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12-Day Central America Adventure and Foodie Itinerary

Viewed by 94 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

San Jose, Costa Rica

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Miel

Start your culinary adventure with a Costa Rican breakfast at Cafe Miel featuring gallo pinto and fresh fruit.
Located near downtown San Jose, easily accessible by foot.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the National Museum of Costa Rica

Dive into the history of Costa Rica with a visit to the National Museum, showcasing pre-Columbian artifacts.
Short taxi ride from the cafe.
USD8, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado Central

Enjoy local food at Mercado Central where you can try Casado, a traditional dish.
Walk from the National Museum.
USD6, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Transfer to La Fortuna

Take a shuttle to arrive at La Fortuna, a gateway to adventure and exploration.
Pre-arranged shuttle service.
USD50, 3 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at Hotel Arenal Manoa

Settle into your hotel with stunning views of Arenal Volcano and enjoy the facilities.
Pre-arranged booking.
USD150, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Don Rufino

Savour a gourmet dinner at Don Rufino featuring local steak and a fresh vegetable medley.
Short taxi ride from the hotel.
USD35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Jose

Day 2: Adventure in La Fortuna

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Arenal Manoa

Indulge in a hearty breakfast buffet with fresh tropical fruits and local dishes.
At the hotel on-site.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Arenal Volcano National Park Hiking

Embark on an exciting hike in the National Park featuring remarkable views of the volcano.
Short drive from the hotel.
USD15, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at La Vaca Vieja

Tastefully enjoy a local lunch with black beans and grilled fish.
Walk from the park entrance.
USD12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Scuba Diving at Arenal Lake

Experience the unique underwater beauty while scuba diving in the clear waters of Arenal Lake.
Arranged with local diving company.
USD90, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Tabacon Hot Springs

Unwind in natural hot springs surrounded by lush gardens after an adventurous day.
Direct shuttle from dive site.
USD90, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante La Fortuna

Enjoy a delightful dinner featuring local Costa Rican dishes with a view of the volcano.
Return shuttle from hot springs.
USD25, 2 hours
Find Hotels in La Fortuna

Day 3: More Adventures in La Fortuna

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Arenal Manoa

Fuel your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
At the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Canyoning in La Fortuna Waterfalls

Experience an exhilarating day of canyoning, repelling down stunning waterfalls.
Arranged with local tour operator.
USD120, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Mediterraneo

Recharge with fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Short drive back to town.
USD18, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit La Fortuna Waterfall

Take in the breathtaking views and enjoy a swim in the cool waters of the waterfall.
Taxi from the restaurant.
USD10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Coffee Tour at La Negra

Learn about Costa Rican coffee production and indulge in tasting sessions.
Pre-arranged transport.
USD30, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Sura

Enjoy a gourmet meal with an emphasis on local produce and dishes.
Short drive from the coffee tour.
USD25, 2 hours
Find Hotels in La Fortuna

Day 4: Beach Days in Tamarindo

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Arenal Manoa

Enjoy a final breakfast before departing for the beach.
At the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Tamarindo

Travel from La Fortuna to Tamarindo, a vibrant beach town.
Pre-arranged shuttle service.
USD50, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pangas Beach Club

Savour a fresh seafood lunch with a stunning ocean view.
Short walk from the bus drop-off point.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax on Tamarindo Beach

Bask under the sun or go for a swim in the warm Pacific waters.
Just steps away from lunch spot.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Scuba Diving in Tamarindo

Explore the rich underwater life around Tamarindo's coastal reefs.
Arranged with local dive shop.
USD85, 2.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at El Chiringuito

Feast on incredible Mediterranean cuisine at this beachside restaurant.
Walk back from dive shop.
USD35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tamarindo

Day 5: Adventure and Relaxation in Tamarindo

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Tamarindo Diria

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your beachfront hotel.
At the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Surfing Lessons

Join a local surf school for an unforgettable surfing experience.
Nearby surf school.
USD75, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Taco Star

Tantalise your taste buds with fresh tacos and local beers.
Short walk from the surf spot.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Catamaran Tour

Take in stunning views along the coast on a sunset catamaran tour with snorkelling.
Depart from Tamarindo Beach.
USD100, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante La Baula

Experience a delicious Italian meal with seafood specialities.
Return walk from the marina.
USD30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tamarindo

Day 6: Explore Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro, Panama

6:00AM

Transfer to Liberia, Costa Rica

Depart early morning for Liberia to catch your flight.
Pre-arranged shuttle.
USD50, 4 hours

10:00AM

Fly to Bocas del Toro

Catch a morning flight to the beautiful Bocas del Toro islands.
Liberia airport.
USD120, 1 hour

11:30AM

Check-in at Selina Bocas del Toro

Get settled in your beachfront accommodation.
Water taxi from the airport.
USD80, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Rumba Café

Indulge in a local Panamanian meal featuring fresh seafood.
Walk from the hotel.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Scuba Diving Trip

Explore the famous coral reefs with a guided scuba diving experience.
Arranged with local diving company.
USD95, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Lounge

