Costa Rica Natural Paradise 9 Days from $1195
Day 1 – San José, Costa Rica
Welcome to the “rich coast,” friendly land of democracy and rare natural beauty. During your Costa Rica vacation, you'll see exotic birds and wildlife, hike in jungle rainforests, view volcanoes, soak in hot springs and cruise through biological reserves. Caravan provides transfers from the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica to your hotel for a two night stay. Rooms are available for check-in after 4:00 p.m. Join Caravan for an 8:00 p.m. welcome briefing. Dinner is served until 9:30 p.m. at your hotel. D
Day 2 – Sarchi, Coffee Plantation
This morning, head through Costa Rica's Central Valley. Stop at the artisan village of Sarchi, nestled on the slopes of the Central Mountain Range. Here you can shop for colorful, traditional Costa Rican handicrafts. Visit an oxcart factory where oxcarts are hand-painted with elaborate designs. Considered the national symbol of Costa Rica, oxcarts were historically used for the transport of coffee beans and supplies. Continue through Costa Rica's famous coffee growing region. Lunch. Enjoy a guided tour at a coffee plantation. Sample locally grown coffee. Costa Rica's climate and rich soil help create exceptional coffee. Visit a butterfly garden. Then, return to Costa Rica's capital, San José. Dinner. BLD
Day 3 – Wildlife Rescue Center, Fortuna
This morning, drive by San Jose’s Plaza de la Cultura, Central Park, and the National Theatre. Next, visit a wildlife rescue center. Here, injured animals are rehabilitated for release back into the wild. Lunch. Continue to Fortuna in the San Carlos Valley for a two night stay. Dinner. BLD
Day 4 – Caño Negro Cruise, Hot Springs
Head north this morning, passing through sugar cane, teak, pineapple, and orange plantations. Then, cruise on the Rio Frio, gateway to the world famous Caño Negro wildlife refuge, home to many migratory birds found nowhere else in Costa Rica. Look for black turtles, whistling ducks, roseate spoonbills, cormorants, anhingas, blue heron, and northern jacanas. Watch for caimans, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, green iguanas, and water-walking lizards. Lunch. Return to Fortuna. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing soak in the volcanic hot springs. Dinner. BLD
Day 5 – Hanging Bridges, Guanacaste
Morning visit to the Hanging Bridges. With a naturalist guide, hike the suspension bridges. Weather permitting, enjoy views of majestic Arenal Volcano. Next, enjoy a scenic drive around Lake Arenal. Lunch. Then, to Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Continue to the J.W. Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa for a relaxing two night stay. Dinner. BLD
Day 6 – Leatherback Turtle Park, Guanacaste
Morning visit to Leatherback Turtle National Park. The leatherback is the largest marine reptile in the world, weighing over 1,500 pounds. Learn about Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant. Lunch. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy your magnificent world class beach resort. Visit the elegant spa or swim in your hotel’s infinity pool, the largest in Central America. Time to beachcomb while strolling your resort’s pristine beach. Dinner. BLD
Day 7 – Bird Watching Cruise, Manuel Antonio
This morning, drive though the cattle ranches of Guanacaste. Stop at the Monteverde Cooperative. Lunch. Next, cruise on the Tarcoles River, adjacent to the Carara Biological Reserve. Float through a mangrove forest. Enjoy bird watching and crocodile spotting. Look for white and snowy egrets and the amazing nests of the montezuma oropendola. This tropical bird and wildlife sanctuary is a nesting site for the scarlet macaw. Continue to Manuel Antonio. You'll stay at the only hotel next to the National Park, conveniently located directly at the entrance. Dinner. BLD
Day 8 – Manuel Antonio
Early morning visit to world famous Manuel Antonio National Park, a natural habitat for the white face monkey, the rare squirrel monkey, and the three-toed sloth. Hike through rainforest and along spectacular beach coves. Look for toucans and parrots. (Tours beginning on Mondays will visit the adjacent public beach instead due to park closures.) The rest of your morning is at leisure. Enjoy your hotel's pools and rooftop terrace, or visit nearby artisan shops. Lunch at your Manuel Antonio hotel. Then, return to San José. Farewell dinner tonight. BLD
