
Costa Rica & Panama Discovery
Dates & Prices
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Feb 10, 2021 | Feb 22, 2021 | $1,390 | Get Quote | |
Feb 17, 2021 | Mar 01, 2021 | $1,390 | Get Quote | |
Feb 24, 2021 | Mar 08, 2021 | $1,390 | Get Quote | |
Mar 03, 2021 | Mar 15, 2021 | $1,390 | Get Quote | |
Mar 24, 2021 | Apr 05, 2021 | $1,340 | Get Quote | |
Apr 07, 2021 | Apr 19, 2021 | $1,340 | Get Quote | |
Apr 21, 2021 | May 03, 2021 | $1,340 | Get Quote | |
May 12, 2021 | May 24, 2021 | $1,285 | Get Quote | |
May 26, 2021 | Jun 07, 2021 | $1,285 | Get Quote | |
Jun 09, 2021 | Jun 21, 2021 | $1,285 | Get Quote | |
Jun 30, 2021 | Jul 12, 2021 | $1,285 | Get Quote | |
Jul 28, 2021 | Aug 09, 2021 | $1,285 | Get Quote | |
Aug 04, 2021 | Aug 16, 2021 | $1,285 | Get Quote | |
Aug 18, 2021 | Aug 30, 2021 | $1,285 | Get Quote | |
Sep 29, 2021 | Oct 11, 2021 | $1,285 | Get Quote | |
Oct 06, 2021 | Oct 18, 2021 | $1,285 | Get Quote | |
Oct 27, 2021 | Nov 08, 2021 | $1,340 | Get Quote | |
Nov 03, 2021 | Nov 15, 2021 | $1,340 | Get Quote | |
Nov 10, 2021 | Nov 22, 2021 | $1,340 | Get Quote | |
Nov 17, 2021 | Nov 29, 2021 | $1,390 | Get Quote | |
Nov 24, 2021 | Dec 06, 2021 | $1,390 | Get Quote | |
Dec 01, 2021 | Dec 13, 2021 | $1,390 | Get Quote | |
Dec 08, 2021 | Dec 20, 2021 | $1,390 | Get Quote | |
Dec 15, 2021 | Dec 27, 2021 | $1,340 | Get Quote | |
Dec 22, 2021 | Jan 03, 2022 | $1,340 | Get Quote | |
Dec 29, 2021 | Jan 10, 2022 | $1,340 | Get Quote | |
Jan 05, 2022 | Jan 17, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Jan 12, 2022 | Jan 24, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Jan 19, 2022 | Jan 31, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Feb 02, 2022 | Feb 14, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Feb 09, 2022 | Feb 21, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Feb 23, 2022 | Mar 07, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Mar 02, 2022 | Mar 14, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Mar 23, 2022 | Apr 04, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Mar 30, 2022 | Apr 11, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Apr 06, 2022 | Apr 18, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Apr 20, 2022 | May 02, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
May 11, 2022 | May 23, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
May 25, 2022 | Jun 06, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Jun 08, 2022 | Jun 20, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Jun 29, 2022 | Jul 11, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Jul 20, 2022 | Aug 01, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Aug 03, 2022 | Aug 15, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Aug 17, 2022 | Aug 29, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Aug 31, 2022 | Sep 12, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Sep 28, 2022 | Oct 10, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Oct 05, 2022 | Oct 17, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Oct 26, 2022 | Nov 07, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Nov 02, 2022 | Nov 14, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Nov 09, 2022 | Nov 21, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Nov 23, 2022 | Dec 05, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Nov 30, 2022 | Dec 12, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Dec 14, 2022 | Dec 26, 2022 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Dec 21, 2022 | Jan 02, 2023 | $1,250 | Get Quote | |
Dec 28, 2022 | Jan 09, 2023 | $1,250 | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
Come on a zig-zagging adventure through the jungles, beaches, islands and villages of Costa Rica and Panama. From San Jose to Panama City in 13 days, this laidback Lonely Planet Experience will introduce you to some of the most beautiful spots in two Central American cultures, then give you the freedom to explore them however you want. With your local leader to steer you in the direction of the best bars and surf breaks, plus a small group of adventurers to enjoy them with, you can't go wrong on this carefree Caribbean journey.
