Dates: March 18 - 26, 2026

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Number of participants: 8 – 12

Cost per person:

• 3 550 USD for 11 to 12 participants, or
• 3 750 USD for 10 participants, or
• 3 950 USD for 8 to 9 participants.

*10% early booking discount (in case you book before September 18, 2025)

Everything is included, except for:

• international flight to Panama City (Panama) and back from San Jose (Costa Rica),
• international flight from Panama City (Panama) to San Jose (Costa Rica),
• medical insurance for travelling abroad,
• Panama and Costa Rica visas (not required for citizens of Russia and some other countries),
• partial lunches and dinners.

Approximate cost of flights Istanbul - Panama City and San Jose - Istanbul: from 1400 USD (usually self-purchased. We advise on ticket purchase).

Approximate cost of flights San José - Managua: 200 – 300 USD (usually self-purchased. We advise on ticket purchase).
Approximate cost of flights Panama City - San José: 270 USD (usually purchased independently. We advise on ticket purchase).

Single supplement in hotels: 850 USD (single occupancy is available throughout the itinerary).

TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Costa-Rica, tour to Panama


Day 1. March 18, 2026 (Wednesday). PANAMA CITY (PANAMA)

Arrival in Panama City, the capital of Panama. Meeting guide at Tocumen International Airport.

Transfer to the hotel TRYP BY WYNDHAM PANAMA CENTRO 4* in Panama City (transfer to two flights specified in the program is included. Taxi Uber also works in Panama).
Accommodation in the hotel, free time.

Meals included: no
Accommodation included: hotel TRYP BY WYNDHAM PANAMA CENTRO 4* or similar.

* Recommended flights to Panama City:
Any other flight from any city with arrival in Panama City any time on March 18.


Day 2. March 19, 2026 (Thursday). PANAMA CITY AND THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX OF PANAMA VIEJO

After breakfast at the hotel, depart at 9am to explore the city. Panama City, founded by the conquistadors in the 16th century, was the first Spanish city and port on the Pacific coast. Today there are two Panama cities, Old Panama (Panama Viejo) and New Panama. Old Panama is full of ruins of early 17th century cathedrals, monasteries, and bridges. New Panama is a beautiful modern city, a special part of which is the well-preserved Colonial part (Casco Antiguo), where there are many buildings of that era. This part of New Panama has been declared a historical heritage of humanity and is protected by UNESCO.

We will visit the Panama Viejo Archaeological Park and its museum, as well as ancient and modern parts of the city. We will drive along the main street of the city - Caye 50, see the expensive neighbourhoods of Punta Pacifica and Punta Paitilla and one of the most beautiful streets of the capital - Balboa Boulevard, stretching along the coast of the Gulf of Panama.
Casco Antiguo is a colourful area of the city with narrow streets, squares and parks, where much of the history of the country, which is undergoing revival and reconstruction for the umpteenth time, has been preserved to this day. We will visit the National Theatre, one of the most expressive examples of neoclassicism in Panama.

We will walk along the Plaza de France, visit the Church of San Jose and learn about the story of the rescue of its unique Golden Altar, and see the remarkable composition about the birth of Christ, installed for Christmas 2017. In Bolivar Square stands the monument to Simon Bolivar, the Liberator, a national hero of many countries in Central and South America. Next, our route takes us to Cathedral Square, where the Cathedral stands, inaugurated after restoration in 2019, is home to the Panama Canal Museum and the Municipal Palace.

Next we will proceed to Amador Spit, Panama City's most amazing neighbourhood, formerly four separate islets in the ocean: Naos, Perico, Culebra and Flamenco. After lunch here, we have a scheduled stop at the observation deck on Amador, where you can see the city from the ocean side in all its glory. We will also visit the ex-zone where the Americans who were involved in the canal construction work lived.

Return to the hotel tentatively by 16:30. Walk, dinner and overnight in Panama City.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Hotel TRYP BY WYNDHAM PANAMA CENTRO 4* or similar.


