Ready to bounce from beach to jungle to crater town? This 13-day trip kicks off in Costa Rica and cruises into the wild beauty of Panama, where laid-back vibes meet epic adventure. Chill out on the Caribbean coast in Puerto Viejo, snorkel through starfish-studded waters in Bocas del Toro, and hike cloud forest trails to hidden waterfalls in Boquete. You’ll get up close with local culture, learn how chocolate is made from the source, and hang out in Valle de Antón — an actual town inside a volcanic crater. Wrap it up with a night out in Panama City, and you’ve got a Central American escape that’s anything but basic.
Travel Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Service Level
Basic
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Local Community Focused Chocolate Experience, Bocas del Toro
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Big Night Out Moment: Bocas del Toro
Your Discover Moment: Boquete. CEO-led Orientation Walk of Puerto Viejo. Biking in Puerto Viejo. CEO-led Orientation Walk - Bocas del Toro. Starfish Beach Visit. Panama City CEO-led Orientation Walk. Free time in Puerto Viejo, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, Valle de Anton. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Catch Caribbean vibes and surf breaks in Puerto Viejo, Snorkel with starfish in the clear waters of Bocas del Toro, Hike lush trails and chase waterfalls in cloud forest-covered Boquete, Kick back in Valle de Antón inside a volcanic crater surrounded by mountains, Visit an Indigenous community and learn how chocolate goes from bean to bar, End the trip with city lights and nightlife in buzzing Panama City
How large will the group be?
Max 16, Avg. 14.
What meals are included in this trip?
No meals included
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Public bus, private vehicle, ferry, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hostels (8 nts, multi-share), Hotels/Guesthouse (4 nts).
Itinerary
San José
Arrive at any time. There’s so much to see and do in San José so we recommend checking out what you can. From city tours to coffee experiences in the Central Valley, there’s a variety to choose from should you arrive early. Join a welcome meeting in the evening to get to know your newest travel family and opt to grab a meal at a local restaurant afterwards as a way to break the ice and grow more comfortable with each other.
San José/Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Catch a local bus from San José to the picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. You’ll find 14km (8.7 mi) of incomparable white and black sand beaches here all surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation. A true paradise to start the adventure. Set off on a CEO-led orientation walk upon arrival and then take advantage of free time to explore, unwind, and soak up the magic of Puerto Viejo. You’ll have just enough time to dive into the town’s laid-back rhythm and discover why this little corner of the Caribbean is so loved by travelers from all over the world. Whether you're craving beach time, a local bite, or a bit of spontaneous adventure, there’s plenty to do (or not do—because relaxing counts too!)
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
It’s time to explore! Hop on a bike and ride to the beach with your CEO. Once here opt to try surfing if the waves are calling. Hit up beaches like Cocles, Punta Uva, and maybe even make it to Manzanillo. There will be stops along the way to grab a drink, jump in the ocean, and spot some animals. Later, the group will have free time to relax at the hostel, grab a coffee, find a hammock, and simply relax. You could also chat with your travel mates, play some cards together, or throw on a fun playlist and dance the night away to reggae and calypso for a true taste of this tropical paradise. Group hangout in the common area to spice up the evening, anyone?
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca/Bocas del Toro
The moment you have been waiting for…Panama! Cross the border today and travel by bus, boat, and foot to the lovely archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Your CEO will show the group around on a leisurely stroll through town. Check out the main spots, learn a bit about the local culture, and get the lay of the land. The archipelago of Bocas is a reflection of Afro-Caribbean culture. As you walk the streets you’ll hear calypso and reggae rhythms, and guari-guari– a language that is a mixture of English, French and Spanish. After the walk, take some time to wander on your own, find a comfortable spot, breathe in the fresh air, and simply enjoy being present in one of Panama’s favorite destinations for locals and travellers alike.