Bocas Del Toro , Boquete , Panama City , Puerto Viejo de Talamanca , San Jose , Santa Catalina
Day 1: San Jose
Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! Welcome to Costa Rica! Make your own way to the hotel where you adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. As this trip spends very little time here, we recommend arriving a day or two earlier to see the sights or take an Urban Adventure with an expert local guide. The Gold Museum has an amazing collection of indigenous gold art. If you're in the mood for a bit of shopping, head to the outdoor market in the Plaza de la Cultura or the city's Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood.
Day 2: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Today take a 5-hour local bus to Puerto Viejo. On arrival, get to know this laid-back jungle town during a bicycle ride with your leader, then the rest of the day is yours to explore. Small and coastal, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has a lively main street featuring dancehalls, reggaeton bars and modern restaurants. If you’re after something more relaxed, you'll find great surf beaches and rainforest fruit farms. At some point today, your leader will take you through some must-have phrases during an informal Spanish lesson.
Day 3: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Enjoy a free day to ease into the vibes of the Caribbean coast. If you wish, take your time to explore Cahuita National Park, which is easily accessible from Puerto Viejo and home to sloths, monkeys, raccoons, snakes and a great variety of birds. Want to see adorable animals and support an organisation that’s helping the vulnerable among them survive? Maybe check out the Jaguar Rescue Centre, where sick, orphaned and injured animals are rehabilitated. If the waves are calling but your footing isn’t so sure, surf lessons are on offer in town. Alternatively, of course, you can always find a cool spot and relax with a beer in hand.
Day 4: Bocas del Toro / Isla Colon
Take a 1-hour local bus to the border, then walk across an old railway bridge into Panama. Continue by taxi or collective minivan to Almirante, where you'll take a short boat ride to Isla Colon in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Rapidly becoming a Caribbean favourite, Bocas del Toro has it all – palm-shaded beaches with crystal-clear water, spectacular snorkelling and lots of wildlife. Culturally, Bocas is home to West Indians, Latinos and expats, resulting in diverse music, nightlife and food scenes. For the next three nights, you'll stay on Isla Colon, the main town in Bocas del Toro. It's a great spot to start your exploration of the archipelago from, with most bars, restaurants and local activity operators just metres from your hotel.
Day 5: Bocas del Toro / Isla Colon
Today is the first of two free days to explore this tropical archipelago. There are several beaches within reach from town, lying between 8 and 14 kilometres from your hotel. With azure waters, pristine coral reefs and a rollicking nightlife, it’s easy to see why these islands are a favourite haunt for so many travellers. The safest beaches are Starfish, Sandfly and Big Creek. Be aware others may have strong riptides. When the sun goes down, why not head into town and check out the local bar and restaurant scene. Ask your leader about the best place to grab a drink.
Day 6: Bocas del Toro / Isla Colon
Enjoy another free day in the Caribbean sun. Maybe take the opportunity to do some surfing or snorkelling, to rent a bike and explore the main island, or simply soak in the chilled-out vibe while enjoying a cold one on the beach.
Day 7: Boquete
Travel by boat and local bus to Boquete, a lengthy journey that will take 8–9 hours. Be sure to have a book, podcast or daydream to keep you occupied just in case you get tired of swapping stories with your fellow travellers. Boquete is a picturesque town located in the highlands of Panama, surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear creeks and rivers, forest reserves, and colourful wildflowers, as well as coffee plantations and orange groves. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader on arrival. Tomorrow will be a free day, wide open for exploring. Most optional activities can be organised directly from the hostel, though it’s a good idea book them on arrival tonight if you know what you want to do.
