Get under the surface of Costa Rica and Panama with this 12-day Caribbean adventure. From San Jose to Panama City, you’ll get introduced to some of the most beautiful spots in two Central American countries, with a perfect balance of included activities and free time for your own explorations. You’ll visit the Ngabe-Bugle community on Isla Popa, learn how to make a traditional Caribbean meal, look out for wildlife on a jungle walk, visit a lock along the Panama Canal and soak in the local hotspots in areas seldom travelled. You can't go wrong with your local leader to steer you in the right direction (to the best bars and surf breaks), plus a small group of adventurers to enjoy them with.
Get a taste of Costa Rica on this 7-day, multi-location tour. Explore the real San Jose colonial city and La Fortuna downtown. Then, take an awe-inspiring journey to the Arenal Volcano where you can soak in the natural pools and may even see an eruption! Next, head to the famous "cloud forest" of Monteverde and get your heart racing on a canopy zipline! Finally, head to Tamarindo Beach for sandy relaxation and surf, swim or snorkel. The trip starts and ends in San Jose so be sure you check out the city and get a glimpse of local life.
All accommodations and transport included. Please read more in the detailed itinerary and what's included sections.
I had not been on holiday for over a decade before I embarked on this trip, so suffice to say I had high expectations! Costa Rica had been on my list ever since a colleague visited the country two years ago, and it was well worth the wait. We were fortunate enough to only have eight travellers, which meant that our guide, Jonathan, had ample time to answer all of our questions.
If you are looking for a holiday which will give you eight hours of sleep a night then this trip is not for you. We were up for breakfast before 8am every day and despite there being several optional extra activities listed on the trip notes, we didn't have time to do any of them as we were constantly on the go! I felt as though I was away for six months or more, and I enjoyed moving to a new area of the country every few days. Each hotel we stayed at had a different style suited to the area of the country we were in - rainforest lodge, spa resort, mountain hotel, ranch, beach hotel. The food was wonderful - all breakfasts are included and on the days when our lunch and/or dinner weren't included, we never felt hungry.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Rincon de la Vieja Vol
San Jose, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Playa Carrillo, Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
Tropical cloud forests alive with jungle melodies and native wildlife, vast freshwater lakes and active volcanoes, historic cities and shared moments with locals – this pocket of Central America is a slice of paradise. On this 16-day Central American journey, take in all the must-visit spots like Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. You’ll spot colourful birds and see how indigo dying works in Suchitoto, explore the World Heritage-listed ruins of Copan, stand in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano and spot sloths among the canopy of Monteverde. This adventure is perfect for those who like to experience a destination 'la forma natural' (the natural way).
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, Antigua, Granada, La F
San Jose, Antigua, Granada, La Fortuna, Leon, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Copan, Suchitoto, La Libertad, Granada
27% OFF TODAY
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Great trip but itinerary could be improved. Only one night in Saraquipi in a lovely lodge which would have been better for 2 nights. One night in Arenal would have been sufficient.
Will still use Explore in the future and recommend
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort, Eco Lodge
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Manuel Ant
San Jose, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Manuel Antonio, San Gerardo De Dota, Savegre Cloud Forest, Turrialba, Pacuare River, Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui
15% OFF TODAY
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The trip really packed in some iconic elements of Costa Rica, and lived up to its name in terms of seeing the highlights. It was great to experience the contrast of the Caribbean lowlands, rain forest and the pacific coast. And seeing the abundance of wildlife was incredible, as well as the delicious local dishes and wonderful people we me along the way.
The guide was great, really personable and had good knowledge and a keen sense to show us as much as possible, often stopping en route when he had spied interesting animals from the van.
The Manuel Antonio and the La Fortuna accommodation was great. The Authentico hotel was fine for passing through but we had paid for an additional night in San Jose, and for this purpose the hotel wasn’t in the best of locations as it was on the edge of the city with not much around in terms of restaurants so we felt a bit stuck in the hotel at the end.
Highlights of Costa Rica was an excellent trip, it packed in many sites and activities. I was a little apprehensive about the float trip but it was slow and gentle and allowed us to get a unique view from the river. The guide was excellent and pointed out lots of aniand birds. The rain and cloud forests didn't disappoint and I thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced trip.
Explore incredible worlds above and below the water through some of Central America's best on this 45-day adventure. Amble down the Yucatan Peninsula to the island paradise of Caye Caulker, then cut inland to the lush jungle around Tikal, cruise to the wide river Rio Dulce and end up among the clouds in Panajachel and Antigua. Continue to the relaxing beach vibes of the Pacific Coast of El Salvador, spot colourful birds perched on the historic facades of Suchitoto and explore the historic cities of Leon and Granada in Nicaragua. Stand in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano and spot sloths among the canopy of Monteverde, then admire the towns and steamy jungles of Costa Rice and Panama, stopping off at the stunning islands of Bocas del Toro. With plenty of moments to meet the locals and try the region’s varied cuisines, you can’t go wrong on this carefree Central American journey.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Panama City, Playa Del Carmen, R
Panama City, Playa Del Carmen, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Panajachel, Tulum, Copan, Suchitoto, La Libertad, Leon, Granada, Monteverde, La Fortuna, San Jose, Sarapiqui, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Bocas Del Toro, Caye Caulker, Boquete, Chitre, San Ignacio, Flores
18% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Discover a diverse land, rich with nature, towering volcanoes, and abundant wildlife on our cycling tour through Costa Rica. Come along for the ride to explore the lush rainforests of Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast before cycling through the ever-changing landscapes of the interior, past active volcanoes, lakes and cloud forests. Finally, unwind on the beautiful beaches of the Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast.
Cycle from coast to coast - Pedal your way through Costa Rica's diverse beauty from the Caribbean to the Pacific.
Nature and wildlife - Spot sloths, monkeys and brightly colours frogs, together with spectacular birdlife.
National Parks and volcanoes - Tick off bucket-list sites such as Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio, Arenal and Miravalles.
Get ready for a 27-day adventure through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. From oceans teeming with marine life to tropical forests alive with jungle melodies, this pocket of Central America is truly a natural paradise. You’ll explore the intricately carved structures at Copan, the cloud forests of Monteverde and spend three nights in the island paradise of Bocas del Toro. Sample varied cuisines along the way during cooking lessons with locals, giving you a real insight into the heart and soul of Central America.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Panama City, San Jose, Antigua
Panama City, San Jose, Antigua, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita National Park, Granada, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Sarapiqui, Copan, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete, Chitre, Suchitoto, El Cuco, Leon
Dive into Central America on this 48-day adventure, bookended by two chaotic capitals and filled with fun, adventure and culture. Journey through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica on an adventure through the tantalising highlights of the region. Get acquainted with Central American cultures, spectacular landscapes and fascinating histories as you explore the wealth of ancient ruins, spot the range of unusual wildlife and relax on idyllic Caribbean shores. This is one of our longest adventures through Central America – a trip that zig-zags from the top of the Yucatan peninsula to the highlands of Costa Rica.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Mexico City, San Jose, Palenque
Mexico City, San Jose, Palenque, Merida, Playa Del Carmen, Chetumal, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, Puebla, Copan, Suchitoto, El Cuco, Leon, Granada, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, La Fortuna, Oaxaca, Tehuantepec, San Cristobal De Las Casas
As mentioned previously this was an ambitious itinerary. Chris the leader made it work, so I feel very grateful to him for this. It was just brilliant to see 3 very different countries in Central America on 2 wheels on a two week trip.