itinerary for best of colombia, panama & costa rica tour ... · colombian dinner. colombian...

Expat Explore - Version: Mon Jul 13 2020 09:34:47 GMT+0200 (South Africa Standard Time) Page: 1/16

DAY 1: Arrive in Bogota

Welcome to Bogota, the capital of cool in Colombia! If you arrive with free time, start exploring the city with its many fascinating

sights. The tour leader will meet you at the hotel this afternoon. This evening, join your fellow travellers and tour leader for a short

walk to a nearby restaurant. Dinner tonight is a special meet and greet affair that will introduce you to your tour mates.

Experiences

Colombian dinner. Colombian cuisine is rich, exotic and delicious - so let us treat you to dinner on your first night in Bogota! Coconut,

fried plantain and avocado are some of the flavours that Colombia offers when it comes to its food. Tonight we'll get your tastebuds

acquainted with local flavours in a typical Bogota restaurant near the hotel.

DAY 2: Bogota

Itinerary for Best of Colombia, Panama & Costa Rica Tour • Expat Explore

Start Point:

Hotel in Bogota,

Address to be confirmed

Welcome meeting at 18:00 hrs

End Point:

San Jose,

Address to be confirmed

13:00 hrs

Included Meals

Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:

Accommodation

Tequendama Hotel


Welcome to Bogota, the capital city of Colombia! Orient yourself on a walking tour with a local expert after breakfast. There’s just no

better way to learn than following in the footsteps of a local Bogotano! On the tour, we’ll cover the most popular attractions: the

colourful La Candelaria neighbourhood with its colonial architecture, the prominent Plaza de Bolivar, and the neoclassical Bogotá

Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for your own exploration. We can recommend a visit to Montserrat Hill for picture-perfect views

of the city. Or simply take a moment to pull up a chair in a local bakery and eat some almojábanas (cheese-flavored rolls) This is

where you’ll find the local flavour! For dinner this evening you have the option of joining your tour leader for a local Bogotanian food

experience, or go it alone.

Experiences

Bogotá Walking Tour. Bogota is the capital and largest city in Colombia, with more than 8 million inhabitants and a long, interesting

history. Age-old architecture, postcard plazas, a lively vibe and the yummiest food scene - tick, tick and tick! A city like this begs to be

discovered! Head into the heart of this lively city led by a local and get to all the top sights and Instagram-worthy spots. Places of

interest to be visited include La Candelaria, Plaza de Bolivar and the Cathedral of Bogotá. Fernando Botero is one of Colombia’s most

famous artists and sculptors, and entrance to the museum dedicated to his work is included as part of the city tour.

DAY 3: Bogota - flight to the Coffee Region

Included Meals


Accommodation

Tequendama Hotel


Following breakfast, board your transfer to catch a flight to the Coffee country of Colombia. Armenia and Pereira are some of the

gateway destination to Colombia’s world-renowned coffee region. Expect immense natural beauty - rolling fields of coffee plantations,

mountain scenery and valleys declared UNESCO heritage sites. Waste no time after arrival and head straight for the rolling hills for a

visit to a local coffee farm. Here you can learn about every facet of the Colombian coffee industry from a local coffee farmer. To top

things off, smell and taste some award-winning local coffee after lunch. Caffeine kicks all around! The final stretch of the day takes

you to the hotel for the next 2 nights, located right in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle.

Experiences

Coffee Farm Tour: Colombia’s coffee is often regarded as the finest coffee in the world. Today you have your first quintessential

Colombian coffee experience - a coffee farm tour. Surrounded by flourishing fields of coffee plantations, the views are incredible. A

local farmer will show you every step of how the coffee is made from seed to cup. Taste different coffee beans and brews on the tour

today. Smell, touch and feel - it’s a true delight to your senses.

Local Tejo Game. On Day 4 in the afternoon we'll try our hand at tejo, a local sport that you can play with beer in hand! It’s a national

sport in Colombia and popular pastime for locals. You play by throwing a steel puck at a board with small packets of gunpowder. A

white flash and loud bang will tell you if you’ve hit the target and that means you score! This game is played by the experts in actual

arenas, as well as in smaller bars and venues around most cities in Colombia.

DAY 4: Coffee Region: Free Day

Wake up in the coffee region of Colombia - a place where the rhythm of life has remained unchanged over the centuries. In the area

you can see some of the best scenery in Colombia, including colourful colonial houses and the odd coffee farmer on a horse. Today

you have the choice to join an optional excursion to the Cocora Valley located in the Los Nevados National Natural Park. Travel by

four-wheel truck into a region that boasts incredible beauty and a diverse array of fauna and flora. Here you can spot Colombia’s

national tree, the Wax Palm, standing tall in valleys and on mountains. Upon arrival you can choose to hike the valley or explore on

horseback. Dig into a traditional lunch before leaving the valley behind. This afternoon, stop at a local spot to try your hand at Tejo -

the national sport of Colombia. We return to the hotel this afternoon, with time to freshen up before an optional dinner this evening.