Day 3. March 20, 2026 (Friday). PANAMA CITY - EMBERA INDIANS IN CHAGRES PARK - PANAMA CITY

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave at 8am for an exciting journey to Chagres National Park, to the village of Tucipono, home to the Embera Indians. We go to the origins of Panamanian culture, to a place where man coexists peacefully with nature, and where nature can be so unpredictable.
We will learn about the pre-Columbian history of Panama and Mesoamerica, the origins of the Embera tribe, their traditions, crafts and life. Indians make amazingly beautiful and complex wicker baskets, sculptures made of mahogany Coco Bolo, statuettes made of the tahua fruit and much more. We will see Indian dances and even participate in them.
A special treat is a trip down the full-flowing Chagres River on an Indian pirogue and a swim in the Chorro del Mono waterfall, to which capuchin monkeys and howler monkeys sometimes descend. Traditional dances, traditional Indian lunch - fried tilapia and fried bananas.
For this excursion, we recommend lace-up sports shoes with a back that you don't mind getting wet. Depending on the season and the weather, sometimes the waterfall must be reached via a jungle trail, fording a rivulet. The water can be knee-deep.
Return to the hotel at the latest. Rest and overnight at the hotel TRYP BY WYNDHAM PANAMA CENTRO 4* in Panama City.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: hotel TRYP BY WYNDHAM PANAMA CENTRO 4* or similar.


Day 4. March 21, 2026 (Saturday). PANAMA CITY - PANAMA CANAL (AGUA CLARA LOCKS) - SAN LORENZO FORTRESS - PANAMA CITY - SAN JOSE (COSTA RICA)

This morning at 8am, after a hearty breakfast, we depart for Panama's Caribbean coast with its beautiful wild beaches, islands and coves that preserve the history of great conquistador conquests and daring pirate attacks. The names of Francis Drake, Henry Morgan, Edward Vernon, and other flibusters are inextricably linked to the fortresses of San Lorenzo and the town of Portobelo. In order to protect his treasures from sea robbers, King Philip II of Spain ordered the construction of a series of fortresses on the Caribbean coast, most of which have survived to this day: San Lorenzo, San Jerónimo, Santiago de la Gloria, San Fernando and San Fernandin.

In 1980, all the colonial buildings and fortresses of the 17th and 18th centuries on the Caribbean coast of Panama were inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
We will first visit the new Agua Clara locks on the Caribbean side of the Panama Canal. The Agua Clara locks are new locks that began operations in 2016. Large ships called POSTPANAMAX or NEOPANAMAX pass through them. The visitor centre is located on a cliff, from where it is very convenient to watch the movement of the ships. You can see Lake Gatun and see the ships that are in it waiting their turn to enter the locks. The visitor centre shows a 20 minute film about the canal and the construction of this lock.

There is only one lunch spot here, at the former US base of Shelter Bay. It's now a sports port where yachtsmen replenish their supplies, fix their boats, and relax on land. There is a decent restaurant here. If desired, tourists can stop by, have a coffee or a full meal. Payment on the spot.

After that we will go to the fortress of San Lorenzo. A tour of the fortress, where work has been done to preserve its historical appearance, and which is still in progress, a small museum is open.
Return to Panama City. On the road about 2,5 hours.
Transfer to Tocumen airport and evening flight to Costa Rica.
Around 7pm arrival in San Jose. Meet your guide and transfer to Buena Vista Chic Hotel 4* in the suburbs of San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Buena Vista Chic Hotel 4* (deluxe rooms) or equivalent

* Recommended flights from Panama City to San Jose:
- Copa Airlines direct flight CM 391, departing Panama City on March 21 at 6:34 pm, and arriving in San Jose on March 21 at 7:01 pm.
- any other flight from Panama City to San José, departing Panama City no earlier than 6:30 pm on March 21, and arriving in San José anytime on March 21.


Day 5. March 22, 2026 (Sunday). SAN JOSE - IRAZU VOLCANO - GUAYABO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE - CARTAGO - SAN JOSE

Costa Rica is a country that is rapidly developing and adapting to the constant changes in society. The city of San José is the capital of Costa Rica and the main "motor" of the country's economy; it ranks first in Central America in services, technological innovation and economic progress, without forgetting its cultural heritage.

