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Best of Costa Rica + Panama City

Panama Canal, Panama City
Blue Hummingbird
Panama City
Snowy Egret, Tortuguero
Old Town, Panama City
National Theatre, Panama City
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Incl flights, accommodation & transfers
From   £3328 £3028
14 days
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Holiday highlights

  • Navigate the jungle waterways of Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast.
  • See the picture-perfect Arenal Volcano and relax in the hot springs.
  • Discover the amazing diverse wildlife of the Cloud Forest.
  • Visit vibrant Panama City and admire the iconic Panama Canal.

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Itinerary

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  • Fly from the UK to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica and a bustling and lively city. On arrival you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

    Meals included: Meal included on the transatlantic flight.

  • Spend the day exploring San Jose on your own, or take our optional full-day Poas Volcano & Coffee Plantation excursion.  This excursion starts with a visit to Poas Volcano, where you see the sulpher fumarols of the main crater and the beautiful Botos Lagoon, enjoy a tour of the Doka coffee plantation, and see how some of the best coffee in the world is grown and produced. 

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch included on the Poas Volcano & Coffee Plantation excursion.

  • A very early start for a beautiful four-hour coach journey through the Braulio Carillo National Park to the pier, then a two-hour boat ride to your jungle lodge in Tortuguero, cruising down jungle waterways inhabited by monkeys and varied birdlife. Located on the Caribbean coast, Tortuguero is a beautiful national park, thriving with all kinds of wildlife. After lunch and some time to settle at the lodge, visit the community of Tortuguero and learn about the extraordinary efforts made locally to protect the sea turtles, which nest here at certain times of the year. The road and boat journey to Tortuguero, and the activities there, are carried out by your lodge with other guests staying at the lodge. The road journey is sometimes taken in a large coach. 

    Meals included: Breakfast en route to Tortuguero. Lunch and dinner at the lodge.

  • Explore the secondary canals of the jungle by boat, from where you will hopefully be able to spot some of Tortuguero’s amazing wildlife, including sloths, caimans, spider and howler monkeys and a huge variety of birds. From April to November, it may be possible to arrange a turtle-watching tour to see sea turtles arriving to lay eggs at night.

    Meals included: All meals included at the lodge.

  • Enjoy a mid-morning boat ride of 1.5 hours back along the canals to the dock at Caño Blanco. After lunch, take a scenic road journey to Arenal, arriving in the late afternoon. After driving for around 1.5 hours, stop for lunch in the Guapiles area, before continuing for around 2.5 hours to Arenal. The route offers beautiful mountain views, passing rural towns including Sarapiqui, Rio Cuarto and Aguas Zarcas, and crops of pineapple, oranges, sugar cane and yucca, depending on the time of year. Arenal is famous for its active and picture-perfect volcano and the many hot springs. Upon arrival at the hotel, weather permitting, you will be able to see the volcano's iconic shape. 

    Meals included: Breakfast at the lodge. Lunch on route to Arenal.

  • On the optional Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs excursion in the afternoon, you visit a network of suspension bridges, which are positioned at different heights, providing a glimpse of the forest and its wildlife from different levels. Your naturalist guide is on hand to explain the various forest ecosystems.  Afterwards continue onto the hot springs in the early evening. These consist of many large and small pools of mineral waters heated by Arenal Volcano, set in tropical gardens. The pools are linked by streams of hot water running throughout the grounds, forming waterfalls and pools, some secluded, where you can bathe. Dinner is included. Don’t forget your swimwear.

    And if you're feeling adventurous, you can take the optional Ziplining Adventure excursion in the morning, where you fly through the treetops on a series of cables.

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel. Dinner is included on the Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs excursion.

  • On the optional Chocolate & Waterfall excursion, the day begins with a morning transfer to the entrance to La Fortuna waterfall, a beautiful nature park where you walk down 500 steps leading to the base of the 64-metre-high waterfall where you can relax and swim in the natural pool. You then have lunch, before driving to a nearby cocoa plantation. Learn the chocolate-making process, with the chance to sample it too! Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch is included on the Chocolate & Waterfall excursion.

