Panama & Nicaragua: Adventure, Nature & Culture - 16 Days

Day 1: Welcome to 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 a representative, ready to be transferred to your hotel in the Soberania National Park area.

A paradise for bird-watchers and hikers alike, the Soberanía National Park stretches along the shores of the Panama Canal, from Limón all the way to Lake Gatun. It's one of the most accessible tropical rainforests in the country, and you'll find a great variety of walking trails to explore, all within 18 miles (30 km) of Panama City. Home to diverse wildlife, the park is most famous for its incredible birds—toucans, trogons, motmots, flycatchers, hawks, tanagers, and the elusive red-bellied woodpecker can all be found here.

Your base for the next two nights is the Summit Rainforest & Golf Resort, just 20 minutes from downtown Panama City and within easy reach of the Pipeline Trail. Combining comfort, elegant design, and modern facilities, the resort offers something for culture and nature seekers alike. The area is rich in animal and birdlife, with plenty of trails and tours available, as well as a stunning 18-hole golf course on-site.

Day 2: Panama City Tour

This morning, your local guide will take you to Panama City for a tour of the capital's sights, history, and culture, as well as 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 about the incredible story of its construction. The tour continues to the old city compound of 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.

In the afternoon, a transfer takes you back to the Summit Rainforest & Golf Resort, where you can spend the rest of the day enjoying the natural surrounds of the hotel.

Day 3: Transfer to 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 the Los Santos and Herrera provinces to reach the famous Veraguas province. Here you can get settled into your accommodations at the Coffee Mountain Inn—a friendly, family-run inn surrounded by tropical gardens and sweeping views. 

For dinner, you'll head to the outskirts of Santa Fe town, to a coffee plantation with breathtaking views of the national park. 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 National Park Jungle Trek

This morning your local guide will lead you on an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Santa Fe National Park. This jungle trek takes you deep into the rainforest, where you can get in touch with nature and visit some of the park's beautiful waterfalls. Alongside your local guide, you'll hike through water, climb rocks, and follow different paths through the forest on a 1.8 mile (3 km) circuit, before returning to the comfort of your hotel for the afternoon.          

Day 5: Transfer to Boquete & Coffee Tour

Today takes you to Boquete, to experience a mountainous area of Panama surrounded by cloud forests and coffee plantations. 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.

After checking into your hotel—the beautiful Riverside Inn on the banks of the Rio Pianista—you'll set out on a tour to a local coffee farm (or finca). Learn about the whole process behind organic coffee production, including a little insight into the famous Geisha Coffee variety. Depending on the season you might be allowed to try your hand at roasting the beans, and of course, you'll be able to taste the delicious coffee straight from the source. You'll also learn how coffee production at the farm is helping the indigenous community of Ngobe Buglé, before being transferred back to your hotel.

Day 6: La Amistad National Park Hike

Enjoy a half-day hiking experience in the cloud forest today, trekking 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 2.8-mile (4.5 km) round trip trail requires a moderate fitness level as some sections are challenging. Return to the Riverside Inn in the afternoon to relax and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 7: Fly to Nicaragua, Transfer to León

Bid Panama farewell this morning, as you transfer towards David Airport to catch a connecting flight to Nicaragua, via Panama City. Upon your arrival in Nicaragua, a representative will meet you at the airport to take you to León, a colonial town with a rich history and lively culture. Seen by many as the intellectual center of Nicaragua, León offers energy and beauty in equal measure. A picturesque town dating back to the 1600s, 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 León Viejo, which you can still visit today. The historic center of León is filled with stunning colonial architecture and museums, whilst nearby you'll find fantastic beaches and volcanic landscapes which are perfect for adventure seekers.

Your base for the next two nights is the Hotel El Convento, located just two blocks from the cathedral and León's central park. Once home to the historic San Francisco Convent, this lovingly converted building is one of Nicaragua's most beautiful hotels, with antique décor set around a gorgeous traditional interior garden and swimming pool. 

Day 8: Cerro Negro Volcano Boarding & León Walking Tour

Start the day with a burst of adrenaline, as you try your hand at volcano boarding. The experience starts with an off-road transfer from León, 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 session prepare you to start the thrilling descent. No experience is necessary, and you can either sit down or stand up, depending on how brave you're feeling!  

Once you return to León, and after some time to relax, you'll join a walking tour to see the city's highlights. Explore the gorgeous historic center of León along with a local guide, learning about the city's past and its stunning colonial architecture. You'll see several famous churches, as well as the mighty León Cathedral—the largest in Central America. On route, you'll also visit the Ortiz Gurdian museum, which houses the works of renowned classic and contemporary artists and see daily life unfold in the local fruit and vegetable market. The tour ends with remarkable views from the cathedral's picturesque rooftop, before returning to the Hotel El Convento for the evening.         

Day 9: Transfer to Estelí 

Your journey continues today with a transfer towards Estelí. 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 city's surroundings 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.    

Check-in at the Hotel Los Arcos, located near Estelí's central park, where you can unwind in the attractive terrace area and enjoy the cafe-bar-restaurant, which offers local and Spanish-style cuisine. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure, free for you to discover the city at your own pace.

Day 10: Somoto Canyon Adventure

Today takes you on a full-day adventure to the remote Somoto Canyon, where you'll spend the day hiking and swimming in between imposing cliffs. After meeting your experienced local guide, the excursion 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 canyon. In some sections you'll wade or swim through the water, admiring the impressive rock formations and caves dotted along the trail.

After a day of unforgettable nature and adventure, you'll be transferred back to the Hotel Los Arcos for the evening. 

Day 11: Transfer to San Jorge, Ferry to Ometepe Island

Today you'll transfer south from Estelí to the port of San Jorge, boarding a ferry to the island of 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. The island 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, clear waters, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenery, with numerous forests, waterfalls, and springs in the island's center. 

Upon your arrival, a local team will take you to your beachfront lodge, Finca San Juan de la Isla. Located lakeside at Santo Domingo Beach, this laid-back and authentic Nicaraguan hacienda is a welcoming base for your time in Ometepe. There are wonderful views of the lake and Concepción Volcano, and plenty of activities on offer such as birdwatching, hiking in nature reserves, mountain biking, horseback riding, and volcano climbing. 

Day 12: Ometepe Nature & Culture Tour

Discover the highlights of Ometepe today, 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 before transferring back to Finca San Juan de la Isla for the night.               

Day 13: Transfer to the Emerald Coast

Today you head towards the Emerald Coast on the Pacific Ocean, to end your adventure with a three-night beach retreat. 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.  

Your destination is the Hotel Punta Teonoste, located on a beautiful stretch of beach near small the fishing village of El Astillero. Designed using traditional techniques and renewable materials such as stone, local wood, and palm leaves, these beach-front bungalows offer beautiful open-air bathrooms with tropical gardens, as well as a swimming pool and a restaurant housed under a traditional palapa (palm-thatched roof).

Days 14 & 15: Free Days on the Emerald Coast

Enjoy your last two days in Nicaragua at your leisure, savoring some downtime by the beach at Hotel Punta Teonoste, taking a tour to the tropical dry forest to see marine turtles, or perhaps enjoying a horseback riding tour or surf lessons.

Day 16: Transfer to Managua, Departing Flight

Today you'll depart the paradise of the Emerald Coast and transfer to the airport in Managua to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!           

More Panama & Nicaragua Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Panama and Nicaragua? Check out these other Panama and Nicaragua itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

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