Travel Type
Guided Tours
Duration
12 Days/11 Nights
Country
Costa Rica
Exotik Experiences by Intrepid Travel
Since 1989, Intrepid Travel has been redefining the way we explore the world, creating meaningful, positive change through unforgettable small group journeys. From active adventures to comfort and premium experiences, there’s a style (and budget) for every type of traveler. Imagine immersive travel in over 100 countries, intimate groups of 12–14 participants and the insight of a passionate English-speaking local leader bringing each destination to life. Authentic. Responsible. Unforgettable. Now you may contact your travel advisor to arrange your Intrepid departure while benefiting from the full range of Exotik Journeys services. These include personalized assistance, flight arrangements with stopover options, and the possibility to combine additional destinations or countries. We can also help you create a private group experience tailored to you, your family, or your friends.
Tour Specifications
– Group size: 1 to 16
– Minimum age: 15 years old
– Style: Original (Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time)
– Theme: Explorer
– Physical rating: 2/5 (Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey)
Inclusions
– 11-night accommodation in double occupancy
– 6 meals: 5 breakfasts and 1 dinner
– English-speaking guide
– All ground transfers (private and shared basis)
– Visits as per itinerary
Exclusions
International flights and airport taxes – Visa if required – Airport transfers – Gratuities to hotel, guides and drivers – Meals other than those mentioned – Beverages – Optional excursions – Travel insurance – All other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.
Additional Information
Please note that you can book thousands of experiences from Intrepid Travel itineraries via Exotik Journeys. There are different travel styles (basix, original, comfort, premium) as well as varying levels of physical activity (from 1 to 5), suitable for every type of traveler. Please ask your travel agent to contact Exotik Journeys for more information or to make a reservation.
1
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins in San José with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel. As this trip spends very little time here, it’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early and see the sights. If you do, maybe visit The Gold Museum and it’s amazing collection of Indigenous gold art. Or if you’re in the mood for a bit of shopping, head to the Mercado Municipal de Artesanias or the city’s Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood.
Accommodation : San José for 1 night
Optional Excursions :
San José - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum ($)
San José - San José Bites and Sights Tour ($)
2
DAY 2 SAN JOSE - SARAPIQUI
This morning, hop on a public bus and make your way to Sarapiqui, a town known for its rich biodiversity and lush rainforest. When you arrive, enjoy some free time here to go birdwatching, spot some local wildlife or hike to one of the nearby waterfalls. Then, meet up with a local guide to head out on a jungle walk. Look out for elusive creatures like sloths, bats, snakes, frogs and a whole lot more.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Sarapiqui for 1 night
3
DAY 3 SARAPIQUI - PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA
Today, take a private transfer to Puerto Viejo. When you arrive, get to know this laid-back jungle town during an orientation walk with your local leader, then enjoy some time to explore at your leisure. A small and coastal city, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has a lively main street featuring dance halls, reggaeton bars and modern restaurants. If you’re looking for a little bit of relaxation, you’ll also find great surf beaches and rainforest fruit farms to kick back on. To top today off, you’ll prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner with a local family in their home. Enjoy a mixture of fruits, seafood, tubers and vegetables combined with coconut flavors, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, curry, Panamanian pepper and thyme.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation : Puerto Viejo de Talamanca for 2 nights
4
DAY 4 PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA AT LEISURE
Today is free, so you can ease into the vibes of the Caribbean coast. You might like to take your time exploring Cahuita National Park, which is about a 20-minute ride away from Puerto Viejo, your leader can help you arrange a transfer. Cahuita National Park is home to sloths, monkeys, raccoons, snakes and a great variety of birds. If the waves are calling (but your footing isn’t so sure), surf lessons are also on offer in town. Of course, you could also simply find a cool spot and relax with a beer in hand.
Optional Excursions :
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - 1-hour surf lesson ($)
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Cahuita National Park ($)
5
DAY 5 PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA - BOCAS DEL TORO
Today, take a shared transfer 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 favorite, this place has it all. Hit the palm-shaded beaches with crystal-clear waters, enjoy some spectacular snorkeling opportunities and look out for 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 in Isla Colon, the main town of Bocas del Toro. It’s a great spot to start your exploration of the archipelago, with most bars, restaurants and local activity operators just meters from your hotel.
*Border formalities take up to 1 hour. Have your passport, proof of onward travel (flight or bus ticket), and USD cash for fees ready. Ensure you get both Costa Rica exit and Panama entry stamps. You’ll need to carry your own luggage and walk 650 m to cross the border.
Accommodation : Bocas del Toro for 3 nights
6
DAY 6 BOCAS DEL TORO AT LEISURE
Today is the first of two free days to explore this tropical archipelago. Several beaches are within reach of town, between 8 and 14 km from your hotel. With azure waters, pristine coral reefs and a rollicking nightlife, it’s easy to see why these islands are a favorite for so many travelers. The safest beaches are Starfish, Sandfly and Big Creek, be aware that 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.