Relax and enjoy a casual dinner with international cuisine options.
Short walk from the dive shop.
USD25, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Bocas del Toro

Day 7: Island Hopping in Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro, Panama

7:00AM

Breakfast at Selina

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Selina.
At the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Red Frog Beach

Explore the stunning Red Frog Beach famed for its beauty and wildlife.
Water taxi from the hotel.
USD10, 2 hours

10:30AM

Snorkelling at Coral Cay

Experience snorkelling at Coral Cay with vibrant underwater scenes.
Arranged with local tour operator.
USD50, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Suga Suga

Enjoy fresh sushi and tropical cocktails for lunch.
Return to Bocas Town.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Bike through Bastimentos

Take a scenic bike ride around Bastimentos Island.
Rent bikes in Bocas Town.
USD15, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at El Refugio

Finish off the day with a delightful dinner in a cozy setting.
Return bike to rental shop.
USD30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Bocas del Toro

Day 8: Journey to David and Boquete

David and Boquete, Panama

7:00AM

Breakfast at Selina

Enjoy a final breakfast at Selina before departure.
At the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to David

Take a short water taxi and bus ride to David.
Water taxi to mainland, then bus.
USD30, 2 hours

10:30AM

Coffee Tour in Boquete

Arrive in Boquete and embark on a coffee plantation tour.
Short taxi ride from the bus station.
USD25, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Panamonte

Enjoy a delicious meal at this renowned restaurant in Boquete.
Same location as coffee tour.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Check-in at Hotel Finca Lérida

Settle into your charming accommodation nestled in the coffee fields.
Pre-arranged taxi ride.
USD100, 1 hour

4:00PM

Nature Walk in Boquete

Explore the scenic landscape during an invigorating nature walk.
Hiking trails near the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Fonda Lo Que Hay

Savour authentic Panamanian dishes in a casual setting.
Short drive from the hotel.
USD20, 2 hours
Find Hotels in David and Boquete

Day 9: Explore Boquete and Surroundings

Boquete, Panama

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Finca Lérida

Enjoy a hearty farm-to-table breakfast at your hotel.
At the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Hike The Quetzal Trail

Challenge yourself with a hike on the famous Quetzal Trail known for its biodiversity.
Easy access from the hotel.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Garden Restaurant

Refuel at The Garden Restaurant known for its fresh produce and sandwiches.
Return taxi ride from the trailhead.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Coffee Tasting at Cafe Ruiz

Experience a coffee tasting and learn about their famous brews.
Short walk from The Garden.
USD10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Boquete Tree Trek

Fly through the tree canopy on zip lines for an outstanding adventure.
Short taxi ride.
USD75, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Fish House

Indulge in a seafood treat with locally sourced fish and fresh ingredients.
Return taxi ride from the adventure.
USD45, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Boquete

Day 10: Travel to Panama City

Panama City, Panama

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Finca Lérida

Enjoy one last breakfast overlooking the beautiful landscapes.
At the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Panama City

Travel to Panama City with a shuttle service.
Pre-arranged transport.
USD80, 5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Casco Viejo

Discover local cuisine at Casco Viejo amidst historic architecture.
Explore on foot.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Panama Canal Tour

Experience a tour of the iconic Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering.
Arranged with local operator.
USD60, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante Casa Blanca

Dine at one of Panama City's top-rated culinary establishments.
Short taxi ride from the canal.
USD50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Panama City

Day 11: Relax in San Blas Islands

San Blas Islands, Panama

5:00AM

Early Transfer to San Blas

Begin your day early for a scenic journey to San Blas Islands.
Pre-arranged 4x4 transport and boat.
USD150, 3 hours

9:00AM

Arrive at San Blas Islands

Settle in and explore the pristine beaches and clear waters.
Water taxi to the island.
Included in transfer., 1 hour

10:00AM

Snorkelling Tour

Enjoy a snorkelling tour in the clear waters around the islands.
Arranged with local guides.
USD50, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch on the Beach

Relax with a beach picnic featuring fresh seafood.
Provided by the tour.
Included in tour., 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Island

Take time to soak up the sun or explore more of the beautiful landscapes.
Walking around the island.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the Island Restaurant

End your day with a delicious dinner featuring local cuisine.
Walk from your accommodation.
USD40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Blas Islands

Day 12: Return to San Jose

San Jose, Costa Rica

7:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy breakfast while soaking in the last views of San Blas.
At the accommodation.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Transfer back to Panama City

Travel back to Panama City via pre-arranged transport.
Boat then 4x4 transfer.
USD150, 3 hours

11:00AM

Fly back to San Jose

Catch a flight back to San Jose.
At the airport.
USD120, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at a local restaurant in San Jose

Relax with one last tasty meal in San Jose before your journey ends.
Visit a nearby local eatery.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Central Market

Spend your last moments shopping and exploring the vibrant Central Market.
Short taxi ride.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Airport Transfer

End your adventure and head to the airport for departure.
Pre-arranged transport.
USD30, 1 hour
Find Hotels in San Jose
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