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Choose Your Departure Year:
Immerse yourself in the tropical treasures and rich culture 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 ride through this unspoiled landscape features rugged, winding roads with breathtaking scenery. 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. Our getaway concludes with a wonderful folkloric show and dinner, showcasing traditional dance, music, and cuisine.
You can earn a $100 Travel Show Credit good for your next trip with Holiday Vacations by simply clicking the photo to watch the online travel show! The show is about 10 minutes long and at the end, you'll have the ability to submit your contact information and receive a travel credit which can be applied to this or any Holiday Vacations tour. Get started now!
February 1, 2025 - February 10, 2025
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$6199
Single
$7299
Final Payment Date: 10/29/2024
March 8, 2025 - March 17, 2025
Final Payment Date: 12/03/2024
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
Enjoy a delicious breakfast every morning of our tour! Our sightseeing commences at the Doka Coffee Estate where we discover the history of traditional coffee growers. Costa Rica’s rich history with coffee dates back to the 1700s, and the celebrated bean is a centerpiece of Costa Rican economics and culture to this day. Begin with picking ripened coffee berries and follow production to the roasting hall where fresh heavenly scents fill the air. Indulge in some of the best coffee in the world and delight your taste buds with a cup or purchase coffee grounds to bring home. Afterward, we depart for our charming boutique accommodations in Arenal and enjoy views of the tropical landscape along the way.
Day 3 : Wildlife Refuge Tour
Offering a glimpse into one of the richest and most biologically diverse ecosystems in Costa Rica, the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and Rio Frio is home to monkeys, iguanas, sloths, turtles and more. This wildlife sanctuary is one of the world’s most important wetlands for protecting endangered species. We gain access to the refuge via the village of Los Chiles near the Nicaraguan border, then board a riverboat for an adventurous photo safari through tropical rainforest and along pastures en route to a fascinating marshland. We return to the Arenal area with dinner on our own this evening.
Day 4 : Arenal Volcano National Park
Keep your camera handy as we join our Costa Rican guide for a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park to admire the mountain ridges covered in verdant rainforest and search for extraordinary wildlife. We take in spectacular views of Lake Arenal, the largest lake in Costa Rica and an important provider of hydroelectric power for the country. Next, we go on a scenic motorcoach journey across the continental divide towards the Pacific Ocean for a one-night stay in Monteverde.
Day 5 : Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Enjoy a guided hike through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve this morning. Be sure to keep an eye out for beautiful wildlife and a spectacular waterfall as you walk throughout this iconic lush forest with low-hanging clouds. Later, we learn about the unique amphibians and reptiles of Costa Rica at Herpetarium Adventures and view exotic frogs, toads, and snakes up close. Afterwards, explore the pleasant oceanside town of Puntarenas on our way to San José.
Day 6 : Welcome to Panama
After breakfast, we say adios to the lush beauty of Costa Rica and board a short flight to Panama. We arrive in Panama City and are greeted at the airport by our local guide. Then, we check in to our Panama City hotel and enjoy an included dinner and evening of relaxation.
Day 7 : Embera Quera Community
Captivating culture and striking scenery await us today at the Embera Quera Indigenous Community. We enjoy a scenic boat ride up the Chagres River to the village where a local ambassador teaches us about their culture, language, and way of life. We’re treated to a savory lunch before observing a delightful display of local music and dance with a chance to join in on the fun. Take time to shop their selection of handmade crafts before we return to our accommodations.
Day 8 : Panama City Tour
Expansive Panama City lays out before us as we embark on a city tour. Stroll through historic Casco Viejo, Panama City’s Old Quarter, originally founded by the Spanish and later plundered by the infamous pirate Henry Morgan. Throughout our tour, appreciate the parks and plazas that seamlessly combine Italian, French, and Spanish colonial architecture including the magnificent golden altar at San José Church. Our exploration ends with a visit to Panama City’s colorful Biomuseo, a museum highlighting the natural history of Panama with artful exhibits showcasing the area’s biodiversity and natural history. Dinner is included at our hotel tonight.
Day 9 : Panama Canal
Today is filled with excitement as we travel through the historic Panama Canal. We board the Pacific Queen to begin our incredible journey through the locks where lakes and rivers traverse the waterway. Take in the sweeping sands 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 our ship in the town of Gamboa and drive to the Agua Clara Locks, the northernmost locks of Panama Canal. Here we will watch ships pass through the locks and view the Atlantic Bridge, which opened in 2019 and spans the entire width of the canal. Later, we return to Panama City for an included Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner and folkloric show with traditional Panamanian music and dancing.
Day 10 : Return Home
Fly home with marvelous memories of our vacation in Central America.
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 Estate
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 follow production to the roasting hall, where fresh heavenly scents fill the air. Indulge in some of the best coffee in the world and delight your taste buds with a cup or purchase coffee grounds to bring home. Afterwards, we visit the enchanting villages of Sarchi and Grecia before getting to know fellow travelers better over an included lunch. Later, 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.