Included Meals


Accommodation

Allure Mocawa Plaza Armenia

Included Meals


Accommodation

Allure Mocawa Plaza Armenia


Optional Excursions

Tour of the Cocora Valley: US$ 100

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 5: Coffee Region - Medellin

This morning takes you on a scenic drive through mountains and along river valleys to Medellin. Medellin has been nicknamed ‘City of

Eternal Spring’ as it’s a destination that boasts pleasant weather year round! Take a tour of the city with the guidance of a local expert

before spending the rest of the day at your leisure.

Experiences

Afternoon tour of Medellín. Medellín is the second-largest city in Columbia and once had a reputation as one of the country’s most

dangerous cities. Lucky for us it is undergoing a massive rise in reputation and tourism and is now one of the notable destinations in

Colombia. It lies nestled in the Andes mountains, surrounded by coffee plantations and flower farms that offer gorgeous scenery at

every turn. There is an abundance of parks, libraries, museums and public spaces where many cultural events take place. And the

weather always permits! Medellín has been dubbed the “City of Eternal Sprint” due to its favourable year-round temperature. See the

most interesting spots and attractions on a tour with a local expert this afternoon.*

*Due to ongoing road works, the tour might be pushed out to tomorrow if there are any delays.

DAY 6: Medellin: Free Day

Included Meals


Accommodation

Poblado Alejandria


Spend a free day in Medellin today. There are loads to see in the area. On offer are two optional excursions - a Pablo Escobar tour

that takes you to the main places interest that played a pivotal role in Colombian drug lord’s life, capture and death; or day trip to

Guatepe and Piedra de Penol - a nearby lakeside village, famous for its huge monolithic rock. Climb the 750 steps to be greeted by

incredible vistas of the region below.

Optional Excursions

Social Transformation Tour: US$ 50

Guatape Penol Day Trip: US$ 110


DAY 7: Medellin - flight to Santa Marta

After breakfast, transfer to Medellin airport and board a flight to Santa Marta. Situated on the Caribbean coast, this was the first

Spanish settlement in South America (1525). Check into your hotel, freshen up and take a walking tour of Santa Marta’s impressive

Old Town. Led by a local, as always, you’ll see major attractions like Cathedral of Santa Marta, Simon Bolivar Park and El Camellon.

Included Meals


Accommodation

Poblado Alejandria


Santa Maria is flanked by the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and overlooks the Caribbean Sea - stunning views all around! The rest

of the day is yours to do whatever your heart desires.

Experiences

Santa Marta Walking Tour: A local guide will show you the sights of Santa Marta. Flanked by the Sierra Nevada mountain range and

overlooking the Caribbean sea, the views are simply incredible. En route you’ll lay eyes on these main attractions: Cathedral of Santa

Marta, Simon Bolivar Park, El Camellon, Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

DAY 8: Santa Marta - Tayrona

Drive along the Caribbean coast today to make it to one of Colombia’s finest national parks, Tayrona National Park. This is a true

tropical paradise that is home to wildlife like birds, monkeys, crocodiles and even jaguars. A local guide will join us on a hike to the

best part of the park where the most beautiful beaches are located. Spend the afternoon there and dig into a traditional lunch before

heading out of the park in the late afternoon. Our accommodation for this evening is located near the park entrance and the evening

consists of free time.

Experiences

Tayrona National Park visit*: Welcome to the Tayrona National Park! It’s been compared to a mini Jurassic park - without the

dinosaurs, of course. Green jungle, sandy beaches and biodiversity are on the menu. Upon arrival a local specialist will take you on a

guided hike to the sweet spot of the park with the most spectacular beaches. Local BBQ options abound for lunch. Swim in the

Caribbean sea, wander around and have a jolly time in paradise before returning to the gate of the national park and transferring to

the hotel this evening. Guided hike and entrance fee included.

*Please note: Tayrona National Park usually closes every February at the request of the local tribes, for rejuvenation and regeneration

of the ecosystem. If this is the case, we will visit another national park nearby.

DAY 9: Tayrona - Santa Marta: Free Day

Included Meals


Accommodation

Best Western Santa Marta

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Mendihuaca


Enjoy a relaxed morning in the area of Tayrona National Park this morning. You can kick back and rest or choose one of the optional

excursions on offer. These include a local village visit or something a bit more adventurous like river tubing. Later this afternoon we’ll

return to Santa Marta, where you’ll have free time to relax, or explore the city further.

