2-Week Costa Rica and Panama Tour Packages
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5 best Costa Rica And Panama 14 Days tour packages
Compiled by
NadineCosta Rica and Panama travel expert at TourRadar
14 Day Central America Itinerary, incl. Granada and Panama City
The route winds through Costa Rica and Panama's varied terrains, featuring cycling days averaging 25-30 miles, strategic rest days, and carefully planned overnight stays.
- Days 1-2
Granada, Nicaragua
Arrive in the colonial city of Granada. Use your first afternoon to explore the cobblestone streets and get fitted for your bike. On Day 2 take an easy 11km warm-up ride along Lake Nicaragua. A recent visitor shared: "Get to the lake early for the sunrise – the water is mirror-calm and the volcanos make an incredible backdrop."
- Days 3-4
Ometepe Island
A one-hour ferry takes you to this twin-volcano island. You'll cycle 33-46km with Concepcion volcano in view. The next day offers optional rides around Maderas Volcano. Important note: Pack extra water since the tropical heat is strong and refill spots are limited.
- Days 5-7
Arenal Region, Costa Rica
After crossing into Costa Rica (border process takes 2-3 hours) you'll head to Arenal. On Day 6 tackle a challenging 46km ride around Lake Arenal. Start early to beat afternoon heat and storms. Spend a free day in La Fortuna exploring hot springs or rainforest walks. The hanging bridges offer great wildlife spotting but can be slippery when wet.
- Days 8-9
Caribbean Coast
Cycle through the Orosi Valley before reaching the Caribbean. The 38km coastal ride to Punta Uva includes dirt roads so wider tires work best. Cross into Panama and take a boat to Bocas del Toro islands.
- Days 10-11
Bocas del Toro & Highland Crossing
Take a full day to enjoy the Caribbean islands with options for snorkeling and boat trips. Next you'll climb over the Continental Divide to Fortuna Lake at 1,070m. The descent offers amazing views but pack layers since temperatures change quickly.
- Days 12-14
Panama City
Bike through rural Panama into the capital. Visit Miraflores Lock before 9am to watch ships navigate the Panama Canal. Finish with an easy 7km coastal path ride overlooking the city. Your final evening is best spent in the historic Panama Vieja area.
12 Day Costa Rica & Panama Itinerary, incl. San Jose and Panama City
This carefully crafted 12-day itinerary spans 6 cities across both countries. The extended stays in Bocas del Toro archipelago (3 nights) and Boquete highlands (2 nights) provide rich insights into key regions.
- Days 1-2
San Jose & Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
Visit the Gold Museum early on day 1 to beat the afternoon crowds. A recent visitor noted, "The indigenous gold art collection is incredible - go first thing when it opens at 9 AM for the best experience." Take the 2.5-hour public bus to Sarapiqui on day 2. The jungle walks are most rewarding at dusk when animals come out. The paths can get muddy so pack quick-dry clothes and sturdy walking shoes.
- Days 3-4
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
A private transfer takes about 4 hours to reach this relaxed Caribbean town. Book surf lessons in the early morning when the waves are gentler. Head to Cahuita National Park by 8 AM before the heat kicks in. A recent visitor said: "The park trails are well-marked but bring water and bug spray - we saw sloths, monkeys and tons of birds in just a 2-hour walk."
- Days 5-7
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Plan for 2-3 hours at the border crossing. The boat ride to Isla Colon can be rough so consider motion sickness medication. Base yourself in the main town for convenient access to food and activities. Starfish Beach offers calm waters while Big Creek is better for waves. When visiting the Ngabe-Bugle community on Isla Popa wear modest clothing and bring small bills for craft purchases.
- Days 8-9
Boquete
The trip from Bocas takes about 5 hours by boat and bus. At 3,900 feet elevation the mornings can be cool so bring layers. Book coffee tours through your hotel a day in advance. One visitor shared: "The waterfall hikes are spectacular but challenging - wear proper hiking shoes and be prepared for sudden rain showers typical of the cloud forest."
- Day 10
Chitre
Stop here between Boquete and Panama City to experience local culture. Watch local craftsmen at the mask workshops and visit the Herrera Museum before it closes at 4 PM. The town is easy to walk around but gets hot midday so plan morning or late afternoon activities.
- Days 11-12
Panama City
Start at the Miraflores Locks when they open at 9 AM to watch ships pass through. Walk through the historic Casco Viejo district in the evening when it's cooler. A traveler suggested: "Take authorized taxis, especially at night, and keep valuables in your hotel safe - the city requires normal urban precautions." Use your final morning to explore before departing.
13 Days in Panama & Costa Rica, incl. Panama City and Manuel Antonio
The 13-day adventure showcases Costa Rica and Panama's prime attractions. Four days immerse you in Panama's urban culture and indigenous communities, followed by 9 days in Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems.
- Days 1-4
Panama City & Surrounds
Start exploring Panama City's mix of modern skyscrapers and colonial architecture in Casco Antiguo. Visit the Miraflores Locks before 9 AM to beat the tour buses and watch huge cargo ships pass through. The partial Panama Canal crossing takes 4-5 hours. Bring good sun protection since you'll be exposed on deck. When visiting the Emberá village, wear quick-dry clothes for the dugout boat ride and bring small US bills to buy traditional crafts.
- Day 5
Panama City to San José
Take a morning flight to San José (1 hour). The airport is in Alajuela about 30 minutes from downtown. Traffic can get bad so plan extra time for morning flights. Stick to official orange airport taxis for safety.
- Days 6-7
Manuel Antonio National Park
It's a 3-hour drive from San José to Manuel Antonio. Get to the park when it opens at 7 AM to avoid heat and crowds. You'll need water shoes since the beach sand gets very hot. The park trails are good but watch your step after rain. A hiking pole can help. Keep your food secure the monkeys will try to steal it.
- Days 8-9
Monteverde Cloud Forest
The 4-hour drive from Manuel Antonio takes you up into misty mountains on some unpaved roads. Pack warm clothes since it can cool down to 60°F at night. Do the hanging bridges walk early when animals are out and before clouds roll in. Take a night tour to spot unique nocturnal wildlife like kinkajous and sleeping birds.
- Days 10-11
Rincón de la Vieja
It's a 3-hour drive from Monteverde. Try the Las Pailas trail (2.5 miles) early before it gets hot. The moderate difficulty comes from elevation changes. Stay on marked paths near geothermal areas for safety. The thermal springs are perfect after hiking.
- Days 12-13
Return to San José
The 4-hour drive back can include a stop at Llanos de Cortés waterfall near Bagaces. Get to the airport 3 hours before international flights to meet Costa Rica's exit requirements.
