Panama & Costa Rica Express

Highlights of Panama City & Costa Rica: combine independent exploration with visits to the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo, plus San José and Arenal; optional extension to Playa Hermosa

Overview

from$2849Tour + Flights from$2249Tour Only 9days

price per person, double occupancy*

$300 Instant Savings. Expires Jun 25, 2026.* All prices reflect savings.

$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.^††

Check prices & book now Get updates about this package

Style	Independent PackageThese un-escorted packages have no set schedule or guides, so you have the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own from your centrally-located hotel. More of these packages Freedom to explore at your own pace; unescorted
Departures	January – December 2027
Themes	Active, Nature & Wildlife, City Stays
Activity Level	Moderate
What to Expect	This is a moderately paced, independent package. Excursions with local tour guides include a reasonable amount of walking and require an average level of physical fitness. While in Costa Rica, the Hanging Bridges Tour in Arenal is approximately 1.9 miles in length and requires a higher level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the experience. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations that may be winding and bumpy at times. Transfers in Costa Rica are operated via shared shuttle services and may include multiple stops along the route, with limited rest breaks. This tour does not include a tour guide or escort. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
Already booked?	Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

Check prices & book now

Tour only With flights

Dates

Travelers

Get updates about this package

Discover Panama City and Costa Rica on a journey that pairs dynamic city life with natural landscapes. Begin in Panama’s capital, where modern architecture meets historic streets, and visit the world-famous Panama Canal and Casco Viejo while enjoying time for independent exploration. Continue to Costa Rica, a country known for its remarkable biodiversity, where rainforest, volcanoes, and wildlife create a striking backdrop. Stay in San José before heading to Arenal, home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and enjoy opportunities to explore or join optional excursions. Enhance your journey with a post-tour extension to Playa Hermosa, where you can unwind along the Pacific coast.

Package includes

Flights
Transfers
Meals
Guides

Round-trip flights from Miami (MIA) on scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees
All ground transportation and transfers
8 nights in first class and deluxe accommodations
8 Meals: 8 breakfasts
Panama City tour including the Miraflores Locks
Hanging bridges walk in Arenal, Costa Rica
Professional, English-speaking guides

Optional add-ons

Flights from other select cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
Optional visit to Embera Indigenous Community
Optional Agrotourism experience in Capira
Optional Playa Hermosa post-tour Extension
Want to extend your stay before the tour starts or after the tour ends? Request details when making your reservation.

Why you'll love it

Watch ships transit the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks.
Explore the UNESCO-listed old quarter of Casco Viejo.
Spend time independently discovering Panama City at your own pace, or join optional excursions.
Walk among the treetops on a hanging bridges tour in Arenal.
Wander through Arenal independently or join optional excursions, such as horseback riding to La Fortuna Waterfall, kayaking on Lake Arenal, embarking on a canopy tour, ziplining, and more.
End your adventure with an optional post-tour extension to Playa Hermosa.

Itinerary at a Glance

1 Depart USA/Arrive Panama
2 Panama City
3 Panama City
Optional Excursion: Embera Indigenous Community, $230
4 Panama City
Optional Excursion: Agrotourism Experience in Capira, $230
5 Panama City & San José, Costa Rica
6 San José & Arenal
7 Arenal
8 Arenal
9 Depart Arenal/Arrive USA

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $300 off if you book by Jun. 25, 2026!

Dates & Prices, with flights per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2027 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Sun, Jan 10, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Jan 18, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jan 10 – Jan 18	$3249	–$300	$2949	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Feb 7, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Feb 15, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Feb 7 – Feb 15	$3349	–$300	$3049	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Mar 7, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Mar 15, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Mar 7 – Mar 15	$3349	–$300	$3049	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Apr 11, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Apr 19, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Apr 11 – Apr 19	$3399	–$300	$3099	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, May 9, 2027 Finishes: Mon, May 17, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 9 – May 17	$3149	–$300	$2849	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Jun 6, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Jun 14, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jun 6 – Jun 14	$3149	–$300	$2849	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Jul 4, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Jul 12, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 4 – Jul 12	$3499	–$300	$3199	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Aug 8, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Aug 16, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 8 – Aug 16	$3349	–$300	$3049	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Aug 29, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Sep 6, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 29 – Sep 6	$3349	–$300	$3049	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Oct 10, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Oct 18, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 10 – Oct 18	$3149	–$300	$2849	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Nov 28, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Dec 6, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 28 – Dec 6	$3149	–$300	$2849	Select