  • After a final morning around Arenal, take a two hour transfer to the Villa Blanca cloud forest hotel. Situated within the larger Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve, the forest here sits at an altitude between 700 and 1770 metres, which creates a unique cloud forest habitat that supports myriad species. The hotel here is the only one around, so this cloud forest is extremely well-preserved. Numerous endemic flora can be found on the reserve, such as bromeliads and orchids, while there are over 280 bird species to spot, and a range of amphibians and mammals like howler monkeys and sloths. You arrive in the late afternoon, in time to settle in before night falls.

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • Have a free day in the beautiful cloud forest to explore on your own, or take the optional Day & Night Cloud Forest excursion. Begin the day with a two-hour walk through the cloud forest reserve, looking for varied birds and wildlife from myriad bird species like toucans and hummingbirds, to monkeys and sloths. Your naturalist guide will point out the species to you, as well as the many species of orchids, bromeliads and other plants which inhabit all levels of the forest. Return to the hotel to enjoy the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, set off on a two-hour walk along the reserve trails at night with a qualified naturalist guide. It is notable how different the cloud forest feels at this time. Certain birds and monkeys which dominate the soundtrack during the day will be sleeping, replaced by the choruses of nocturnal species. Furthermore, certain plants are more active at night, blooming and releasing scents only after the sun has gone down. For this reason it is not only the sights and sounds of the forest that change, but the smells too. Return to the hotel in the late evening.

    Alternatively, between February and May, you can take the optional Quetzal Tour & Night Walk for a chance to spot the Resplendent Quetzal, one of the world's most beautiful and colourful bird species, found in the high-altitude cloud forests of Central America. The elusive species can be observed on a family-run farm, where you take a walk through the forest before sitting down to a traditional lunch. Return to the hotel to spend the afternoon at leisure then take the two-hour night walk, as described above. 

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch is included on the Quetzal Tour & Night Walk. 

  • Transfer to San Jose airport and fly to Panama City, the vibrant and fast-paced capital of Panama. You are met at the airport and taken to your hotel. On some dates, an extra night in Costa Rica may be necessary to align with flights to Panama.

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • Today, visit the iconic canal on a half-day city tour. First, head to the Miraflores Lock and visitor centre to witness the ocean liners and cargo ships travelling through the canal, and learn about its construction and current-day significance. Then visit Casco Viejo, Panama City’s old town. Stroll through the cobbled streets taking in the area’s lovely old architecture and iconic buildings. Return to your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon.

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • Enjoy a free day to explore the city further, or take a day trip to one of the interesting locations outside of the city. It is sometimes possible to take a boat tour on the canal itself, which provides a closer look at how the locks function, as well as great views of the city skyline. Please ask us for details. 

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel

  • Fly from Panama City to the UK.

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • Your flight arrives in the UK.

Accommodation

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Upgrade in San Jose, Tortugero and Arenal for a discounted price.

from £849
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Accommodation in San Jose

Hotel Park Inn

Included
Park Inn Pool, San Jose, Costa Rica
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
68%
68%

Standard hotel: This is a comfortable hotel situated in a quiet area 2 km from the centre of San José. There are 117 rooms over 12 floors. These are large and well appointed and there is a small outdoor pool and gym. There is a restaurant and bar.

Why stay here: A good location close to the centre but not in a busy area. The rooms are very comfortable and the public areas are modern and attractive. The outdoor space on the 3rd floor includes an attractive pool, although it is not too large.

Hotel facilities

• An outdoor pool and a small gym on the 3rd floor
• A restaurant and bar
• Free wifi
• An eco-hotel with solar panels

About the room
The rooms are large and comfortable with carpets and good bathrooms with large showers (no bath tubs). Each room has a fridge, and tea & coffee making facilities and water. All rooms have air-conditioning, safes as well as ironing facilities.

Room types available
Standard rooms

Marriott Hacienda Belen

from £160
(£160 Single Supplement)
Exterior, Marriott Hacienda Belen, San Jose, Costa Rica
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
83%
83%

Standard Hotel:  A 15-minute drive from the city centre, this former hacienda is set on a 30-acre coffee plantation, with two swimming pools, a golf driving range and a coffee-inspired spa. The property also has three restaurants, a bar and a cafe serving gourmet Costa Rican coffee.

