Costa Rica and Panama Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(8,456 reviews)- Choose from 18 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
- Panama City to San Jose Travel Pass
- San Jose to Panama City Travel Pass
- Cloud forest, volcanoes and Panama Canal
- Costa Rica-Panama round Trip - 12 Days Along the Caribbean
- Discover Costa Rica and Panama in a Relaxed Way
- Between the oceans
- Best of Panama
- Panama & Costa Rica: Between palm trees and volcanoes
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 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From
- NZ$7,690
Costa Rica & Panama Discovery
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 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,030
25% Off- NZ$2,272You save $758
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
25% Off- NZ$2,551
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
25% Off- NZ$1,445
Natural beauty and cultural gems unite Costa Rica and Panama. Wildlife enthusiasts spot sloths in Cahuita National Park, cruise through Tortuguero's canals, and snorkel at Bocas del Toro's Coral Cay. The finale features Panama City's historic quarter and a full Panama Canal crossing.
Duration 15 days Destinations Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator Miller Reisen From
25% Off- NZ$10,195
Duration 12 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Sixaola, Bocas Del Toro, Panama City Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator Oasis Travel From
25% Off- NZ$9,346
Sixteen days reveal Costa Rica and Panama's highlights, from Monteverde's cloud forests to Panama City's historic sites. Charming hotels and lodges host visitors near Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, and Bocas del Toro's beaches. German-speaking guide and 14 breakfasts included.
Duration 16 days Destinations San José, Monteverde, Santa Elena, La Fortuna, Arenal, Sarapiquí, Tortuguero, Guapiles, Puerto Viejo, Bocas Del ToroSee all destinations Operated in Only: German Operator Gebeco From
25% Off- NZ$9,527
Panama City's historic Casco Antiguo district opens the tour before massive ships pass at Miraflores locks. Costa Rica's diverse landscapes unfold from Manuel Antonio's wildlife-rich beaches to Monteverde's cloud forest canopy walks. Traditional coffee farming at Finca La Bella and natural thermal springs near Rincón de la Vieja volcano complete the experience.
Duration 13 days Destinations Panama City, Embera Village, San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator Miller Reisen From
25% Off- NZ$5,770
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 8 to 99 year olds Operator DERTOUR From
25% Off- NZ$5,171
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 up to 99 year olds Operator DERTOUR From
25% Off- NZ$3,660
What people love about Costa Rica And Panama Tours
- Costa Rica & Panama Discovery (including Colon)
amazing experience. great locations. accommodation in santa catalina ould be better, but overall, much recommended. would suggest spending mo time n the Carribean side, instead of the Pacific.
- Costa Rica & Panama Discovery (including Colon)
The pros: The guide, Jonnathan, was very knowledgeable and flexible so we all could do any activity. Jonna was very nice and very easy to work with. The cons: This tour should be fully guided, not partially guided so the whole group stays together. I have never seen a group so divided, Partially guided tours create cliques. Also, days should start earlier than 8:50am. Starting the day at 8:50am means that travelers often arrive to their destination tool late to do any activity - it's just a waste of time.
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.