Panama & Nicaragua Adventure - 15 nights
Experience some of the highlights of two unique nations, as you travel through Panama and Nicaragua on this 2-week adventure. Beginning in the surroundings of Panama City, you'll visit lush national parks filled with wildlife, as well as the mountainous coffee region of Boquete, before flying north to Nicaragua. Starting in colonial León, you'll head out volcano boarding and trek into the remote Somoto Canyon, before visiting Ometepe Island and finishing your journey with a relaxing stay on the beautiful Emerald Coast.
Day 1: Arrival Panama
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime trip across Panama and Nicaragua! You'll be welcomed at the International Airport in Panama by our representative, ready to be transferred to your hotel in the Soberania National Park area.
Destination Info: Soberania National Park - A place that will seem like paradise to bird-watchers and hikers alike, the Soberanía National Park stretches along the shores of the Panama Canal, stretching from Limón all the way to Lake Gatun. One of the most accessible tropical rainforests in the country, and you'll find a great variety of walking trails to explore, all within 30km of Panama City. Although you'll find plenty of wingless wildlife too, the park is most famous for its incredible birds - toucans, trogons, motmots, flycatchers, hawks, tanagers and the elusive red-bellied woodpecker all call this place home.
Day 2: Panama City
This morning's tour will show you the sights, history and culture of Panama City, as well as paying a visit to the famous Panama Canal. You'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to Miraflores Locks, where you'll see giant ships transiting the canal and learn the about the incredible story its construction. The tour continues to the old city compound - Casco Antiguo - taking in the impressive Biodiversity Museum, San José Church and the bustling folk market along the way. You'll finish at the French Plaza, from where you'll have a panoramic view of the modern city center and the ships waiting their turn to transit the canal. A return transfer to your hotel is included.
Day 3: Santa Fe National Park
This morning you'll head towards the pristine Santa Fe National Park, where you'll be surrounded by mountains. The drive is around 4 hours, crossing Los Santos and Herrera provinces, until you arrive in the famous Veraguas province. This evening, you'll enjoy a special dinner and settle into your new surroundings.
This lovely experience takes place on the outskirts of Santa Fe town, in a coffee plantation with breathtaking views of the National Park. You'll take a short walk through the farm to see the coffee, plants and fruits grown here, before enjoying an authentic family-style dinner at the rancho, made with locally grown and fresh ingredients from the farm.
Day 4: Santa Fe
This guided jungle trek takes you deeper into the rainforest, where you can get in touch with nature and visit some of the park's beautiful waterfalls. Along with your local guide, you'll hike through water, climb rocks and follow different paths through the forest on a 3km circuit, before returning to the comfort of your hotel.
Day 5: Boquette
Boquete is a picturesque mountain town on the edge of the beautiful Barú Volcano National Park. With a cool climate and a welcoming small-town atmosphere, it makes a lovely break from the busy cities and the heat of the coast. The area is an outdoor-lover's dream, with a variety of nature trails to explore, as well as opportunities for climbing, rafting and canopy tours. The rich, volcanic soil around the town results in some wonderful local produce to enjoy, including one of the world's most sought-after coffees - Geisha.
Day 6: Boquette
Enjoy a half day hiking experience along the Lost Waterfalls Trail of La Amistad National Park. The trail runs parallel to Quebrada La Mina - a creek that crosses some of the ridges and valleys above Boquete, creating spectacular waterfalls that spill into Caldera River. The 4.5 km round trip trail requires a moderate fitness level as some sections are challenging.
Day 7: Leon
Seen by many as the intellectual center of Nicaragua, León offers energy and beauty in equal measure. A picturesque colonial town dating back to the 1600's, it has grown into a city full of political spirit, art, great food and buzzing nightlife.
The city has a fascinating history, having been relocated from its original location at Leon Viejo, which you can still visit today. The historic center of Leon is filled with stunning colonial architecture and museums, whilst nearby you'll find fantastic beaches and volcanic landscapes which are perfect for adventure seekers.
Day 8: Leon
Take on one of Nicaragua's most iconic experiences as you go boarding down the side of an active volcano! The experience starts with an off-road transfer from Leon city, followed by a one-hour hike to the top of the Cerro Negro volcano, during which your guide will teach you some of the geology of the area. Once at the top, safety instructions and a short practical training are given before starting your thrilling descent. No experience is necessary, and you can either sit down or stand up, depending on how brave you're feeling!
Day 9: Esteli
Situated in the lesser-visited Northeastern part of Nicaragua, Estelí is a city rich in history and culture. The city has played an important role in wars and revolutions over the years, and echoes of these events can still be seen today.
Modern-day Estelí has a vibrant and active center, with many hotels and restaurants, as well as lively ranchero bars and nightclubs. The surroundings of Estelí offer great opportunities to go bird watching and discover orchids, or go for hikes and walks. The beautiful Miraflor nature reserve is also close by, and should not be missed.
Day 10: Esteli Canyon Adventure
After a journey through the highlands and meeting your experienced local guide, the adventure begins at the entrance of the canyon, where the stunning Coco River rushes through the narrow gorge. You'll begin by rappelling down the sheer rock walls, before starting your hike along the river which leads into the rugged Somoto Canyon. In some sections you'll wade or swim through the water, admiring the impressive rock formations and caves dotted along the trail. It's a day of nature and adventure which will live long in the memory.
Waterproof bags will be provided for your valuables. Bring your swimsuit, water shoes or old trainers, sunscreen, and an extra set of clothes. Minimum Age: 12 years
Day 11: Ometepe
Once thought to have been the promised land by Aztec explorers, Isla de Ometepe is made up of two imposing volcanic cones rising out of western Lake Nicaragua. Ometepe has been inhabited for thousands of years due to its fertile volcanic soils, and evidence of its past can be found in archeologic sites dotted all around the island. Most travelers come here for the sandy beaches, clean waters, diverse wildlife and stunning scenery, with numerous forests, waterfalls and springs in the island's center. Ometepe is beautiful, unique and one of Nicaragua's lesser-known highlights.
Day 12: Ometepe
Experience the highlights of Ometepe along with a local guide, learning about the nature and culture which have shaped this unique island. The tour starts with a visit to Finca Magdalena, a working community-run coffee plantation where you can meet some of the locals and see how they live and work. You'll continue to the Charco Verde Nature Reserve and Chico Largo lagoon, a mystic place that has inspired local legends, before visiting a site where you can see artifacts from the island's original, Pre-Columbian inhabitants. The tour finishes with a trip into the forest to see the spring at Ojo de Agua, where you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water.
Day 13: Emerald Coast
The Tola region, commonly referred to as the "Nicaraguan Riviera" or "Emerald Coast", is an idyllic getaway with isolated Pacific beaches and dramatic coastlines which remain relatively undiscovered. There are very few areas left in the world with such immense natural beauty and little development. Separated from each other by rolling green hills, the pristine beaches and peaceful bays are perfect for some relaxation away from the crowds, whilst inland you can discover forests full of diverse wildlife. World-class waves attract a steady stream of surfers, whilst the area is also great for horseback riding, hiking, fishing, birdwatching and marine turtle observation.
Days 14 & 15: Emerald Coast
Days at leisure to enjoy your beach resort. You might want to take a tour to the tropical dry forest to see marine turtles (seasonal), or perhaps enjoy a horseback riding tour or surf lessons.
Day 16: Departure
Today, you wil depart the Emerald Coast at a convenient time for your departure flight at the International Airport in Managua. Thank you for traveling with us, we are thrilled you got to experience Panama and Nicaragua. (vapues)
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