Why stay here: Aside from the stunning location on a coffee plantation which you can walk around, the hotel has fantastic facilities and a range of eating options. The Kuö Spa offers a wide variety of body and beauty treatments using coffee, volcanic ash and other natural ingredients from Costa Rica. Open for dinner, the La Isabella Restaurant serves Peruvian delicacies whilst the Antigua restaurant serves a range of Latin American cuisine.

Hotel facilities

  • There are three restaurants, a bar, cafe, fitness centre, spa, golf driving range and two swimming pools.

  • The hotel offers daily housekeeping, concierge service, luggage storage, tour desk, gift shop and safety deposit box.

  • Free WiFi is available in public areas.

About the room

Rooms are modern and well appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows boasting great views. All rooms have air conditioning, en-suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, a safety deposit box, sofa, desk and TV.

Room type

Standard Room

Accommodation in Tortuguero

Aninga Lodge

Included
Aninga Lodge, Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
85%
85%

Standard Lodge: This 32-room lodge, located close to the Tortuguero National Park main entrance, has a pool, spa and is surrounded by lush tropical jungle and waterways. The comfortable rooms have en-suite bathrooms, hot water and ceiling fans. The hotel has free WiFi in the reception area. Excursions are taken in groups of a maximum of 18 people.

Why stay here? This is a good lodge with clean, simple rooms and attractive grounds. The guides at the lodge are excellent at spotting wildlife on the boat trips along the canals.

Hotel facilities

• WiFi is available in the reception area and is free of charge.

• There is a restaurant, a bar, a spa with treatments and massages, and an outdoor pool with a poolside seating area.

• Hairdryers are available at reception. Kayaks are available to use for free.

About the room

All rooms have a ceiling fan, a safety deposit box and en-suite bathrooms.

Room types available

Standard room

Manatus Hotel

from £330
Pool, Manatus Hotel, Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
91%
91%
Llama favourite accommodation

Superior Lodge: This is a small 12-room lodge located close to the Tortuguero National Park, surrounded by lush vegetation. The lodge has a swimming pool, restaurant, small gym and spa. The spacious rooms have air conditioning, free WiFi, an en-suite bathroom and private solarium. The hotel offers kayaks for use for free, and there is also a small nature trail around the hotel grounds. Excursions are taken in smaller groups than at the standard lodge.

Why stay here? This is the best lodge in the region, and the only one with air conditioning. The hotel has just 12 rooms, and the small groups on the excursions give a better chance to interact with the guide.

Hotel Ffcilities

• WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

• There is a restaurant, a bar, an art gallery, a private forest reserve, gardens and sun terrace, an outdoor pool with poolside seating areas, a full working spa and a small gym.

• The hotel offers a tour information desk and a laundry service.

About the room

All rooms have air conditioning, private outdoor terraces, WiFi, a TV, a telephone, a mini bar, a safety deposit box, a hair dryer and en-suite bathrooms.

Room types available

Standard room

Accommodation in Arenal

Hotel Arenal Manoa

Included
Hot Springs, Arenal Manoa, Costa Rica
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
92%
92%

Standard Hotel: This hotel offers excellent views of the Arenal Volcano. It has well-kept, lush gardens, a restaurant, snack bar, swimming pools, natural hot springs, jacuzzis and a spa. All rooms have a terrace, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. There is a walking trail leading to the hotel’s private farm, and other excursions to nearby attractions are offered from the hotel.

Why stay here? This is an excellent standard hotel with attractive gardens, good pools to relax in, and all rooms have views of the volcano.

Hotel facilities

• WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

• There is a restaurant, a bar/lounge area, extensive gardens, outdoor pools with seating areas and poolside bars and a full service spa with a jacuzzi and natural hot springs. There is also private farm on site.

• The hotel offers room service, a tour information desk, luggage storage, laundry facilities and a gift shop/news stand.