Optional Excursions :
Bocas del Toro - Jungle Cacao Tour, guide and transport included ($)
Bocas del Toro - Bio-luminescence Boat Tour, seasonal - guide and transport included ($)
Bocas del Toro - Full-day tour including Bastimentos Island and snorkeling with lunch ($)
Bocas del Toro - Starfish Beach, guide and transport included ($)
7
DAY 7 BOCAS DEL TORO
This morning, hop on a boat to the nearby Isla Popa, where you’ll get to spend time meeting the Ngabe-Bugle indigenous community. The local women here run a community tourism project, and you’ll have the chance to learn about their lifestyle during an orientation walk through the community. You’ll stop in at a local home as well as a spending some time with a local family. Say your farewells and return to Bocas de Toro, then enjoy the rest of a hugely rewarding day free in the Caribbean sun.
8
DAY 8 BOCAS DEL TORO - BOQUETE
Travel by boat and private minibus to Boquete, this is a bit of a lengthy journey, so be sure to have a book, podcast or daydream to keep you occupied. Boquete is a picturesque town located in the highlands of Panama, surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear creeks and rivers, forest reserves and colorful wildflowers, as well as coffee plantations and orange groves. Head out on an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy an informal Spanish lesson to get to grips with the local language. Tomorrow will be a free day, wide open for exploring, most optional activities can be organised directly from the hotel, though it’s a good idea to book them when you arrive tonight if you know what you want to do.
Accommodation : Boquete for 2 nights
9
DAY 9 BOQUETE
There are plenty of ways to experience Boquete today, so be sure to chat to your leader and the hotel front desk to get the best insider tips. 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 visiting 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!
Meals : Breakfast
Optional Excursions :
Boquete - Guided Bicycle Tour - 2 hours, guide and bike hire included ($)
Boquete - Guided Tour of Hidden Waterfalls - entrance fee, transport and guide included ($)
Boquete - Zipline - guide and transport included ($)
Boquete - Mini Canyons Tour - entrance fee, transport and guide included ($)
Boquete - Calderas Hot Springs - entrance fee and transport included, no guide ($)
Boquete - Coffee Plantation Tour - guide and transport included ($)
10
DAY 10 BOQUETE - CHITRE
Say goodbye to Boquete and head to the southern city of Chitre. Arrive around lunchtime, then head out for an orientation walk with your leader (who will also be able to point you in the right direction for a good lunch spot). After a bite to eat, rejoin your fellow travelers head to a mask workshop for a glimpse at the country’s cultural heritage, elaborate masks and costumes are a feature of many festivals in Panama. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Chitre.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Chitre for 1 night
11
DAY 11 CHITRE - PANAMA CITY
Depart Chitre this morning, heading for Panama City. Stop at the Miraflores Visitor Centre, which overlooks one of the locks that control the flow of ships through the Panama Canal. Learn about the canal’s history and engineering, then head back on the road to Panama City. On arrival head out on a leader-led orientation walk. Take in the 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. You might like to regroup with your fellow travelers in the evening for a final farewell dinner (not included).
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Panama City for 1 night
12
DAY 12 DEPARTURE FROM PANAMA CITY
With no planned activities today, you can depart at any time. If you would like to spend some more time in Panama City, just speak to your travel agent.
ORIGINAL CATEGORY HOTELS (APPROX. 3* EQUIVALENT)
Accommodation in the original category, equivalent to 3-star properties. These hotels provide comfortable, clean, and well-located stays with essential amenities. The focus is on practicality and local character rather than luxury, ensuring a pleasant and authentic experience throughout the journey.
| Rates in CA$, per person, starting from | Land Package |
| Fixed departures 2026-2027 ** Up to 3 departures weekly please contact your travel agent for more details** | Double Occupancy |
| June, 2026 | 2560 |
| July, 2026 | 2510 |
| August, 2026 | 2560 |
| September, 2026 | 2585 |
| October, 2026 | 2695 |
| November, 2026 | 2870 |
| December, 2026 | 2790 |
| January-February, 2027 | 3040 |
| March-April, 2027 | 2980 |
| Supplements | |
| Single occupancy or solo traveler | On request |
| Optional excursions | On request |
Product Code: Intrepid (QVRC)
*These are standard rates; however, promotions are available throughout the year. Please contact your travel agent for the latest offers and special deal.
Special Booking Conditions:
– Non-refundable deposit of $500 per person due at the moment of reservation.
– Non-refundable final payment due 60 days prior to departure.
Please note that you can book thousands of experiences from Intrepid Travel itineraries via Exotik Journeys. There are different travel styles (basix, original, comfort, premium) as well as varying levels of physical activity (from 1 to 5), suitable for every type of traveler. Please ask your travel agent to contact Exotik Journeys for more information or to make a reservation.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
Costa Rica and Panama Discovery – Detailed Itinerary
Costa Rica and Panama Discovery – Detailed Itinerary
