Discover 3 Central American countries
Travel Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama
Nicaragua Costa Rica and Panama itinerary in 28 days.
Follow the Pan-American Highway to discover these 3 fabulous Central American countries, neighbors, different and complementary
Length of stay: 28 days
Theme: Multi-Country Tours
Difficulty: For all audiences
Travel Itinerary
- Jour 1 : Arrival in Managua
- Jour 2 : Discovering Leon
- Jour 3 : Las Peñitas & the Cerro Negro volcano
- Jour 4 : Direction Matagalpa, La Dalia
- Jour 5 : Discovery day at La Dalia
- Jour 6 : Road to Granada
- Jour 7 : Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve
- Jour 8 : Las Isletas de Granada, explore!
- Jour 9 : Heading for Ometepe Island
- Jour 10 : Ometepe Island
- Jour 11 : Discover the small town of San Juan del Sur
- Jour 12 : Explore the beaches of the Pacific
- Jour 13 : Set course for Costa Rica! Rincon de la Vieja volcano
- Jour 14 : Explore Rincon de la Vieja!
- Jour 15 : Rincon de la Vieja National Park
- Jour 16 : Arenal Volcano, suspension bridges
- Jour 17 : Road to Manuel Antonio
- Jour 18 : Discover Manuel Antonio National Park
- Jour 19 : Direction San José
- Jour 20 : Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Jour 21 : Visit to Cahuita National Park
- Jour 22 : Road to Bocas del Toro
- Jour 23 : Explore the Bocas del Toro archipelago
- Jour 24 : Flight to Panama City
- Jour 25 : Gamboa, free day
- Jour 26 : Portobelo & Gatùn Locks
- Jour 27 : Panama City tour
- Jour 28 : Adios!
Aeropuerto de Managua, Carretera Norte, Managua, Nicaragua
León, Nicaragua
La Dalia, Nicaragua
Granada, Nicaragua
Ometepe Island, Ometepe, Nicaragua
san juan del sur
San Juan del Sur
Rincón de la Vieja, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Volcan Rincon de la Vieja
Volcán Arenal, Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica
Volcan Arenal
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, Quepos, Costa Rica
Parc National Manuel Antonio
San José, Costa Rica
Limón, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Gamboa, Panama
Gamboa
Panamá, Panama
Panama city
Aeroporto Internacional Tocumen, Avenida Domingo Díaz, Panama City, Panama
Arrival in Managua
Welcome to Nicaragua!You will be met at Managua international airport, then your private transfer will take you to your hotel in Managua. Overnight at your Managua hotel
Discovering Leon
Pick up your rental car and drive to León, the former capital of Nicaragua (1h30 drive). This dynamic colonial city is the ideal starting point for discovering the region’s many volcanoes and Pacific beaches.Guided tour of León (half day).Former capital of Nicaragua until 1851, León is a must-see city in the north of the country. Seductive for its colonial style, fascinating for its rich historical and religious past, we invite you to discover this city with a tour of its main sites accompanied by your guide. You’ll start the tour in the indigenous district of Sutiaba, then visit the museum of Ruben Dario, the mythical child of Nicaraguan literature. Next, you’ll take time to discover the imposing cathedral on the Parc Central, and admire the panoramic view from its roof. Overnight at your hotel in Léon
Las Peñitas & the Cerro Negro volcano
Toboggan down the slopes of the Cerro Negro volcano.Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you in a 4×4 to the famous Cerro Negro volcano. Born 150 years ago, the Cerro Negro volcano is the most active volcano in Nicaragua, having last erupted in 1999. At an altitude of 725m, it lives up to its name, the Black Mountain, with its lunar-like appearance. Its surface is covered with black volcanic rock all the way to the summit. Fumaroles and sulphur fumes add to the disorientation. You’ll reach the summit from where you can observe the crater, then descend the slope on a sandboard. Thrills guaranteed, whether you’re standing or sitting on your board!Isla Juan Venado nature reserveIn the afternoon, you’ll meet your local guide in the small village of Las Peñitas. The Juan Venado Island nature reserve is 22km long and 250m wide. We’ll take you by boat to explore the mangroves in search of turtles, caimans and iguanas. Located opposite Las Peñitas beach, the island is also home to many species of birds. You can finish the excursion with a swim or a stroll on the beach. Overnight at your Hotel de Léon
Direction Matagalpa, La Dalia
Free time to enjoy the colonial town of Léon. Then, off to the north and the Matagalpa region, renowned for its coolness and coffee plantations, to La Dalia (4h drive). On the way, we recommend a visit to the Hervideros de San Jacinto.At the foot of Volcán Telica, this small village lives according to the moods of the colossus. You’ll be able to observe various volcanic manifestations, including the bubbling mud baths where the smell of sulfur is omnipresent. Many legends and myths surround this timeless place. En route, you can stop off in Esteli, a town well known for its cigars, or the town of Matagalpa, with its pretty little white church. Settle into your lodge and end the day free to enjoy the surroundings
