The Scenic South: Costa Rica and Panama

A route that includes some of the world's most heart-stopping scenery, along with one of mankind's most awe-striking feats (the Panama canal).

• 2-3 Days – Arrival and Monteverde: Fly into San Jose, Costa Rica, and take a bus or shuttle to Santa Elena. Use this charming village as a base to explore the Monteverde Cloudforest.
• 2-3 Days – Manuel Antonio: Travel back to San Jose, and book a bus or shuttle out to the spectacular Manuel Antonio beaches.
• 4-5 Days – Bocas Del Toro: Catch a bus to the Panama border. From there, take another bus out to Almirante, where you can take a ferry to the Bocas Del Toro beaches and archipelago.
• 3-4 Days – Panama City and the Canal: If you can afford it, it’s best to fly from Bocas Del Toro to Panama City. Otherwise, you must take a convoluted bus journey from Almirante to Changuinola to David, and then book the seven-hour bus ride into Panama City. But once you see the Canal, best visited through a boat tour, it will all be worth it. Fly home from Panama City.

Other Two-Week Itineraries

You’d Better Belize It: Belize and Guatemala

Maya Magic: Guatemala and Honduras

The Rich Coast: Costa Rica