Today we will learn about the historical periods of discovery, conquest and colonisation of Costa Rica.We will move south and explore the Irazu Volcano, Costa Rica's highest volcano, from where it is possible to see both coasts of the country on a sunny day. The guide will tell you about the history of the geological formation of the area.

The journey will continue to the archaeological settlement of Guayabo, where we will discover the culture and traditions of the indigenous Indian population of Costa Rica in the pre-Columbian period. Then we will visit the first capital, Cartago, founded by the main conquistador of Costa Rica, the conquistador Juan Vasquez de Coronado. In the city of Cartago we will see the Basilica of Our Lady of Los Angeles and learn about the history of "Blackbird", the patron saint of Costa Rica.

On the way back, we will stop in the capital city of San Jose and take a short panoramic city tour before having dinner at one of the city's restaurants.
Return to our Buena Vista Chic Hotel 4*.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Buena Vista Chic Hotel 4* (deluxe rooms) or equivalent


Day 5. March 22, 2026 (Sunday). SAN JOSE - IRAZU VOLCANO - GUAYABO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE - CARTAGO - SAN JOSE

Costa Rica is a country that is rapidly developing and adapting to the constant changes in society. The city of San José is the capital of Costa Rica and the main "motor" of the country's economy; it ranks first in Central America in services, technological innovation and economic progress, without forgetting its cultural heritage. Today we will learn about the historical periods of discovery, conquest and colonisation of Costa Rica.

We will move south and explore the Irazu Volcano, Costa Rica's highest volcano, from where it is possible to see both coasts of the country on a sunny day. The guide will tell you about the history of the geological formation of the area. The journey will continue to the archaeological settlement of Guayabo, where we will discover the culture and traditions of the indigenous Indian population of Costa Rica in the pre-Columbian period.

We will then visit the first capital, the city of Cartago, founded by Costa Rica's chief conquistador Juan Vasquez de Coronado. In the city of Cartago we will see the Basilica of Our Lady of Los Angeles and learn about the history of "Blackbird", the patron saint of Costa Rica.
On the way back, we will stop in the capital city of San Jose and take a short panoramic sititour before having dinner at one of the city's restaurants.
Return to our Buena Vista Chic Hotel 4*.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Buena Vista Chic Hotel 4* (deluxe rooms) or equivalent


Day 6. March 23, 2026 (Monday). SAN JOSE - NARANJO - BAJOS DEL TORO - BLUE FALLS - LA FORTUNA

After breakfast, we leave our cosy hotel and drive to the north of the country. We will drive through the cosy towns of the coffee region of the Western Central Valley: Naranjo, Sarchi, Zarsero. We will visit a factory for making traditional carts, where we will learn the history of making and painting of one of the national symbols of the country, as well as see the largest cart in the world.

Then our way lies on a picturesque road along the slopes of the Central Cordillera to the valley of Bajos del Toro, where there are many beautiful waterfalls. We will be trekking through rough terrain, but all our efforts will be more than rewarded with a view of stunning waterfalls with turquoise water where we can take a refreshing bath! Bring your swimming costume and towel, you can't miss this opportunity.

In this park, we will have the unique opportunity to observe and photograph dozens of tiny hummingbirds visiting the densely growing flowers in the area. Next, we will drive through picturesque countryside and move on to the San Carlos Valley where we will stay for the next two nights. Transfer to the settlement of La Fortuna and accommodation at Hotel Los Lagos 3*, the best complex with thermal springs. The thermal springs are one of the main attractions of this area and they are right at our hotel.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: hotel Los Lagos 3* (superior rooms) or equivalent


Day 7. March 24, 2026 (Tuesday). VALLEY OF SAN CARLOS - CANYON NEGRO RESERVE - LA FORTUNA

After breakfast, check out of the hotel at 7:30. We will travel to the northern part of the country, to the fishing village that is home to the Caño Negro Reserve. This reserve is a sanctuary for many birds and caimans. Caño Negro is spread over an area of almost 10,000 hectares covering navigable rivers, swamps and forests inhabited by some 350 species of birds, 78 species of mammals and over 300 fish.

