Best of Costa Rica & Panama

Drift along Tortuguero’s peaceful canals to spot vibrant wildlife in Costa Rica’s rainforest
Wander Casco Antiguo’s colonial streets to uncover Panama City’s early history and atmospheric plazas
Cruise Gatun Lake beside towering cargo ships while watching for monkeys, sloths and tropical birdlife
Explore Bocas del Toro’s turquoise waters, from Dolphin Bay to Coral Cay and the wild Zapatilla Islands
Unwind on Panama’s Caribbean coast, savouring white-sand beaches, calm seas, and lush island scenery

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,285 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,285 Reviews

Trip Features

Active Elements

Includes light adventure or movement for added discovery.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Active Elements

Includes light adventure or movement for added discovery.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Wildlife Encounters

Offers chances to observe animals responsibly in their natural habitats.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive in San Jose

DAY

San Jose to Tortuguero

DAY

Exploring Tortuguero

DAY

Exploring Tortuguero

DAY

Tortuguero to San Jose

DAY

San Jose to Panama (flight not included)

DAY

Walking Tour of Casco Antiguo

DAY

Marvels of the Panama Canal

DAY

Panama City to Bocas del Toro (flight not included)

DAY

Boat tour of Dolphin Bay, Coral Key & Zapatilla Island

DAY

Day at Leisure in Bocas del Toro

DAY

Depart from Panama City

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in San Jose

Transfer

San Jose Juan Santamaria Airport to San Jose

Your Accommodation

D Sabana Hotel San Jose

Situated within walking distance of downtown, the D Sabana Hotel, Costa Rica is an ideal choice for leisure travelers. Take a stroll along the scenic lake at La Sabana Park, less than a mile from the hotel. If you're planning an evening on the town, you can head just three blocks north to Paseo Colón, home to trendy restaurants and a vibrant nightlife scene. After a day exploring the capital city, unwind in rooms and suites with free WiFi and a LCD TV with HD channels. You can get refreshed each morning beneath the rain shower before brewing a fresh cup of coffee with the in-room coffeemaker. If you need extra space, upgrade to a suite with a separate living room.

Duration

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Buffet Breakfast

Show on Map

DAY

San Jose to Tortuguero

Multi Day Tour

San Jose to Tortuguero National Park

Pick up in the San Jose Metropolitan Area at the hotel. Breakfast at Rio Danta's restaurant located in Guapiles. After breakfast, continue to Cano Blanco dock, passing banana plantations along the way. Arrive and check in to your hotel in the early afternoon. After lunch, visit Tortuguero Town and the Caribbean Conservation Corporation's visitor center and turtle museum (about 2 hours). Return to Manatus Hotel for dinner with the remainder of your evening at leisure.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Manatus Hotel

The finest accommodations surrounded by the natural beauty of Tortuguero. You deserve to elevate your vacation experience to the next level. Manutus VIP Hotel offers you a unique combination in the area: the comfort and luxury of our rooms and facilities, a delicious restaurant with an international and gourmet cuisine offering Caribbean fusion.

Show on Map

DAY

Exploring Tortuguero

Multi Day Tour

Tortuguero National Park

After breakfast at the hotel restaurant, tour one of the canals of Tortuguero National Park. Following the tour, return to the hotel for lunch. Return to the canals in the afternoon to enjoy all nature has to offer. Return to the lodge for dinner and your evening at leisure.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Manatus Hotel

Show on Map

DAY

Exploring Tortuguero

Multi Day Tour

Tortuguero National Park

Your day is at leisure in Tortuguero to enjoy your accommodation facilities and explore the surroundings.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Manatus Hotel

Show on Map

DAY

Tortuguero to San Jose

Your Accommodation

D Sabana Hotel San Jose

Duration

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Buffet Breakfast

Multi Day Tour

Depart Tortuguero National Park

After breakfast, you will depart for Cano Blanco to board your bus transfer back from the canals. Stop en route for lunch at Tropical Restaurant in Guapiles, and then continue on to San Jose or connect with a transfer to your next destination.

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

Show on Map

DAY

San Jose to Panama (flight not included)

Transfer

San Jose to San Jose Juan Santamaria Airport

Transfer

Panama City Tocumen International Airport to Panama City - Old Town

Your Accommodation

American Trade Hotel

The American Trade Hotel and Hall is a boutique luxury hotel and events space combining old world elegance with clean, current design. It's located in the most desirable area in Panama City: Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering the best sight-seeing, dining, nightlife, destination weddings, corporate and social events, all combined with an authentic Panamanian cultural experience.

