Costa Rica and Panama Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(8,985 reviews)- Choose from 23 Costa Rica and Panama tours
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The best Costa Rica and Panama tour packages
Compiled by
NadineCosta Rica and Panama travel expert at TourRadar
- Cycle Nicaragua to the Panama Canal
- Costa Rica & Panama Discovery (including Sarapiquí)
- Panama City to San Jose Travel Pass
- San Jose to Panama City Travel Pass
- Costa Rica to Panama: Surf, Treks & Starry Skies
- Panama: Craters, Coasts & Highland Mountains
- Panama & Costa Rica: Between palm trees and volcanoes
- Best of Panama
- Costa Rica, Panama from the Pacific to the Atlantic via the Panama Canal
- Coastal Adventures: Costa Rica & Panama
Cycle Nicaragua to the Panama Canal
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“It was just brilliant to see 3 very different countries in Central America on 2 wheels on a two week trip.”
Hilary, traveled in January
The route stretches from Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano to Panama's iconic canal, covering 35-46km daily. Cyclists wind through Turrialba's lush valleys, rest in Bocas del Toro's island paradise, and ride Panama City's coastal path. Premium accommodation in Panama City and guided tours of Miraflores locks await.
Duration 14 days Destinations Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From $8,040
6% Off- NZ$7,580You save $460
Costa Rica & Panama Discovery (including Sarapiquí)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I saw more animals and nature on this tour than the most of the Central America tour! If you're into an adventure and love nature and unique animals this is your tour!”
Miguel, traveled in May
Rich cultural heritage unfolds over 12 days, from San Jose's Gold Museum to Panama City's Miraflores Locks. Visitors traverse Sarapiqui's rainforest, cook with locals in Puerto Viejo, and swim in Bocas del Toro's archipelago. The tour includes coffee plantations in Boquete and mask-making lessons in Chitre.
Duration 12 days Destinations San Jose, Sarapiquí, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete, Panama City Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,150
20% Off- NZ$2,520You save $630
Panama City and San Jose connect through island life in San Blas archipelago and wildlife watching in Tortuguero National Park. Local culture thrives at Panama's Central Market, with 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners included. Beach relaxation meets rainforest adventure in perfect harmony.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Blas Islands, Panama City, Tortuguero National Park, San Jose, Tortuguero Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
20% Off- NZ$2,600
A week-long adventure links Costa Rica and Panama's highlights for approx. $130 per day. San Jose's Bites & Sights opens the tour, followed by Puerto Viejo's Caribbean culture and Bocas del Toro's shores. Two nights in traditional cabins on San Blas Islands round out the trip, with guided tours and local meals.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo, Toro Amarillo, Panama City, San Blas Islands Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
20% Off- NZ$1,472
Duration 13 days Destinations San José, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cocles, Panama City, Boquete, Valle de Antón Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From
20% Off- NZ$1,959
Duration 18 days Destinations San José, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cocles, Manzanillo, Boquete, Barú Volcano National Park, Valle de Antón, San Blas Islands, Guna Yala, Panama City Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From
20% Off- NZ$3,359
Ships pass through Panama Canal's Pedro Miguel locks before a flight to Bocas del Toro for Caribbean island hopping and snorkeling at Coral Cay. Trails wind through Cahuita National Park's coast, Sarapiqui's rainforests, ending at Arenal Volcano with canopy walks up to 60m high at Montana de Fuego Resort.
Duration 10 days Destinations Panama City, Bocas Del Toro, Cahuita, Sarapiquí, La Fortuna, San Jose Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DERTOUR From
20% Off- NZ$3,780
Panama's treasures unfold over 13 days, from Panama Canal's Miraflores locks to Boquete's coffee plantations at 1,200m altitude. Best Western Plus Panama Zen serves as base for UNESCO-listed Casco Antiguo visits, before Costa Rica's Cordillera de Talamanca and tropical Bocas del Toro.