Discovery day at La Dalia
During your stay, you can take part in the hotel’s activities at no extra cost. These are adapted to the season (in particular, all coffee-related activities). Here’s an idea of what’s on offer: – morning walk to observe the finca’s birds – tour of the cascada del Eden – follow the process of cleaning the coffee grown on the property – discover the coffee plantation and take part in the picking – hike the Bejuco and Matapalo trails – visit the butterfly greenhouse or frog vivarium – hike the peñas blancas reserve (1h drive) Overnight in an EcoLodge
Road to Granada
Depart from La Dalia for Granada, a superb colonial town (4h drive). On the way, stop off in Masaya for a stroll through the town. Don’t miss the colorful handicrafts market, brimming with everything from scarves and traditional pottery to the hammocks for which the town is famous. Then on to Granada. This dynamic city is the ideal starting point for discovering the region and its many volcanoes, or the islands of Lake Nicaragua.Guided tour of Granada (half day)La Gran Sultana is a colonial jewel that we suggest you discover on foot. You’ll start your guided tour at the Church of San Francisco, the city’s oldest, and make your way to the cemetery with its 400-year-old marble tombs. Then on to the Polvora fortress. Finally, you’ll visit the Xalteva Church, the Cathedral and the Parque Central. You’ll then cross the central market with its colorful stalls. For lunch, we suggest you try a vigoron (typical Nicaraguan dish) in the central square under the shade of the trees. Overnight at your Granada Hotel
Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve
El Crater self-guided hike on the Mombacho volcanoWe invite you to discover the humid nature of the Mombacho volcano overlooking Granada. It is made up of four volcanic craters, the highest of which rises to 1,345 meters. Let’s go for a walk in the heart of this atypical ecosystem! Nearly 150 species of orchid, 50 types of mammal and 120 species of butterfly have been recorded here. You’ll also visit a museum showing the volcano’s major telluric events, and discover the secrets of artisan chocolate-making. From the cocoa beans to the chocolate we’re used to tasting, you’ll learn about and witness all the stages of processing. Lunch in the community included. Overnight at your hotel in Granada
Las Isletas de Granada, explore!
Discovery of Las IsletasHalf-day trip to discover the Las Isletas archipelago, a group of islands off the coast of Granada, where Nicaraguans have established their vacation homes.
There are almost 400 basaltic islands, and you’re sure to enjoy excellent views of the proud Mombacho volcano, as well as numerous animal sightings.Discover the Pueblos Blancos, small villages around Masaya renowned for their handicrafts. From pottery to leatherwork to hammocks, the colors of local craftsmanship will fill your eyes! Wander between Catarina and San Juan de Oriente to observe these small stores often set up on the porches of houses. If you wish, you can also stop off to visit a workshop specializing in black ceramics, the region’s specialty. Once in Catarina, you can take in the panoramic view of the Laguna de Apoyo from the belvedere, and walk down the lagoon’s slopes to reach the El Paso del Tren restaurant halfway up. Afternoon free to enjoy the Laguna de Apoyo, an ancient volcanic crater now filled with fresh water. You can choose to hike, swim or kayak, or simply relax in this enchanting setting.Suggestion: 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, and the tour consists of discovering it at dusk to enjoy the sunset, the lava lake and the observation of the local fauna: parrots and bats among others. You’ll drive up to the crater to enjoy the view. Return to your hotel. Overnight at your Hotel de Granada
Heading for Ometepe Island
Depart Granada this morning and drive to the port of San Jorge . Board the ferry to Ometepe Island (approx. 1h30 drive and 1h15 boat ride).Charco Verde ParkWelcome to Charco Verde Park, at the foot of the Concepción volcano. Enjoy a stroll along the Charco Verde lagoon and Lake Nicaragua. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Concepción volcano, as well as the Maderas volcano. On your return, you’ll discover the open-air butterfly reserve covering more than 1,200 m², which can accommodate up to 3,000 butterflies, including the famous « mariposa » in the colors of the national flag.suggestion: A sunset over the lake!At the end of the day, we suggest you head for Punta JesusMaria to admire the sunset over this kilometre-long outcrop of land in the middle of the lake. Overnight at your hotel on Ometepe Island
