Panama to Tortuguero
Important Information: Border crossing from Panama into Costa Rica
When crossing from Panama (Guabito) into Costa Rica (Sixaola), please note:
- 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.
- 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.
- Panama has a USD 4 per person exit fee.
- Costa Rica does not charge an entry fee.
- 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.
- 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
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
2h 12min (129km)
Days 3 - 5
El Valle
3h 25min (201km)
Days 5 - 6
Pedasi
4h 24min (307km)
Days 6 - 7
Boca Chica
1h 36min (101km)
Days 7 - 10
Boquete
Day 10
The Bus Journey (Boquete to Almirante)
Day 10
Transfer and Water Taxi
Day 10
Arrival in Bocas del Toro
Transfer from Boquete to Bocas del Toro by Bus and Water Taxi | Shared - 5h
Days 10 - 12
Bocas del Toro
Days 12 - 14
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
2h 50min
Day 14
Guapiles
Days 14 - 16
Tortuguero National Park | 3 Days (from and to Guapiles)
Day 14
Guapiles - Tortuguero (approx. 60km)
Day 15
Tortuguero
Day 16
Tortuguero - Guapiles (approx. 60km)
Tortuguero National Park | 3 Days (from and to Guapiles) - 2d 7h
Day 16
Guapiles
1h 23min (65km)
Days 16 - 17
San José (Costa Rica)
Book your tour
Starting from
£1,819.00