Classic Costa Rica and Panama

Explore a breath-taking variety of landscapes, micro-climates, biodiversity and cultures from active volcanoes to rich cloud forest reserves. See the extraordinary engineering feat of the Canal, the natural wonders of pristine rainforest and stretches of unspoilt and uncrowded sandy beaches.

Day 1 - London/Panama City
Fly to Panama City, arriving early evening. Stay at The Canal House in the heart of Casco Viejo, Panama's historic quarter, adjacent to the newly restored Panama Canal Museum.

Day 2 - Panama Canal
Trace Panama's history at the Canal Museum and head to Miraflores to watch huge vessels passing through.

Day 3 - Panama City
Journey by train through the jungle to Colón and explore the ruins of the ancient colonial port of Portobelo. Take a short boat ride on the Rio Piedra and travel by dugout canoe to visit an Embera Indian community, one of seven indigenous tribes. Meet the community chief who will teach you about their traditions, culture and beliefs. 

Day 4 - Panama City/San José
Fly from Panama City across to San Jose where you will stay at the Grano de Oro. This afternoon you may choose to explore some of the finest tropical gardens or discover exhibits of pre-Colombian gold at a nearby museum. 

Day 5 - San José/Osa Peninsula
Depart San Jose for your flight to Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula. Here is a wealth of wildlife and vistas within one of the most biologically intense places on earth. Stay at the beautiful Lapa Rios in a private 1,000 acre reserve overlooking the point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean. 

Days 6 and 7 - Osa Peninsula
Choose from tours to discover the flora and fauna of this rainforest environment - perhaps a guided walk venturing into the nearby Corcovado National Park or the magic of the rainforest at night to see nocturnal mammals and their habitats by flashlight. Even from your balcony you will be able to enjoy this fascinating natural paradise. 

Day 8 - Osa Peninsula/Arenal
Take a return flight from Puerto Jimenez to San José, followed by a drive through the lush highlands of central Costa Rica to La Fortuna in the shadow of the spectacular Arenal volcano.

Day 9 - Arenal
Free day to discover some amazing landscapes today or perhaps take an optional tour along the Skyway Tram leading up to one of the highest points of the Arenal Reserve or be adventurous and try the Sky trek, suspended above the forest canopy.

Day 10 - Arenal/Nicoya Peninsula
Take a short private charter flight today from Arenal across to the coast to Punta Islita, a spectacular stretch of coastline on the isolated Nicoya Peninsula. This peninsula is separated from the mainland by the Gulf of Nicoya and noted for its incredible ecotourism. Stay at the beautiful hilltop Hotel Punta Islita overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 

Days 11 and 12 - Nicoya Peninsula
Explore this vast expanse of coastline with its beaches, small charming villages and many walking trails. Surfing is popular here and there are many other activities available from your coastal retreat.

Day 13 - Nicoya Peninsula/London
Fly from the domestic airstrip at Punta Islita to overnight in San Jose. Day 14 San José/London Transfer to the airport for your flights via Miami to London Heathrow.

At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. As a guide, this 14 day suggested journey in Costa Rica & Panama will cost from £3,995 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.