Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama

Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama: Central American Highlights

When

November - April

Price

From $12,200pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

17 nights ideal length

A region of startling geographical wonders, colonial heritage, and fascinating people, it’s no wonder we’re lusting over Central America right now. So we’ve put together this 15-night luxury adventure vacation that takes you through the heart of this untamed region. Travel through Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama soaking in the majestic sights of smoking volcanoes, trekking through coffee scented mountain forests, and exploring Caribbean archipelagos. Get ready to get back to nature …

Land of lakes and volcanoes

Arrive in Nicaragua and after a hours’ transfer to Lake Nicaragua, you’ll be whisked away via boat to one of the 365 volcanic islets of Granada, home to our favorite luxury eco-retreat Jicaro Lodge. Leaders in sustainable ecotourism, the folks at Jicaro are masters at preserving the environment while offering guests a luxurious hideaway. A perfect spot for unwinding and getting back to nature – tucked away on a private island you’ll be surrounded by dense jungle teeming with wildlife and the pristine views of the Mombacho Volcano across the lake.

Make this itinerary yours

Each and every Black Tomato trip is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do So tell us about yourself and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.

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After a relaxing two night stay at Jicaro, you’ll be taken to the Pacific Coast and the uber-luxe Mukul resort, where you’ll spend three nights of spa-filled beach indulgence. For something a little more challenging head off into the rainforest for a nature trail hike, or to really push the boundaries head up the Cerro Negro Volcano to try your hand at volcano boarding.

Au naturel in Costa Rica

A three-hour road transfer takes you to across the border to Costa Rica and the mighty Arenal Volcano where the action begins. You’ll spend the next two nights at the foot of the legendary volcano at the gorgeous Hotel Arenal Nayara, which boasts incredible views of the volcanic landscape. Prepare yourself for the ultimate adventure sport – canyoning – where you’ll rappel and hike in a rainforest laden canyon beneath the volcano. To top it off, Sky Trek takes you through the rainforest on a zip wire – the best way to see the spectacular panoramic views of the lake and volcano above the canopy.

Next up you’re deep into the heart of the jungle coated Talamanca Mountains for your stay at one of our favorite luxury retreats, Pacuare Lodge. Getting to this intimate retreat is half the fun as the lodge is only accessible via white-water rafting down river. After your show-stopping entrance, you’ll find the peaceful sanctuary tucked away in a remote river gorge with incredible jungle and river views. Explore the surrounding forest and wildlife by hiking to a waterfall, or relax in the beautiful lodge; enjoy a delicious freshly cooked candlelit meal in the open air restaurant surrounded by sounds of the river rapids and forest inhabitants.

Discover Panama

After a short flight from San Jose, you’ll soon find yourself on the beautiful archipelago of Bocas Del Toro on Panama’s north Caribbean coast, in the heart of the Bastimentos national park. Lose yourself in one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet during your stay at Tranquilo bay – an eco-adventure lodge, where you’ll stay in a luxury Cabana built over the water. You’ll island hop to one of our favorite Caribbean locations, the Zapatilla caves, for the ultimate snorkelling and scuba experience. Incredible coral reefs encircle the two islands creating breath-taking formations such as tunnels, pinnacles and even freshwater caves for you to explore the tropical sea dwellers. To top off your encounters with nature’s finest, a nighttime kayak excursion takes you to discover one of the most bizarre yet awe-inspiring ocean oddity – bioluminescence, also known as fireflies of the sea. These tiny creatures light up the water as you kayak, illuminating the surrounding marine life as far as 100ft – an unusual but truly beautiful sight.

Your next port of call is the vibrant Panama City where you’ll rest your head at Casa Del Horno, a beautifully renovated former bakery built in the 1850’s with modern, fresh interior design complementing the rustic exposed stone walls. Situated in Casco Viejo, Panama City’s old quarter, you’ll be amongst beautiful architecture and bohemian markets, perfect for exploring the city’s 400 years of history – see for yourself why Panama City is thought to be one of the happiest places in the world.

Spend the last couple of days of your Central American adventure at El Otro Lado in Portobelo Bay, a luxurious resort tucked between the azure Caribbean Sea and luscious rainforest. The bright, fresh colors of the resort complement the mouth-watering menu; the delicious ceviche is our favorite, which you can enjoy while you relax by the infinity pool overlooking the sea. Spend your final day with a day trip to the breathtaking archipelago of San Blas, one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean, complete with your own butler for ultimate relaxation before your flight back home.

Where to rest your head

American Trade Hotel, Panama City

Located right in the heart of Panama City’s historic district, Casco Viejo, the American Trade Hotel, or ATH, is perfectly situated for you to explore…
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Tranquilo Bay

In the heart of the Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park sits Tranquilo Bay, an adventure eco lodge, and with a range of excursions on offer…
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Jicaro Eco Lodge

A magical island experience with a twist, Jicaro is situated on a private island in Lake Nicaragua, a short distance from Granada. Nestled amongst the…
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Mukul Resort, Nicaragua

Mukul - the Mayan word for secret, is Nicaragua's newest boutique resort and the definition of eco-luxury – think luscious rainforest, pristine sands and clear…
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El Otro Lado, Portobelo

Tucked between the luscious Panama rainforest and crystal clear Caribbean ocean, the vibrant El Otro Lado is bursting with colour, luxury and atmosphere – just…
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Nayara Gardens, Arenal Volcano National Park

Boutique jungle lodge Nayara Gardens really makes the most of its captivating surroundings whilst weaving in countless five-star notes. Think volcanic mud wraps at the…
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Pacuare Lodge

If true immersion into the tropical Central American rainforest is what you’re after, Pacuare Lodge has it covered. An eco-friendly and sustainable lodge sat on…
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