Optional Excursions

Kogui Indigenous family visit: US$ 140


DAY 10: Santa Marta - Cartagena

Leave Santa Marta this morning and take a drive (4 hours), making for Cartagena! Cartagena was founded in the 16th century and is

situated right on the Caribbean Sea. Arrive at lunchtime and look for something local to enjoy. After lunch it’s time for a locally-led

walking tour to orient yourself. See the most iconic main sights in the old town like Plaza Bolivar, The Old City walls, Plaza de la

Aduana and Church of Santo Domingo. The rest of the day can be spent at your leisure. This evening you have the option to join your

tour leader for a local meal and experience. Live music and salsa dancing, anyone?

Included Meals


Accommodation

Best Western Santa Marta


Experiences

Cartagena Old Town Walking Tour. Follow a local expert on a walking tour of the historic city centre of Cartagena. This ancient walled

city was made for exploring on foot and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984. It really is the soul of the city with many

colonial treasures, narrow streets, colourful facades and the clip clop of horse-drawn carriages passing through. En route discover

sights like the Plaza Bolivar, Plasa de la Aduana and the Church of Santo Domingo. Learn about the impressive 500-year old history of

Cartagena, and catch mesmerising views of Cartagena and the Caribbean coast. This is an experience that allows you to see and

experience the heartbeat of Cartagena.

DAY 11: Cartagena: Free Day

Spend a full day in the Colombian city of Cartagena. Choose from a list of optional activities for the day, or spend the whole day

soaking up this city and surrounds in your preferred way. Do a self-guided tour of the city, saunter about, mingle with the locals or

head into the vibey Cartagena food markets for a gastronomic experience like no other. Optional experiences for the day include a

trip to one of Colombia’s smallest volcanoes for a dip in mineral-rich mud, a speed-boat trip to the Rosario islands, salsa lessons and

more! Whatever you choose, you’re sure to experience the vibrancy of the city and meet the happiest of people. This evening, dinner

is included and on the menu are traditional dishes prepared from fresh, local ingredients.

Optional Excursions

Rosario Islands Excursion: US$ 110

Totumo Volcano: US$ 35


DAY 12: Cartagena - flight to Panama City

Included Meals


Accommodation

Villa Colonial

Included Meals


Accommodation

Villa Colonial


Journey across borders this morning as you catch a flight* to Panama City, the capital city of Panama and one of the capitals of

Central America. As you arrive in Panama City, catch incredible views of coastal vistas and skyscrapers as the aircraft descends over

the city, weather permitting. There is no set schedule after arriving at the hotel; spend time at your leisure in Panama city for the rest

of the day. A traditional Panamanian dinner is included this evening.

*Please note this flight is not included as part of your tour package and must be organised independently. Our team can provide

advice on the best airlines and times to fly - please contact us for more information

Experiences

Panamanian dinner. It’s your first night in Central America, so lets tuck into some traditional Panamanian cuisine! Fresh seafood,

chicken, yuca (cassava) soup and corn fritters are popular choices in this diverse country. Your leader will explain how Panama's food

is a reflection of Spanish, African and Indigenous flavours, as you sample the local delights. For those that are interested, Panama City

has a buzzing microbrewery scene, and you can join your tour leader after dinner to check one of these out.

DAY 13: Panama City

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hilton Garden Inn


After breakfast, take a tour of Panama city, its top sights and the Panama Canal. Panama city is an important link between North

America and South America and is home to influences from both continents. Lasting more than 4 hours, you can expect to see the

best of what Panama city has to offer. These sights include Panama Canal, Miraflores Lock (with a tour of the visitor centre), Amador

Causeway, Flamenco Island, the Biomuseum and Panama Old Town. Finish the tour in the Old Town part of the city, after which the

rest of the day is yours to go wherever you please.

Experiences

Panama City & Canal Tour. Join a knowledgeable local guide on a four + hour tour of Panama City and the famous Panama Canal. See

the city’s most famous attractions including its old town Casco Viejo - a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colonial buildings,

charming cobbled streets and stunning promenades. Choose a spot for lunch - there are plenty of local options! Next stop is the

Panama Canal and the Miraflores Locks - locks make it possible for ships to pass through the Panama Canal and are considered an

engineering wonder of the 21st century! Wonder through a Museum on-site and watch from a viewing deck as the large vessels make

their voyage through the canal! The tour continues with a trip to Amador Causeway - which links Panama City to Flamenco Island - for

a glimpse of local life. For the final stop, take a short hike up Ancon Hill to experience incredible views of the city!

