Panama and Costa Rica Trip
Tropical surprises and hidden paradises
Panama and Costa Rica are perhaps the best-known countries in Central America. Both countries have their own unique charm. Panama, known primarily for its world-famous canal, is a melting pot of cultures and offers travellers a dynamic mix of modern cities, unspoilt nature and idyllic beaches. Costa Rica, on the other hand, is renowned for its ecotourism and the country’s commitment to nature conservation. It boasts an abundance of national parks, volcanoes and fascinating biodiversity. Both countries offer you a special experience, each with its own distinctive charm. Whether you’re exploring the hustle and bustle of Panama City, discovering the beautiful beaches or marvelling at the beauty of Costa Rica’s tropical (rain)forests and rich wildlife, these countries guarantee a memorable travel experience.
"Carefree booking, carefree enjoyment. That's the assurance of Sapa Pana Travel. "
27-day luxury trip of Panama & Costa Rica
- Wander through the streets of Casco Antiguo, the old quarter of Panama City
- Immerse yourself in the Caribbean atmosphere in Bocas del Toro
- Learn all about turtles, butterflies and frogs in the wildlife paradise of Tortuguero
- Explore the fairytale cloud forest of Monteverde
- Feel like Robinson Crusoe for a moment in the rainforests on the island of Isla Palenque
from €12,525 per person
In Panama, modernity, nature and culture come together. The bustling city of Panama is modern and boasts a futuristic skyline, but Casco Viejo, the historic district brimming with colonial charm, reveals a different side to the city. You can also visit one of the greatest engineering masterpieces in world history, the iconic Panama Canal. Nature lovers can visit the Parque Nacional Soberanía. Enjoy the cool mountain air in Boquete, where coffee plantations and volcanic views await. Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Islas de las Perlas, with their crystal-clear waters and serene beaches. White sandy beaches combined with culture can be found in the San Blas Archipelago. In the Bocas del Toro region, you’ll find not only beautiful beaches but also lush nature reserves. For a unique experience, visit the Coiba Islands, an unspoilt paradise for divers and nature lovers, boasting a rich underwater world and rare wildlife. Panama enchants with its unique blend of culture, history, nature and beautiful beaches.
Costa Rica is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers, boasting a rich and varied biodiversity and offering excellent chances of spotting wildlife! Explore the majestic Arenal volcano and enjoy a relaxing moment in the hot springs of La Fortuna. Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the Costa Rican cloud forest that is (almost) always shrouded in a mysterious mist. The coastlines are a dream: from the golden beaches and surfing paradises of Guanacaste to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, with its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches. Marvel at the abundant flora and fauna in Tortuguero National Park, famous for its turtles and mangroves. Manuel Antonio National Park also boasts a rich variety of wildlife, allowing you to experience animals up close. For an authentic nature experience, visit the unspoilt Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Costa Rica is also an excellent destination for whale watching! Costa Rica’s eco-friendly approach offers an authentic experience across a varied landscape. The mix of adventure, relaxation and unspoilt nature makes it a fantastic destination.
At Sapa Pana Travel, we have visited both Panama and Costa Rica on numerous occasions, sometimes with a rental car and sometimes without. We know the most beautiful routes, unique places and ‘must-see’ destinations. We round off your unique trip of Panama and Costa Rica by arranging for you to stay in special, comfortable accommodation in exceptional locations.
Best time to travel on a trip of Panama & Costa Rica
Panama and Costa Rica are great places to visit all year round. As the countries are close to the equator, it is almost always warm there and there are only two seasons. In our opinion, each season has something special to offer, and there is no particular time of year when we would strongly advise against travelling.
In short, the following applies to Panama:
- The dry season runs from January to April;
- The rainy season is from May to December, however, don't be deterred from travelling during the rainy season as showers are usually limited to the afternoon only.
- Temperatures fluctuate between 25 and 30 degrees all year round.
In short, the following applies to Costa Rica:
- The dry season runs from November to April;
- The rainy season runs from May to October, but don’t let that put you off travelling during this time, as the showers are usually limited to the afternoon.