Lace up your hiking shoes for a jungle hike this morning! You may also want to grab your collapsible hiking poles and keep your camera ready as we join our Costa Rican guide in Arenal Volcano National Park. Take in spectacular views of mountain ridges covered in verdant rainforest, search for wildlife, and see Lake Arenal, the country’s largest lake and an important provider of hydroelectric power. Next, a scenic motorcoach drive across the continental divide, towards the Pacific Ocean, brings us to our overnight accommodations in Monteverde.
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.
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 for a relaxing evening that includes dinner together.
Day 7 : Panama City
Today, we tour Panama City with a local guide to admire the parks and plazas that seamlessly combine Italian, French, and Spanish colonial architecture, such as the magnificent golden altar at San José Church. Our exploration includes a visit to Miraflores Locks Museum, the historic district of Casco Viejo, the vibrant Biomuseo, and many other must-see areas. After lunch, the rest of the day is yours to pursue personal interests.
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, enjoy 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 wonderful memories of our vacation in Central America.
Airport Pickups
Choose a State:
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
Bentonville - Northwest Arkansas National Airport
Little Rock - Little Rock National Airport
Phoenix - Sky Harbor International Airport
Los Angeles - Los Angeles International Airport
Orange County - John Wayne Airport
San Diego - San Diego International Airport
San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport
Denver - Denver International Airport
Hartford - Bradley International Airport
Washington - Ronald Reagan National Airport
Washington - Washington Dulles International Airport
Fort Lauderdale - Fort Lauderdale International Airport
Fort Myers - Southwest Florida International Airport
Jacksonville - Jacksonville International Airport
Miami - Miami International Airport
Orlando - Orlando International Airport
Tallahassee - Tallahassee International Airport
Tampa - Tampa International Airport
West Palm Beach - Palm Beach International Airport
Atlanta - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Cedar Rapids - Eastern Iowa Airport
Des Moines - Des Moines International Airport
Boise - Boise Airport
Chicago - O'Hare International Airport
Moline - Quad City International Airport
Evansville - Evansville Regional Airport
Fort Wayne - Fort Wayne International Airport
Indianapolis - Indianapolis International Airport
South Bend - South Bend International Airport
Wichita - Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
Lexington - Blue Grass Airport
Louisville - Louisville International Airport
Baton Rouge - Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport
Lafayette - Lafayette Regional Airport
New Orleans - Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Shreveport - Shreveport Regional Airport
Boston - Boston Logan International Airport
Baltimore - Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Detroit - Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Grand Rapids - Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Saginaw - MBS International Airport
Duluth - Duluth International Airport
Minneapolis - Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport
Kansas City - Kansas City International Airport
Springfield - Springfield-Branson National Airport
St Louis - St. Louis Lambert International Airport
Gulfport - Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport
Jackson - Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport
Billings - Billings-Logan International Airport
Bozeman - Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
Missoula - Missoula Montana Airport
Charlotte - Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Greensboro - Piedmont Triad International Airport
Raleigh - Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Bismarck - Bismarck Airport
Fargo - Hector International Airport
Grand Forks - Grand Forks International Airport
Omaha - Eppley Airfield
Newark - Newark Liberty International Airport
Albuquerque - Albuquerque International Airport
Las Vegas - McCarran International Airport
Albany - Albany International Airport
Buffalo - Buffalo Niagara International Airport
New York - Kennedy International Airport
New York - La Guardia Airport
Rochester - Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport
Syracuse - Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Cincinnati - Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Cleveland - Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Columbus - John Glenn Columbus International Airport
Dayton - Dayton International Airport
Oklahoma City - Will Rogers World Airport
Tulsa - Tulsa International Airport
Portland - Portland International Airport
Allentown - Lehigh Valley International Airport
Harrisburg - Harrisburg International Airport
Philadelphia - Philadelphia International Airport
Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh International Airport
Charleston - Charleston International Airport
Greer - Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
Rapid City - Rapid City Regional Airport
Sioux Falls - Sioux Falls Regional Airport
Knoxville - McGhee Tyson Airport
Memphis - Memphis International Airport
Nashville - Nashville International Airport
Austin - Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Dallas - Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Houston - George Bush Intercontinental Airport
San Antonio - San Antonio International Airport
Salt Lake City - Salt Lake City International Airport
Norfolk - Norfolk International Airport
Richmond - Richmond International Airport
Seattle - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Spokane - Spokane International Airport
Appleton - Appleton International Airport
Baldwin - Groome Transportation
Eau Claire - Groome Transportation
Green Bay - Austin Straubel International Airport
Hudson - Groome Transportation
Madison - Dane County Regional Airport
Menomonie - Groome Transportation
Milwaukee - Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Charleston - Yeager Airport
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.