Day 9 – San José
Your tour ends after breakfast this morning at your hotel. Breakfast begins at 6:30 a.m. Caravan provides transfers to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica arriving at 5:00 a.m, 7:00 a.m, 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. Thanks for vacationing with us. ¡Hasta la vista! B
2020 Price Per Person - $U.S.Room Type Super Value. Great Value. Special Value
Double $ 1195 $ 1295 $ 1395
Triple $ 1175 $ 1275 $ 1375
Single $. 1595 $ 1695 $ 1795
Plus Taxes and Fees:
Double $299; Triple $289; Single $359
2020 Departure Dates
Jan 4*, 5*, 6*, 7*, 8*, 9*, 10*, 11*, 12*, 13*, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*, 25*, 26*, 27*, 28*, 29*, 30*, 31*
Feb 1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5*, 6*, 7*, 8*, 9*, 10*, 11*, 12*, 13*, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*, 25*, 26*, 27*, 28*, 29*
Mar 1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5*, 6*, 7*, 8*, 9*, 10*, 11*, 12*, 13*, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*, 25*, 26*, 27*, 28*, 29*, 30*, 31*
Apr 1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5*, 10**, 17**, 24**
May 1**, 8**, 15**, 22**, 29**
Jun 12**, 13**, 19**, 20**, 26**, 27**
Jul 3**, 4**, 10**, 11**, 17**, 18**, 24**, 25**, 31**
Aug 1**, 7**, 14**, 21**
Nov 5**, 6**, 7**, 8**, 12**, 13**, 14**, 15**, 20**, 21**
Welcome to the “rich coast,” friendly land of democracy and rare natural beauty. During your Costa Rica vacation, you'll see exotic birds and wildlife, hike in jungle rainforests, view volcanoes, soak in hot springs and cruise through biological reserves. Caravan provides transfers from the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica to your hotel for a two night stay. Rooms are available for check-in after 4:00 p.m. Join Caravan for an 8:00 p.m. welcome briefing. Dinner is served until 9:30 p.m. at your hotel. D
Day 2 – Sarchi, Coffee Plantation
This morning, head through Costa Rica's Central Valley. Stop at the artisan village of Sarchi, nestled on the slopes of the Central Mountain Range. Here you can shop for colorful, traditional Costa Rican handicrafts. Visit an oxcart factory where oxcarts are hand-painted with elaborate designs. Considered the national symbol of Costa Rica, oxcarts were historically used for the transport of coffee beans and supplies. Continue through Costa Rica's famous coffee growing region. Lunch. Enjoy a guided tour at a coffee plantation. Sample locally grown coffee. Costa Rica's climate and rich soil help create exceptional coffee. Visit a butterfly garden. Then, return to Costa Rica's capital, San José. Dinner. BLD
Day 3 – Wildlife Rescue Center, Fortuna
This morning, drive by San Jose’s Plaza de la Cultura, Central Park, and the National Theatre. Next, visit a wildlife rescue center. Here, injured animals are rehabilitated for release back into the wild. Lunch. Continue to Fortuna in the San Carlos Valley for a two night stay. Dinner. BLD
Day 4 – Caño Negro Cruise, Hot Springs
Head north this morning, passing through sugar cane, teak, pineapple, and orange plantations. Then, cruise on the Rio Frio, gateway to the world famous Caño Negro wildlife refuge, home to many migratory birds found nowhere else in Costa Rica. Look for black turtles, whistling ducks, roseate spoonbills, cormorants, anhingas, blue heron, and northern jacanas. Watch for caimans, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, green iguanas, and water-walking lizards. Lunch. Return to Fortuna. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing soak in the volcanic hot springs. Dinner. BLD
Day 5 – Hanging Bridges, Guanacaste
Morning visit to the Hanging Bridges. With a naturalist guide, hike the suspension bridges. Weather permitting, enjoy views of majestic Arenal Volcano. Next, enjoy a scenic drive around Lake Arenal. Lunch. Then, to Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Continue to the J.W. Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa for a relaxing two night stay. Dinner. BLD
Day 6 – Leatherback Turtle Park, Guanacaste
Morning visit to Leatherback Turtle National Park. The leatherback is the largest marine reptile in the world, weighing over 1,500 pounds. Learn about Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant. Lunch. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy your magnificent world class beach resort. Visit the elegant spa or swim in your hotel’s infinity pool, the largest in Central America. Time to beachcomb while strolling your resort’s pristine beach. Dinner. BLD
