Crossing Central America
Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama

An intense trip from Nicaragua to Panama

This 18-day itinerary is a perfect illustration of the travel possibilities in Central America. The diversity of these three countries is sure to captivate you

  • Nicaragua, pure and wild, will take you to the heart of its volcanic activity, lively lanes and beautiful beaches.
  • Costa Rica, known for its natural riches, will take you to its parks, hanging bridges, coffee and majestic volcanoes.
  • last but not least, Panama, which you’ll discover via the Bocas del Toro archipelago, will let you appreciate its unique seabed and its capital crossed by its famous canal.

Length of stay: 18 days

Theme: Multi-Country Tours

Difficulty: Simple

Our teams from the three countries worked together to create this itinerary for these Central American countries. The locations have been chosen to offer a beautiful mix of colonial cities, beaches, encounters, volcano hikes and nature observation. Border crossings and formalities will be explained well in advance by our team.

Laura Contact us

Hiking near volcanoes

Travel from Masaya volcano, where you can see the scent of lava, to the sublime conical Arenal volcano

Colorful cities

Managua, Granada, Panama's Casco Viejo... Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of these ancient colonial cities with their ruins

Ocean exploration

The trip includes several swimming stops, including the Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama

Travel Itinerary

Managua, Nicaragua

Granada, Nicaragua

Volcán Masaya, Nicaragua

Ometepe, Nicaragua

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Tenorio, Alajuela, Upala, Costa Rica

Arenal, Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica

Limón, Cahuita, Costa Rica

Isla Colón, Panama

Panama City, Panama

Lago Gatún, Panama

Jour 1 :

Managua (Nicaragua)

Welcome to Nicaragua!Your driver will meet you at Managua international airport and take you to your hotel in Managua.Night in a Managua hotel.

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Jour 2 :

Granada

In the morning, free time to visit Nicaragua’s capital, Managua, discovering the National Museum, the historic district and the cathedral. Then, off to Gran Sultana, Granada, one of Central America’s most important colonial cities. Discover Granada at your leisure.We suggest you explore this colonial jewel on foot or by horse-drawn carriage,visiting the Cathedral, the La Merced church and the Xalteva church, around which the city of Granada was originally built. You can climb the tower of the La Merced church to get a bird’s eye view of the city and the lake,before immersing yourself in the colorful stalls of the central market.Overnight in a Granada hotel.

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Jour 3 :

Mombacho volcano - Masaya

Marked El Crater hike on the Mombacho volcano. We invite you to discover the humid nature of the Mombacho volcano, which overlooks Granadaand is made up of four volcanic craters, the highest of which rises to 1,345 m.Afternoon freetoenjoy the Laguna de Apoyo, an ancient volcanic crater now filled with fresh water.

afternoon free to enjoy the Laguna de Apoyo, an ancient volcanic crater now filled with fresh water.Discover the Masaya volcano by night!With its 54km² and 20km of wilderness trails, the Masaya Volcano National Park is a place that will give you another view of what goes on beneath the earth’s crust. With its five craters, Masaya, called « Popogatepe » by the indigenous Nahuált, is the most accessible active volcano in the world.Overnight at a hotel in Granada.

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Jour 4 :

Ometepe Island

Kayak on the Rio Istian, a special ecosystem located between the island’s two volcanoes. You’ll start your boat tripon Nicaragua’s largest lake to observe the various properties that litter the shoreline, then climb into your kayak to approach the isthmus and enter a small stream of lush vegetation.Overnight in a hotel on Ometepe Island.

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Jour 5 :

Ometepe Island

Mirador Maderas volcano hike: accompanied by an experienced hiker, you’ll set off along the slopes of the Maderas volcano towards a mirador offering one of the best views on the island.You’ll pass through different types of vegetation, from the beige of the dry plain dotted with black volcanic rocks, to the green of the banana plantations on the heights. Along the way, you’ll come across oxen and horses, as well as the local inhabitants who cultivate this very fertile land. Ojo de Agua.You can then relax in the natural waters of Ojo de Agua. An underground river originating from the Maderas volcano and emerging in two basins. There’s nothing like a refreshing dip and a cocktail to cool you down in these temperatures!Overnight in a hotel on the island of Ometepe.

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Jour 6 :

San Juan del Sur

Drive to the port of Moyogalpa to take the ferry to San Jorge, Rivas, then on to your hotel on the Pacific Ocean in San Juan del Sur.Free afternoon to relax in the small fishing town of San Juan del Sur,where you can explore the wild beaches of the Pacific coast, sample typical dishes in restaurants ideally located by the sea, and end the day with a sunset in the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur.Overnight in a hotel in San Juan del Sur.

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Jour 7 :

Tenorio (Costa Rica)

Free time to enjoy your hotel and San Juan del Sur. Drive to the Costa Rican border at Peñas Blancas.Pick up your rental car. Drive from Peñas Blancas to Tenorio.
Once in Costa Rica, continue on the road to Tenorio.Tenorio National Park
Explore one of the country’s most beautiful trails through jungle, waterfalls and natural hot springs. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the Rio Celeste, renowned for its unreal turquoise-blue color (which intensifies with the reflection of light rays) due to the minerals in its waters, which contrast with the intense green of the tropical vegetation.Overnight in a hotel in Tenorio.

