Upon reaching the window, youll be required to present; Upon verification, the agent will stamp an exit stamp on your passport, and youll be good to head to Panamas Migration offices. By robertgg221. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader on arrival and enjoy an informal Spanish lesson to get to grips with the local language. Day 2 San Jose - La Fortuna. Culturally, Bocas is home to West Indians, Latinos and expats, resulting in diverse music, nightlife and food scenes. Find something that suits your pocket or adventure type, and check in weekly for fresh new deals. Walk through the treetops in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and discover 680 hectares of untamed rainforest along the central Pacific coast at Manuel Antonio National Park. However, it is not something we offer. Experience the best of Costa Rica as you visit a variety of National Parks, hike up an ancient volcano, or go on a kayaking adventure around the lakes. Costa Rica or Panama? The best time to cruise the Panama Canal - The Points Guy Find cheap flights from Juan Santamaria Intl to Tocumen Intl - KAYAK Those coming from Jaco (or any other location along the coastline) will have to get an initial bus to the nearby town of Quepos, where the Tracopa bus stops after Manuel Antonio. They will be travelling with you from just a few days, up to a few weeks, and you'll soon become good friends. It is also known for being a gateway to Costa Ricas national parks and is surrounded by great places for hiking and fishing. This one's for you! There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. Stretch your legs on a guided half-day hike along the volcano skirts and old lava flows of the Arenal Volcano National Park. Please bear this in mind when you are deciding what to pack. Visit the Trcoles River and Crocodile Bridge: Pay a visit to the Trcoles River! there are several things to bring. Costa Rica +506-2750-0626 USA/Canada : 1-800-274-6191 UK/Europe: +44 (0) 2078626334 Australia: 1-800-052-811 TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULES CONTACT Book Now To learn more about our shuttles, prices and times click here. Stop at the nearby Fish Market, and perhaps grab some fresh ceviche. A passport, valid for more than 6 months from arrival is required, alongside a negative covid test for those who are unvaccinated. Every day Estimated price $90 - $400 . Spend time relaxing in Jac today or join the optional trip to Manuel Antonio National Park. And they may be the priciest countries in Central America but they have the infrastructure to match. Getting from Costa Rica to Panama: the complete guide | Selina Soak in the tubs, book a massage and sit down for a buffet dinner in full view of the volcano. and we are unable to secure a triple room then the remaining traveler will be roomed with another passenger of the same gender. Towels are always included; however you may want to bring your own for use at the beach, swimming pool etc, if applicable to your tour. Please note: No children under 10 years of age are allowed on Expat Explore tours. To see the seasonal averages for your chosen destination(s) please visit https://weatherspark.com/. What companies run services between Costa Rica and Panama Canal expansion project, Panama? The border closes at 5.30 pm but the timezone in Panama is one hour ahead. The Tracopa bus is the major operator for this journey. Choose to explore the area at your own pace or join an optional full-day island-hopping adventure! This tour boasts an itinerary filled with the best places to visit from Panama to Costa Rica! We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure your comfort and enjoyment, so please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required. There are 5 ways to get from Costa Rica to Panama by plane, bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. The source of water for these hot springs comes from 25 mineral water reservoirs that flow right from the base of the Arenal Volcano, naturally heating the water. However, it is not something we offer. Travelling to Costa Rica vs Panama By Isabel Leong April 9th, 2022 2 Comments Home Costa Rica Travelling to Costa Rica vs Panama If you know you'd like to travel to Central America one day, the top 2 countries for tourists are Costa Rica and Panama. Travelling To Costa Rica Vs Panama | Bel Around The World Lastly, you may be required to show proof of onward travel, which could either be a bus ticket or an air ticket out of Panama. You might 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. Aside from surfing, the main way to pass the time in Santa Catalina is by relaxing, preferably in a hammock. From there either walk or catch a taxi to the boat terminal, where you can catch the 30-minute water taxi to Bocas Town. 3. Here, one can find a unique mix of Afro-Caribbean and Latin culture, tropical rainforest climate, colourful houses, amazing vegetation and a wonderful spot where surfers, backpackers and locals get together. Have an exhilarating time diving or surfing in warm waters and enjoy the laid back Caribbean vibe of Bocas del Toro. To have a private room on this trip, a single supplement is bookable. This is up to you, of course, and will vary depending on how much you wish to spend on snacks, drinks, souvenirs etc. Panama City and Canal Tour: Join a knowledgeable local guide on a four-hour tour of Panama City and the famous Panama Canal. Pet Valet How to Make the Most of Your Trip to NYC, Selinas Guide to the Top 7 Best Places To Stay in New York, How To Get From Newark Airport to Manhattan NYC | Selina, A Costa Rica National Parks Travel Guide | Selina Hotel, Passport with at least six months validity when entering the country, Negative PCR or antigen for non-vaccinated travellers, At least $500 in cash or credit card to last no more than three months in Panama, Note that there are likely to be weight restrictions on luggage (usually between 20-25kg on a checked bag) while the land border does not have a weight restriction. The choice is yours to make the most of your free time! If a tour is displaying as fully booked, then unfortunately at this point in time we do not have any available seats. 