Panama and Costa Rica

Multi-Sport Mecca

Mountain Biking, Hiking, Rafting and Ziplining

(12 Days)

Slide Show

This trip offers a great combination of activity and relaxation in both Costa Rica and Panama. We pedal past coffee plantations in the lush valley of Orosi. We blast down the bubbling Pacuare River in rafts right through a tropical rainforest. There's time to relax on the sugary beaches on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Then we cross the border to Panama to Boquete, the largest town in the Chiriqui Highlands. We'll traverse across the rainforest on the longest canopy tour in Panama. Our last few days are on the coast, on the un-spoilt island paradise of the San Blas Archipelago.

Trip Highlights

• 2 Days of whitewater rafting down the Pacuare River
• Zip-lining in a century old cloud forest
• Relaxing in the culturally rich San Blas Islands

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Costa Rica

A BikeHike Adventures representative will meet at the airport and transferred to a comfortable hotel in San Jose.

Day 2: Orosi Valley (Mountain Biking)

The adventure begins with a drive to the panoramic Orosi Valley. After a safety talk and some helpful tips on mountain biking we mount up and begin our ride. The landscape of the area is unique with coffee-lined valleys and mist-covered cloud forests. The terrain is mountainous, on dirt and paved roads. With misty vistas and tropical vegetation lining the steep hillsides, we take a lot of breaks to enjoy the intoxicating views. We end with a glute burning climb to our mountain top lodge near Turrialba. (B,L)

Day 3: Pacuare River (Whitewater Rafting )

We set off for the Pacuare River and our two-day whitewater rafting adventure. We will run a total of 27 kilometers of Class III-IV rapids, exploring the magnificent river valley. Mid-afternoon we reach o “El Nido del Tigre”, a cozy permanent tented camp situated on the bank of the Pacuare River. There's free time this afternoon to explore the lush environment on foot, or relax in a hammock listening to the sounds of the rainforest and the hum of the river. (B,L,D)

Day 4 : Pacuare River/Playa Cocles (Whitewater Rafting)

Today is the most challenging and scenic day on the Pacuare River. The river cuts through a virgin rainforest and steep canyons, dripping with curtains of waterfalls. We'll blast through bubbling rapids and on the calm stretches point out the intricacies of the jungle, including chorus of Oro Pendulas and squawking green parrots. We'll stop mid-way and scramble up some rocks to a cascading waterfall, high above the river. Feel the power of the cascading fall, while sitting underneath the chute. Lunch is a Pacuare picnic on the river bank. We “take out” at Finca Pacuarito, then transfer to the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica - an area with a unique culture and traditions. Playa Cocles, a small beach between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, will be your home for the next couple of nights. (B,L)

Day 5: Playa Cocles (Beach Day)

The day is free to relax and enjoy the area. There are a great variety of activities available in Playa Cocles that we can help to arrange including: snorkeling, horseback riding, visit to the Cahuita National Park or local Indian Reserve. (B)

Day 6: Boquete, Panama (Travel Day)

We drive from the Caribbean beaches of Costa Rica crossing the border into the highlands of Panama to Boquete, known as the “Valley of the Flowers and the Eternal Spring”. This journey takes about 4 hours, plus some time at the border. Tucked away on the eastern slopes of the Volcan Barú, this small and charming mountain village produces some of the sweetest oranges and robust coffees in all of Panama. The village benefits from a sunny and cool mountain climate and many believe it's the secret to longevity, since many native Boqueteños have lived well past their hundredth birthdays. The surrounding hills and slopes are primarily covered in shade-grown coffee plantations, providing a rich product recognized by international connoisseurs. Known for their sustainable farming practices, these farms are recognized worldwide by conservationists and are home to an abundance of birds. Coffee is primarily picked by the Guaymi Indians during the months of October through February. Coffee picking season is a festive time when colorfully clad Indian families come from various parts of the province to harvest the coffee cherries. After settling into your hotel, you will have the rest of the day to explore the quaint town center. (B)

Day 7: Boquete (Canopy Tour)

What better way to experience nature than with a Tree Trek!! Boquete is home to the longest zip lines in Panama and we'll take part of this adrenaline charged glide, traversing through the canopy of a century-old cloud forest. The jungle is high above pristine rivers, cacading waterfalls and dramatic landscapes that border Amistad National Park and the Baru Volcano. Surrounded by exotic vegetation and wildlife this is one of the most memorable nature adventure experiences.

Day 8: Boquete to Panama City

After breakfast we have a short drive to the town of David for our local flight to Panama City (approx. 1 hour). Once settled into our hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the City. (B)

Day 9 : Panama City to San Blas Islands

This morning we transfer to the remote San Blas Islands. We begin with a short local flight to Rio Sidre, followed by a boat ride to the island of Achutupo. The islands are inhabited by the Kuna Indians. Most of the communities speak only the ancient Indian language and the women still wear the traditional colorful dresses in orange and yellow, highlighted with the world famous “mola” rainbow colored patterns emblazoned with fishes, birds, jungle animals or geometric designs. On the mainland, the Cordillera de las San Blas mountain range rises above this gorgeous, unexploited, unspoiled and relatively unknown paradise. Of the 365 islands, only about one-tenth are inhabited by the Kuna Indians who maintain their own economic system, language, customs and culture, with distinctive dress, legends, music and dance. They live in the same way their ancestors did; trading coconuts and fishing for crabs, lobsters and snappers aboard their graceful hand-carved wooden canoes, complete with patchwork sails, called “Cayucos”. The other islands are for the most part uninhabited with some of the most beautiful white sand islands you can imagine. Accommodation is also in accordance with the islanders, in bamboo huts with thatched roofs and sand floors. There are very few huts and at night they are lit by kerosene lamps, adding to the romance of the islands. (B,L,D)

Day 10: San Blas Islands (Beach Day- Optional Activities)

After a light breakfast, enjoy the day at your leisure exploring the San Blas Archipelago, meeting the Kuna culture, relaxing at the beach or taking optional tours. A visit to the Indian villages, right out of the pages of National Geographic, includes the option to buy the famous mola embroideries directly from the Kuna Indians. The snorkeling is known to be very exceptional on the turquoise seas. (B,L,D)

Day 11: San Blas Islands/Panama City

This morning fly back to mainland Panama and transfer back to our comfortable hotel in the city. We'll venture out on a city tour including a visit to the old city, the town of Balboa and the Panama Canal locks. The evening is free to enjoy Panama City on your own. (B)

Day 12: Departure

We'll transfer you to the airport to connect with your international flight home.

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