Duration 13 days Destinations Panama City, Gamboa, Las Tablas, Boquete, Toro Amarillo, Cordillera de Talamanca, Almirante Age Range Ages 8+ Operator DERTOUR From
20% Off- NZ$5,005
Duration 13 days Destinations San Jose, Limon, Bocas Del Toro, Panama City, Pearl Islands, Darién National Park, Cébaco Island, Golfito, Quepos, Caldera Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $38,593
50% Off- NZ$19,263You save $19,330
Duration 8 days Destinations Caldera, Tortuga Island, Quepos, Golfito, Cébaco Island, Darién National Park, Pearl Islands, Panama City Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $24,324
50% Off- NZ$12,154You save $12,171
What our customers ask about Costa Rica and Panama Tours & Trips
What are the best times of year to visit Costa Rica and Panama?
The dry season from December to April provides optimal conditions for exploring Costa Rica and Panama's natural wonders. Visitors to Manuel Antonio National Park and Monteverde Cloud Forest will find clear skies and minimal rainfall making outdoor activities more accessible. The Caribbean coast including Bocas del Toro and Puerto Viejo sees its best conditions during September-October with calm waters that are perfect for snorkeling. Properties like Hotel Park Eden in El Valle and La Casa de la Abuela in Boquete welcome guests throughout the year offering reliable access to local attractions regardless of season.
What wildlife can I expect to see in Costa Rica and Panama?
The national parks and reserves across both countries showcase remarkable wildlife. Monteverde Cloud Forest houses more than 400 bird species including quetzals and toucans. Manuel Antonio National Park teams with three monkey species sloths and coatis. One TourRadar traveler noted: "We saw sloths monkeys raccoons and a great variety of birds in Cahuita National Park - it was like being in a nature documentary!" Marine life enthusiasts staying at places like Divers Paradise can observe sea turtles tropical fish and dolphins in Bocas del Toro's waters.
What are the accommodation options like in Costa Rica and Panama?
Travelers find a range of places to stay from eco-lodges to modern hotels. Costa Rica features properties like the Arenal Vida Campesina lodge near the volcano and beachfront accommodations in Manuel Antonio. Panama's offerings include Swan's Cay Hotel in Bocas del Toro and La Casa de la Abuela in Boquete. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The mix of accommodation was perfect - from jungle lodges in Monteverde to beachfront hotels in Puerto Viejo each place had its own charm." Local stays at Hotel Park Eden in El Valle and Finca Buena Vista in Las Lajas blend authentic experiences with comfortable amenities.
What unique activities can I experience in Costa Rica and Panama?
These destinations offer distinctive adventures for every type of traveler. Costa Rica's activities include zip-lining in Monteverde relaxing in La Fortuna's hot springs and hiking Arenal Volcano. Panama presents opportunities to sail the Panama Canal snorkel at Starfish Beach in Bocas del Toro and visit indigenous Emberá villages. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The night walk in Monteverde's cloud forest and cooking with a local family in Puerto Viejo were unforgettable experiences." Standard tours typically include coffee plantation visits wildlife viewing and cultural activities.
How is the food scene in Costa Rica and Panama?
Local cuisine in both countries centers on fresh seafood tropical fruits and traditional cooking. Costa Rican menus feature gallo pinto (rice and beans) while Panama specializes in ceviche and patacones (fried plantains). Puerto Viejo offers Caribbean-influenced dishes and Panama City blends modern and traditional dining. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The traditional Caribbean dinner we had with a local family in Puerto Viejo was a highlight - the coconut-flavored dishes and fresh seafood were amazing!" Hotels such as Tryp by Wyndham Panama Centro serve quality local cuisine.
What's the best way to get around Costa Rica and Panama?
Travel options combine private shuttles public buses and domestic flights. Costa Rica's shuttle network connects major spots like Manuel Antonio to Monteverde while Panama offers flights from Panama City to Bocas del Toro. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The mix of transport worked well - comfortable private vans for longer journeys and local boats for reaching places like Bocas del Toro." Tour operators like DERTOUR typically handle all transportation including ground transport and domestic flights in their packages.