Day 7 – Bird Watching Cruise, Manuel Antonio
This morning, drive though the cattle ranches of Guanacaste. Stop at the Monteverde Cooperative. Lunch. Next, cruise on the Tarcoles River, adjacent to the Carara Biological Reserve. Float through a mangrove forest. Enjoy bird watching and crocodile spotting. Look for white and snowy egrets and the amazing nests of the montezuma oropendola. This tropical bird and wildlife sanctuary is a nesting site for the scarlet macaw. Continue to Manuel Antonio. You'll stay at the only hotel next to the National Park, conveniently located directly at the entrance. Dinner. BLD
Day 8 – Manuel Antonio
Early morning visit to world famous Manuel Antonio National Park, a natural habitat for the white face monkey, the rare squirrel monkey, and the three-toed sloth. Hike through rainforest and along spectacular beach coves. Look for toucans and parrots. (Tours beginning on Mondays will visit the adjacent public beach instead due to park closures.) The rest of your morning is at leisure. Enjoy your hotel's pools and rooftop terrace, or visit nearby artisan shops. Lunch at your Manuel Antonio hotel. Then, return to San José. Farewell dinner tonight. BLD
Day 9 – San José
Your tour ends after breakfast this morning at your hotel. Breakfast begins at 6:30 a.m. Caravan provides transfers to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica arriving at 5:00 a.m, 7:00 a.m, 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. Thanks for vacationing with us. ¡Hasta la vista! B
2020 Price Per Person - $U.S.Room Type Super Value. Great Value. Special Value
Double $ 1195 $ 1295 $ 1395
Triple $ 1175 $ 1275 $ 1375
Single $. 1595 $ 1695 $ 1795
Plus Taxes and Fees:
Double $299; Triple $289; Single $359
2020 Departure Dates
Jan 4*, 5*, 6*, 7*, 8*, 9*, 10*, 11*, 12*, 13*, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*, 25*, 26*, 27*, 28*, 29*, 30*, 31*
Feb 1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5*, 6*, 7*, 8*, 9*, 10*, 11*, 12*, 13*, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*, 25*, 26*, 27*, 28*, 29*
Mar 1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5*, 6*, 7*, 8*, 9*, 10*, 11*, 12*, 13*, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*, 25*, 26*, 27*, 28*, 29*, 30*, 31*
Apr 1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5*, 10**, 17**, 24**
May 1**, 8**, 15**, 22**, 29**
Jun 12**, 13**, 19**, 20**, 26**, 27**
Jul 3**, 4**, 10**, 11**, 17**, 18**, 24**, 25**, 31**
Aug 1**, 7**, 14**, 21**
Nov 5**, 6**, 7**, 8**, 12**, 13**, 14**, 15**, 20**, 21**
Dec. 3**, 4**, 5**, 6**, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
**indicates Super Value date
*indicates Great Value date
**indicates Super Value date
*indicates Great Value date
Panama Canal Cruise, Rainforests & Beaches 8 Days from $1295 pp
|
Day 1 – Panama City, Panama Welcome to fun, vibrant Panama, home to the Panama Canal, the most important waterway in the world. The Isthmus of Panama divides the North and South America continents. During your tour you'll take two daytime cruises on the Panama Canal, one through the canal locks and another on Gatun Lake. In Panama you'll see the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, stroll sandy beaches, explore rainforests, and meet the the native Embera tribe. You will receive transfers from Panama’s Tocumen Airport to your hotel for a two night stay. Rooms are available for check-in after 4:00 p.m. Join your group for an 8:00 p.m. welcome briefing. Dinner is served until 9:30 p.m. at your hotel. D |
Day 2 – Old Panama, Miraflores Locks
This morning, visit the ruins of Panama Viejo (Old Panama), the city founded by the Spanish in 1519, as a gateway for gold from the Inca Empire. Next, on your scenic drive of Panama City's bayfront, enjoy views of Casco Antiquo (The Old French Quarter) and today's modern skyline. Panama City is a blend of Manhattan, Miami, and Las Vegas seasoned with Latin American flavor and style. Lunch. Visit the Canal Museum at Miraflores, overlooking the Panama Canal locks. Learn about the Canal construction and operation. From Pre-Columbian times to the present day, Panama had a prominent role as the major transit route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Next, drive through the City of Knowledge, located on the former site of Fort Clayton, the headquarters of United States Army South. Enjoy dinner. BLD
