Caribbean Adventure : Tranquilo Bay

Day 1: Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica

Arrive San Jose

Day 2: Pacuare River Rafting (B,L,D)

This morning you head east towards the Caribbean and the Class III-IV whitewater of the Pacuare River. One of Costa Rica's most exciting whitewater trips, the Pacuare plunges through spectacular mountain gorges and passes through virgin rainforest filled with howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, ocelots and more. After the river trip, the adventure isn't over. At river's end, you're picked up and transferred to Selva Bananito Reserve for a few days of jungle discovery and adventure.

Days 3-4: Rainforest Adventure (2B,2L,2D)

While exploring one of Costa Rica's most pristine rainforests, you'll have the chance to climb a giant kapok tree and enter the fascinating world of the rainforest canopy. There's also horseback riding through the adjacent family farm to learn about organic tropical farming techniques. For the adventurous you can spend a day hiking deep into the jungle to a 70 foot waterfall and then take a dip in it's cool waters. For those who prefer a more relaxed day, Selva Bananito offers plenty of smaller excursions too. At the end of each day, locally grown food is served by candlelight before you retire to the tranquil retreat of your jungle cabaña.

Day 5: Off to Bocas del Toro (B,L,D)

This morning you are off to your private island escape. You will be picked up and transfer to the Panama border where you will meet your next driver. From here you will travel south to your rendezvous point with the boat that will navigate through the Bocas archipelago's small canals, passing local communities, mangroves, and into the Caribbean Sea. You'll arrive to your home for the next 3 nights, a secluded casually elegant resort overlooking Tranquilo Bay. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring your new surroundings.

Days 6-7: Tranquilo Bay Adventures (2B,2L,2D)

Awake in your bungalow overlooking the Caribbean Sea ready for a day of exploration of the natural beauty all around. Included during your stay is one daily standard activity each day. You can spend your days snorkeling, kayaking, diving, hiking, fishing, visiting turtle nesting sites, surfing, birding, or exploring nearby beaches. You days will be filled with marine and inland exploration, followed by a relaxing evening in the middle of paradise! Click here to see activity options. The island's midsection and surrounding waters are protected in the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, and the entire island offers nature lovers an array of wildlife, both terrestrial and marine. The waters here are filled with brilliant parrot fish, angel fish, red snapper, slender needle fish and many others. Four species of sea turtles come ashore to nest on the beaches and the forests are home to many endemic and endangered species such as neon colored frogs, the red billed tropic bird and two and three toed sloths.

Day 8: Panama City and Canal (B)

Your Panama travels continue with a short flight over vast jungles and into the center of Panama's vibrant capital city. You'll be met at the airport and first head to the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal to observe the "eighth wonder of the world." Locomotives tie onto the mammoth ships and pull them through the locks to lessen the chance of mishap. Explore the exhibits here that tell the story of the canal's history. After lunch on the causeway, you will next visit Casco Antiguo Panama's "second" city, whose Spanish and French architecture reminds one of its past citizens. Last, you will finish up the tour with ruins of Panama La Vieja, where loads of Peru's gold once crossed. Later the pirate Henry Morgan came in search of the famed gold, and after Morgan's attack in 1671, Casco Antiguo was built. This afternoon you will be dropped off at your hotel.Spend the evening exploring the many restaurants, bars and cafes the city has to offer -- toast your Caribbean adventures!

Day 9: Return Home (B)

Return Home (B)