Costa Rica to Panama: The Coastal Caribbean Experience

9 or 12 days

San José, Cartago, Puerto Limón region, Caribbean Coastal region, Chiriquí region, David, Panama City | ACP

This highly-interactive journey along the Caribbean coast is as culturally enriching as it is exhilarating. Marvel at the unique wonders of two beloved countries, where the lush greenery of Cahuita National Park brims with exotic wildlife, and its underwater realms are ripe for exploration (with just a snorkel and a pair of goggles). Embrace the rhythm of the coast with a lively Calypso dance class, stirring the soul and sparking camaraderie among your fellow travellers. Venture into the Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure Park, where learning leaps beyond the books into the realm of hands-on discovery. Engage in an interactive drumming lesson that culminates in a chest-thrumming performance, and delve into the rich heritage of the Bribri Indigenous Village, savouring the sweet notes of traditional Costa Rican chocolate. Cap off the adventure with adrenaline-fuelled activities like river kayaking, a guided tour of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge to spot lurking crocodiles, and ziplining through the Boquete treetops, ensuring memories that will resonate long after the journey ends.

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Costa Rica to Panama: The Coastal Caribbean Experience tour

Day 1: Fly to Costa Rica

Meet your Tour Director at your destination

Day 2: San José | Cartago | Puerto Limón region

Travel to the Puerto Limón region via Cartago

Take an in-depth tour of Cartago

With your Tour Director you will visit:

Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles
Santiago Apóstol Parish Ruins
Cartago Municipal Museum

Take a tour of a banana farm

Day 3: Puerto Limón region

Visit Cahuita National Park to spot amazing wildlife with an expert local guide

Go snorkeling amongst colorful fish while observing 600 acres of living coral reefs

Enjoy a Calypso dance class

Add this in-depth excursion:

Limonese Cooking Class

Enjoy a Limonese cooking class. You’ll learn to cook a classic dish such as gallo pinto using ingredients that are common in Limonese cuisine, like large red beans, coconut milk, thyme, and Panamian peppers.

Day 4: Puerto Limón region | Caribbean Coastal region

Visit the Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure Park, where you will:

Spot animals like snakes, frogs, and other reptiles
Take a gondola ride to a waterfall

Travel to the Caribbean Coastal region

Enjoy an interactive drumming lesson and performance

Day 5: Caribbean Coastal region

Visit the Bri Bri Indigenous Village, where you will:

Learn about the community
Take a cacao tour and try some local chocolate samples
Enjoy a freshly grown, authentic Bri Bri lunch

Enjoy an outdoor adventure at Punta Uva beach, where you’ll go river kayaking

Day 6: Caribbean Coastal region | Chiriquí region

Travel to Chiriquí region by crossing the border into Panama

Day 7: Chiriquí region

Add this in-depth excursion:

Whitewater Rafting

Experience the thrill and excitement of whitewater rafting on this excursion! Use teamwork to navigate a path through the free-flowing waters of the Río Gariche rapids (level 2-3), all while admiring lush Panama scenery as you pass by stretches of tropical forest.

Day 8: Chiriquí region | David | Panama City

Enjoy a ziplining adventure through the Boquete treetop (Participants must weigh less than 200 lbs)

Take a canopy tour, where you’ll:

Travel through the jungle via hanging bridges
Spot unique flora and wildlife as you explore the ecosystem of jungle canopies
Take in amazing aerial views

Travel to David

Fly to Panama City

Day 9: Depart for home

Add 3 more days

Day 9: Panama City

Visit Panamá Viejo, the ruins from pirate attacks on the original Panama City

Take a tour of Casco Viejo - Panama's Old Town

Visit the Biomuseo

Stop for a photo at the Amador Causeway for a view of the Panama City skyline

Day 10: Panama City

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

Visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre at the Panama Canal

Stop for a Photo the the Panama Canal Administration Building

Day 11: Panama City | El Palmar

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.

See a youth folklore dance show

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

Full-time Tour Director

Expert Local Guides

Personalized Learning Support

Continuous Support

24-hour Emergency Service

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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