Highlights of Costa Rica and Panama
From the lush jungles of Costa Rica, full of incredible wildlife, to the outstanding engineering of the Panama Canal, this nine-day journey introduces you to some of the highlights of these fascinating neighbouring countries
Trip Highlights
- Learn about coffee through the ages on a tour in the Coffee Valley
- Take a treetop tour along Arenal's Hanging Bridges
- Go on a beautiful hike through the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Enjoy a relaxing water safari through a tropical paradise
- Explore the archipelago of Bocas del Toro by boat with a local captain
- Discover the marvel of engineering that is the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–2
Lush Coffee Valley
It makes sense that Costa Rica’s fertile Central Valley, ringed by volcanoes and stretching in a verdant arc from San Ramon lying to the west of San Jose right round to Paraiso in the east, possesses perfect conditions for growing and producing some of the world’s best coffee. Whilst plantations line much of the valley’s floors, just to the north of San Jose the lush and gentle inclines of the Poas Volcano characterises a particularly prolific area known as the Coffee Valley and home to the sizeable, family-owned Doka Estate plantation.
Coffee through the ages
Enjoy the opportunity to walk through a coffee plantation in the shade of leafy trees and become an organic coffee connoisseur. Situated at a perfect elevation for coffee growing and a world away from the hustle and bustle of San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, Finca Rosa Blanca offers an in-depth tour of the coffee farm, the processing plant, and the roasting house. Enthusiastic guides will share their extensive knowledge on how organic coffee is grown, cared-for, harvested, processed, and roasted to produce some of the world’s best coffee beans. You will learn about coffee through the ages, Costa Rican coffee history and you will become skilled at discerning the fine quality of the freshly roasted Finca Rosa Blanca coffee at a ‘catacion’ or cupping session.
Days 2–5
Exhilarating Arenal
Nowhere else in Costa Rica allows you the luxurious yet captivating proximity to a (now) dormant volcano encircled by rich rainforest, diverse wildlife and a multitude of adventure activities. Encompassing over 120 square kilometres (46 square miles), Arenal Volcano National Park lies on the southern shores of Lake Arenal with the conical peak of the volcano at its heart. Park rangers and geologists keep a very sharp eye on the volcano’s motions, whose last eruption was 1968, giving you the chance to get very close to the exhilarating and powerful mountain.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
In the treetops
Volcano hike
Safari float
Trails in the heart of the rainforest
Begin your adventure with a walk on the Arenal Hanging Bridges which combines beautiful rainforest trails with a tree top walk along. You may encounter wildlife along the way, learning about their habitat and how they live. You’ll also find yourself surrounded by many colourful bird species.
Ancient volcano hike
Its perfect cone shape visible from miles away, visiting the Arenal Volcano National Park is a great way to spend some time. Although active, Arenal Volcano is currently in a resting state, so it’s the perfect time to visit and learn all about it. Walking at its base provides excellent views as well as the opportunity to walk through ancient lava flows.
Tranquil water safari
Relax and enjoy this tropical paradise from the comfort of your raft, while paddling down the tranquil waters of Peñas Blancas. Inflatable boats allow you to slip into the rainforest almost silently and marvel at the animals up close. There’s a huge number of animal species to discover in this ecosystem. Your guide will point out spider- and howler monkeys, sloths, lizards, a good variety of tropical birds and with a pinch of luck some crocodiles.
Days 5–8
Adventure in Bocas del Toro
This idyllic archipelago on the Caribbean coast, is a paradise for island lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its turquoise waters, lush rainforests, and laid-back island vibe, it’s the perfect getaway if you’re looking to simply unwind or dive headlong into nature. From snorkeling among stunning coral reefs to spotting dolphins in the open sea, every corner offers a new discovery.
Where you could stay
Explore a constellation of gorgeus Islands
One of the best ways to explore the archipelago of Bocas del Toro is by boat with a local captain. You can set out from 8am and stay out for as long as you’d like. Your captain will not only take you around, but also ensure you have refreshments, towels and snorkeling gear available throughout.
Days 8–9
Cosmopolitan Panama City
An enticing blend of history, culture and cosmopolitan living, Panama City is an excellent introduction to the country and a gateway to some outstanding experiences. Its skyline dominated by gleaming skyscrapers that snake along the coastline, it’s a city that also boasts a wealth of lush green spaces and wildlife not too far from busy plazas, restored colonial buildings and a thriving nightlife. Go exploring and you’ll stumble upon markets swirling with the aromas of Spanish and Afro-Caribbean-inspired cuisine.
Where you could stay
Miraflores VIP experience
Together with a specialised guide you’ll get to discover some of the most important and unique details of the marvel of engineering that is the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal. You will learn about the history and construction of the first set of locks at the Visitor’s Center and Museum and will have the opportunity to watch massive vessels transit through the locks. This VIP experience also allows you access to areas restricted to the public, and weather permitting you will have the unique opportunity to get a much closer view of the locks and the operations.
We are finally winding down from our trip, which was absolutely amazing. It exceeded everything I had envisioned and more. We will cherish this experience for the rest of our lives, and we're already dreaming about where to go next! The little notes and birthday surprises were such a thoughtful touch and truly made me feel celebrated and loved for…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