About the room

All rooms are soundproofed and have air conditioning, free WiFi, a TV, a telephone, a safety deposit box, a coffee/tea maker, a mini bar, a hair dryer and en-suite bathrooms. Rooms also have private outdoor terraces with views of the volcano.

Room types available

Junior suite

Hotel Nayara

from £525
(£525 Single Supplement)
Hotel Nayara Pool, Arenal, Costa Rica
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
97%
97%
Llama favourite accommodation

Superior Hotel: Set in beautiful tropical gardens, the hotel has a swimming pool, spa and restaurant. There are 40 rooms which are individual casitas, all beautifully appointed with a balcony and jacuzzi overlooking Arenal Volcano, free WiFi, air conditioning, en-suite bathroom and additional outdoor shower.

Why stay here? This is a truly fantastic hotel, possibly our favourite in Costa Rica. The grounds are lovely and the room balconies give amazing views of the Arenal volcano.

Hotel facilities

• WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

• There is a restaurant, a bar, outdoor pools with a poolside bar and seating areas, extensive garden and a full service spa with a jacuzzi.

• The hotel offers room service, a tour information desk, luggage storage and laundry facilities.

About the room

All rooms have air conditioning, free WiFi, a TV, a telephone (international phone calls can be made), a safety deposit box, a coffee/tea maker, a mini bar, a hair dryer and en-suite bathrooms. There is also an outdoor shower (in addition to the one in the en-suite bathroom) and rooms have a wrap-around terrace with a jacuzzi and hammock.

Room types available

Deluxe casita room

Accommodation in Villa Blanca Cloud Forest

Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel

Included
Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel Grounds, Costa Rica
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
61%
61%

Standard Hotel: The Villa Blanca Cloud Forest hotel and nature reserve is lovely rustic-style hotel in a stunning setting of isolated, undisturbed cloud forest. Designed to imitate a traditional mountain village, accommodation is offered in stand-alone casitas with en-suite bathrooms and living rooms, a wood-burning fireplace. There is an on-site spa, a restaurant and an adjacent bar.

Why stay here?  The hotel boasts an immaculate setting overlooking the surrounding cloud forest. It is the only hotel in the area so visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of the pristine cloud forest.

Hotel facilities

• Restaurant and a bar 

• On-site spa

• All rooms have ceiling fans and fireplaces. There are no televisions in the rooms

About the room

Rooms are individual casitas with en-suite bathrooms, a small seating area and porch.

Room types available

Classic 

Accommodation in Panama City

Le Meridien Panama

Included
Pool, Le Meridien, Panama City
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
74%
74%

Standard Hotel: The Le Meridien Hotel overlooks the Bay of Panama, and is ideally located for exploring both the new and old quarters. The hotel has a bright lobby with a glass atrium, while the rooms are comfortable and well appointed. There is a restaurant, bar, fitness center and rooftop pool and bar area.

Why stay here: The hotel is centrally located with good amenities and service

Central Hotel

£120
(£120 Single Supplement)
Central Hotel Exterior, Panama City
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
87%
87%

Superior Hotel: The Central is located in the heart of Casco Viejo, Panama City’s Old Town. As Panama City’s first hotel, it is steeped in history and offers plenty of character. Rooms are simple and stylish, offering great comfort. There is a rooftop pool and lounge bar, 2 sophisticated restaurants, a fitness center, beauty salon and complimentary wifi.

Why upgrade: The hotel is bright and characterful with a great location in the Old Town.

Hotel facilities

• WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

• Two restaurants and a rooftop lounge bar

• Beauty salon, pool and fitness center

About the room

Rooms are light, stylish and comfortable with thoughtful Panamanian touches. Bathrooms are en suite and there is a stocked mini bar, coffee maker, a digital safe win each room.

Room types available

Standard room

Excursions

Excursions Package

Costa Rica Excursion Package Save £41

Take the Poas Volcano & Coffee Plantation, Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs, Villa Blanca Day & Night Cloud Forest excursions together for a discounted price.

from £319

Poas Volcano & Coffee Plantation

£160
Poas Volcano, Costa Rica
Llama Travel Customer Rating
76%
76%

This full day excursion starts with a visit to Poas Volcano, where you see the sulpher fumarols of the main crater and the beautiful Botos Lagoon. Transfer to Doka Coffee plantation for lunch and a tour of the farm where some of the worlds finest coffee is produced. 

