Peace-loving Costa Rica is undoubtedly the adventure tourism capital of the region with its wonderland of natural beauty and wildlife. If you prefer to pamper and indulge, the country also serves up a menu of luxurious hospitality set against the irresistible backdrop of perfect sunsets and beaches. Worldly and open-minded Panama delights with the most cosmopolitan capital in Central America, comprising a shiny skyline reminiscent of Miami and Hong Kong, but it is also a handy gateway for tropical escapes to lush lowland mangroves and highland forests alike. With a customised Costa Rica and Panama tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours, you will be set to experience all the feel-good vibes of this flourishing Central American duo in no time. Easy.
In the lap of luxuryCosta Rica is likely to be your best bet in the region to indulge in a pampering vacation simply because some of the country’s top-end resorts have been around long enough to understand the intricate standards of immaculate hospitality. If you are searching for resorts with direct beach access, head straight for Guanacaste on the northwestern coast or the Nicoya Peninsula. Personal golf carts, private chefs, exquisite spas, scenic views and infinity pools – you can find some of these and more at five-star resorts such as Hotel Punta Islita, Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort and JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa just to name a few.
Cloud nine
After paying your island holiday dues at the steamy lowlands and sandy beaches of Costa Rica, it is time to head into the cool environs of the cloud forests for a date with wildlife and nature. Organise a guided hike to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to see the best of the native mammals from jaguars and pumas to howler monkeys. Listen to the chirping of the birds and smell the aroma of tropical flowers as the misty clouds surround you on a suspension bridge walk. If you are up for a thrilling experience, you can choose to zip line through the verdant canopy and fly over the thickly vegetated canyons below.
Urban escape
No visitors to Panama should miss the world-famous Panama Canal, but after you are done marvelling at one of the greatest engineering feats of our time, head straight back into the buzz of Panama City for an urban adventure. Orientate yourself with a panoramic introduction to the capital’s skyscraper-studded skyline at Ancon Hill. Arrange an afternoon siesta at one of the bougainvillea-filled plazas lined with numerous cafes and bars. Walk the paths of the Spanish Conquistadors who conquered the Inca Empire in Panama Viejo. Retire for the day in Casco Viejo, the hip colonial district, and find your peace with the night alongside rotating plates of citrusy ceviche and mugs of ice-cold beer.
For more destinations in Central America and the Caribbean, try:
Discover both nature and the urban pleasures of two of Central America’s most prosperous countries with a customised Costa Rica and Panama tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to San Jose, Costa Rica. Upon arrival at the airport, meet a local representative and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the capital city of Costa Rica with its abundance of theatres, museums, historic buildings and beautiful parks or simply sit in a cafe and people-watch as you enjoy a cup of Costa Rican coffee.
Today, you will cross the majestic Braulio Carrillo National Park as you travel to the Caribbean town of Guapiles. Continue to the pier where your shared motorised boat to Tortuguero will depart. You will enjoy a 90-minute boat ride along the rivers and canals, providing an excellent opportunity to see wildlife and the jungle scenery, as you travel to your hotel. In the afternoon, you may go on a guided jungle hike as part of a small group or take a guided visit to tiny Tortuguero Village.
Seasonal Bonus
Witness turtle nesting on a night excursion from July to September if conditions permit.
Boat ride to Tortuguero
In the morning, you will go on a guided walk along the private paths of your hotel to take in the scenic surroundings. After lunch, you will enjoy a boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, which is famous for being the habitat of 5 species of sea turtles and a great diversity of birds, amphibians and other animals.
Red-eyed tree frog at Tortuguero National Park
Today, you will return by boat through the Tortuguero canals until you reach the pier. Travel to the Northern Plains and meet the impressive Arenal Volcano, a natural wonder with an iconic cone-shaped crater. Enjoy a calm stroll and delicious lunch or dinner in the nearby town. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel, bathe in the hot springs or take a swim in the pool.
Arenal Volcano
This morning, visit Arenal Hanging Bridges with your private guide. On this canopy walkway tour through the rainforest, your guide will point out its distinctive flora and birdlife. In the afternoon, explore Arenal Volcano National Park as part of a small group tour, visiting a lava wall. Afterwards, visit a hot spring complex for an evening bath.
Arenal Hanging Bridges
Spend the day at your own leisure. Relax by the hotel pool and take in the views of Arenal Volcano. If you are looking for something more energetic, you may choose to go kayaking on Arenal Lake, zip-lining or whitewater rafting. Alternatively, visit Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge, take a trip to the Rio Celeste waterfalls or hike one of the trails at the national park.
Whitewater rafting
This morning, your journey to Manuel Antonio will take you through the scenic Central Pacific Coast. Along the way, you will drive through beautiful landscapes and picturesque villages typical in the country. Be sure to stop at the bridge over Tarcoles River to see the giant crocodiles in the river below. The lush landscape along the Central Pacific Coast features rice and palm plantations.
Manuel Antonio
Enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to the airport in San Jose for your flight to Panama City. Upon arrival, meet a local representative and transfer to your hotel.
Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to David. Upon arrival, meet your driver and English-speaking guide for your private transfer to Boquete. Thereafter, explore Los Quetzales Trail, which unites the 2 communities of Boquete and Cerro Punta. On this path, you will see lazy 2-toed monkeys, black howler monkeys and other animals.
Black howler monkey
This morning, meet your private driver and guide in your hotel lobby for your visit to Baru National Park. On today's hike, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes, take in tropical scenery and encounter the native wildlife. Your private guide will provide you with insights into the local flora and fauna. After the hike, enjoy a private transfer back to your hotel.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the pier at Boca Chica. Upon arrival, board a small vessel to Isla Palenque. Spend time at your own leisure to rest and relax.
Today, enjoy a day at your beach resort. From the on-site infinity pools to pristine beaches, there is no shortage of amenities and activities to enjoy for your idyllic day in paradise.
Leisure time at beach resort
After breakfast, board a small vessel to the pier at Boca Chica. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Panama City. After you check in to your hotel, begin your city tour starting at Miraflores Locks. Afterwards, move on to Panama Canal, where you will enjoy a guided tour to learn more about the history and function of this engineering structure, which is considered by many to be the 8th wonder of the world. With a little bit of luck, you may be able to observe the passage of a ship through the canal. Afterwards, head to Casco Antiguo, where you will have the pleasure of touring its narrows streets, plazas and parks that still conserve much of the country’s history. Thereafter, take in more of the city’s sights such as France Plaza, the Vaults, San Jose Church with its impressive gold altar, Arco Chato and the cathedral.
Miraflores Locks
Today, immerse yourself in Panama’s diverse culinary scene on a private full-day gastronomy tour, taking you to Casco Antiguo, the colonial precinct of Panama City. The day begins with a stop at a local coffee shop, where you will learn about different types of coffee produced in Panama and enjoy delicious samples of coffee and chocolate. Continue to a microbrewery for a taste of a variety of different artisanal beers and learn about what makes these drinks so unique. Next, walk along Cintra Costera to Seafood Market, where you can taste the popular ceviche. To top off your experience, participate in a cocktail tasting of locally produced rum.
Gastronomy tour
Spend some time at leisure before you enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.