DAY 14: Panama City: Free Day

Indulge in a full day at leisure in Panama City. Continue explorations of the charming old-town, journey along its tranquil shores or

savour Panamanian food with influences from Africa, Spain and Mexico. Stroll through art or history museums, including Afro-

Antillean Museum, Biomuseo and the Natural Science Museum. Perhaps join an optional excursion to San Blas islands?

Optional Excursions

San Blas Day Trip: US$ 140


DAY 15: Panama City - Bocas del Toro

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hilton Garden Inn

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hilton Garden Inn


Take an early morning departure and get ready for another a day filled with experiences! Take an hour-long flight to Bocas del Toro.

This archipelago of tropical islands is located in the Caribbean Sea, just off the northeastern coastline of Panama. Check in at your

hotel upon arrival and stretch your legs on a quick orientation tour of Bocas del Toro town. The colourful seaside villages and

untamed beauty is sure to leave you speechless. Your tour leader will point out the best local places to eat and shop. Tuck into a

traditional lunch before spending the rest of the day at your leisure. Hop on a boat to a nearby island, do birdwatching or take it easy

and curl up in a hammock for the afternoon.

Experiences

Bocas Town Orientation Walk. Get your full vacation vibe on! Bocas del Toro is actually an island archipelago located in the province

of Panama. Isla Colón is the best known island and Bocas de Toro, or simply, Bocas town, is at the heart of this area. Here one can find

a unique mix of Afro-caribbean and Latin culture, tropical rainforest climate, colourful houses, amazing vegetation and a wonderful

spot where surfers, backpackers and locals get together. The sleepy island atmosphere captivates anyone who visits. Take a

walkabout with your tour leader to find out where you can go for local food, book a trip to one of the nearby islands or simply go

where the best beaches are located. And it might be good to know that the American dollar can be used as currency here.

DAY 16: Bocas del Toro: Free Day

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Playa Tortuga


After breakfast today, travellers have the choice to explore the island at their own pace, or take their pick of a bunch of optional

activities on offer. Visit Bastimentos Island and Red Frog Beach - both popular destinations in the Bastimentos National Marine Park.

Whatever you do, you’ll experience pure bliss in Bocas town!

Optional Excursions

Bocas Island Hopper Day Trip: US$ 50


DAY 17: Bocas del Toro - Arenal

Continue the journey and travel by boat, coach and on foot to make it to the next destination. First thing in the morning, transfer to

the marina and board a boat for a short ride from Bocas del Toro to the mainland. Then take a trip to Sixaola, a tiny border town

located between Panama and Costa Rica. Do things the old school way and walk across the border (the views are worth it, promise).

Then travel onwards and see how the landscapes change as we travel deeper into a new country - Costa Rica. Head for the town of La

Fortuna, gateway to the Arenal volcano. Check into the hotel and sit down for dinner and you first taste of Costa Rican cuisine.

Experiences

Boat Ride from Bocas Town to Almirante. Experience the Caribbean coast the way it was first experienced - by boat! Board a boat

and travel from Bocas del Toro to Port Almirante, mainland Panama. Feel the sea breeze as you see islands and islets pass by and

catch views of mountains and forests in the distance.

Cross borders on foot (Panama - Costa Rica). Get that passport stamp and walk across the Sixaola-Guabito International Bridge that

connects Panama to Costa Rica. When have you ever crossed an international border on foot?

DAY 18: Arenal: Free Day

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel Playa Tortuga

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel La Fortuna - Arenal


Today is a full free day for a leisurely exploration of La Fortuna, situated at the base of Arenal Volcano. The Arenal Volcano is a natural

wonder that offers many exciting adventures in the surrounding area. Soar between treetops as you zipline over the rainforest, hike

around Arenal Volcano National Park, explore hanging bridges in the area or kayak around Lake Arenal. In short: any adventure-

seekers dream! In the afternoon you have the option of joining the most relaxing experience of all - a trip to the hot springs of Baldi.

Here you can soak in the naturally heated pools at the base of Arenal volcano and experience the rejuvenating effects of the mineral-

rich water on your body. The experience includes dinner with full view of the volcano.