Day 8: Boquete
There’s tonnes of ways for you to experience Boquete today, so be sure to chat to your leader and hostel front desk about the stuff you’re interested in. You could discover the secret waterfalls only locals know about on a walking tour in the jungle. Or maybe you’d prefer to soak it up in the caldera hot springs. If you’re a coffee lover, consider taking a visit to a plantation or simply kicking back in town with a cup of the local brew – some of the best coffee in the world is grown and processed right here in Boquete.
Day 9: Santa Catalina
Catch an 8-hour bus to Santa Catalina, situated on the Pacific coast of Panama. Remote and somewhat undeveloped, this region offers some of the best surfing in Central America, as well as relaxed vibes. Enjoy free time upon arrival. It’s going to be late afternoon or early evening by the time you get in, so perhaps find a spot to share a drink and fresh seafood dinner with your fellow travellers, or head to the beach for a sundown swim.
Day 10: Santa Catalina
Aside from surfing, the main way to pass the time in Santa Catalina is relaxing, preferably in a hammock. Enjoy a free day around the area and hunt down some activities in the process. Keen for something active? Perhaps take a trip out to Coiba National Marine Park, where you can snorkel with turtles, angel rays and schools of colourful fish. Alternatively, half-day fishing trips or surfboard hire is available in the town. Lessons are readily available, so there's no reason to fear the waves.
Day 11: Panama City
Trade in the beach for the city and travel to Panama City, Central America's glitziest capital (about 6 hours). Arrive late afternoon and head to the city’s gorgeous waterfront promenade, the Cinta Costera, for a walking tour with your leader. Take in great views of the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town) and the Panama City skyline as you stroll past crowded waterfront soccer fields, running paths and food carts. Stop at the nearby Fish Market, and perhaps grab some fresh ceviche. Afterwards, enjoy free time to sample Panama City’s thriving nightlife.
Day 12: Panama City
Today is free for you to discover Panama City. Perhaps explore the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town), which features an unusual combination of restored buildings, low-income housing, churches and ruins. You may also like to visit the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, or take a stroll through the rainforest in the Metropolitan Nature Park. Panama City is also famous for its shopping centres, the biggest being Albrook Mall. For more traditional souvenirs, head to the National Artisan's Market.
Day 13: Panama City
Your adventure ends today, there are no activities planned. If you plan on staying on to check out some more of Panama City, why not do it on an Urban Adventure. With day tours like Taste of Panama City, you can sample local cocktails, craft beers and ceviche under the guidance of someone who knows the city well. Go to urbanadventures.com and search ‘Panama’ for more.
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- Puerto Viejo - Leader-led orientation bicycle ride
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Boquete - Leader-led orientation walk
- Panama City - Leader-led walk along part of the Cinta Costera (Causeway) including a visit to the Fish Market
Style: Basix
Health and Safety Protocols for Intrepid Tours
Protection against COVID-19 as well as other transmissible diseases requires enhanced protocols in hygiene and sanitation. We will put in place additional measures, in line with government health advice and with global health authorities (including the WHO and CDC) to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Hand Hygiene
Handwashing is one of the most important safety measures to prevent the spread of
disease. Intrepid will actively reinforce its importance by:
- Implementing a handwashing policy that dictates when, how often and for how long all staff, leaders and crew must wash their hands on-trip.
- Promote the importance of hand hygiene to customers through signage and online customer material.
- Contract suppliers that have hand hygiene protocols in place
- Contract suppliers that provide hand sanitizer in public places (where applicable)
- Educate staff, leaders, crew and suppliers on the importance of hand hygiene via training.
Respiratory Hygiene
Practicing good respiratory hygiene prevents the spread of disease by reducing the
number of droplets in the air when you sneeze or cough. Intrepid will:
- Actively reinforce its importance to customers through signage and online customer material.
- Educate staff, leaders, crew and suppliers on the importance of respiratory hygiene via training.
- Contract suppliers who have respiratory hygiene protocols in place.