Ometepe Island
Horseback ride to the San Ramon waterfallMeet your guide and horses at the entrance to the San Ramon waterfall for a ride to the foot of this impressive cascade. Before coming back down, take time for a swim and enjoy this unique Nicaraguan spot! An active horseback ride along narrow, rocky paths.Kayaking on the Rio Istian.You’ll kayak with your guide on the Rio Istian, a special ecosystem located between the island’s two volcanoes. You’ll start your walk by rowing on Nicaragua’s largest lake to observe the various properties that litter the shoreline. Then you’ll approach the isthmus and enter a small stream of water with lush vegetation. On the way back, you’ll be surrounded by two majestic volcanoes and enjoy a panoramic view of the lake. Overnight at your hotel on the island of Ometepe
Discover the small town of San Juan del Sur
Mirador Maderas volcano hikeAccompanied 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. Once you reach the mirador, if the weather is clear, you’ll have the chance to take in the spectacular view of the 8-shaped island of Ometepe, and a breathtaking view of the cone of the Concepcion volcano just opposite.
You’ll then hike back down to the Moyogalpa port to catch the ferry to San Jorge, Rivas. Then on to your hotel on the Pacific Ocean in San Juan del Sur (approx. 1 hr by boat and 1 hr by road). Overnight at your hotel in San Juan del Sur
Explore the beaches of the Pacific
Day at leisure to relax in the small fishing town of San Juan del Sur, from where you can explore the wild beaches of the Pacific coast, sample typical dishes in seaside restaurants and end the day with a sunset in the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur. Overnight at your hotel in San Juan del Sur
Set course for Costa Rica! Rincon de la Vieja volcano
Free time to enjoy your hotel and San Juan del Sur. Drive to the Costa Rican border at Peñas Blancas (approx. 1 hour’s drive). Return your rental car in Nicaragua.Cross the Nicaraguan-Costa Rican land border on foot.Private transfer from Peñas Blancas to Rincon de la Vieja (approx. 2 hours’ drive). Check into your hotel and end the day at leisure. Overnight in a lodge
Explore Rincon de la Vieja!
Discover the Rincon de la Vieja region.Enhance your stay by booking one of the following activities: – Rincon de la Vieja National Park (with guide) – Hiking and horseback riding, several itineraries are possible (3 / 9 / 10 km), with or without guide – Canopy exploration (zip lines) – Volcanic mud baths – Tubbing Overnight at your Lodge
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Rincon de la Vieja National ParkYou can explore one or more of the three sectors of Rincon de la Vieja National Park (la Cangreja, las Pailas and Santa Maria). At the heart of the park lies the massive volcano of the same name. Spectacularly beautiful and studded with nine craters, it is the source of the geothermal activity you’ll see on hikes in the las Pailas or Santa Maria sectors, where you’ll encounter capuchins, howler and spider monkeys, anteaters, sloths and over 300 species of birds. The park, created in 1973, is home to a huge concentration of orchids, including the local flower, the « Guaria morada » (Guarianthe Skinneri).Grouptransfer from Rincon de la Vieja to Arenal (4-hour drive). Overnight at your lodge
Arenal Volcano, suspension bridges
Hanging bridge walkYou’ll enjoy a 3-kilometre walk through primary rainforest and over 15 hanging bridges above the canopy, with breathtaking views of tropical vegetation and the Arenal Volcano!Enhance your stay by booking one of the following activities
- Eco Termales or Baldi thermal baths (dinner available on site)
- Volcan Arenal National Park with English/Spanish-speaking guide
- Canopy exploration (suspension bridges, cable car)
- Tour of Lake Arenal (boat, kayak, stand-up paddle, fishing)
- Hiking and horseback riding
- Rafting, canoying, canopy, mountain biking
- Excursion to Caño Negro (swamp – protected area)
- Exploration of the Venado caves (speleology)
Overnight in your Eco Lodge
Road to Manuel Antonio
Group transfer from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio (5h30 drive) Overnight at your hotel
Discover Manuel Antonio National Park
Visit Manuel Antonio National Park on your ownHead for Manuel Antonio National Park, which combines magnificent beaches with a coral reef and a wide variety of flora and fauna: swim in the crystal-clear waters, relax on the sandy beaches, stroll through the tropical vegetation… The site is ideal for observing numerous animals such as sloths and squirrel monkeys. Overnight at your hotel
Direction San José
Group transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose (4-hour drive). Overnight at your hotel in San Jose
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on the Caribbean coast (4 h 30 min. drive).Discover the Southern Caribbean region.
