Tour Overview

The Culture of Costa Rica & Panama

Hosted By: Luke Zahm

Host of Wisconsin Foodie

PBS Wisconsin

View Biography

Request More Information
Call to Book 1-888-867-2190
Tour Highlights
Accommodations

All Accommodations Featuring

  • 1 night at Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana San José
  • 2 nights at Tilajari Eco Resort near Arenal Volcano
  • 1 night at Hotel Montana in Monteverde
  • 1 night at Studio Hotel Boutique - Santa Ana
  • 4 nights at Waldorf Astoria - Panama City
Attractions & Highlights

Attractions & Highlights

  • Doka Coffee Estate tour
  • La Finca Luna Farm visit
  • Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge excursion
  • Arenal Volcano National Park guided hike
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve guided hike
  • Herpetarium Adventures
  • Panama Agricultural Chamber expert speaker
  • Panama City guided tour feat. the Casco Viejo historic district
  • Biomuseo
  • Panama Canal partial transit aboard the Pacific Queen
  • Miraflores Locks Museum
  • Embera Quera Indigenous Community
Meals

21 Excellent Meals Featuring

  • Daily breakfast
  • Traditional lunch at Casona Rio Fortuna feat. tortilla making class
  • Lunch at the Embera Quera Indigenous Community
  • Farewell Dinner & folkloric show in Panama City
Tour Date & Pricing

Tour Dates & Pricing

Occupancy

Price Per Person

Book Now

Double

$7999

Book Now

Single

$8949

Book Now

Final Payment Date: 11/12/2024

Day Itinerary

Day Itinerary

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 and delight your taste buds with a cup 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 : Fly Home

We return home with fantastic memories of exploring agricultural splendor in Central America.

Breakfast
Tour Map

Tour Map

Tour Map for The Culture of Costa Rica & Panama
Departure Cities

Departure Cities

PBS Wisconsin Pickup Locations:

Appleton, WI - DoubleTree By Hilton Appleton

Baldwin, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 55-02

Chicago, IL - O'Hare International Airport

Eau Claire, WI - Holiday Vacations

Fond Du Lac, WI - Radisson Hotel And Conference Center Fond Du Lac

Green Bay, WI - AmericInn By Wyndham Green Bay East

Hudson, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 55-05

Janesville, WI - Festival Foods

Kenosha, WI - McDonald's

Madison, WI - Baymont By Wyndham Madison West/Middleton WI West

Marshfield, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 71-01

Menomonie, WI - AmericInn By Wyndham Menomonie

Milwaukee, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 40-20 Northeast

Minneapolis, MN - Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport

Oconomowoc, WI - Metro Market

Onalaska, WI - Walmart Supercenter

Oshkosh, WI - Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Osseo, WI - McDonald's

Portage, WI - Petro Travel Store

Racine, WI - Racine Travel Store

Rockford, IL - Holiday Inn Rockford

Stevens Point, WI - Target

Tomah, WI - McDonald's

Wausau, WI - Walmart Supercenter

Wisconsin Rapids, WI - Walmart Supercenter

The Culture of Costa Rica & Panama

Request More Information
Call to Book 1-888-867-2190
Accommodations

All Accommodations Featuring

  • 1 night at Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana San José
  • 2 nights at Tilajari Eco Resort near Arenal Volcano
  • 1 night at Hotel Montana in Monteverde
  • 1 night at Studio Hotel Boutique - Santa Ana
  • 4 nights at Waldorf Astoria - Panama City
Attractions & Highlights

Attractions & Highlights

  • Doka Coffee Estate tour
  • La Finca Luna Farm visit
  • Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge excursion
  • Arenal Volcano National Park guided hike
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve guided hike
  • Herpetarium Adventures
  • Panama Agricultural Chamber expert speaker
  • Panama City guided tour feat. the Casco Viejo historic district
  • Biomuseo
  • Panama Canal partial transit aboard the Pacific Queen
  • Miraflores Locks Museum
  • Embera Quera Indigenous Community
Meals

21 Excellent Meals Featuring

  • Daily breakfast
  • Traditional lunch at Casona Rio Fortuna feat. tortilla making class
  • Lunch at the Embera Quera Indigenous Community
  • Farewell Dinner & folkloric show in Panama City

Tour Dates & Pricing

Occupancy

Price Per Person

Book Now

Double

$7999

Single

$8949

Final Payment Date: 11/12/2024

Day Itinerary

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 and delight your taste buds with a cup 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 : Fly Home

We return home with fantastic memories of exploring agricultural splendor in Central America.

Breakfast

Tour Map

Tour Map for The Culture of Costa Rica & Panama

Departure Cities

PBS Wisconsin Pickup Locations:

Appleton, WI - DoubleTree By Hilton Appleton

Baldwin, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 55-02

Chicago, IL - O'Hare International Airport

Eau Claire, WI - Holiday Vacations

Fond Du Lac, WI - Radisson Hotel And Conference Center Fond Du Lac

Green Bay, WI - AmericInn By Wyndham Green Bay East

Hudson, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 55-05

Janesville, WI - Festival Foods

Kenosha, WI - McDonald's

Madison, WI - Baymont By Wyndham Madison West/Middleton WI West

Marshfield, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 71-01

Menomonie, WI - AmericInn By Wyndham Menomonie

Milwaukee, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 40-20 Northeast

Minneapolis, MN - Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport

Oconomowoc, WI - Metro Market

Onalaska, WI - Walmart Supercenter

Oshkosh, WI - Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Osseo, WI - McDonald's

Portage, WI - Petro Travel Store

Racine, WI - Racine Travel Store

Rockford, IL - Holiday Inn Rockford

Stevens Point, WI - Target

Tomah, WI - McDonald's

Wausau, WI - Walmart Supercenter

Wisconsin Rapids, WI - Walmart Supercenter