Day 3 – Panama Canal Cruise - Gatun Lake
This morning cross the Isthmus to Colon, the Caribbean port at the north end of the Panama Canal. Your short drive through Colon passes by the Free Trade Zone, the largest in the Americas and the Panama Canal Railway Station. Visit the Panama Canal Expansion Observation Center. See the newly constructed locks at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal. Learn how the locks raise ships 87 feet above the Caribbean Sea on to the Panama Canal. Lunch. Afternoon boat ride on Gatun Lake, the artificial lake which forms part of the Panama Canal. See the lush jungle watershed region of the Panama Canal. Cruise through jungle canals and by hilltop islands, home to a variety of wildlife. Look for monkeys. Enjoy a relaxing two night stay at your resort located in the rainforest. Dinner. BLD
Day 4 – Panama Canal Cruise - Locks Transit
Today an unforgettable adventure as you cruise another portion of the Panama Canal. Cruise by the Bridge of the Americas, pass through Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, and cross the Continental Divide. Then wind through the Gaillard Cut to the town of Gamboa. Your small passenger vessel allows for close-up views of the opening and closing of the huge six foot thick steel gates of both the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. See, at eye-level, how transiting vessels are guided by tugboats and pulled by small trains. (Please note, route may be reversed.) Lunch. Return to your jungle resort. Stroll the gardens, swim in the pool, or enjoy the scenic views from your private balcony. Dinner. BLD
Day 5 – Embera Tribe, Playa Bonita
This morning, cruise on the Chagres River to visit an Embera tribal village. The Embera inhabit the rainforests of Panama. See exotic Embera handicrafts, such as tightly woven palm fiber baskets and carvings made form tagua nuts and the cocobolo tree. Lunch. Look for colorful butterflies on your visit to a butterfly garden. See rare tropical orchids at an orchid nursery. Visit a live jungle sloth exhibition. Next, cross over the Panama Canal on the Centenario Bridge. Continue to your beach hotel for a relaxing two night stay on the Pacific Coast. Dinner. BLD
Day 6 – Playa Bonita
Entire day at leisure to enjoy your beach resort. Swim in your hotel's infinity pool. Lunch. Enjoy a carefree afternoon. Time to beachcomb and enjoy your resort's amenities. Dinner. BLD
Day 7 – Handicrafts, Biodiversity Museum
Morning return to Panama City via the Bridge of the Americas. Enjoy spectacular views from Amador Causeway connecting Perico, Naos, Culebra and Flamenco Islands. Visit a Kuna tribal marketplace. Shop for colorful Kuna mola embroidery depicting rainforest animals and marine life, and exotic wood handicrafts. Lunch. Visit the world-renowned Museum of Biodiversity, designed by architect Frank Gehry. Enjoy a farewell dinner. BLD
Day 8 – Panama City
Your tour ends after breakfast this morning at your hotel. Breakfast begins at 6:00 a.m. Caravan provides transfers to Panama’s Tocumen Airport, arriving at 5:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Thanks for vacationing with us..¡Hasta la vista! B
Two Daytime Cruises on the Panama Canal
With Caravan, you enjoy two daytime cruises on the Panama Canal. Your Panama Canal Gatun Lake Cruise is one hour by small watercraft. Your Panama Canal Locks Transit Cruise is usually three hours, depending on canal schedules. This is a public vessel so you may be joined by other tourists. The smaller size of the ship allows for unique close-up views of the opening and closing of the six foot thick steel gates of both the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks.
2020 Price Per Person - $USDRoom Type
Double $ 1295
Triple $ 1275
Single $ 1695Plus Taxes and Fees:
Double $339; Triple $329; Single $389
2020 Departure DatesJan 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Feb 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
Mar 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Apr 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 25
May 2, 9, 16, 23
Jun 13, 20, 27
Jul 11, 18, 25
Aug 1, 8, 15
Oct 23, 30, 31
Nov 1, 4, 6, 8, 28
Dec 5, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30