Masks
In addition, in areas with high community transmission and/or places that are difficult
to maintain physical distancing, we recommend the the following at-risk people also
wear them. Intrepid follows the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) that
masks should only be used as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy and that the
use of a mask alone is not sufficient to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Physical
distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene must also form part of the
strategy.
Medical/Surgical Masks
On our trips, regardless of destination, the following people must wear
medical/surgical masks:
- Anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 regardless of whether or not they have been tested yet.
- People caring for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases (outside of hospitals/clinics).
In addition, in areas with high community transmission and/or places that are difficult to maintain physical distancing, we recommend the the following at-risk people also wear them.
- People over 60
- People with underlying health conditions
- Provide medical/surgical masks as part of the First Aid Kits carried by leaders.
- Educate leaders, crew, staff and customers on the correct method to wear, handle and dispose of a mask.
- Require all customers, leaders and staff to comply with any local regulations or requirements that require the use of a mask in public or in certain places
Fabric Masks
Intrepid follows the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) that it is not
necessary for the public to wear fabric masks generally.
However in certain circumstances, in places where community transmission of COVID-19 is high and/or physical distancing is not possible (e.g. on public transport, in shops or in other confined environments) then a fabric mask can be a useful barrier to prevent the spread of virus.
Fabric masks be purchased commercially or handmade, and are generally not standardised like medical masks. Fabric masks should:
- Cover the nose, mouth, and chin
- Be secured with elastic loops or ties
- Include multiple layers
- Be washable and reusable.
Sanitation
Protection against COVID-19 as well as other transmissible diseases requires enhanced sanitation processes. Intrepid will take the following measures:
- Require all suppliers to detail their cleaning and sanitation protocols
- Audit/monitor all suppliers on their cleanliness and sanitation.
- All cleaning and disinfecting products must be approved by health authorities (e.g. WHO).
- All rooms must be thoroughly cleaned between guests with all high touch surfaces in shared areas regularly cleaned and disinfected.
- Hand sanitizer should be available in public areas.
- There must be a process in place for customers to escalate any concerns regarding hygiene or sanitation.
- Staff must be trained and able to answer questions regarding safety protocols in place.
- All tents must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between use.
- If staying at a campground, ensure all bathrooms are well stocked with hand soap and paper towels. If the area is remote, with limited facilities and/or minimal staffing, then customers should be informed to bring their own hygiene equipment.
- All mini buses, transfers, charters, overland trucks must be thoroughly cleaned between guests with all high touch surfaces in shared areas regularly cleaned and disinfected.
- Hand sanitizer should be made available
- Close top bins with bin liners should be available on board and disposed of at every stop
- Must be thoroughly cleaned at the end of each day
- Tables and chairs must be disinfected after each guest use
- Avoid buffets where possible. If buffets are used, prevent customers from handling food and operating machines (e.g. self-serve coffee stations)
- Either disinfect shared use objects (e.g. table salt) between guest use. Where possible, Intrepid will try to source safe alternatives to single serve packaging.
- Staff must be trained and able to answer questions regarding safety protocols in place.
- Preferred: Provide hand sanitizer to guests at the door before entry
- All equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between guest us
- Staff must be trained and able to answer questions regarding safety protocols in place.
Limiting the number of surfaces touched by large numbers of people helps prevent the spread of disease. Therefore, it is important to proactively move towards contactless or low touch solutions for travel. Intrepid will:
- Prioritise contactless/low touch as a key feature when sourcing new tech or solutions.
- Remove any paperwork required on the ground (e.g. signing forms, feedback cards)
- If details must be entered using a shared device (e.g. insurance details), then it must be disinfected between each customer. Preference is to move entirely to digital solutions.
- Accommodation should provide online check in (no paperwork)
- Contactless keys (e.g. QR codes)
- Contactless tech (e.g. lights)
- Online ticketing for attractions and transport
- Online payment
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing is important in the preventing the spread of COVID-19 as it can be
transmitted via droplets sprayed when coughing, sneezing, singing, yelling
etc…
Intrepid will take the following measures:
- Require all suppliers to detail their physical distancing protocols
- Follow local regulation and advice on the need for physical distancing.