Enhance your stay by booking one of the following activities: – Cahuita National Park (turquoise waters, flora and fauna) – Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve (hiking, flora and fauna, swimming, dolphins) – Visits to animal sanctuaries (sloths, jaguar, monkeys) – Surfing, biking, kayaking, horseback riding – Scuba diving or snorkeling (Punta Uva, Manzanillo) Overnight in your lodge
Visit to Cahuita National Park
Self-guided tour of Cahuita National ParkYou’ll alternate between walking through tropical vegetation and relaxing and swimming in the Caribbean Sea. A 7km walk is possible but not compulsory. 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. Overnight at your lodge
Road to Bocas del Toro
Transfer by group service from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro,crossing the border into Panama, then on to the port of Almirante, where you will embark for the Bocas del Toro archipelago (2-hour drive and 45-minute boat trip).
Afternoon free to relax with your feet in the water, enjoy the Afro-Caribbean atmosphere of Bocas, explore the Bastimentos National Marine Park, swim among the starfish, watch the dolphins, look for the little red frogs, or meet the Ngobe Buglé Indians… Suggested activities – please consult us:
– Playa del Drago – Starfish watching at Playa de las estrellas – Snorkeling and scuba diving – Dolphin watching – Surfing – Sport fishing Overnight at your hotel.
Explore the Bocas del Toro archipelago
In the morning, depart for dolphin-watching in the heart of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, then head for Cayo Coral, to explore the coral-rich seabed populated by multicolored fish. Spend the afternoon on the paradise beaches of Islas Zapatillas, part of the Isla Bastimentos Marine National Park. Overnight at your hotel
Flight to Panama City
Fly to Panama City and transfer from Gelabert (Albrook) airport to Gamboa port. Overnight at your hotel
Gamboa, free day
Day at leisure to take advantage of the region’s many natural attractions, such as hiking through tropical jungle and waterfalls while observing the flora and fauna, exploring the Canal and Lake Gatun on a boat excursion, or visiting Barro Colorado Island, a veritable scientific laboratory… Overnight at your hotel
Portobelo & Gatùn Locks
Morning departure for the province of Colón, on the Caribbean coast. The first stop is Portobelo, a quiet little town discovered by Columbus in 1502. Visit the World Heritage-listed vestiges: Santiago Forts, San Jeronimo, San Felipe Church housing the Cristo Nazareno, Royal Customs building. After lunch, return to Colón.
On the way, weather permitting, you’ll make a detour to the Gatùn Locks to visit San Lorenzo Castle, a former pirate hideout (also a UNESCO World Heritage site), located at the mouth of the Chagres River. Private transfer from Corozal station to your hotel in Panama City. Overnight at hotel in Panama City
Panama City tour
Free day to enjoy the Panamanian capital at your leisure. For history buffs, we suggest a visit to the remains of Panama La Vieja, the country’s first capital before it was destroyed by the famous pirate Henry Morgan. If you like hiking, immerse yourself in tropical flora and fauna on the trails of the Metropolitan Park, just outside the capital.
Then take a stroll through the seafood market, where you’ll find lobster, tuna and other mouth-watering delicacies from the Caribbean and the Pacific, before discovering the famous colonial district of Casco Antiguo, which plunges you into the country’s historic past, with its typical alleyways and colorful buildings leading to the Place de France. Here you can discover art-deco architecture, the cathedral and visit the Museum of the Interoceanic Canal. Of course, don’t miss watching the boats pass through the Miraflores locks. If time permits, we also recommend a visit to the brand-new « biomuseo » designed by architect Frank Gehry, located in the Amador district. At the end of the day, dine on the Amador pier while enjoying a breathtaking view of Panama Bay… Overnight at your Panama City Hotel
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