Optional Excursions

Arenal Half-day volcano hike: US$ 25

Hanging Bridges Excursion: US$ 40

Arenal Hot Springs & Dinner Experience: US$ 60


DAY 19: Arenal - Monteverde

We leave after breakfast today for a 4-hour journey to Monteverde and the rainforest in Costa Rica. This is a bucket list destination for

Included Meals


Accommodation

Hotel La Fortuna - Arenal


many. After arrival, have lunch and settle into the hotel - this paradise is home for the next two nights! Then head out to the

Monteverde Cloud Forest for the afternoon. There are a number of tropical cloud forests in Costa Rica; Monteverde Cloud Forest

reserve is by far the most famous. This magical forest in the clouds stretches over more than 10,000 hectares and has been dubbed

the ‘Crown Jewel’ of cloud forests in the world. It’s the ideal place for hiking and birding. You’re bound to see exotic birds like

hummingbirds, toucans, trogons and bellbirds.

Experiences

Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Exploring the forest in Monteverde is a very special bucket list experience. Only 0.14% of the

world’s landmass is covered in tropical cloud forest. This tropical environment is a wonderful example of a cloud forest ecosystem. As

you make it through the jungle walking along footpaths and over suspension bridges you get close to the tropical plants, smelling the

moist ground and seeing natural light breaks through the trees. It’s also home to hundreds of mammals, amphibians, birds and

insect species. It’s also the only place in the world where you can find the largest variety of hummingbird species. Monteverde Cloud

Forest Reserve has been protected since 1972.

DAY 20: Monteverde: Free Day

Your schedule is free for the day and you can explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest area to heart’s content. If you’re interested in a

guided experience, there are some optional excursions lined up. Visit a local butterfly farm or go on a Costa Rican coffee tour. Have a

chat with your tour leader about the options and plan your day accordingly.

Optional Excursions

Coffee Farm Tour: US$ 25


DAY 21: Monteverde - Jaco

Included Meals


Accommodation

Claro de Luna

Jaguarundi Lodge

Included Meals


Accommodation

Claro de Luna

Jaguarundi Lodge


After breakfast, depart on a short journey heading for Costa Rica's central Pacific coast. Make a stop at the Tárcoles river on the way

to spot huge crocodiles sunbathing in their natural environment (weather permitting). Travel onwards to make it to the surfing capital

of Costa Rica, Jaco. Upon arrival, head out for an intro walking tour of the town with your tour leader. Jaco is a sleepy surf town with

quirky cafes, restaurants and shops. It’s one of the best spots in Costa Rica to surf or to learn how to surf! Spend the rest of the day at

your leisure. Your tour leader will recommend optional activities if you’re looking for something interesting to do.

Experiences

Visit to Tárcoles River and ‘Crocodile Bridge’: Pay a visit to the Tárcoles River! Rio Tárcoles is an important waterway in Costa Rica and

is home to a sizeable population of crocodiles! ‘Crocodile Bridge' is a famous stopover where visitors can take in the views and spot

some of these huge reptiles sunbathing on the river banks.

Jacó orientation walk: Stroll through one of Costa Rica’s favourite vacation spots! With its balmy year-round weather, great waves and

exceptional surf beaches, Jacó is a top surfing destination. It is also known for being a gateway to Costa Rica’s national parks and is

surrounded by great places for hiking and fishing. Your tour leader will point out the best places to eat and shop for souvenirs here

plus the lively nightlife spots!

DAY 22: Jaco: Free Day

Included Meals


Accommodation

Tramonto Hotel


Today you can spend time in Jaco or join a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park. Even though it’s the smallest in Costa Rica, it’s the

most celebrated and was rated as one of the Top 10 national parks in the world! It’s popularity is largely due to the location tucked

into the coast offering visitors sandy beaches with a backdrop of the lush forest. And it’s not only naturally beautiful, it’s also one of

the world’s most biodiverse parks. In your time here there’s a chance that you can spot animals like the endangered red-backed

squirrel monkey, sloths, capuchin monkeys, iguanas, dolphins, even migrating whales! Arrive back in Jaco later this afternoon. As the

last night on tour, tonight will be a feast of feasts as we celebrate the end of our Ultimate South America tour.

Optional Excursions

Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip: US$ 60


DAY 23: Jaco - San Jose

After spending your final night in Jaco, sit down for one last breakfast at the hotel in Jaco. You can choose to take the coach ride to

San Jose, or stay put in Jaco. On arrival in San Jose an orientation driving tour marks the end of the tour. As for the rest of the day

there are no activities planned, so it’s adiós in San Jose. Have a safe onward journey! Transfers to San Jose International airport is

available on request.

Experiences

San Jose Panoramic Driving Tour: Take a driving tour of Costa Rica’s largest city and capital’s city centre. See some major sights

including the Parque Nacional, Pre-Colombian Museum and the Metropolitan cathedral.

Included Meals


Accommodation

Tramonto Hotel

Included Meals


itinerary for best of colombia, panama & costa rica tour ... · colombian dinner. colombian...

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