1. Some ships depart from or end in Panama or Costa Rica and feature itineraries that focus on the Pacific Coast of Central America or the Caribbean. Border crossing can be a nerve-wracking experience for even the most well-travelled among us, but resting in the knowledge that this is an incredibly popular route (which thousands of people use every single day) may make things easier. An archipelago made up of 378 islands, they are home to a unique indigenous population and are the closest thing to paradise islands that most of us will ever find. 2. This also makes more sense for those wanting to explore Panama city or any location on the pacific side of Panama. Breathe in the fragrance of fern as you search the tropical areas of the Monte Verde Cloud Forest Reserve for the quetzal bird. Couples/partners:When you book for more than one person, we will by default group you together in a room (unless you specifically request us not to). Selina offers six destinations in Panama, including: Panama City, Playa Venao, Venao River, Bocas del Toro, Red Frog and Boquete. It might be helpful to know that the US dollar can be used as currency here. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our customer services team. No matter where you choose, the trip is bound to be filled with unforgettable and unique experiences, all fueled by Panamas local people. Great half day paddling on the water from playa panama. Upon alighting the bus; There is a machine inside the immigration office, but it does not work most of the time. All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach and use public transport. Expat Explore reserves the absolute right to accept or decline a booking at our discretion. Unfortunately, you will be unable to continue the tour and you should make contact with your closest embassy immediately to replace the passport. Embrace a life without borders! Multishare typically includes triple and quad rooms. Not just tourists, local migrants also use these channels to move between locations. Costa Rica & Panama round trip - Natural Paradises | itravel.com Most of the islands are remote, uninhabited and cant even be found on Google Maps! Visit some of the captivating museums, and join the optional excursion to San Blas islands - a must-see slice of paradise during your trip to Panama. Wonder through a Museum on-site and watch from a viewing deck as the large vessels make their voyage through the canal. Stop at the Trcoles River on the way and see if you can spot huge crocodiles sunbathing on the river banks (weather dependent). Discover the best local spots to eat and shop - your tour leader will point these out for you. What do you need to cross the border by land? For tourists without time on their side, this method of transportation will likely make the most sense. Please refer to your tours specific pre-departure information and optional excursions guide for further details. Take a look at your options below: Please complete the form and we will be in contact with you about this tour! Explore the capital of Panama, Panama City, Discover the engineering marvels of the Panama Canal and Miraflores Lock, Explore the fascinating ecosystem of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Visit Panama's Bocas del Toro Islands, one of the most popular holiday destinations, 11 nights 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms, Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room and cabin, Services of your Expat Explore tour leader, who will be on hand with advice and tips to ensure that you get the most from your trip, Take a scenic boat ride from Bocas Town to Almirante, Cross the border from Panama to Costa Rica on foot; walk across the Sixaola-Guabito International bridge, Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Visit the Tarcoles River and Crocodile Bridge. By booking one ticket, you get both modes of transportation for only USD 36-USD 98! Remote and somewhat undeveloped, this region offers some of the best surfing in Central America, as well as some of the most relaxed vibes. Our agents Your last stop in Costa Rica will determine which land border to use. This also makes more sense for those wanting to explore Panama city or any location on the pacific side of Panama. We will be in contact with you shortly. Love tropical islands and fun in the sun? Please see our visas page and the pre-departure planning section for more information. 