¡Bienvenido! Welcome to San Jose, Costa Rica's buzzing capital city in the heart of the central highlands. Known for its lively atmosphere, the city blends modern urban living with a touch of colonial charm.
Make your own way to your accommodation this afternoon and get acquainted with your fellow travellers and prepare for your Costa Rican adventure.
Today, explore the historic architecture and warm local culture of Costa Rica's central hub. Weave through business districts and residential neighbourhoods and gain an insight into the colourful colonial mansions, many now converted into trendy museums and art galleries. Make a stop at the yellow turrets of Bellavista Fortress, a significant site in San Jose, now home to the National Museum. Littered with visible bullet marks on its remaining turrets, the building played a large role in the protection and strategic control of the city during its civil unrest in the 20th century and stands today as a symbol of Costa Rica's efforts to safeguard its capital.
In the city's centre, pay a visit to the National Theatre, erected in the late 19th century with funding from a tax on coffee, the country's main export at the time. The ornate building is modelled after the Paris Opera House, with marble floors and a number of sculptures including the busts of Beethoven and Chopin.
Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, before retiring to your accommodation.
Following breakfast, take the scenic route through the cloud-covered landscapes of Braulio Carrillo National Park as you journey to Tortuguero. Keep your camera at the ready as you pass vast expanses of untouched tropical rainforests, misty volcanic mountains and endless banana plantations. Take to the waters of Costa Rica's second-largest wetland, the Tortuguero Canals, considered by many to be the 'Amazon of Costa Rica' for its abundance of natural biodiversity. Spot a number of rare flora and fauna as you make your way to your eco-lodge stay, situated among the rivers, wetlands and verdant rainforest.
After check-in, head out to explore the village of Tortuguero and visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy. Tortuguero National Park is famous for its population of Green sea, leatherback and hawksbill turtles which nest on its beaches between July and October, typically hatching from September through December. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the shelled hatchlings making their first pilgrimage to the sea.
Take to the expansive Tortuguero Canals early this morning. Weave through its unique system of natural and manmade waterways and keep an eye out for its wide variety of birds, monkeys, sloths, toucans and colourful orchids.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy. You may like to relax in the quiet surrounds of your eco-lodge or head out to explore the wonders of this wilderness on a guided nature walk.
Early this morning, leave the lodge continue on through the San Carlos Plain. Watch as its large stretches of pasture-covered plains with grazing cattle and dense rainforests pass by your coach's window. Ahead, the tempestuous Arenal Volcano grows larger as you approach its perfectly symmetrical, ashen slopes.
Upon arrival to your eco-retreat in the quaint town nearby, take in the tranquillity of Costa Rica's northern lowlands. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in this natural sanctuary, taking the time to explore its green pastures against views of the majestic volcanic backdrop.
Watch as a number of small communities whiz past on your way to Los Chiles, your gateway to the Rio Frio and Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. While Los Chiles may seem small, its agricultural proclivity abounds with a bounty of corn, cacao and beans.
Board a floating safari vessel and prepare for an adventure through the tropical wetlands and pastures along the Rio Frio. As one of Costa Rica's most biologically diverse areas, keep your eyes peeled for a variety of colourful migratory and resident birds including roseate spoonbills, green-backed herons and wood storks. Don’t be fooled by the bird-like calls of the spider and howler monkeys hiding in the treetops that share this paradise. With binoculars at the ready, you may even be lucky enough to spot a sloth or ocelot in the highest branches.
Depart wild Arenal for evergreen Monteverde, sitting 1,440m above sea level. Notice how the slopes here are blanketed in thick swaddles of cool mist, appearing as low-lying clouds. Thanks to this well-tempered moist climate, the area is abundant in wildlife, with tens of thousands of insect varieties, 2,500 species of plants, 400 kinds of birds and over 100 species of mammals.
Here, you'll be transported to the enchanting world of Monteverde Butterfly Gardens, home to 30 species of butterflies in four separated habitats, plus over 20 fascinating species of insects and arachnids. In these peaceful glass houses, if you stand very, very still, a butterfly in colours of cerulean, magenta or chartreuse may just choose to land on you.
In the evening, settle into your next lodge stay for a restful slumber.
Enjoy the freedom of a full day to yourself in this tropical oasis. You might choose to get acquainted with the misty surrounds of the cloud forest, becoming one with the treetops as you walk across hanging bridges high above the forest floor in Treetopia Park (surcharges apply). Should you prefer a day of rest, savour the quiet comforts of your lodge.
Rise early to venture into the mist of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve on a spellbinding tour and bear witness to the vast array of flora and fauna that thrive here. In this protected area, you may be lucky enough to witness the vibrant emerald and crimson feathered quetzals, rare and striking birds known to frequent areas of higher altitude. The males have a distinct quiff of blues and blacks, iridescent green wings and a rich red underbelly, and are particularly attracted to the native wild avocado tree.
From here, leave the cloud forests behind as you travel back to San Jose via quaint Sarchi, an artisan town known for its brightly painted oxcarts, traditional to the area for centuries.
Travel to the airport this morning as you fly to Panama City.
Check into your accommodation for the next three nights and take the afternoon to recharge, or perhaps venture into the streets for a meal. Panama City is recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City in Gastronomy. For an authentic and unforgettable experience, try dining in the areas of San Francisco, Costa de Este or Cinta Costera.
Embark on an unforgettable journey today as you cruise through the Panama Canal.
Built to decrease travel time for ships between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, this feat of engineering was initiated by the Spanish in 1534 and completed by the US government in 1904, an incredible 370-year effort. Since its completion, the canal has seen over 900,000 vessels pass its locks and counting.
As you sail through the southeastern section of the canal, notice its system of locks and levvies elevating ships as high as a six-storey building. See massive cargo ships up close as you move through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks. You'll also pass through the Gaillard Cut, one of the canal's most enchanting stretches, surrounded by lush tropical rainforests full of wildlife.
Delve into the rich heritage and vibrant modern culture of Panama City today on a guided tour. This bustling hub is Central America's most cosmopolitan city thanks to the Canal, bringing a diverse and dynamic culture along with the sea trade. You'll get the opportunity to see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Panama Viejo Historical Monument Complex, the ruins of the first European settlement site on America's Pacific Coast. Stop at the centuries-old Casco Antiguo, known as Panama City's historic quarter, built following the near-destruction of the original city which was attacked by pirates in 1671. Here, visit the Palacio de Las Garzas, the governmental residence and office of the President of Panama, and the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient.
Make one final stop at the Amador Causeway, one of the best green stretches in the city and host to a number of restaurants and shops. Capture a panoramic view of the Canal's Miraflores locks here as you reminisce on your extraordinary adventure.
Say adios to your incredible journey through Costa Rica and Panama, making your own way to the Tocumen International Airport Panama (PTY) for your onward journey after breakfast.