Full Description:

An early morning visit to Poas Volcano National Park, with exuberant cloud forest vegetation, and a noticeable change in temperature as you climb. The Poas Volcano, is an active 2,708-metre stratovolcano, with a crater of over a mile across and a depth of 300 metres.  It has erupted 40 times since 1828, including in April, 2017. At the volcano you have time to enjoy the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles, and walk on a trail to the beautiful Botos Lagoon as you learn about the different ecosystems in the park. You then continue to the Doka Coffee Estate, where you take a tour of the coffee plantation where ancient techniques are used to produce some of the best coffee in Costa Rica and around the world. You experience the careful process involved in the cultivation, harvesting and roasting of the golden bean, then savour the end product. After a lunch at the coffee estate, you are transferred back to your hotel.

Ziplining Adventure

£100
Ziplining Adventure, Arenal, Costa Rica
Llama Travel Customer Rating
93%
93%

Costa Rica is renowned for its ziplining and other canopy activities, and there’s no better place to do this than in the depths of the lush rainforest near Arenal Volcano. The three-hour morning excursion consists of an aerial tram ride followed by 7 zipline cables up to 750 metres long.

Full Description:

Get picked up from your hotel to drive to the zipline course, approximately 20 minutes from your hotel. After a safety briefing, you take a 15-minute aerial tram ride up the hill to the start of the course. You get harnessed up then make your way through the canopy, gliding through the treetops on a series of cables ranging from 25 to 750 metres long. The whole course lasts around three hours, after which you are driven back to your hotel.

There is no maximum age for this activity, although a good general level of fitness is required, and it is not recommended for pregnant women or anyone with walking disabilities or a fear of heights.

Hanging Bridges and Hot Springs

£125
Eco Termales, Hot Springs
Llama Travel Customer Rating
81%
81%

This two part excursion visits the Arenal Hanging Bridges after lunch, allowing you to experience the rainforest from a different perspective on a network of trails and suspension bridges. Keep your eyes open for birds, monkeys and sloths peeking out from the amongst the tree tops. In the late afternoon, soak in beautiful hot volcanic springs and thermal rivers - a relaxing end to the day, before enjoying a buffet dinner.

 Full Description:

Set off after lunch for a two-hour visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges, where you follow a trail through the rainforest including a series of hanging bridges, allowing you to explore the canopy of the forest. There are 3.2km of trails and 16 bridges up to 100 metres long. The varying heights of the bridges provides you with a glimpse into life at different levels of the forest, from the treetops to the flowers and the frog pools, bird life and insects. Your naturalist guide explains how the forest's ecosystems work. There are also wonderful views of Arenal Volcano from the park.

From the Hanging Bridges, you are taken to the beautiful hot springs, which consist of many large and small pools of mineral waters, heated by Arenal Volcano, and set in tropical gardens. Rainwater enters the earth through fissures on the surface and is then heated by magma found in the earth's core. Hot springs provide many benefits stemming from various chemical, physical and biological effects, the most notable is relaxing tense and tired muscles. Streams of hot water run throughout the grounds, forming natural waterfalls and pools, some secluded, where you can bathe. You can enjoy the hot springs as day turns to night before having a good dinner overlooking the gardens.

Chocolate & Waterfall

£90
Eden Chocolate Farm, Arenal, Costa Rica
Llama Travel Customer Rating
80%
80%

For nature lovers and chocoholics, this full-day excursion is a must. There is a morning visit to La Fortuna waterfall, a beautiful nature park, where 500 steps lead down to the base of the waterfall where you can relax and swim in the natural pool. After lunch, you visit a family-run cocoa plantation to discover what happens to chocolate before it lands on your supermarket shelves. Bring swimwear as there is a chance to swim in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall.