Dates & Prices, tour only per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2027 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Starts: Sun, Jan 10, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Jan 18, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jan 10 – Jan 18	$2649	–$300	$2349	Select
Starts: Sun, Feb 7, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Feb 15, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Feb 7 – Feb 15	$2749	–$300	$2449	Select
Starts: Sun, Mar 7, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Mar 15, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Mar 7 – Mar 15	$2749	–$300	$2449	Select
Starts: Sun, Apr 11, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Apr 19, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Apr 11 – Apr 19	$2799	–$300	$2499	Select
Starts: Sun, May 9, 2027 Finishes: Mon, May 17, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 9 – May 17	$2549	–$300	$2249	Select
Starts: Sun, Jun 6, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Jun 14, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jun 6 – Jun 14	$2549	–$300	$2249	Select
Starts: Sun, Jul 4, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Jul 12, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 4 – Jul 12	$2899	–$300	$2599	Select
Starts: Sun, Aug 8, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Aug 16, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 8 – Aug 16	$2749	–$300	$2449	Select
Starts: Sun, Aug 29, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Sep 6, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 29 – Sep 6	$2749	–$300	$2449	Select
Starts: Sun, Oct 10, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Oct 18, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 10 – Oct 18	$2549	–$300	$2249	Select
Starts: Sun, Nov 28, 2027 Finishes: Mon, Dec 6, 2027 Book by Thu, Jun 25, 2026 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 28 – Dec 6	$2549	–$300	$2249	Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Panama & Costa Rica Express
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy	included
Single Occupancy
May 9, 2027; Jun 6, 2027; Oct 10, 2027	$639
All other dates	$899
Optional Excursions¹
Agrotourism Experience in Capira	$230
Embera Indigenous Community	$230

1. Optional tours in Panama are private tours and must be pre-booked and are not available for purchase locally.

Playa Hermosa Post-tour Extension
Playa Hermosa Post-tour Extension
May 9, 2027; Jun 6, 2027; Aug 8, 2027; Oct 10, 2027	$599
Jan 10, 2027; Feb 7, 2027; Jul 4, 2027; Nov 28, 2027	$699
All other dates	$749
Rooming Selection Playa Hermosa
Double Occupancy	included
Single Occupancy	$459

Transfers for Passengers Booking Tour Only
Optional Airport Transfers¹
Arrival Transfer: Panama City airport to hotel	$27

1. Price based on a minimum of two passengers.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
Miami (MIA)	included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? We can arrange flights from most major cities. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when (or after) you book, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. More information

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA/Arrive Panama

Arrive in Panama City, the gateway to Central and South America
Enjoy leisure time to explore the city’s waterfront and local cuisine

Best Western Plus Panama Zen or similar

Full Day Itinerary

Arrive in Panama City, meet your guide, and transfer to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore independently—stroll along the Amador Causeway for skyline views, or sample ceviche at the lively Mercado de Mariscos.

Day 2 Panama City

Visit the Miraflores Locks and watch ships transit the Panama Canal
Explore Casco Viejo’s cobblestone streets, plazas, and colonial architecture
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure

Best Western Plus Panama Zen or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Begin your day at the world-famous Miraflores Locks, where you’ll witness ships navigating the Panama Canal, one of the most impressive engineering achievements in history. Learn more at the visitor center and IMAX theater before continuing to Casco Viejo, the UNESCO-listed old quarter. Walk its narrow streets lined with colorful colonial facades, visit Plaza Bolívar and Plaza de Francia, and discover how French and Spanish influences shaped Panama’s past.

This afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring Casco Viejo and the surrounding neighborhoods. Browse small galleries and artisan shops, stop for coffee or fresh ceviche, or settle in at a rooftop terrace overlooking the bay. The area is also known for its growing culinary scene, with restaurants serving traditional Panamanian dishes alongside contemporary interpretations. After dinner, you may wish to enjoy live jazz at a local club, listen to Latin music, or simply take an evening stroll through the softly lit plazas.

Day 3 Panama City

Enjoy a full-day at leisure to explore Panama independently, or join an optional visit to the Embera community

Best Western Plus Panama Zen or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Visit the Biomuseo, a striking Frank Gehry-designed museum celebrating Panama’s biodiversity, or take a walk along Cinta Costera, the scenic coastal promenade connecting the modern and historic districts. Nature enthusiasts may also consider Metropolitan Natural Park, a tropical forest within city limits where monkeys and colorful birdlife can often be seen.

Panama City has developed a reputation for its diverse culinary scene. Sample fresh seafood, local coffee, or traditional dishes influenced by Indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean heritage. In the evening, the city offers a lively but approachable nightlife, from rooftop bars with skyline views to jazz venues and salsa spots in Casco Viejo.

For shopping and local flavor, head to Multiplaza Mall or the Crafts Market for handwoven molas and tagua jewelry.

Or, join an optional excursion to meet the Embera Indigenous Community in Chagres National Park.

Optional Excursion: Embera Indigenous Community, $230

Glide up the Chagres River by traditional canoe and journey deep into the lush rainforest, where vibrant birdlife and wildlife surround you at every turn. Arrive at an Embera community and spend time learning about their traditions, daily life, and connection to the land. Follow your guide and a community member on a forest walk to discover the plants they use for food, healing, and clothing, then enjoy a cultural presentation of dance and craft, and a locally prepared lunch with the community.

Note: This is a private tour and requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate.

Day 4 Panama City

Enjoy a full-day at leisure for independent sightseeing or relaxation, or join an optional day trip to the Capira region

Best Western Plus Panama Zen or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Spend your final full day in Panama however you like—relax at your hotel pool, visit the Panama Viejo ruins (the city’s original 16th-century site), or take in skyline views from Ancon Hill. Those interested in nature may explore nearby parks or coastal areas, while food lovers can continue discovering the city’s restaurants, cafés, and fresh markets.

In the evening, consider returning to Casco Viejo for dinner, live music, or a relaxed drink overlooking the Pacific. The neighborhood’s mix of historic architecture and contemporary restaurants and bars offers a comfortable way to experience Panama City after dark.

Or, join an optional full-day excursion to the Capira Agrotourism Farm, nestled in the mountains west of the city.

Optional Excursion: Agrotourism Experience in Capira, $230

Travel into Panama’s countryside to a family-owned farm in the Panama Canal Reserve region. Here, you’ll discover how robusta coffee and sweet pineapples are cultivated side by side in a pristine natural setting. Tour the plantations, sample fresh tropical fruit, and taste the farm’s signature coffee. A traditional Panamanian lunch made with ingredients grown on-site is served under the shade of the trees. Cap off your visit with a short hike to a natural waterfall for a refreshing dip surrounded by lush forestry.

Note: This is a private tour and requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate.

Day 5 Panama City & San José, Costa Rica

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to San José, Costa Rica
Arrive at your hotel and spend the evening at leisure

Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, transfer to Tocumen International Airport for your flight to San José, Costa Rica. Upon arrival, continue to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

Day 6 San José & Arenal

Transfer to the Arenal region
Spend the balance of the day at leisure

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, transfer to the Arenal region (about 4 hours, with a comfort stop along the way). Drive through the lush countryside along roads that climb the mountains to reach your hotel, located near the foot of Arenal Volcano and a short drive outside La Fortuna.

Arenal's cone has two peaks, which rise to 5,360 feet. After being inactive for 500 years, the volcano erupted in 1968, and it has since become one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You may see the smoke rising from the cone, or on rare occasions, lava flows are possible, which are particularly impressive at night. The volcano has also created natural hot springs in the area. Beautiful gardens surround your hotel, where you can relax by the pool or enjoy the spa. (Volcanic activity is a natural process, and sightings of smoke and/or lava are not guaranteed.)

