Costa Rica and Panama Tours & Trips

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.