Panama & Costa Rica Express
Highlights of Panama City & Costa Rica: combine independent exploration with visits to the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo, plus San José and Arenal; optional extension to Playa Hermosa
© Tourism Panama
| Style | Independent Package Freedom to explore at your own pace; unescorted | ||
| Departures | January – December 2027 | ||
| Themes | Active, Nature & Wildlife, City Stays | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | This is a moderately paced, independent package. Excursions with local tour guides include a reasonable amount of walking and require an average level of physical fitness. While in Costa Rica, the Hanging Bridges Tour in Arenal is approximately 1.9 miles in length and requires a higher level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the experience. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations that may be winding and bumpy at times. Transfers in Costa Rica are operated via shared shuttle services and may include multiple stops along the route, with limited rest breaks. This tour does not include a tour guide or escort. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
Check prices & book now
Get updates about this package
Discover Panama City and Costa Rica on a journey that pairs dynamic city life with natural landscapes. Begin in Panama’s capital, where modern architecture meets historic streets, and visit the world-famous Panama Canal and Casco Viejo while enjoying time for independent exploration. Continue to Costa Rica, a country known for its remarkable biodiversity, where rainforest, volcanoes, and wildlife create a striking backdrop. Stay in San José before heading to Arenal, home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and enjoy opportunities to explore or join optional excursions. Enhance your journey with a post-tour extension to Playa Hermosa, where you can unwind along the Pacific coast.
Package includes
- Flights
- Transfers
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from Miami (MIA) on scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 8 nights in first class and deluxe accommodations
- 8 Meals: 8 breakfasts
- Panama City tour including the Miraflores Locks
- Hanging bridges walk in Arenal, Costa Rica
- Professional, English-speaking guides
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other select cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Optional visit to Embera Indigenous Community
- Optional Agrotourism experience in Capira
- Optional Playa Hermosa post-tour Extension
- Want to extend your stay before the tour starts or after the tour ends? Request details when making your reservation.
Why you'll love it
- Watch ships transit the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks.
- Explore the UNESCO-listed old quarter of Casco Viejo.
- Spend time independently discovering Panama City at your own pace, or join optional excursions.
- Walk among the treetops on a hanging bridges tour in Arenal.
- Wander through Arenal independently or join optional excursions, such as horseback riding to La Fortuna Waterfall, kayaking on Lake Arenal, embarking on a canopy tour, ziplining, and more.
- End your adventure with an optional post-tour extension to Playa Hermosa.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA/Arrive Panama
- 2 Panama City
- 3 Panama City
- Optional Excursion: Embera Indigenous Community, $230
- 4 Panama City
- Optional Excursion: Agrotourism Experience in Capira, $230
- 5 Panama City & San José, Costa Rica
- 6 San José & Arenal
- 7 Arenal
- 8 Arenal
- 9 Depart Arenal/Arrive USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA/Arrive Panama
- Arrive in Panama City, the gateway to Central and South America
- Enjoy leisure time to explore the city’s waterfront and local cuisine
Best Western Plus Panama Zen or similar
Day 2 Panama City
- Visit the Miraflores Locks and watch ships transit the Panama Canal
- Explore Casco Viejo’s cobblestone streets, plazas, and colonial architecture
- Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure
Best Western Plus Panama Zen or similarBreakfast
Day 3 Panama City
- Enjoy a full-day at leisure to explore Panama independently, or join an optional visit to the Embera community
Best Western Plus Panama Zen or similarBreakfast
Day 4 Panama City
- Enjoy a full-day at leisure for independent sightseeing or relaxation, or join an optional day trip to the Capira region
Best Western Plus Panama Zen or similarBreakfast
Day 5 Panama City & San José, Costa Rica
- After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to San José, Costa Rica
- Arrive at your hotel and spend the evening at leisure
Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí or similarBreakfast
Day 6 San José & Arenal
- Transfer to the Arenal region
- Spend the balance of the day at leisure
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa or similarBreakfast
Day 7 Arenal
- Walk among the treetops on a hanging bridges tour
- Spend the balance of the day at leisure or join an optional excursion
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa or similarBreakfast
Day 8 Arenal
- Enjoy a full day at leisure or join an exciting optional excursion
Arenal Kioro Suites & SpaBreakfast
Day 9 Depart Arenal/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport in Liberia (about 4 hours) for your return flight to the USA
Breakfast
Playa Hermosa Post-tour Extension
Take advantage of your already-included international airfare to unwind in Playa Hermosa, where golden sands and ocean views offer the perfect post-tour escape. You’ll return to the USA 2 days after the listed return date.
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 9 Arenal & Playa Hermosa
- Transfer to Playa Hermosa
- Spend the balance of the day at leisure
Hotel Bosque del Mar or similarBreakfast
Day 10 Playa Hermosa
- Spend a full day at leisure or join an optional excursion
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel
Hotel Bosque del Mar or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 11 Depart Liberia/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport in Liberia for your return flight to the USA
Breakfast
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Reviews & Photos
We love hearing your stories and seeing your photos! Here are some moments other travelers captured on this package. Or check out our entire fan photo gallery.
No reviews yet! Check back soon to see what our travelers are saying.
Traveled with us, but haven't received an invitation to review your trip? Contact us at reviews@friendlyplanet.com.
Trip Details
- What should I know before I go?We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print?Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Costa Rica?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Panama?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
Other Packages
The capital San José, spectacular Arenal and its volcano, 2 relaxing days in Playa Hermosa; travel on your own with flights & hotel included. Optional pre-tour to Tortuguero.
From
$2349W/ Flights
From
$1799Tour Only
Days
Discover the highlights of Panama City: a journey that combines independent exploration with guided visits of the Panama Canal & the historic charm of Casco Viejo; optional extension to Santa Clara
From
$1149W/ Flights
From
$749Tour Only
Days
