Central America Tours

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Trip Overview

A full-on Central American journey for the traveller who wants to see and do it all. Visit the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park, zip line in the cloud forest of Monteverde, soak in the hot springs near Arenal Volcano, and enjoy coastal Samara and Bocas del Toro. This vibrant region welcomes visitors with active options in stunning scenery and no stone is left unturned in this comprehensive exploration of Costa Rica and Panama.

Optional Activities (paid locally)

• Mountain biking US$25-$35
• Horseback riding US$15-$75
• Surfing lessons US$45
• Pacuare River rafting (seasonal) US$55-$100
• Snorkelling US$35-$60
• Boca del Drago tour US$40-$80
• Sea kayaking US$40-$60
• Canopy zipline tour US$60
• Selvatura hanging bridges US$65
• Bastimentos Marine Park boat trip US$50
• Parque Aventura Canyoning/Rappelling US$25-$65

Tour Notes

From 1st April 2012 this tour will be 20 days in duration and will be operating with an alternative itinerary Please see the top of the itinerary tab for more information.

Our Costa Rica tours are open aged departures jointly operated by TrekAmerica and Grand American Adventures.

Jungle Lodge Packages

Want even more adventure? Book one our 3 day jungle lodge packages after your tour, from US$349. Contact us for more information or click here to view more >

Volunteer Packages

With active volcanoes, beautiful beaches and pristine rain forests, you're sure to take away a wealth of incredible experiences from any of our Costa Rican adventures, but you now have opportunity to give something back by adding one of the following volunteering experiences to the end of your tour.

> Volunteer Building Homes for Families
> Volunteer Conservation & Surf
> Volunteer Turtle Conservation

Private Group Departures

Why not arrange your own Grand American Adventures departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer private departures on any of our published itineraries enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our style of travel at special rates. Although tours will run as per our standard itinerary shown here, slight modifications may be considered and dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions). So contact us today and start planning your own adventure.

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Trip Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

As this tour departs at 0730 we recommend that you book pre-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel. Please request at the time of booking.

Itinerary update

The itinerary and duration of this tour will be changing from 1st April 2012. Click here to view the new itinerary >

Day 1: San Jose - Esparza

Start the adventure with a walk at Carara National Park, then continue to Esparza for a truly unique experience, the Survivor Adventure workshop through the jungle. to get the adrenalin flowing, as your team competes for victory! There will also be time for optional activities at Parque Aventura.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 2-3: Monteverde National Park

Next up, Monteverde! Home to incredible biodiversity (and some fun nightlife), there will be plenty of time to explore the famous cloud forest with many species of insects, amphibians and mammals that live in the trees. For some extra adrenaline, try the zip-line tour among the cloud-drenched canopies and across open ravines!
Accommodation: Lodge with breakfast included. Other meals paid locally.

Day 4-5: Arenal Volcano National Park

From the forest to one of the most active volcanoes in the hemisphere, Arenal Volcano will blow you away. You can hike, or horse ride to hidden waterfalls before relaxing in the natural hot springs! Watch the night skies for a chance to see the volcano's natural pyrotechnics!
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 6-7: Rincon de la Vieja

From Arenal, we travel northwest to the undiscovered Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja, with its boiling mud pots emanating from beneath the exotic foliage on the forest floor. Here we will explore the park, with a guided full-day trek through the enchanting lowland forest and up to the barren lunar landscape that marks the rim of a smoking cauldron. It is a challenging hike, but well worth the effort!
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 8-9: Samara

Heading south, we arrive at the beautiful Pacific Ocean and Samara beach. In Samara, the soft sound of gentle waves is a perennial backdrop to your adventure. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy Costa Rica's beautiful coastline. Horse ride, snorkel, sea kayak, learn to surf or swim in the warm, clear Pacific Ocean.
Accommodation: Lodge with breakfast included. Other meals paid locally.

Day 10: San Jose

Return to San Jose, the capital city and cultural hotspot of Costa Rica!
Accommodation: Lodge with breakfast included. Other meals paid locally.

Day 11-12: Turrialba

Leaving San Jose, we continue to Turrialba to set up camp, where you are free to explore some incredible waterfalls and hikes along the Reventazon River. There will also be opportunity to white water raft on the Pacuare River or trek in this natural playground.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 13: Caribbean Wildlife Refuge

The next day finds us travelling south towards Panama and its enchanting archipelago, Bocas del Toro, but first we will spend an evening at the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Reserve. Gandoca Manzanillo is home to tropical rainforest and champagne-coloured sandy beaches that are dotted with coconut and palm trees. Its pristine coral reef, year-round warm weather and lack of crowds will be sure to impress. Swim or snorkel in the refreshing Caribbean sea, bask in the sun or watch for 'congos' (howler monkeys) in the nearby trees.
Accommodation: Hotel included. Meals paid locally.

Day 14-15: Bocas del Toro, Panama

With an early morning departure, we cross the border into Panama and take a scenic boat transfer to Bocas del Toro via, where you will savour the area's natural beauty. During the day, opt for a boating excursion to Bastimentos Marine Park and snorkel among the rare coral reef and a myriad of brightly coloured fish or just relax, fish or kayak. In the evenings, sip rum cocktails and dance with the locals to the unique rhythms of Panama's Caribbean islands... perfect for perfecting your salsa moves!
Accommodation: Lodge/cabins included. Meals paid locally.

Day 16-17: Cahuita

Crossing the border via boat back into Costa Rica we stop in Cahuita/Puerto Viejo. Explore the marine park that bears its name with some of the most beautiful palm trees and white sandy beaches in the country. There will be plenty of time to walk or bike to nearby waterfalls or enjoy the day on the beach.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 18: San Isidro de El General

Travelling across the Talamanca mountain range, we arrive at San Isidro de El General in time to explore the local markets and the Costa Rican nightlife. The temperature is cooler here and you will appreciate the fresh mountain air.
Accommodation: Hotel included. Meals paid locally.

Day 19-20: Manuel Antonio National Park

Our last days have us in one of the most famous beach areas in all of Central America, Manuel Antonio. From the national park's beaches and tropical forests to the delicious seafood, salsa clubs and beach bars of the town, what better way to end your 11 day romp in Costa Rica and Panama than by body-surfing Manuel Antonio's perfectly curled waves and perfecting your sun tan!
Accommodation: Hotel included. Meals paid locally.

Day 21: Manuel Antonio National Park to San Jose

We return to San Jose at the end of an incredible tour.

This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.

Book Online

You can easily book your trip online using our secure booking engine. You only need to pay a 10% deposit or (whichever is greatest) with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of Britsh Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe & protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card. If you prefer to book by telephone, please contact our sales office and speak to one our friendly travel consultants.

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