Duration

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

Show on Map

DAY

Walking Tour of Casco Antiguo

Day Tour

Casco Antiguo Walking Tour

During this half-day walking tour, which you can begin either in the morning or early afternoon, your private guide will take you to explore Panama City’s historic center, Casco Antiguo, which dates back to the late 1600's and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Step back in time as you walk through the district, surrounded by colonial houses, narrow avenues and impressive churches. Focusing on Panama’s early history, your guide will delve into the backstory of both the city and country as you explore its many sites of interest, such as The Flat Arch, the Cathedral, Las Bovedas and the French Plaza. After exploring historic Casca Antiguo, you will be returned to your hotel.

DAY

Marvels of the Panama Canal

Day Tour

Panama Canal Wildlife Experience + VIP Visit to Miraflores Locks

Experience the Panama Canal and its lush surroundings from a unique perspective on a privately guided boat tour introducing you to the biodiverse ecosystem of this part of the Isthmus. After an early morning pick-up from your hotel lobby, along with your naturalist guide in tow, you will head to the town of Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal. Here you will board a boat and start a jungle expedition across Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal. Pass by the giant cargo ships transiting the waterway and notice the sharp contrast they cast against the natural tropical surroundings. Along the way, watch out for the plethora of resident wildlife, including three toed sloths resting on tree branches, ospreys hunting for peacock basses, snail kites, keel-billed toucans, and many others. Your boat tour will circle several rainforest-clad islands on Gatun Lake in search for a variety of primates, such as the white-faced capuchin and mantled howler monkey. Your day continues as you visit Panama Canal’s Miraflores Locks where large ships transit the canal. Learn about the history of the Canal, marvel at the workings of this feat of human engineering and break for a tasty lunch. The tour then continues to the Panama Canal area, stopping by the town of Balboa, a former part of the Panama Canal Zone, and ends in the afternoon with a private transfer back to your hotel.

DAY

Panama City to Bocas del Toro (flight not included)

Transfer

Panama City - Old Town to Panama City Albrook Marcos A Gelabert Intl Airport

Your Accommodation

La Coralina Island House

Sitting on an entire bay and one of Bocas del Toro’s finest white sand beaches, La Coralina Island House offers the idyllic island escape of days gone by. To a soundtrack of whispering coconut palms and the sigh of the turquoise Caribbean Sea, our house provides spectacular views, seclusion, and the balance of indoor/outdoor living with exceptional private villas and rooms, magical gardens, world class restaurants and bars, and a holistic wellness spa. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Panama's first National Marine Park, Bocas del Toro has become one of Panama's most visited eco-tourism destinations. Considered the Galapagos of the Caribbean, the archipelago of Bocas del Toro is also one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth.

Duration

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan

Full Breakfast

Show on Map

DAY

Boat tour of Dolphin Bay, Coral Key & Zapatilla Island

Day Tour

Shared Boat Tour to Dolphin Bay, Coral Key, and Zapatilla Island

Naturally, the best things to do in Bocas del Toro include being in, around, and on the water. On this shared tour you will have the opportunity to see many of the beautiful beaches and reefs of Bocas del Toro in one day. You will start by boat, heading directly to Dolphin Bay. This quiet bay is located about 15-20 minutes from the main island, Isla Colon. The abundance of fish and crustaceans in these waters make Dolphin Bay the perfect place for their habitat within the archipelago. If you are lucky, you may observe these friendly dolphins jump, swim and play in pairs and groups of five to six. Around noon the boat heads towards Coral Cay, a nice area for snorkeling. As you float weightlessly surrounded in the turquoise sea, witness hundreds of reef fish go about their daily business. This is also the place where you can delight in exquisite Caribbean dishes, offered by a panoramic restaurant on the sea. The menu varies depending on the day's catch, and is to be paid for locally (lunch not included). After lunch, you'll visit one of the islands of the famous Zapatilla Keys, named after their shoe-like shape. These two islands are within the Bastimentos Island Marine National Park, and are surrounded by a coral reef teeming with marine life. The islands are covered with mangroves and fine white sand and palm trees. Enjoy this unique paradise, walk along the shore, relax in the shade of a palm tree or explore the rich coral reef. If you choose to do the latter, the current can get a bit strong at times, so be careful as you approach the reef.

DAY

Day at Leisure in Bocas del Toro

Enjoy the day as you wish. If you would like to arrange an activity, excursion, or other experience, please contact your Goway Destination Specialist.