Full Description:

In the morning, you are picked up from your hotel and driven to La Fortuna waterfall, a nature reserve including a 64-metre-high waterfall. Hike on the 500-metre downhill trail, which is carved into the hillside, to reach the bottom of the La Fortuna waterfall where you can swim in the natural freshwater pool or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery. On the way down, look out for exotic plants and trees, with wildlife including sloths, toucans and orioles inhabiting the area. By visiting this natural wonder, you are helping to support the community, as 100% of the entrance fees goes towards social projects including schools, nutrition centres, orphanages and infrastructure. Climb back up to have lunch at the restaurant in the La Fortuna Waterfall Reserve, then drive to Eden Organic Farm to enjoy a chocolate tour (and tasting!) on a family-run farm. Learn about the history of cocoa, and discover the chocolate-making process from bean to bar. Try the traditional drink of Costa Rica’s ancestors and make your own organic chocolates. Considered as "a gift from the Gods", the cocoa tree was of great importance, not only for the ceremonial use of its drink, but also for its economic value as it was used as currency in many regions of Mesoamerica, including Costa Rica.

Day & Night Cloud Forest

£75
Day & Night Cloud Forest Excursion
Llama Travel Customer Rating
68%
68%

In the morning, get up close and personal with birds, monkeys, amphibians and insects in their natural, colourful habitat as you follow the cloud forest trails. You then return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure, before taking the second part of the excursion in the evening, as you observe nocturnal creatures emerging, and experience the intensified forest sounds and fragrances as your senses become more attuned to the darkness.

Full Description:

In the morning, begin the day with a two hour walk through the cloud forest reserve, looking for varied birds and wildlife from myriad bird species like toucans and hummingbirds, to monkeys and sloths. Your naturalist guide will point out these species to you, as well as the many species of orchids, bromeliads and other plants which inhabit all levels of the forest. Return to the hotel to enjoy the rest of the morning and afternoon at leisure.

In the late afternoon, set off on a two hour walk along the reserve trails as darkness with a qualified naturalist guide. It is notable how different the cloud forest feels after dark. Certain birds and monkeys which dominate the soundtrack during the day will be sleeping, replaced by the choruses of nocturnal species. Furthermore, certain plants are more active at night, blooming and releasing scents only after the sun has gone down. For this reason it is not only the sights and sounds of the forest that change, but the smells too. Return to the hotel in the late evening.

While each individual part of this excursion is wonderful, it is truly special to be able to witness how the cloud forest changes, revealing a different side of itself depending on the time of day.

Quetzal Tour & Night Walk

£250
Quetzal, Costa Rica

In the morning, take a scenic journey through the cloud forest to a family-run farm where the elusive quetzal resides. Walk through the forest on the look out for sightings of the colourful bird among over 200 other bird species.  Enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch then return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure, before taking the second part of the excursion in the evening, on the trails in the cloud forest surrounding Villa Blanca, as you observe nocturnal creatures emerging, and experience the intensified forest sounds and fragrances as your senses become more attuned to the darkness.

Full Description:

Early in the morning, depart Villa Blanca for a 45-minute drive to the Azahar Peak, near La Paz de San Ramón. Continue onto the summit where you stop at a private family-operated farm where the Resplendent Quetzal nests. As you walk along a well-maintained trail through the forest, look out for footprints of wild boars and mountain cats around you, and a range of high altitude dwelling birds in the treetops, including the quetzal. Your expert guide will listen for distinctive bird calls to help you spot and identify other species including hummingbirds, toucans, parrots and warblers. Aguacatillo (wild avocado) trees grows on the farm, which is where the quetzals feed and make their nests. If you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this remarkable bird, with its brilliant blue, green and red feathers, you will understand why the local indigenous communities consider it a mystical creature, and why the striking species are protected in private reserves high up in Costa Rica’s lush mountains. During mating season, the males grow twin tail feathers, forming a train up to a metre long. After the walk, sit down to a traditional Costa Rican lunch on the farm, then return to the hotel and have the afternoon at leisure.

