Costa Rica, Panama & Colombia
Natural wonders meet charming cities
See the very best of San Jose, Panama City, and Cartagena on this 10-day adventure! Blending natural beauty with colonial architecture, this package has it all. Indulge in local cuisine, enjoy included city tours, and embark on excursions to waterfalls, volcanoes, hot springs, and nearby islands!
What's Included
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into San Jose (SJO), out of Cartagena (CTG)
- All airport transfers
- 4 nights in San Jose at the Crowne Plaza San Jose Corobici, or similar
- Full-day Tortuga Island Tour with lunch
- Full-day Arenal Volcano & Tabacon Hot Springs Tour with lunch & dinner
- One-way economy class flight from San Jose (SJO) to Panama City (PTY)
- 3 nights in Panama City at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, or similar
- Half-day Panama & Miraflores Locks Tour
- One-way economy class flight from Panama City (PTY) to Cartagena (CTG)
- 3 nights in Cartagena at the Caribe by Faranda Grand Hotel, or similar
- Cartagena city tour (half-day)
- Full-day tour to the Rosario Islands
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
-
See some of the world's bluest water on a full-day excursion to the Rosario Islands off Cartagena, Colombia.
Try ceviche, empanadas, plantain cakes, and other local culinary favorites.
-
Step into history on a tour that takes you to the Panama Canal!
-
Keep your eyes peeled fascinating wildlife on tours through lush rainforests!
-
Watch street performers dance and feel the unique beat of each city.
Experience the best of Central and South America on this three-country adventure! Indulge in delicious culinary favorites, like empanadas and ceviche, and feast your eyes on breathtaking natural landscapes. From Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, to the Rosario Islands off Cartagena, get ready for this vacation that's a thrill for the senses.
Kick off in Costa Rica. With the city of San Jose as your home base, you'll always have things to see and do! Explore the historical streets of San Jose, filled with architectural beauty and spirited culture. While in Costa Rica, enjoy two full-day tours that showcase the diverse landscapes of the country - from volcanoes and hotsprings, to the blissful waters of Tortuga Island.
From Costa Rica, you'll party it up in Panama City! Stroll through the cobbled streets of historic Casco Viejo, then enjoy a half-day tour that takes you to the Panama Canal and Miraflores Locks! Learn all about the groundbreaking innovations that now make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Last but certainly not least, hop on a quick flight to the vibrant city of Cartagena. Meander through picturesque streets of colonial architecture and soak up the spirit of this colorful seaside city. Enjoy a tour of Cartagena, then escape to the Rosario Islands on a full-day tour! This vacation blends colonial charm with postcard-worthy natural beauty.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into San Jose (SJO), out of Cartagena (CTG)
- All airport transfers
- 4 nights in San Jose at the Crowne Plaza San Jose Corobici, or similar
- Full-day Tortuga Island Tour with lunch
- Full-day Arenal Volcano & Tabacon Hot Springs Tour with lunch & dinner
- One-way economy class flight from San Jose (SJO) to Panama City (PTY)
- 3 nights in Panama City at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, or similar
- Half-day Panama & Miraflores Locks Tour
- One-way economy class flight from Panama City (PTY) to Cartagena (CTG)
- 3 nights in Cartagena at the Caribe by Faranda Grand Hotel, or similar
- Cartagena city tour (half-day)
- Full-day tour to the Rosario Islands
- Breakfast daily
-
See some of the world's bluest water on a full-day excursion to the Rosario Islands off Cartagena, Colombia.
Try ceviche, empanadas, plantain cakes, and other local culinary favorites.
-
Step into history on a tour that takes you to the Panama Canal!
-
Keep your eyes peeled fascinating wildlife on tours through lush rainforests!
-
Watch street performers dance and feel the unique beat of each city.
Experience the best of Central and South America on this three-country adventure! Indulge in delicious culinary favorites, like empanadas and ceviche, and feast your eyes on breathtaking natural landscapes. From Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, to the Rosario Islands off Cartagena, get ready for this vacation that's a thrill for the senses.
Kick off in Costa Rica. With the city of San Jose as your home base, you'll always have things to see and do! Explore the historical streets of San Jose, filled with architectural beauty and spirited culture. While in Costa Rica, enjoy two full-day tours that showcase the diverse landscapes of the country - from volcanoes and hotsprings, to the blissful waters of Tortuga Island.
