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Discover the tropical treasures and rich agriculture of two spectacular Central American countries. Be sure to pack your hiking shoes and poles as we begin with a true adventure exploring Costa Rica’s extraordinary jungles, tropical rainforests, and unique wildlife. Embark on an incredible hike through Arenal Volcano National Park, relax on a riverboat ride in Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, and set your sights upon the lush forests and towering waterfalls in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve during another enriching hike. Our exhilarating drives through this unspoiled landscape feature rugged, winding roads with breathtaking scenery. We also spend time at the traditional country estate of Casona Rio Fortuna to experience the Costa Rican way of life and make authentic corn tortillas! In Panama, take a scenic boat ride to Embera Quera to learn about their Indigenous culture as our friendly hosts demonstrate their way of life with music, dance, and handmade crafts. Explore vibrant Panama City with a guided tour to discover the historic attractions and fascinating architecture. Enjoy traveling through the famous Panama Canal with a partial transit before driving to the northernmost Agua Clara Locks and viewing the newly constructed Atlantic Bridge. Agricultural highlights include visits to the Doka Coffee Estate, La Finca Luna Farm, and a discussion with a Panama Agricultural Chamber expert.
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February 15, 2025 - February 24, 2025
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$7999
Single
$8949
Final Payment Date: 11/12/2024
Day 1 : Fly to San José
Today, we board our flight to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Upon arrival, we meet our local guide and check in to our beautifully appointed hotel in San José.
Day 2 : Doka Coffee & Farm Tour
Enjoy a delicious breakfast every morning of our tour! Today’s adventure begins at Doka Coffee Estate to dive into Costa Rica’s rich history with coffee dating back to the 1700s. Begin by seeing ripened coffee berries picked and following production to the roasting hall, where fresh heavenly scents fill the air. Indulge in some of the best coffee in the world or purchase coffee grounds to bring home. We then travel to La Finca Luna Farm for an intriguing tour of their diverse crops, many used for medicine or cosmetics. Learn about their regenerative agriculture practices while viewing exotic fruits, spices, and raw cacao. Afterwards, we depart for our charming boutique accommodations in Arenal and enjoy views of the tropical landscape along the way.
Day 3 : Wildlife Refuge Excursion
Our day kicks off with a journey into Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a rich and biologically diverse ecosystem. This sanctuary is one of the world’s most important wetlands for protecting endangered species and is home to monkeys, iguanas, sloths, turtles, and more. We gain access to the refuge through the village of Los Chiles near the Nicaraguan border, then take a riverboat photo safari along the Rio Frio within the tropical rainforest to a fascinating marshland. Later, we return to the Arenal area and have the rest of the day at leisure to soak up the scenic views and hotel amenities.
Day 4 : Arenal Volcano National Park & Tortilla Class
Lace up your hiking shoes and grab your collapsible hiking poles for a jungle hike with our Costa Rican guide this morning! See spectacular views of Arenal Volcano National Park’s mountain ridges covered in rainforest, various wildlife, and Lake Arenal. Next, we learn how to make traditional tortillas from maize (corn) at a beautiful country estate, Cosona Rio Fortuna. Once they’re cooked and cooled, we fill them and indulge in this local staple for lunch. Later, a scenic drive across the continental divide towards the Pacific Ocean brings us to our accommodations in Monteverde.
Day 5 : Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Today begins with another beautiful hike accompanied by our local guide, this time through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Be sure to keep an eye out for more wildlife, such as sloths, and see a spectacular waterfall as you walk through this lush forest with low-hanging clouds. Afterwards, we learn about the unique amphibians and reptiles of Costa Rica at Herpetarium Adventures while viewing exotic frogs, toads, and snakes up close. Later, explore the pleasant oceanside town of Puntarenas during leisure time on our way to San José.
Day 6 : Welcome to Panama
We say adios to the lush beauty of Costa Rica and board a short flight to Panama this morning. Arriving in Panama City, our local guide greets us at the airport before we settle into our hotel. Later, a local expert from the Panama Agricultural Chamber fascinates us with a presentation on the country’s agricultural exports. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner and relaxation.
Day 7 : Panama City Tour
Today, we tour Panama City with a local guide and visit Casco Viejo, the historic district, along with many other must-see areas. After an included lunch, we visit the vibrant Biomuseo to learn about the country’s unique impact on the world’s biodiversity. The evening is at your leisure.
Day 8 : Panama Canal
Get ready to cross off a bucket list experience today – cruising the historic Panama Canal. Step aboard the Pacific Queen for an incredible journey through the locks where lakes and rivers traverse the waterway. Take in gorgeous views of the Bay of Panama and the towering skyline of Panama City before passing under the Bridge of the Americas. After completing our partial transit, we disembark in Gamboa and drive to the Agua Clara Locks, the northernmost locks. On the observation deck, enjoying seeing ships pass through the locks and the Atlantic Bridge, which spans the entire width of the canal.
Day 9 : Embera Quera Community
Captivating culture and striking scenery await us this morning at the Embera Quera Indigenous Community. We enjoy a beautiful boat ride up the Chagres River to the village, where a local ambassador teaches us about their culture, language, and way of life. Next, indulge in a savory lunch before observing a delightful display of local music and dance with a chance to join in on the fun. Later, we return to Panama City for an included Farewell Dinner and folkloric show with traditional Panamanian music and dancing.
Day 10 : Fly Home
We return home with fantastic memories of exploring agricultural splendor in Central America.
Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.
Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.