GRAND COSTA RICA LAND TOUR & PANAMA CANAL & CARIBBEAN CRUISE 2027

ITINERARY

Day 01 – January 30, 2027 – Depart Canada
Your journey begins with an evening non-stop flight from Calgary to Panama City, Panama. Sit back and relax as you head south to begin an unforgettable adventure through the Panama Canal and the beautiful coastlines of Panama and Costa Rica. [IFM]

Day 02 – January 31, 2027 – Arrive Panama City
Upon arrival in Panama City, meet your local guide and enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour showcasing the highlights of this vibrant and historic destination. Discover the fascinating blend of modern skyscrapers, colonial architecture, and cultural landmarks before transferring to your resort. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 03 – February 1, 2027 – Panama City Resort Stay
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Relax by the pool, stroll along the beach, or take advantage of the resort's amenities while soaking up the tropical atmosphere. [B]

Day 04 – February 2, 2027 – Panama Canal & Embarkation
After breakfast, visit one of the world's greatest engineering achievements—the Panama Canal. Enjoy views of the impressive Gatun Locks and watch ships navigate this remarkable waterway. Later, continue to Colon where you will board your Windstar cruise ship and settle into your stateroom before setting sail.[B/D]

Day 05 – February 3, 2027 – Panama Canal Transit
Experience one of the highlights of your journey as your ship completes a daytime transit of the entire Panama Canal. Witness firsthand the intricate lock system and marvel at the engineering that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Arrive in Balboa/Fuerte Amador late in the evening. [B/L/D]

Day 06 – February 4, 2027 – Balboa/Fuerte Amador, Panama
Spend the day exploring Balboa and Fuerte Amador, located at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. Enjoy the scenic waterfront, local attractions, or simply relax onboard before departing in the late afternoon. [B/L/D]

Day 07 – February 5, 2027 – Day at Sea
Enjoy a leisurely day at sea as your ship sails along Central America's spectacular Pacific coastline. Take advantage of the ship's amenities, attend onboard activities, or simply relax and enjoy the ocean views. [B/L/D]

Day 08 – February 6, 2027 – Isla Parida, Panama
Arrive at the pristine island paradise of Isla Parida. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and lush tropical landscapes, this secluded destination offers opportunities to swim, explore, and enjoy the natural beauty of Panama's Pacific coast. [B/L/D]

Day 09 – February 7, 2027 – Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Today the ship visits the spectacular Golfo Dulce, one of Costa Rica's most biologically diverse regions. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and the peaceful atmosphere of this unique tropical gulf. [B/L/D]

Day 10 – February 8, 2027 – Quepos, Costa Rica

Arrive in Quepos, the gateway to some of Costa Rica's most famous natural attractions. Explore the charming coastal town, enjoy optional excursions, or experience the region's incredible biodiversity and scenic landscapes. [B/L/D]

Day 11 – February 9, 2027 – Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica to Manuel Antonio National Park

Arrive in Puerto Caldera this morning and disembark your Windstar cruise ship. Transfer to your resort & spa, located on Punta Quepos. This property offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by 12 acres of tropical rainforest and Manuel Antonio National Park. Balance of day free. [B/D]

Day 12 – February 10, 2027 – Manuel Antonio National Park

Guided visit to Manuel Antonio National Park. Manuel Antonio Park has 683 hectares; it has the most varied and beautiful landscapes. Surrounded by a lush tropical very wet forest and in their paths can be observed capuchin monkeys, sloths, coatis, raccoons, iguanas and many species of birds, as well as the squirrel monkey, endemic to Manuel Antonio, i.e. that is only in that part of the world, increasingly threatened, left only 1,500 individuals according to the most recent census. The Park protects also 12 Islands that represent excellent shelter for several species of marine birds. (B/L/D)

Day 13 – February 11, 2027 – Manuel Antonio National Park to San Jose

Located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the Estuary of Guacalillo and the Tarcoles River offer the opportunity to observe one of the largest populations of American crocodile in this region of Central America. Also discover the mangrove area with a high percentage biodiversity among which there is a large number of waterfowl and one of the most important conservation area of the Scarlet Macaw in the country. A boat will take you for a ride extensive mangrove ecosystem composed impressive four mangrove species, all of them represent an important nesting ground for birds that inhabit it, so that in turn represent their shelter and nutrients area for many fish and invertebrates also mangrove swamps are extremely important for marine productivity. Travel into San Jose for a two night stay. (B/L/D)

Day 14 – February 12, 2027 – San Jose

Depart after breakfast for farm tours that specialize in vegetables for the local and North American markets. Cabbage, potatoes, onion, strawberries and flowers, just to name a few.  Following lunch return to the hotel in time to enjoy the facilities and the wonderful gardens. (B/L/D)

Day 15 – February 13, 2027 – San Jose to Tortuguero National Park

Depart the hotel early for the Eastern Side of Costa Rica. At the river dock, take a boat down the river and canals to Tortuguero National Park.  Upon arrival check in then have lunch. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the pools or take an optional visit of the local village and visit the beach where the Green Turtles come annually to lay their eggs.   Later, take a guided nature walk before dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 16 – February 14, 2027 – Tortuguero National Park

Happy Valentines Day!
The only way to see the National Park is from a boat.  Early in the morning, depart the lodge to search for wildlife before the day gets too warm.  Return to the lodge for breakfast and a chance to use the pools and relax before departing once more in the afternoon to travel the canals and wetlands in search of more wildlife.  Return to the lodge for a happy hour and dinner.  (B/L/D)

Day 17 – February 15, 2027 – Tortuguero National Park to Arenal

This morning, travel back up river to the dock where the bus will be waiting to take you to La Fortuna in the Arenal region.  After lunch, visit a pineapple farm that also raise water buffalo as feeder cattle.  Continue the drive to Arenal to enjoy a 3-night stay where each room has fantastic views of the volcanic coned Arenal, (weather permitting) and delightful pool areas. (B/L/D)

Day 18 – February 16, 2027 – Arenal

This morning’s visit will include a cocoa plantation with lunch.  There will be time to shop in the town of La Fortuna on your own before returning to the hotel.  In the afternoon, there is an optional hike planned along the base of the volcano.  Those not choosing to hike can enjoy the hot soothing waters of the pools back at your hotel.  (B/L/D)

Day 19 – February 17, 2027 – Arenal

Today, visit to an family farm that produces papaya, vegetables and other fruits. Make tortillas and enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch with entertainment.  Later in the afternoon, visit a local hot springs to enjoy these soothing hot mineral pools that flow along a river from the volcano.   Dinner before retuning to hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 20 – February 18, 2027 – Arenal to Monteverde

Today, transfer by boat to the other side of Arenal Lake and travel the country roads to Monteverde.  There is some magnificent scenery enroute as well as a visit to a Coffee Farm before continuing to the hotel in the Santa Elena area for a 2-night stay and some fantastic sunset views. (B/L/D)

Day 21 – February 19, 2027 – Monteverde

This morning visit the Selvatura Walkways.  This is a 1.9 mile walking trail suspended in the misty clouds high above the  forest.  For those not choosing to take part in this walk can visit the Hummingbird and Reptile Park instead.  After a lunch, return to the hotel to enjoy an afternoon at leisure OR you may wish to book the optional Zip Line Tour. (B/L/D)

Day 22 – February 20, 2027 – Monteverde to Alajuela

Travel into San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Due to flight times from Costa Rica, you will either fly out this day or an overnight hotel stay be required near the airport. (B)

Day 23 – February 21, 2027 – Departure

For those requiring an overnight stay from the night before due to flight times, your departure from Costa Rica will be this day.