Costa Rica and Panama

9 or 12 days

Guanacaste, Arenal region, Sarapiquí, San José, Panama City, extension to Cartagena, Colombia | CPA

Journey into the heart of Central America as you experience Costa Rica and Panama. Begin in Costa Rica, where you’ll discover the volcanic Arenal Region and the rich wildlife of the Rincón de la Vieja National Park in Guanacaste. During your time in Panama, explore the area’s abundant flora and fauna at the Biomuseo and see one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Panama Canal. Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Costa Rica and Panama tour

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Costa Rica and Panama tour

Day 1: Fly to Costa Rica • Guanacaste

Meet your Tour Director at your destination

Travel to Guanacaste

Day 2: Guanacaste

Visit Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Enjoy a snorkeling activity

Day 3: Guanacaste • Arenal region

Travel to the Arenal region

Enjoy the rainforest from the unique perspective of a zipline through the canopy

Day 4: Arenal Region

Enjoy a kayaking trip on Lake Arenal

Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

Visit the Arenal Hot Springs

Day 5: Arenal region • Sarapiquí • San José

Travel to San José via Sarapiquí

Enjoy a whitewater rafting excursion

Day 6: San José • Panama City

Fly to Panama City

Enjoy a walking tour of Cinta Costera

Day 7: Panama City

Take a guided tour of Casco Viejo

Enjoy some beach time in the historic El Palmar region

Add this in-depth excursion:

Surfing Lesson

Learn to surf on the white sand beaches of one of Panama’s premier surfing locations. Here, an instructor will teach you how to stand on your board as well as how to paddle and pass waves. Once in the water, you'll have the chance to surf by yourself under the supervision of your instructor.

Day 8: Panama City • Gatun Lake

Take a boat ride on Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal where you will learn about the different species on Monkey Island

Visit the Biomuseo

Visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre at the Panama Canal

Add this in-depth excursion:

Folklore Evening

Opt to spend the evening learning about the rich cultural traditions of the region over a traditional Panamanian dinner. After dinner, an interactive dance show will make this a night to remember.

Day 9: Depart for home

Add 3 more days

Day 9: Panama City • Cartagena

Fly to Cartagena, Colombia

Take a walking tour of Cartagena

Day 10: Cartagena

Take a guided tour of historic Cartagena

With your expert local guide you will visit:

Convento de la Popa
San Felipe de Barajas Castle

Add this in-depth excursion:

Cooking Class in Cartagena

Dive into the delicious flavors of classic Colombian dishes. An expert local chef will introduce you to local ingredients, take you through the preparation, and explain the varied styles that make up Colombian cuisine. Then, sit down to dine and enjoy your the fruits of your labor.

Day 11: Cartagena • Barú Island

Take a day trip to the beach at Barú Island

Enjoy lunch on the beach

Enjoy a dinner experience that includes traditional music or dancing

Day 12: Depart for home

See what an EF tour is really like

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Your experience includes

This all-inclusive global experience gives students the chance to explore the world–all at an unbeatable value.

Airfare & transportation

Personalized Learning Support

Full-time Tour Director

Expert Local Guides

Continuous Support

Worldwide Presence

Pricing that makes travel possible

Includes airfare, hotels, meals, full-time Tour Director, and more.

Payment options

We believe every student should have the opportunity to travel, which is why we let our travellers choose how they want to manage their payments. Enrol in our Automatic Payment Plan with just $199 to start, make fixed and low monthly payments through FlexPay, receive invoices and make your payments in less frequent instalments, or pay upfront in full.

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