Panama & Costa Rica




About this tour
From Panama's vibrant capital to Costa Rica's cloud forests and Caribbean shores, this journey takes you through two countries bursting with natural wonders. Explore volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches and lush rainforests. Experience the laid back Caribbean vibe in Bocas del Toro and Puerto Viejo, discover wildlife in Tortuguero's canals, and unwind in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano.
Itinerary
2h 12min (129km)
Days 3 - 4
El Valle
3h 24min (201km)
Days 4 - 5
Pedasi
4h 25min (307km)
Days 5 - 6
Boca Chica
1h 36min (101km)
Days 6 - 8
Boquete
Day 8
Transfer from Boquete to Bocas del Toro by Bus and Water Taxi | Shared
Day 8
The Bus Journey (Boquete to Almirante)
Day 8
Transfer and Water Taxi
Day 8
Arrival in Bocas del Toro
Transfer from Boquete to Bocas del Toro by Bus and Water Taxi | Shared - 5h
Days 8 - 10
Bocas del Toro
Days 10 - 12
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
2h 50min
Day 12
Guapiles
Days 12 - 14
Tortuguero National Park | 3 Days (from and to Guapiles)
Day 12
Guapiles - Tortuguero (approx. 60km)
Day 13
Tortuguero
Day 14
Tortuguero - Guapiles (approx. 60km)
Tortuguero National Park | 3 Days (from and to Guapiles) - 2d 7h
Day 14
Guapiles
1h 56min (119km)
Days 14 - 16
La Fortuna
3h 8min (149km)
Days 16 - 17
Monteverde
2h 45min (134km)
Days 17 - 19
Rincón de la Vieja
2h 28min (106km)
Days 19 - 21
Tamarindo
4h 24min (258km)
Days 21 - 22
San José (Costa Rica)
Book your tour
Starting from
£2,379.00
Important Information: Border crossing from Panama into Costa Rica
When crossing from Panama (Guabito) into Costa Rica (Sixaola), please note:
Transportation:
- You are not allowed to drive a rental car across the border. You return your rental car at Boquete, Panama. Detailed information regarding the exact location and time of the rental car drop-off will be provided upon arrival at the destination.
- From Boquete to Bocas del Toro, you have a shared shuttle and boat transfer.
- Upon departure from Bocas Town, you will travel by shared transfer to the border town of Sixaola. After completing border formalities, you continue to the coastal town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by shared bus transfer.
Documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date with at least one blank page.
- Proof of onward travel (flight or bus ticket) may be requested at Costa Rican immigration.
- Proof of sufficient funds (around USD 100 per month of stay) may be requested.
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from certain high-risk countries.
Fees (in USD, small bills only):
- Panama has a USD 4 per person exit fee.
- Costa Rica does not charge an entry fee.
Border process & timing:
- Clear Panama immigration, pay exit fees, and get passport stamped.
- Walk across the bridge to Costa Rica
- Clear Costa Rican immigration, present passport and onward travel details if requested.
- Your new shuttle from the border to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca will be waiting for you on the Costa Rican side.
- typically 30–60 minutes, but can take up to 2 hours during busy periods.
Money & currency:
- Use small USD bills; larger notes are often refused and no change is given.
- Exchange any excess Panamanian balboa (PAB) before leaving Panama
- El Valle de Antón - Accommodation is located in the nearby beach area, around one hour by road. From here, El Valle de Antón can be visited independently, with sightseeing options including its volcanic crater landscape, waterfalls, hiking trails, and artisan markets.
Additional Information
- For self-drive travel in Panama & Costa Rica, we recommend booking an SUV (higher-clearance vehicle), as access to some natural and rural areas may involve unpaved or rough roads.
Important Information: Transportation in Costa Rica
- Private bus transfer from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to Guápiles.
- From Guápiles to Tortuguero and return, travel is by shared boat transfer.
- On the return to Guápiles, a stop is made for lunch, which also serves as the meeting point to collect your rental car.
- You will continue the remainder of your journey in Costa Rica by rental car.















































