraguans and surfers from around the world.

Check in at your hotel then spend the afternoon relaxing and getting to know the town. From here you can explore the wild beaches of the Pacific coast, tuck into delicious seafood and end your day with a sunset drink looking out over the beautiful bay.

San Juan Del Sur - Peñas Blancas - Rincón De La Vieja

Day 5: Geothermal activities in Costa Rica

In the morning, you're free to relax in San Juan del Sur. Perhaps take a stroll on the beach, try a surfing lesson, or take a swim.

Later, pick up your rental car and set off on a one-hour drive to the Costa Rican border at Peñas Blancas. After crossing, you head south to Rincon de la Vieja (about a two-hour drive) and check in at your hotel.

Rincon de la Vieja and its volcano make up one of the most active geothermal areas of Costa Rica. Here you can soak in thermal hot springs with views of a smoking volcano in the distance. Enjoy a unique 2–3-hour hot springs and mud bath experience before returning to your hotel fully relaxed.

Rincón De La Vieja

Day 6: National parks & canopy ziplining

Today, explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park, following its trails and discovering incredible wildlife. At the heart of the park stands the massive volcano of the same name, the origin of the region’s geothermal activity. Along the way, you could spot capuchins, howler and spider monkeys, anteaters, sloths, over 300 species of birds and any number of exquisite orchids.

Your hotel will pack you a boxed picnic lunch then in the afternoon embark on an exciting treetop ziplining experience. Glide over the canopy observing birds and monkeys in their natural habitat on this two-hour canopy ride.

Rincón De La Vieja - Arenal Volcano

Day 7: Hiking through Arenal National Park

This morning, hit the road again for a four-hour drive from Rincon de la Vieja to Arenal, via Liberia. You’ll be heading for the region of La Fortuna and the majestic Arenal volcano. In the afternoon stretch your legs on a half-day trek through Arenal National Park.

Experience the rainforest from above on dramatic hanging bridges giving you a bird’s eye view of the canopy. During the 3km trail, you will cross 15 bridges all offering breathtaking views of the lush tropical vegetation and the volcano. It's around a two-hour hike and you’ll be accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.

Arenal Volcano - Puerto Viejo De Sarapiqui - Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

Day 8: Road trip to the Caribbean Coast

Set off on the next phase of your road trip from Arenal to Sarapiqui (around 2 hours). Upon arrival, take a cultural tour near the village of Horquetas with Maria, a farmer who grows palmitos (Palm Hearts).

Visit the plantation, taste the raw palm hearts and then tuck into a typical lunch in the local restaurant (featuring palmitos, of course). From there it’s another two-hour drive from Sarapiqui to the Caribbean coast.

On the way, you could make a stop in Limón, the capital of the province. By late afternoon, arrive in Cahuita, a colorful village between the mountains and sea, and check into your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing massage in the hotel spa followed by dinner.

Puerto Viejo De Talamanca - Cahuita National Park - Puerto Viejo De Talamanca

Day 9: Enjoy Caribbean dreams

Enjoy a full day of hiking, swimming, and snorkeling in the Cahuita National Park. Explore rainforest trails with your local guide and swim over one of the largest coral reefs in Costa Rica. At lunchtime, tuck into a delicious meal of fresh local flavors.

Cook up a storm in an Afro-Caribbean cuisine cooking class - the ideal way to discover Costa Rica’s Caribbean culture differently.

Puerto Viejo De Talamanca - Bocas Del Toro

Day 10: Journey into Panama

Today you’ll drop off your rental car and transfer by shuttle bus from Puerto Viejo to Almirante in Panama. Cross the border into Panama, then continue to the port where you will take a boat to the Bocas del Toro archipelago.

The shuttle bus journey will take around 2 hours, not including the border crossing (time for border crossing paperwork varies). The boat journey to the islands takes around 45 minutes. Check-in at your island hotel and relax after the journey.

Bocas Del Toro

Day 11: Island hopping & wine tasting

After breakfast, set off on a full-day guided group excursion by boat. Spot dolphins playing in the water, then continue into a small mangrove to see sloths in their natural habitat. Continue to Cayo Coral to snorkel across the teeming coral gardens spotting all types of colourful marine life.

Next, we set foot on dry land on the beautiful Zapatilla Island, part of the Bastimentos Marine National Park. The island is home to sea turtles who come here to lay their eggs. Finally, after all the activities of the day, sit down for a wine tasting and snacks with an expert local sommelier.

Bocas Del Toro - Panama City

Day 12: Fly to the capital of Panama City

Climb aboard for an internal flight from Bocas del Toro to the bright lights of Panama City (approximate flying time 1 hour). Your driver will welcome you on arrival for a private transfer to your hotel in the city. Settle in then head out to explore the neighborhood.

Panama City - Bayano Lake - Panama City

Day 13: Explore Bayano Lake & Madugandi Caves

After breakfast, set off on a day trip to discover Bayano Lake and the amazing Madugandi Caves. This guided group excursion introduces you to the region's wildlife and the striking geological formations of the area’s limestone caves.

Be ready to see bats and discover mini waterfalls before arriving at a crystalline natural pool. The day continues with a kayaking excursion on the river to Monkey Ranch, where you can tuck into a delicious lunch.

Panama City

Day 14: A guided tour of Panama City

Today, you'll take a private tour of Panama City and its surroundings accompanied by an English-speaking guide. The first stop is Panama La Vieja, then Cerro Ancón for sky-high views and a wildlife walk.

Then it’s back down into the city streets to Casco Antiguo, an interesting bohemian neighborhood. Take a walk in the narrow lanes leading to the Plaza de Francia. Discover Art-Deco architecture, and the cathedral and visit the Panama Canal Museum. After a day of exploring, enjoy your last evening in the capital.

Panama City

Day 15: Farewell to Central America

It's time to say goodbye to Central America. Check out and take a private transfer to the airport with plenty of time for your flight home.