From Costa Rica, you'll party it up in Panama City! Stroll through the cobbled streets of historic Casco Viejo, then enjoy a half-day tour that takes you to the Panama Canal and Miraflores Locks! Learn all about the groundbreaking innovations that now make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Last but certainly not least, hop on a quick flight to the vibrant city of Cartagena. Meander through picturesque streets of colonial architecture and soak up the spirit of this colorful seaside city. Enjoy a tour of Cartagena, then escape to the Rosario Islands on a full-day tour! This vacation blends colonial charm with postcard-worthy natural beauty.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to San Jose, Costa Rica!
Upon your arrival at SJO International Airport, enjoy a convenient transfer to your home for the next four nights!
Spent the rest of the day settling in. Treat yourself to a delicious first-night meal!
Transfer to your hotel!
Check-in - Crowne Plaza San Jose Corobici, an IHG Hotel
Kick back and relax at the contemporary Crowne Plaza San Jose Corobici! Feel your eyes widen as you walk through the atrium, which boasts sky-high ceilings, stylish seating areas, and flooding natural light. Check-in with the friendly reception team, then mosey through the halls and find your room. Open the door to plush beds, WiFi, flat-screen TV, sparkling bathrooms, and more. Take a quick nap, then unpack your swimsuit and head for the pool! Take a refreshing dip or lounge in the warm sun with a drink in-hand. Work all your stresses away at the on-site state-of-the-art fitness center, melt your worries away in the sauna, or sink into the steamy Jacuzzi.
When you work up an appetite, decide between El Tucan Restaurant, which serves sophisticated Costa Rican cuisine near the pool, or Fuji Restaurant, which serves traditional Japanese cuisine in a hibachi-table setting. After a delicious dinner, unwind with a drink at the lobby bar!
Day 2. San Jose, Costa Rica
Grab your camera and get ready for a full day of natural beauty! Enjoy a guided excursion to Tortuga Island. This will be the first of many postcard-worthy days!
Shared Full-day Tortuga Island Tour, with Light breakfast, Lunch, Cruise & Tour
Your tour begins on Highway 27, a popular route connecting San Jose with the Pacific province of Puntarenas. Upon arrival, hop on a boat and experience a heavenly archipelago of several islands with lush natural beauty and a sanctuary home to seabirds, white sandy beaches, and the flora and fauna of the Central Pacific region.
Located in this beautiful archipelago, 12 nautical miles from Puntarenas, Tortuga Island is almost 300 acres of beautiful palm-fringed beaches and emerald green water. Maintained as a protected forest, the island has been awarded the Ecological Blue Flag for more than five years, a distinction awarded to beaches in Costa Rica with pollution-free waters.
Day 3. San Jose, Costa Rica
Discover two of Costa Rica's most iconic sights today on your full-day tour of the Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs! Indulge in delicious meals and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica.
Shared Full-day Arenal Volcano & Local Hot Springs Tour
The impressive Arenal Volcano is a natural wonder located in the northern part of the country, a place you should definitely go to during your visit to Costa Rica.
Depart San Jose and make your way to the plains of the northern part of Costa Rica. Your first stop is at the famous town of Sarchi, known internationally for its hardworking craftsmen who give fame to this village as "The Cradle of Costarican Crafts."
Your journey then continues through the many different plantations until reaching the village of La Fortuna, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch in a cozy restaurant. If the weather allows it, you will be able to enjoy an incredible view to the impressive Arenal Volcano.
After lunch, continue to the Baldi hot springs (or similar). The pools here flow freely and are heated directly from the volcanic veins of the Arenal Volcano. These soothing waterfalls will make you feel rejuvenated due to all the benefits they provide. These springs help improve blood circulation and oxygenation, remove toxins from the body, stimulate metabolism, help digestion, promote relaxation and improve the functioning of the nervous system, which make Tabacon a must-visit destination.
End your day with a satisfying dinner before returning back to San Jose downtown.
Includes:
- Transportation
- Bilingual guide
- Entrance fee
- Lunch & dinner
Day 4. San Jose, Costa Rica
Discover the vibrant energy of San Jose today. Make your way through the crowds as you walk down Central Ave (Avenida Central); San Jose's main street runs straight through the city and offers an abundance of shopping and eating options! Pop into the famous Mercado Central, treat yourself to a plate of arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), then continue on your way, stopping to enjoy the singing and dancing of the street performers along the way.
You can also stop by the National Theater of Costa Rica - perhaps you'd like to take a tour or see a performance!
Day 5. San Jose, Costa Rica - Panama City, Panama
Waive goodbye to Costa Rica and get ready for paradise in Panama! Hop in a transfer to the airport, enjoy a quick flight, then enjoy a transfer to your hotel in Panama City. Check-in, get settled, and explore!
Transfer to the airport (SJO)
Fly to Panama!