In the late afternoon, set off on a two-hour walk along the reserve trails as darkness with a qualified naturalist guide. It is notable how different the cloud forest feels after dark. Certain birds and monkeys which dominate the soundtrack during the day will be sleeping, replaced by the choruses of nocturnal species. Furthermore, certain plants are more active at night, blooming and releasing scents only after the sun has gone down. For this reason it is not only the sights and sounds of the forest that change, but the smells too. Return to the hotel in the late evening. While each individual part of this excursion is wonderful, it is truly special to be able to witness how the cloud forest changes, revealing a different side of itself depending on the time of day.

Please note that this excursion only runs between February and May. Outside these months, it is difficult to observe the quetzal due to the altitude and weather conditions.

Partial Panama Canal Transit

£230
A Ship moving through a lock on the Panama Canal

Having seen the canal from the shore, why not take a boat ride passing through the locks to experience first-hand how the canal system functions. On this half day excursion, your vessel sets sail from the Flamenco Marina and heads towards the entrance of the famous Panama Canal, allowing for great views along the way. Mooring lines are secured to the boat before entering the canal, and then electric locomotives pull it along. The excursion ends in Gamboa, a town up the canal from Panama City, whence passengers are transferred by road back to Panama City. Lunch is enjoyed on board. Please note that this excursion is available most Fridays and Saturdays. Please ask for details.

Full Description:

The day begins early in the morning, when you are collected from your hotel and transferred to the Flamenco Marina, where you board the boat that will take you through the Panama Canal. Leaving the Marina behind as the vessel sails into the gulf, reveals great panoramic views of Panama City’s skyscrapers, the iconic Bridge of the Americas, and the multitude of local and international ships dotting the gulf’s waters. 

Upon entry to the canal, the vessel you are on will be attached to electric locomotives called “mules”, which move up and down the canal system on tracks, keeping the boats and ships aligned as they pass from the Pacific to the Caribbean and vice versa. The first lock you come to is the Miraflores Lock. Once the water reaches the appropriate level, the lock gates open and the boat can pass into the next basin, sailing onwards through the Miraflores Lake to the Pedro Miguel Lock, where the water level rises nine metres! From there, the canal passes under the Centennial Bridge and then narrows into a thin, straight waterway. At this point one can sit back and enjoy the ride, taking in the surrounding scenery, until the vessel reaches the Culebra Cut, where the Chagres River intersects the canal, and the journey starts to meander along the waterway, with lush green hills dotting the horizon. Shortly afterwards you will reach Gamboa, where you will disembark the boat for a transfer back to your hotel in Panama City. 

A buffet lunch is provided on board.

Please note that this excursion is available most Fridays and Saturdays, and is sometimes done in reverse, starting in Gamboa and ending at the Flamenco Marina.

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    Thu 31 Jul - Wed 13 Aug Price £3528 SAVE £300 £3228 Single supplement Price £1070 Book Now
  • Thu 06 Nov - Wed 19 Nov Price £3358 SAVE £300 £3058 Single supplement Price £1070 Book Now
    Thu 13 Nov - Wed 26 Nov Price £3358 SAVE £300 £3058 Single supplement Price £1070 Book Now
    Thu 27 Nov - Wed 10 Dec Price £3358 SAVE £300 £3058 Single supplement Price £1070 Book Now
  • Thu 04 Dec - Wed 17 Dec Price £3358 SAVE £300 £3058 Single supplement Price £1070 Book Now