DAY

Depart from Panama City

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Casco Antiguo, Panama

White-Faced Capuchin', Tortuguero National Park

Miraflores Locks, Panama Canal

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

Panama CityFrequent Showers

32°C / 90°F

105mm / 4.2"

San JoseLight Rain

28°C / 82°F

93mm / 3.7"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,285 Reviews

Verified

Absolutely incredible trip! From beginning to end! All accommodations were excellent. If you want to experience Safaris this trip will fulfill all your expectations! A special thanks to our driver we had for our entire trip Evans! He made our trip over the top! The Hot air balloon ride in the Masai Mara is a must…it’s breathtaking!Pam Seitz

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I have worked with Goway several times in the past two years and every single trip has been unforgettable. Specifically, our travel advisor, Maria, has helped us book phenomenal trips to Thailand, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, and most recently, Iceland. Maria is so wonderful and easy to talk to, but what really stands out is her ability to get to know her clients so she can plan trips that perfectly align with our interests and desires. I cannot recommend her strongly enough! Her expertise, hard-work, and dedication towards each trip has given myself, my family, and friends memories to last a lifetime! Kayla Covello

Verified

Jamil made our 40th birthday trip to Portugal so so very amazing and special! Great service, fabulous hotels, and wonderful day trips! Lane Strickland

Verified

Katie was great, planned everything we needed, was great with changes and trip schedule conflicts. Fantastic working with her.CT

Verified

I have been booking with GoWay for more than 2 years and feel so fortunate to have the best Travel Advisor, Maria Spitman, making our vacations unforgettable. I can’t say enough about Maria… she is personable, efficient, detail-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable about her specialty destinations. We have booked many trips with her, including Thailand, Spain, Portugal, Sicily, Iceland, and our most recent trip in Greece. Maria has not only curated nuanced itineraries, but has done so combining her vast knowledge of each region with our interests and needs being met perfectly. With that, it is evident that Maria learns about her clients to create vacation packages that far exceed expectations. I won’t book with anyone else! GoWay has a gem that is irreplaceable! I highly recommend seeking Maria out for all your destination needs. Darleen

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Goway has been amazing to work with. Farooq was my agent through Goway and she communicated promptly, planned a great international trip for my clients and was always organized. The trip was flawless to Rome and Malta from beginning to end!Kim Kamelesky

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Lisa Dachuk was incredible on organizing my trip. She took the time to know what I wanted and created an experience I will forever be grateful for having.Louise Helie Masters

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Lori Mezzomo and the team at Goway Travel are fantastic! Lori helped plan a 3-week Australia trip for our family of 5. Our teenage boys enjoyed exploring Sydney, Uluru, Cairns and the Gold Coast. Highlights included a Sydney Harbour Bridge walk, sunrise hike around Uluru, snorkeling with turtles on the Great Barrier Reef, and surfing on the gold coast. Lori did a fantastic job of creating an itinerary that was engaging for our teenage boys and relaxing for the parents... not an easy task! We miss Australia and would gladly book again with Lori Mezzomo and Goway Travel.Blair

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Swati was fantastic! She worked with us to create the perfect Greece trip, and handled all the details to make it a worry-free experience.Jtv

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Michael at Goway Travel was great to work with. We were planning a pre-trip with him prior to a group tour. He worked with us to hit the special places we wanted to visit and things we wanted to do. The accommodations arranged exceeded our expectations. Local guides were all amazing. This was the third trip we booked through Goway, and we will definitely book with them again in the future David Picka

Our Commitment

Why Travel with Goway?

Personalized Trips

Every vacation with Goway is tailored to your exact travel needs. Our vacations are as unique as you are.

Elevated Experiences

Travel experiences with up to 5-star accommodations and private guided tours that offers an intimate and exclusive way to see the world.

Authentic Experts

Work with our Destination Specialists who are true experts, having lived, worked, or traveled extensively in the destinations we offer.

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Enjoy great value on vacations to over 115 destinations on all seven continents. Explore the whole world in the way and style you choose.

What do the experts say?

Virginia Dameno

Destination Specialist

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Costa Rica is not just all about the beaches. There is so much more to discover, including volcanoes, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife.

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Virginia Dameno

Destination Specialist

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Costa Rica is also globally admired for its environmental values. The country’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices is deeply ingrained in its DNA.

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Kajal Gadhia

Destination Specialist

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If your main interest is beach time, December to April offers the best weather. However do not discount visiting during the Green Season in September, which reveals a different side of the country, full of wildlife and vibrant scenery.

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