Bocas del Toro
The tropical vibes continue during a full free day to enjoy all that Bocas del Toro has to offer. Think paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling, or maybe a bioluminescence tour later in the day. Choose to be as relaxed or active as you would like. Swimming, sunbathing, rocking in a hammock, or people watching from a cute local spot, are great options too.
Bocas del Toro
Charge up those phones and cameras because you’re going to want proof of today’s activity! The group will enjoy a visit to the famous Starfish Beach, known for the hundreds of starfish that spend the day in the shallow waters of an isolated cove. Swim in the calm waters and enjoy the beauty before you. Travel back to the hostel in the afternoon and relax on your own. Grab some friends and head out for a fun local meal and some dancing, read a book in solitude, or try one of the optional activities you didn’t have time for yesterday. There will be an optional group dinner tonight and everyone will walk there together if you choose to join.
Bocas del Toro/Boquete
Pack those bags and travel back to the mainland today as the group heads to the mountain town of Boquete, where an abundance of outdoor activities await! Along the way pay a visit to the local indigenous Ngäbe community and learn about the process from which chocolate is derived and why cacao is so important to their culture. Arrive in the evening to Boquete and get settled in at your base for the next few nights. Choose to join an optional dinner at a local spot with the group.
Boquete
Everyone loves to feel that adrenaline kick in every now and then, and the wooded valley of Boquete surrounded by mountains is the perfect destination to make that happen. Enjoy a full free day here to discover the trails of lost waterfalls, hike to Baru Volcano, go whitewater rafting, or horseback riding. You can also choose to book a tour of a coffee plantation, hike through the cloud forest, or try spotting wildlife in the area. Craving some deeper connection after a day of activity? Choose to join the group and walk from the hostel to a nearby restaurant for an optional local dinner.
Boquete
Everyone wants more time in Boquete, so take another free day to try some of the optional activities you didn’t have time for yesterday. Life is better when shared, so grab a buddy and opt in to one of the active activities together. Take pictures and videos of your experiences and push yourself out of your comfort zone in a place that largely celebrates being adventurous. Walk from the hostel to a local restaurant tonight for an optional group dinner and share stories of your experiences from today.
Boquete/Valle de Antón
Be enveloped by Panama’s inland scenery today while the group travels from Boquete to Valle de Anton. Located in the middle of the crater of an inactive volcano, this quaint town is rich in green, fertile land, biodiversity, and full of adventure waiting for you. Arrive later in the day, get settled in the hostel, and perhaps go out for dinner with the group and cheers to a successful travel day.
Valle de Antón
Valle de Anton is an ideal destination for travellers looking to hike, zipline, cycle, or soak in hot springs. If you’re feeling really adventurous, opt to try the 30km (18.6 mile) Ruta de la Caldera, or choose one of its sections, the most iconic being El Gaital which reaches over 1,000 metres (3,281 ft) above sea level. You could also rent bikes and cycle around the town, or visit the Pozos Termales to soothe those muscles from yesterday’s long bus rides. It’s your time to enjoy the great outdoors, laugh with your travel family, and soak up the cool weather as you search for wildlife on your own. As always, there will be the option to join together with the group for dinner in the evening at a hip, local spot, and dish out stories about how you spent your free day here.
Valle de Antón/Panama City
If you wish, enjoy a morning to sleep in before travelling by public bus to Panama City. Download those podcasts and playlists to enjoy along the way. Arrive in the late afternoon and join your CEO for an orientation walk to discover the main attractions like Casco Viejo, Plaza de la Independencia, and the Panama Cathedral. Then, enjoy free time in the evening to take a more in-depth city tour, stroll or bike along the Amador Causeway, the city's scenic boardwalk, or relax at your accommodation. Tonight is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the nightlife atmosphere of Panama’s capital.
Panama City
Depart at anytime. Or perhaps consider spending a few extra days in the lively Panama City. Before you go, make sure you swap information with your newest travel family because someday maybe you'll meet up in another part of the world.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