One of the most famous inhabitants of this reserve is the shell pike, or Gaspar (Atractosteus Tropicus), which is considered a living fossil: its appearance is virtually unchanged since the time of its dinosaur-era ancestors more than 150 million years ago. This fish has unique features: it has a swim bladder, which is connected to the oesophagus and acts as a lung. Gaspar periodically floats to the surface to gain air. It also has a long alligator-like mouth with several rows of sharp teeth. The meat of this fish is highly sought after by the local population, usually fishermen dry the salted meat in the sun and sell it in the villages. Freshly cooked Gaspar meat tastes similar to shrimp.

A two-hour boat trip through the park's backwaters awaits us in the reserve. On the banks of the river we will look for animals and birds, including the famous sloths and howler monkeys.
At the end of the tour we will have a "rustic rustic" lunch in a fishing village. Return to the hotel and relax in the thermal springs.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: hotel Los Lagos 3* (superior rooms) or equivalent


Day 8. March 25, 2026 (Wednesday). LA FORTUNA - MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST PARK – JACO

Early this morning we will travel to the famous village of Monteverde, located in the "cloud forest" zone, a forest unique to the tropics, preserved thanks to the efforts of the emigrants who settled there in the 1950s. Today we will be treated to the "Selvatura Suspension Bridges", which are an example of engineering and design, with impeccable safety measures. We will pass through a fairy-tale forest drenched in mosses and epiphytes.

The tour includes 8 bridges of different lengths: from 62 to 146 metres. The whole distance is about 3 kilometres. For lovers of more active tours there will be an opportunity to additionally do a zipline or Kanopy Tour (cost per person $92). One of the cables of this tour reaches 1 km in length and is a record in this region.

After enjoying the cloud forest, we will move to the Pacific coast and check in at Hotel Crocs Resort & Casino 5* on the beach.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: hotel Crocs Resort & Casino 5* (Ocean View rooms) or equivalent


Day 9. March 26, 2026 (Thursday). JACO - TARCOLES RIVER - SAN JOSE AIRPORT

The morning can be spent on the beach, swimming in the waters of the Pacific Ocean or feeling like a budding surfer and trying to ride the waves.

Check out from the hotel at noon. After lunch, we will cruise on the Tárcoles River, which flows next to the Carara Reserve. During the cruise we will be able to observe mangrove-dwelling tropical birds, rare red ara and local celebrity crested crocodiles.

Transfer to San Jose City Airport for your return international flight (transfer included with arrival at San Jose City Airport around 17:30hrs).

For those who continue travelling through Mesoamerica, flight to Managua, Nicaragua, where our 5-country Central American expedition starts. You can fly to Nicaragua on the evening of 26 March with a connecting flight, or on the morning of 27 March with a direct flight (in which case you will need an extra night in San Jose or in Jaco, and transfer to the airport).

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: no

* Recommended return flights from San Jose:
- Any other flight departing from San Jose not earlier than 19:30 hours on March 26.

* Recommended flights from San Jose to Managua, Nicaragua:
- Sansa Airlines direct flight RZ 1060, with departure from San José on March 27 at 7:00 am, and arrival in Managua on March 27 at 8:20 am (this will require an additional night in San José or in Jaco),
- Avianca flights AV618 and AV315 via San Salvador, departing San José on March 26 at 7:50 pm, and arriving in Managua on March 26 at 11:10 pm,
- Avianca flights AV626 and AV396 via San Salvador, departing from San José on March 27 at 5:05 am, and arriving in Managua on March 27 at 8:20 am (an additional night in San José or in Jaco will be required),
- any other flight from San José to Managua, arriving in Managua no later than 9:00 am on March 27.

* Visits and excursions are subject to change depending on local conditions (road conditions, ferry/airline schedules and actual weather). If some visits and/or tours could not be realised due to external reasons, they will be replaced if possible.