6) Cueva de las Maravillas. After getting the paper stamp, join the entrada line and wait to speak to an agent. See the best of South America during a riveting guided group tour and create memories that will last a lifetime. Deals of The Week:Southeast Asia deals! The excursion is led by an expert guide who will share insight into the areas ecosystem. Learn all about the history, culture, operations and day-to-day life in this city that forms an important link between North and South America. Enjoy a catch-of-the-day lunch and learn more about Kuna Yala, the indigenous Panamanian tribe that calls the larger islands home. We use a variety of hotels in each of the destinations on this tour, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here. Our first stop was Panama Beach, where we kayaked, practiced standup paddleboards, swam in the tropical waters, and took our first walk in a tropical dry forest to discover many bird species. This is likely to be subject to change, so ensure you complete a quick covid google search at least a week before trying to cross the border in case tests are required. Relax near the water, explore the natural scenery, go birdwatching or hop on a boat to visit a nearby island. Ivantours (San Jose) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. The local airlines are Copa Air and Avianca, with both offering competitively prices fares. We've got 9 tours going to Costa Rica and Panama, starting from just 10 days in length, and the longest tour is 16 days. Choose to continue your stay in Jac or catch the coach to San Jos, Costa Ricas capital city. The Paso Canoas is among the busiest Panama Costa Rica crossing borders due to commercial traffic. This Panama & Costa Rica Escape is a fantastic trip for all bold travellers. Bocas del Toro is an island archipelago located in the province of Panama. Lets start with the most common method of transportation: Costa Rica to Panama bus. An extensive route through Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama will be better than any previous adventure. Try ceviche, empanadas, plantain cakes, and other local culinary favorites. Do you travel every year with your friends looking for new experiences? Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own. Jac orientation walk: Stroll through one of Costa Ricas favourite vacation spots! Comment se rendre de Bocas del Toro, Panama San Jose, Costa Rica This is a special way to discover the secrets of the spectacular and unique wilderness of Arsenal's indigenous forest. Look out for the grey-crowned squirrel monkey which is native to Costa Ricas Pacific coast. But when transiting the border from Costa Rica to Panama, there are a few different options to know about. Visit top destinations like San Jos, Monteverde, and more, with the best things to do and see. You can even revisit spots included in the itinerary that you really enjoyed the first time! How many people will be travelling privately? , and 2 and a half hours from Bocas del Toro islands in Panama. TRANSPORTATION MADE EASY! If you are looking to spend extra time at your tour start and/or tour end points, you are now able to book affordable and convenient pre and post-tour accommodation via booking.com. would probably prefer to take the one hour flight. The itinerary includes basic accommodation and has free time for activities when your leader will offer suggestions. 12 Day Natural Beauty of Costa Rica & Panama - Gate 1 Travel Costa Rica vs. Panama - Lonely Planet The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish - you could hit the waves, enjoy a leisurely lunch or just relax under the sun. Generally, we like to make an early start, so that you can spend more time at each destination. Keep an eye out for endangered red-backed squirrel monkeys, sloths, capuchin monkeys, iguanas, dolphins and even migrating whales out in the ocean! Be aware others may have strong riptides. This is because many hotel partners do not offer triple rooms, and while they may be available in one location, triple rooms are not guaranteed to be available in all destinations. MUNDO VERDE Nature Experience Central America, Doi Suthep Pui National Park Christmas & New Year tours, Walking in the Age of Discoveries: Lagos and the Algarve's West Coast. Fortunately, Costa Rican buses pull out all the stops. Indulge in delicious culinary favorites, like empanadas and ceviche, and feast your eyes on breathtaking natural landscapes. Travel to Costa Ricas green heart today! They live by rules and values different from the traditional Panamanian culture. Arrive in San Jos and enjoy an orientation driving tour. 10 Best Panama Tours & Trips 2023/2024 - TourRadar Fortunately, pretty much everything mentioned in this article can be reversed for getting from Panama to Costa Rica. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels. Learn skills from a seasoned chef in a culinary class. Day 2: San Jos to Turrialba - discover volcanoes. This fee is for the necessary paper stamp that you need to enter Panama. So its no wonder that many are choosing to extend their trip to Costa Rica, and Panama is the obvious choice. The Pasos Canoas border is best if travelling from the Pacific Coast side of Costa Rica. Costa Rica to Panama | Intrepid Travel CH SAY YES TO ADVENTURE Back in Jac tonight, the group will enjoy a delicious feast to celebrate the end of an amazing tour! In exchange, you get a small sticker that you attach to your passport. Punta Cana is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Enjoy free time upon arrival. You've found your ideal tour, now you just need to find the ideal date. San Jos - Turrialba - Uvita - Golfito - Boquete - Boca Chica - Santa Clara - Panama City. Enjoy another free day in the Caribbean sun. Most locals are always willing to help. Wander through the trees and enjoy hiking or birding. Prices may go up, so secure your trip today! , there are a few different places in Panama that should be on the list to see. into hotels and up