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Jour 8 :

Arenal volcano

Drive from Tenorio to Arenal. Depart for the La Fortunaregion and the majestic Arenal volcano (1,635 m).Sensational zip lines.
Thrills guaranteed in complete safety. Explore the treetops as you zip along cables from one platform to the next. The course is made up of a total of 13 tree-top platforms.s luminous) due to the minerals in its waters, which contrast with the intense green of the tropical vegetation. Overnight in an Arenal hotel.

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Jour 9 :

Arenal volcano

Discover the Arenal Volcano Ecological ParkHalf-day trip to discover the Arenal Volcano Ecological Park on a hike close to the volcano of the same name, on trails covered in volcanic ash and beside the lagoon.

Enjoy a variety of trails ranging from 2 kilometers through exotic rainforest, captured by the energy of the flora and fauna, to the highest point allowed for a visit to the Arenal volcano at the viewpoint of the exclusive volcanic lava flows from the colossus’ last eruption in 2010 and the eruption of the year 1500!

hanging bridge walk
Enjoy a 3-kilometre walk through primary rainforest over 15 hanging bridges above the canopy, with breathtaking views of tropical vegetation and the Arenal Volcano! Overnight in an Arenal hotel.

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Jour 10 :

Cahuita

Route fromArenal to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui.Cultural tour of the heart of palm.
Short stopover between Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and the village of Horquetas, at the home of a farmer who grows palmitos (hearts of palm).
Visit to the plantation, tasting of raw hearts and typical meal based on palmitos in the local restaurant.Route from Sarapiqui to Cahuita.
Departure for the Caribbean coast. On the way, stop off in Limón, capital of the province of the same name. Arrival in the vicinity of Cahuita, a colorful village wedged between sea and mountains, whose charm lies in its inhabitants, who live in colorful wooden houses, some perched on stilts. Overnight in a hotel in Cahuita.

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Jour 11 :

Cahuita

Self-guided tour of Cahuita National ParkYou’ll alternate walking through tropical vegetation with relaxing and swimming in the Caribbean Sea. In addition to medicinal plants and orchids, you’re sure to come across snakes, sloths, several types of monkeys, agoutis and coatis, as well as toucans. Return your vehicle directly to your hotel.Overnight in a Cahuita hotel.

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Jour 12 :

Bocas del Toro (Panama)

Group transfer from Cahuita to Bocas del Toro.

You’ll cross the border into Panama, then continue on to the port of Almirante, where you’ll embark for theBocas del Toro archipelago.

overnight in a hotel on the main island (Isla Colon).

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Jour 13 :

Bocas del Toro

Sea outing to Cayo Zapatilla island and wine tasting. Your day begins with a boat trip to Cayo Coral, a protected marine sanctuary where you can snorkel and observe colorful fish and coral.The day continues at Cayo Zapatilla, an island famous for its crystal-clear beaches. This island is famous for its heavenly beaches and crystal-clear waters, andyou can observe dolphins in their natural habitat at Bahia de Delfines. After a day rich in discovery, enjoy a wine tasting with a sommelier in an idyllic setting.Overnight in a hotel on the main island (Isla Colon).

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Jour 14 :

Bocas del Toro

Sea trip to Bahia HondaYou start the day snorkeling at Punta Hospital, before heading to the island of Bastimentos to observe the dolphins at Bahia Honda. You then travel through a channel inside the mangrove for about 20 minutes (it’s possible to observe sloths, caimans and various bird species), then meet up with the local guide for a short jungle hike of about 20 minutes. You can see red tree frogs, sloths and the occasional monkey along the way.You then enter the cave, where you can observe several species of bats on the roofs and explore the cave to a small natural pool.Overnight in a hotel on the main island (Isla Colon).

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Jour 15 :

Panama City

Take a domestic flight from Bocas del Toro to Panama City andspend the night in a Panama City hotel.

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Jour 16 :

Lake Gatun

Day trip to Lake Gatun and jungle trekking, thenon to Lake Gamboa, where you’ll board a boat for a canal cruise as close as possible to the ships in transit between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. You’ll come close to several islands inhabited by different species of monkey, including the famous capuchin monkeys that live in the region. The day continues with a short walk along Pipeline Road, an ideal spot for birdwatching. Overnight in a Panama City hotel.

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Jour 17 :

Panama City

Private tour of the capital Panama City.First stop: Panama La Vieja, the country’s first capital before it was destroyed by the notorious pirate Henry Morgan.Then, off to the Cerro Ancón to see the city from a new angle. You’ll enjoy lovely views of the historic center, the business district and the canal. During the walk, you may be lucky enough to spot a variety of animals and birds,before heading off to the Casco Antiguo. This bohemian district plunges you into the country’s historic past, with its typical alleyways and colorful buildings leading to the Place de France.Discover the art-deco architecture and the cathedral. In the early afternoon, transfer to the hotel.Night in a Panama City hotel.

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Jour 18 :

Panama City

Last day before your transfer to the airport.

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Why travel with us?

Local expertise

Custom design

Tracking and safety

Authentic experiences

Without intermediaries

Responsible tourism

Are you planning a trip to
Panama?

Our commitment to more responsible travel

  • Partners carefully selected according to CSR criteria

  • Raising our teams' awareness of environmental issues

  • Commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of our trips

  • Terra Panamerica's committed work charter

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<b>Crossing Central America</b><br> Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama

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