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Costa Rica & Panama are lands of tropical rainforests teeming with outstanding wildlife, brilliant birds and flamboyant scenery. Here’s the top 7 things you need to know before travelling to the greatest destination for active adventurers.

Costa Rica Panama Map

Where is Costa Rica & Panama?

Costa Rica and Panama are located in Central America, connecting North and South America. Although they are small countries, Costa Rica and Panama are rich with fascinating culture, full of biodiverse natural wonders and both have a passion for football.

What language do you speak in Costa Rica & Panama?

The official language of Costa Rica and Panama is Spanish, due to Spanish conquest in the early 16th century. There are several indigenous living languages that are still spoken today.

Why should I travel to Costa Rica & Panama?

Costa Rica meaning ‘rich coast’ is a nature lover’s paradise. Covering only 0.03 per cent of the Earth’s surface, Costa Rica contains approximately 6 per cent of the world’s biodiversity – more than Europe or North America. The abundance of flora and fauna is partly due to the country’s geographical position on a land bridge between North and South America, as well as its environmental conservation policies – roughly a quarter of the country is made up of protected jungle.

Is safe to travel alone?

Making the ‘big trip’ on your own has never been easier and we believe our small group expeditions provide the key elements of a great expedition: adventure, fun and peace of mind. If you’re all about taking the plunge into extraordinary adventures and are travelling solo, we have great options for you. By their very nature our expeditions attract people who have a passion for the natural world and enriching, active travel. 

Where should I visit in Costa Rica & Panama?

Darién National Park

The Emberá Mogue indigenous community live in the rainforest of the remote Darién National Park. With no roads through the national park, it is only possible to visit the community by ship. Simply reaching the Emberá Mogue community is an adventure. The local villagers meet us at the mouth of the river and guide our Zodiacs into the rainforest before we transfer into local canoes to continue the final journey to the village, where we are warmly welcomed by the community.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Boasting over 100 species of mammals, 184 species of birds and a plethora of diverse flora, Manuel Antonio National Park is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Costa Rica’s star attractions – two and three toed sloths, white-faced monkeys and toucans can all be found on hikes that weave through the park. Hiking trails snake their way through the parkland offering access to its rainforest, waterfalls and remote white sand beaches.

Coiba National Park​

The Panamanian islands of Coiba National Park, located off the southwest coast of Panama is inscribed by UNESCO as a place of outstanding universal value. The national park protects Coiba Island, 38 smaller islands and the surrounding marine areas within the Gulf of Chiriqui. Due to Coiba Island previously serving as a penal colony, access to the island was heavily restricted. As a result, nearly 80 percent of the islands’ natural resources have remained untouched and flourished because of limited human contact.

Pearl Islands​

Due to Coiba Island (the main island in the archipelago) previously serving as a penal colony, access to the island was heavily restricted. As a result, nearly 80 percent of the islands’ natural resources have remained untouched and flourished because of limited human contact.

Panama Canal Crossing​

Crossing the Panama Canal will surely be a highlight for many travellers. Each year, over a million people visit the canal to witness this engineering marvel at work. Starting in the Pacific Ocean, you will be able to admire the Bay of Panama and Panama City’s splendorous skyline before passing under the ‘Bridge of the Americas’. The Gaillard Cut (curve resembles a snake) is one of the main points of interest for visitors because it was carved through the Continental Divide and this section of the canal is full of history and geological value.

Cartagena de Indias​

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, inscribed by UNESCO as a site of Outstanding Universal Heritage. The city’s rich history, diverse culture and energy captivates visitors with its vibrancy, Afro-Caribbean character, indigenous influences and some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in all of South America. Founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena was formerly one of the gateways to the Caribbean for the Spanish. It was here they would store the riches plundered from South America before they were transported back to the old world. 

Costa Rica Website Screen 1

What should I do in Costa Rica & Panama?

With coastlines along both the Pacific and Caribbean, brimming with marine wildlife and easily accessible pristine littoral rainforests filled with colourful plants, birds and animals such as monkeys and sloths, Costa Rica is a delight for active adventurers. Hike through tropical rainforests, witness spectacular underwater panoramas on snorkelling excursions, or stand-up paddleboard amongst acrobatic dolphins. For an activity-packed expedition cruise in the tropics, it’s hard to beat a voyage in Costa Rica.

What wildlife is in Costa Rica?

With some of the most biodiverse rainforests on earth, exploring Costa Rica and Panama gives you a chance to encounter over 500,000 species including:

  • Sloths
  • Coati
  • Howler
  • Spider
  • Capuchin
  • Squirrel
  • Monkeys
  • Toucans
  • Hummingbirds
  • Crocodiles

Here are some of the colourful wildlife captured on our 2022 expedition! 

Coati
Frog in palm
Sloth
Purple Throated Mountain Gem
Social Flycatcher
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Save up to 15% off Costa Rica and The Panama Canal

  • In Manuel Antonio National Park, keep your eyes and ears open as we seek encounters with local wildlife.
  • Explore some of the most biodiverse rainforests on earth, a chance to encounter wildlife including sloths, howler, spider, capuchin and squirrel monkeys.

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