to your room if hotels dont have elevators). If you are in the mood to shop for handicrafts in Panama City, head to Mercado Nacional de Artesanias that is close to the archaeological site of Panama Viejo. Look forward to turquoise water, white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and untouched natural scenery. Expat Explore loves hosting families on tour and making amazing memories together. Youll be issued with a receipt after payment. Days 13 Style Basix Trip rating 44 reviews From $1,284 USD Go to dates Add to wishlist Home Central America Panama Costa Rica & Panama Discovery Chill out in the Caribbean, soaking up the sunshine in Costa Rica and Panama Get under the surface of Costa Rica and Panama; see it all from jungles, to beaches, to local villages. With no planned activities today, you can depart at any time. Recommended option Fly from Panama City Fly from Panama City (PTY) to San Jose (SJO) 4h 22m $150 - $320 Cheapest option Bus Its the perfect excursion if you want to learn more about the geographical region and history of this volcano. The Pasos Canoas border is best if travelling from the Pacific Coast side of Costa Rica. Costa Rica & Panama Tours and Trips 2023/2024 - Bookmundi Free cancellation. Adventure on and experience the rich flora and fauna of Costa Rica. The request for triple rooms is therefore something that comes up frequently. Welcome to Costa Rica! Travel by boat and local bus to Boquete, this is a lengthy journey, be sure to have a book, podcast or daydream to keep you occupied. We do not include entrance fees to attractions and museums. Central America is truly a place to fall in love with nature - be it dense, wildlife-filled forests, white beaches with irresistible waters, or vast jungle-ringed lakes - and you'll get to experience it all on this memorable small ship adventure cruise. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below. Line 1 subway, line 2 subway to Panama City, fly. After this, say adis to your group as our tour officially concludes here after 12 amazing days! Visit your local site for relevant prices, offers and information. Day 4: San Gerado de Dato to Uvita - Humpback Whale . Costa Rica to Panama Canal expansion project - 7 ways to travel via No matter where you choose, the trip is bound to be filled with unforgettable and unique experiences, all fueled by Panamas local people. This afternoon is yours to explore, perhaps visit the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, or take a stroll through the rainforest in the Metropolitan Nature Park. I recommend the 21 dream days I lived in these three countries. Sample the local cuisine and get to know the locals - they speak a unique form of Creole, Guari-Guari, which is based mostly on English peppered with Spanish and local indigenous dialects (Ngbe and Bugl). Journey into the heart of Central America as you experience Costa Rica and Panama. Discover the history of coffee in Costa Rica and the wider world, and learn about the importance of its development within the local community. Finally, those wanting to go from capital to capital (. Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour. As you make it through the jungle walking along footpaths and over suspension bridges you get close to the tropical plants, smelling the moist ground and seeing natural light break through the trees. This tour is currently departing as scheduledClick here for more information, Flexible bookings: 30-day money-back guarantee & free date changes Learn More, Health & safety measures: Your well-being is our top priority Learn More, Pay the remaining balance off in instalments, Services of your Expat Explore tour leader. Plus, the Panamanian adoption of the US Dollar makes it easy for visitors from the States, as it presents as a melting pot of traditional Latin and new wave American culture. Afterwards, enjoy free time to sample Panama Citys thriving nightlife. This is especially true for those travelling straight from. Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag (such as a small daypack or backpack) for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. Here you can see sandy beaches bordering lush forests. Although most of these also apply to air and sea travel, does have one nuance: the exit fee of approx $8USD. Youll be required to show your proof of sufficient funds, which could be a 3-month bank statement, a credit card with your name, or 500 USD in cash. In many of the destinations we visit, local people are reserved and/or do not speak English. Which is best, flying or taking a bus from Costa Rica to Panama? Take a day trip to the beach at Bar Island. The cheapest way to get from Costa Rica to Panama City costs only $63, and the quickest way takes just 3 hours. Although most of these also apply to air and sea travel, getting from Costa Rica to Panama by bus does have one nuance: the exit fee of approx $8USD. All rights reserved to Selina |Legal | Powered by Webstick. Not just tourists, local migrants also use these channels to move between locations. Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! please visit the Intrepid Group website -. There are currently no scheduled departures on our Costa Rica & Panama Discovery trip. Account for this, and the fact that sometimes there are long queues at the border so leave several hours leeway. No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. The other option is to take a few buses, the first one from Sixaola to Changuinola and then change to the bus heading to David and ask to be dropped in Almirante. This includes Tamarindo, Jaco, Monteverde, La Fortuna, and Manuel Antonio to name a few of the most popular tourist towns. We can provide visa support documentation upon request, please contact us for more information. This service provider is known for its comfortable buses and reportedly safe travels. We suggest somewhere between 3-5, 4-6 or $5-7 per person per day. Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica - Welcome to San Jos. Passport it should be valid for at least 6 months from entry. Stroll amidst the grandeur of Casco Viejo, explore streets bustling with activity and revel in Panama Citys infectious energy. It will take around 18 hours to reach Panama City. Attempting to communicate in Spanish is a great way of showing you care. Explore all Intrepid Travel styles: Basix, Original, Comfort and Premium. Your itinerary will list the excursions on offer and your tour leader will be able to give you more details on the excursion. Please speak to your tour leader and the reception staff at hotels for further information. Gain insights and learn facts about this stunning archipelago of islands. The other border, Sixaola, is on the Caribbean side and is best used if your last destination in Costa Rica is Puerto Viejo or Limon and if you want to travel to Bocas Del Toro in Panam. San Jos Panoramic Driving Tour: Take a driving tour of Costa Ricas largest city. This tour enables you to see it all from a higher perspective on the bridges which are between 5 m and 100 m (15 and 350 feet) high. Find here the best 7 day travel itineraries for Costa Rica. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. By submitting this form you agree to our Privacy Policy. Single travelers:If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. Head to the coffee plantations, waterfalls and caldera hot springs of Boquete, a highland town so beautiful you wont miss the beach one bit. KMA on Instagram: "Costa Rica truly is such a beautiful country Peregrine has been an important part of Intrepid since 2012, and with more than 30 years experience and hundreds of trips across all seven continents, you can trust you'll be travelling with the experts. Please refer to the Included section of the itinerary where a full breakdown is given. Rapidly becoming a Caribbean favourite, Bocas del Toro has it all palm-shaded beaches with crystal-clear water, spectacular snorkelling and lots of wildlife. Before the tour starts, you will receive an email from us requesting your dietary requirements. Where to stay in Panama once youve arrived? When bussing or driving Costa Rica to Panama, there are several things to bring. The single supplement excludes days 7 & 8 (Boquete), Days 9 & 10 (Santa Catalina) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please have a look at our essential tour information page for detailed information. This bus requires tickets to be bought in advance, so ensure this is done prior to trying to board. The rich soil and rainforests around Arenal are home to an impressive diversity of fauna and flora. Or maybe youd prefer to soak it up in the caldera hot springs. Really enjoyed this trip. , or vice versa, only takes one hour on a plane. The tour price includes accommodation for the duration of the tour, transport by private coach, breakfasts and dinner as per your itinerary, ferry crossings (where applicable), and guided walking tours and excursions as per your itinerary. While the border crossing between Costa Rica and Panama is usually straightforward, sometimes it can take a while so please prepare to be patient. This afternoon, its time to explore Monteverdes Cloud Forest! Please be careful when booking flights into San Jose; make sure you fly into Juan Santamara International Airport [SJO]. See some major sights including the Parque Nacional, Pre-Columbian Museum and the Metropolitan cathedral. Panama and Costa Rica Tours - Panama Travel Packages - Expat Explore Finish your 10 day Costa Rica itinerary by driving back to San Jose - a journey that will take roughly 5 hours. All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover, and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance - if you need assistance please contact our Customer Service team who will be able to put you in touch with our travel insurance partners. Our tours travel to different countries in different hemispheres. Inhale the heady aromas of fine coffee drifting from coffee plantations near the picturesque Panama town of Boquete. Do not disturb the flora and fauna in rainforests as this could be considered a felony in Costa Rica. When flying from Costa Rica to Panama, there is already a $29 exit fee included in your plane ticket price. You're on Central American time now! Welcome to Panama City and the start of your Latin American adventure! Alternatively, half-day fishing trips or surfboard hire is available in the town. This is just a 40-minute drive from the popular surf town of Puerto Viejo, and 2 and a half hours from Bocas del Toro islands in Panama. This means that the weather you will experience will vary depending on where you choose to travel and the time of year in which you choose to travel. You should budget for any optional excursions you wish to do in this period (see 'Optional Excursions' tab above, these are paid in cash on tour unless stated otherwise) and non-included meals. 9 Costa Rica and Panama tour packages with 22 reviews View Map In-depth Cultural Costa Rica & Panama Discovery 20 reviews "Almost everything was better than described.