Day 7 Arenal

Walk among the treetops on a hanging bridges tour
Spend the balance of the day at leisure or join an optional excursion

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today, enjoy a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of the forest and the volcano. Walk on the hanging bridges suspended in the treetops while your guide helps you spot various birds and animals. The trail is 1.9 miles long and includes nine fixed and six suspension bridges.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Take advantage of the complimentary visit to Titokú Hot Springs, or go for a refreshing swim, relax, and enjoy the view at your hotel. Alternatively, join an optional excursion offered by your hotel, such as an afternoon volcano hike, sky tram and trek, night walk, and more.

Day 8 Arenal

Enjoy a full day at leisure or join an exciting optional excursion

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Explore Arenal independently or join an optional excursion, such as bird watching, horseback riding to La Fortuna Waterfall, a chocolate and coffee tour, white-water rafting class, a Caño Negro tour, kayaking on Lake Arenal, a canopy tour, ziplining, and more.

Day 9 Depart Arenal/Arrive USA

Transfer to the airport in Liberia (about 4 hours) for your return flight to the USA

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Depart Arenal for Liberia Airport (about 4 hours) for your return flight to the USA. Or, continue your adventure with a Playa Hermosa Post-tour Extension!

Playa Hermosa Post-tour Extension

Take advantage of your already-included international airfare to unwind in Playa Hermosa, where golden sands and ocean views offer the perfect post-tour escape. You’ll return to the USA 2 days after the listed return date.

Day 9 Arenal & Playa Hermosa

Transfer to Playa Hermosa
Spend the balance of the day at leisure

Hotel Bosque del Mar or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, transfer to Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste (about 4 hours). Guanacaste is decorated with pristine beaches, crystal blue waters, and bays. Its beaches are surrounded by dry tropical forests, home to over 300 bird species, 100 amphibians and reptiles, and over 140 species of mammals, including the puma, white-faced monkey, peccary, tapirs, and more. Spend the balance of the day at leisure.

Day 10 Playa Hermosa

Spend a full day at leisure or join an optional excursion
Enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel

Hotel Bosque del Mar or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy the full day at leisure or join an optional excursion offered by your hotel, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, a snorkeling and sailing tour, a visit to Palo Verde National Park, ziplining, and more.

Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel with your fellow travelers.

Day 11 Depart Liberia/Arrive USA

Transfer to the airport in Liberia for your return flight to the USA

Breakfast

Hotels

Best Western Plus Panama Zen

First Class

Find calm in the heart of Panama City at the Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel. Just steps from lively dining and shopping districts, this modern retreat blends city energy with serene design. Unwind in light-filled rooms overlooking the skyline, recharge in the 24-hour fitness center, or soak up panoramic views from the rooftop infinity pool.

More information

Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí

First Class

The Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí is the ideal place to enjoy your visit to San Jose. It is located just 5 minutes away from the financial district and next to La Sabana Park. Its various services will make your stay in the city memorable.

More information

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa

Deluxe

Arenal's Kioro Hotel offers a sanctuary where nature's beauty meets refined luxury. This exclusive retreat is a haven for relaxation and adventure seekers alike, surrounded by lush rainforests and commanding views of the iconic Arenal Volcano. Take in unparalleled natural beauty while enjoying world-class hospitality. Whether hiking through lush trails, embarking on thrilling zip-lining adventures, enjoying a complimentary visit to the Titokú Hot Springs, or simply unwinding at the spa, every moment spent here is an unforgettable experience in harmony with nature's wonders.

More information

Hotel Bosque del Mar

Deluxe

The Hotel Bosque del Mar is situated right on Playa Hermosa, with direct access to the shore and stunning ocean views. This boutique hotel has an outdoor pool and hot tub, tropical gardens, and are able to arrange special excursions.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

We love hearing your stories and seeing your photos! Here are some moments other travelers captured on this package. Or check out our entire fan photo gallery.

Check out independent, verified reviews from real travelers on Feefo.

Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Costa Rica? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Panama? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.