- Temperatures range between 25 and 35 degrees all year round.
More about the best time to visit Panama
More about the best time to visit Costa Rica
Unique accommodation in Panama & Costa Rica
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Bocas Bali
The Bocas Bali Hotel in Bocas del Toro is a tranquil place to stay, offering luxury villas, breathtaking views and fantastic service. The turquoise waters and beautiful, lush natural surroundings make this a tropical paradise. Perfect for ultimate relaxation and adventurous explorations.
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Pacuare Lodge
Rafting down the Pacuare River, you’ll reach this unique lodge set amidst a mountainous landscape overgrown with rainforest. During your stay, you can go kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling, birdwatching or hiking. This accommodation comes highly recommended if you want to spend your days actively exploring nature and your evenings enjoying lovely surroundings with a high standard of comfort, whilst being treated to culinary delights and a fine glass of wine. Petra visited the Pacuare Lodge and wrote a blog post about it.
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Kura Boutique Hotel
This luxury boutique hotel, situated on a jungle-covered hill just outside Uvita, is a unique place. The villas are spacious and designed in a very tasteful, modern style. All the villas have a large balcony and some even have their own plunge pool. The staff at Kura Design Suites really go out of their way to pamper you. Johan visited Kura Boutique Hotel in late 2018 and wrote a blog post about it.
More information
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More information Panama
More information Panama
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More information on Costa Rica
More information on Costa Rica
Blogs - Would you like to find out more about the options for a trip of Panama & Costa Rica? Be inspired by our blog posts
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National parks in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for its many protected national parks with a wealth of biodiversity and stunning landscapes. We have listed the most beautiful national parks for you.
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Bird paradise Costa Rica
For true bird lovers, Costa Rica is a veritable paradise, with diverse ecosystems and over 900 species of birds, including toucans, hummingbirds and the rare quetzal.
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Roundtrip Central America
Central America has plenty for everyone to discover. Curious about the possibilities for a round trip through this continent? I will tell you everything you need to know for an unforgettable trip.
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La Fortuna: the adventure heart of Costa Rica
La Fortuna invites you to discover new things and enjoy nature to the full. Wondering what this special area has to offer? Read on quickly and discover why La Fortuna should definitely be on your travel-list!
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What to do in Santa Teresa?
Tucked away on the Nicoya Peninsula lies the charming coastal village of Santa Teresa, where the jungle blends seamlessly into vast beaches.
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Navigate Costa Rica by 4x4
Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a 4x4 vehicle, as the tyres find their way over the winding dirt roads of Costa Rica. You drive through dense tropical rainforest, passing active volcanoes.
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La Fortuna: the capital for adventure
This village is also known locally as the capital for adventure activities. Thus, a day full of adventure was also scheduled for me. Namely, I was going to go on a spectacular canyoneering and rafting trip!
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The 5 best active accommodations in Latin America
Latin America is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers. Read on to find out which five places deserve the top five when it comes to the perfect accommodations for active travellers in Latin America
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The hiking cities of Latin America
Have you always wondered, "Where should I go hiking in Latin America?" Then you will finally find the long-awaited answer here, as we have the top destinations with a wide range of beautiful hiking routes and landscapes.
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Costa Rica by land, air and water
Welcome to Costa Rica, the ultimate adventure paradise! This beautiful country offers a wealth of exciting activities on land, in the air and in the water.
Fancy organising your own trip of Panama and/or Costa Rica?
Our aim is to create an unforgettable travel experience for you, as a true travel enthusiast, on every trip. As specialists in Latin America, we’d be delighted to advise you on a luxury trip of Panama and/or Costa Rica. If you’d like, we can tell you more about a trip with or without a rental car. Please feel free to browse our website for further information and the options available.
Do you have questions about Your Unique Journey or would you like a tailor-made travel proposal? Then simply contact us and we will be happy to inform you about the possibilities. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl.