Panama to Tortuguero

Individual Tour
17 DaysPanama, Costa Rica

About this tour

From Panama's vibrant capital to Costa Rica's lush rainforests, this journey takes you through Central America's most captivating landscapes. Explore historic Casco Viejo, hike through volcanic craters, and relax on pristine Caribbean beaches. Spot exotic wildlife in Tortuguero's tropical jungle and immerse yourself in the laid-back 'Pura Vida' lifestyle.

Itinerary

Panama City (PTY)

Days 1 - 3

Panama City

Panama’s cosmopolitan capital, Panama City, is the country’s vibrant economic, cultural and political hub that also serves as the gateway to its spectacular nature. Casco Viejo, the city’s historic centre, is filled with colonial-era landmarks, and by night the bustling restaurants and lively bars that line its charming streets and picturesque plazas come alive with tourists and locals alike. There are no shortage of attractions here, from a variety of museums and shops to the iconic Panama Canal.

Panama City
Casco Viejo, Panama City
Panama City

2h 12min (129km)

3h 25min (201km)

4h 24min (307km)

1h 36min (101km)

Transfer from Boquete to Bocas del Toro by Bus and Water Taxi | Shared - 5h

2h 50min

Tortuguero National Park | 3 Days (from and to Guapiles) - 2d 7h

1h 23min (65km)

San José (SJO)

Book your tour

2 Adults
Recommended

Starting from

£1,140.00

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.
  • Total crossing time: 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

Things to do in Panama

Discover our top guides

Popular Experiences

Porque NO! Italian Bistro
Restaurant

Porque NO! Italian Bistro

Porque NO! Italian Bistro stands out for its handmade dough, fresh pasta and a menu that gets straight to the point. Guests mention gnocchi with cherry tomato sauce and mussels, tender meatballs and house-made chocolate bites, alongside warm service that helps with choosing what to order.

5.0
Sassy Cafe
Café

Sassy Cafe

Sassy Cafe is a compact breakfast and brunch spot in Panama City, known for fresh, health-focused plates and carefully made coffee. The menu leans into avocado toast, açaí bowls, omelettes and smoothies, and reviewers praise the light, plant-filled decor and consistent quality. Google rating: 4.8.

4.9
La cinta Costera
Urban Park

La cinta Costera

La Cinta Costera is Panama City’s long sea promenade, built for walking and cycling between the old quarter and the modern centre. Along the way, you get open water views, small vendor stalls and pockets of planting that make it more than a straight path.

4.9
Popino Restaurante
Restaurant

Popino Restaurante

Inside the Wanders and Yoo building, Popino Restaurante serves contemporary dishes with a strong wine list and tidy details such as gyozas filled with local fruit and seafood with a clean finish. It feels like a good pick when you want polished cooking without a formal setup that gets in the way.

4.8

Need help?

Our dedicated TUI tours team is available Monday to Saturday from 09:00 AM to 17:00 PM to assist you with any kind of issue you might have. Phone: 02038303212 | Email: tours.uk@tui.com