Transfer to your hotel in Panama City!
Check-in - Crowne Plaza Panama
The Crowne Plaza Panama Hotel is a hotel in the financial district of Panama City. The hotel is located near banks, embassies, the University of Panama and few miles from first-class restaurants, casinos and great shopping. Pick up souvenirs from the Multiplaza Shopping Center or Albrook Mall; explore the Casco Viejo, the historic part of the city; catch a performance at the National Theater; or visit the Panama Canal.
After a long day of sightseeing, the hotel's facilities will help you relax. Enjoy a traditional Panamanian dish at the on-site La Galeria Restaurant, then grab a nightcap at the Memories Sports Bar & Lounge. Sweat it out at the fitness center followed by a dip in the outdoor pool.
Day 6. Panama City, Panama
Set out in the morning for a half-day tour through Panama City to the Panama Canal where you'll get to see the Miraflores Locks in action. The rest of the day is yours to wander as you wish.
Panama & Miraflores Locks Tour
Enjoy a half-day tour through Panama and Miraflores Locks. You'll be able to visit the beautiful UNESCO Heritage Site Casco Antiguo with its historic churches and significant monuments. Stroll through Panama City and explore its growing architecture, which has a creative and nostalgic feel. And finally, you'll make your way to the Miraflores Locks and Panama Canal. You'll get to witness the Lock in motion, and shop through the stalls set up by the 7 indigenous tribes, all selling handcrafted souvenirs.
Day 7. Panama City, Panama
Today is your last full day in Panama City, so make the most of it! Maybe you'll take a walk through the cobble stoned historic center Casco Viejo, which boasts colonial-era landmarks and plazas lined with cafes and bars.
Day 8. Panama City, Panama - Cartagena, Colombia
Get ready for your last stop - colorful Cartagena! Enjoy roundtrip airport transfers and a quick flight to Colombia.
Upon arrival at your Cartagena hotel, settle in and relax. When it's time for dinner, consider a delicious seafood restaurant by the water.
Transfer to the airport (PTY)
Fly to Colombia!
Transfer to your hotel in Cartagena
Check-in - Hotel Caribe By Faranda Grand
Nestled in lush tropical gardens, the 5-star Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand boasts unmatched beachside elegance. Featuring a semi-Olympic outdoor pool, charming colonial architecture, and impressive interior design, this hotel will sweep you off your feet.
Check in to your air-conditioned room and look out the window at a colorful view of palm trees and the Caribbean Sea. Relax on the plush bed, or indulge in deliciousness at one of the hotel's 3 on-site restaurants. Pamper yourself at the spa, or work your stresses away in the fitness center!
Day 9. Cartagena, Colombia
Today you will visit some of Cartagena's highlights on an included city tour. Cartagena was given the name La Heroica (Heroic City) by Simon Bolivar in 1815 after the city resisted 105 days of siege by the Spanish.
After the tour, stroll over to Plaza de la Aduana, the largest and oldest square in Cartagena's old town that was once the home of the city's government (aduana means customs).
Sip an ice cold cocktail at one of the outdoor bars near Plaza de la Aduana as you watch the sun go down!
Cartagena City Tour (half-day)
Your tour of this UNESCO World Heritage City will begin with the Castille San Felipe de Barajas, or the Fortress of San Felipe. Located at the top of the Hill of San Lazaro, this well-preserved fortress dominates the city and is seen from both land and sea.
From there, you’ll make a photo stop at the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas, a masterpiece of engineering built by the Spaniards to defend the city from attacks by pirates. Continue walking around the walled colonial city, where its narrow streets and houses with spectacular balconies will take you back in time. Visit the Convent of San Pedro Claver, a jewel of Spanish colonial architecture.
Your last stop on the tour will be the famous Emerald Museum in Bocagrande, before you are returned to your hotel.
Day 10. Cartagena, Colombia
Set your clock to island time! Today, get ready for crystal-clear water and swaying palms. Enjoy a full-day tour to the stunning Rosario Islands.
Full-day Tour to the Rosario Islands
This morning you will be transferred from your Cartagena hotel to the pier. The tour starts at the Cartagena Pier, from where you will board a shared boat going to the Rosario Islands. The national park is surrounded by coral reefs and lapped by clear blue waters and is the natural habitat for a large variety of marine fauna. Three ecosystems thrive here: coastal lagoons, mangroves surrounding them, and tropical forest. You will have plenty of free time for snorkeling and relaxation. Enjoy a typical lunch (included) and other additional activities offered by this place at an additional rate.
Day 11. Depart Colombia
Your stay in Cartagena comes to an end today. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, for your flight home.