We will continue to offer this as an option. Single supplements are available for single travellers who do not wish to share a room. We will work closely with accommodation suppliers to ensure increased availability of single rooms.
Camping
- Consider whether it is appropriate to offer single tents for solo travellers as customers will be much closer together then in a traditional room.
- Consider whether staggering meal times may reduce the number of people sharing a dining tent.
Intrepid will consider the following factors when designing or amending transport options on trips.
- Local laws or requirements regarding physical distancing on transport
- Hygiene protocols of the transport provider
- Level of active community transmission in the destination
- Using designated seating on transport. Customers have assigned seats throughout the trip.
- If trip is longer than 15 minutes and air conditioning is available, it must be set to external airflow rather than to recirculation or windows should be opened for the duration of the trip.
- Designing or amending itineraries to reduce the duration of travel.
- Increasing the size of the vehicle, using multiple vehicles.
- Educate all leaders, crew, staff and customers to maintain a 1.5m distance wherever practical in public (e.g. queueing at a museum).
- Proactively design product to avoid crowds by visiting attractions at off-peak times.
- Proactively design product to avoid crowds on public transport or at airports where practical.
- Follow local regulations on table spacing and guest seating in restaurants. Wherever possible, try to ensure groups are sitting at their own table without strangers in restaurants.
- Proactively design product that focuses on experiences that assist with physical distancing (e.g. picnics over crowded marketplaces) if relevant for that destination.
Screening for COVID-19 helps isolate anyone with COVID-19 symptoms and stops the spread of disease. It is likely to become more common for future travellers.
Pre-Departure (Brand Material)
Customers should be informed as part of ‘Essential Trip Information (ETIs) or other similar trip notes if their trip is likely to include any of the following:
- Testing for COVID-19 before being able to pass through immigration and/or board planes.
- Negative test results to be uploaded for visa purposes.
- Thermal temperature checks in airports, train or bus stations, major hotels or attractions.
Pre-departure, all customers are required to fill out an online questionnaire (“self- declaration/assessment” form) to identify any high-risk customers before travel.
Extra qualifiers will be included to address customers with symptoms that can be contributed to pre-existing conditions (e.g. breathlessness to asthma).
Customers answering YES to any question should be removed from the departure and appropriate arrangements made.
COVID-19 Testing
Intrepid will not require a negative COVID-19 test as proof of health from customers or leaders at this stage unless it is required by local law or regulations.
This is partially due to the lack of availability of testing for people with no symptoms in many parts of the world and may change in due course.
On Trip
- Ask customers, leaders, crew and staff to monitor their own health
- Display appropriate signage on COVID-19 symptoms
- Educate leaders, crew and staff on how to identify COVID-19 symptoms
- Describe COVID-19 symptoms in group meetings
If customers, leaders or crew show symptoms of COVID-19 and are either unable to or unwilling to be tested, Intrepid reserves the right to remove them from our trips to prevent any risk to others.
Flexible Booking Conditions
Customers will be supported by flexible booking conditions to stay home if unwell or displaying symptoms
Flexible Work Conditions
Intrepid will support leaders and crew to stay home rather than lead a trip if they are unwell or displaying symptoms. Schedules will need to be created with back up availability of leaders/crew.
Data Collection & Health Tracking
Intrepid will assist government health departments in tracking and tracing any customers, staff, leaders, crew or suppliers at risk of contracting COVID-19 via exposure to a known case and/or outbreak by providing relevant details in line with privacy laws and regulations.
COVID Tracking apps
Intrepid strongly recommends that customers and staff download COVID tracking apps (e.g. COVIDSafe in Australia, StayHomeSafe in Hong Kong) to assist in reducing the spread of disease within their communities.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: Is there a minimum age requirement?
Question: Do you have a list of the hotels used on this itinerary?
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
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