2026

  • Thu 08 Jan - Wed 21 Jan Price £3498 SAVE £300 £3198 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Thu 15 Jan - Wed 28 Jan Price £3498 SAVE £300 £3198 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Thu 22 Jan - Wed 04 Feb Price £3498 SAVE £300 £3198 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Sat 24 Jan - Fri 06 Feb Price £3498 SAVE £300 £3198 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Thu 29 Jan - Wed 11 Feb Price £3498 SAVE £300 £3198 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
  • Thu 05 Feb - Wed 18 Feb Price £3548 SAVE £300 £3248 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Sat 07 Feb - Fri 20 Feb Price £3548 SAVE £300 £3248 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Thu 12 Feb - Wed 25 Feb Price £3548 SAVE £300 £3248 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Thu 19 Feb - Wed 04 Mar Price £3548 SAVE £300 £3248 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Sat 21 Feb - Fri 06 Mar Price £3548 SAVE £300 £3248 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Thu 26 Feb - Wed 11 Mar Price £3548 SAVE £300 £3248 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
  • Thu 05 Mar - Wed 18 Mar Price £3528 SAVE £300 £3228 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Sat 07 Mar - Fri 20 Mar Price £3528 SAVE £300 £3228 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Thu 12 Mar - Wed 25 Mar Price £3528 SAVE £300 £3228 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Thu 19 Mar - Wed 01 Apr Price £3528 SAVE £300 £3228 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Thu 26 Mar - Wed 08 Apr Price £3598 SAVE £300 £3298 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
  • Thu 02 Apr - Wed 15 Apr Price £3548 SAVE £300 £3248 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Thu 09 Apr - Wed 22 Apr Price £3528 SAVE £300 £3228 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now
    Thu 16 Apr - Wed 29 Apr Price £3528 SAVE £300 £3228 Single supplement Price £1120 Book Now

Prices include

Return flights from the UK; any internal flights; accommodation (bed and breakfast except where indicated); transfers; service of guides and local reps, UK airport taxes.

Prices do not include

Any optional excursions, travel insurance, tips.

Holidays without international flights

The above prices include return international flights from the UK. If you wish to arrange your own flights, we will reduce our prices accordingly. The reduction depends on when you travel, please call us for details.

Departure Airport

Flights are scheduled to be from London. Other airports may be possible, although a supplement sometimes applies.

Holiday Information

All the practical information you need regarding your trip is found here. From how to prepare before you leave and travelling to your destination, to advice on travelling within your country of choice.

About Your Holiday

  • Prices listed are per person and based on two persons sharing a room and include all flights from the UK and within destination, service of guides and reps (please note that tips are not included), accommodation and all transfers and excursions listed in the itinerary. Where applicable, entrance fees, taxes and charges are included in our prices at the rates advised to us at the time of preparation. An adjustment will be made to your price if any of these change before your holiday. UK airport taxes are included.

  • All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

    For holidays not including any flights, financial protection is provided through IPP: https://www.llamatravel.com/ipp-protection

  • In many cases, the best way to describe our holidays is flexible tours, so you can choose where to visit by combining different extensions and excursions, and which hotels to stay in. In most cases, you will be with other Llama Travellers, but not necessarily the same people throughout. This allows you to get to know like-minded people, but not have to spend all your time with the same group. If we don't have anyone else taking a particular part of a holiday, we will normally operate this just for you.

    In some cases, we operate more traditional tours, with the same Llama Travel group travelling together for the majority of the holiday, which allows land travel from one location to another, and in this case we may have a minimum number of travellers required to operate the group.

    Excursions are usually taken together with other Llama Travel customers in groups of no more than 18 people. If we have more than 18 booked, we operate two groups. These will usually be in English, although in some places, especially on wildlife excursions, the excursions may be operated by one of our local partners, so you may be with people other than Llama Travel customers and the group may be a mix of English and other languages. In these cases, group sizes can sometimes be larger. If you would like to know the likely situation for your holiday, please ask us and we will be able to check. Transfers may be with more than 18 people.

    We get a wide range of people taking our holidays, with probably the largest group being couples aged in their forties to sixties, or even older. However, we also have a large number of customers in their twenties and thirties, especially for some of the more active holidays. What unites everyone is a sense of curiosity and a desire to discover new cultures, landscapes and wildlife. Although most of our customers travel with friends or family, we also have quite a few single travellers who are happy to mix and match as described above.

    Group Size
    Most holidays can operate with a minimum of 2 passengers, but some holidays have a higher minimum group size. If we have fewer than the minimum number of passengers, we will let you know two months before departure. In this case, we will refund you any monies paid or offer you an alternative option. It may be possible to operate the trip for fewer than 4 passengers for an additional cost.

    Holidays in Europe usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    Holidays in Namibia or South Africa usually have a minimum group size of 6 passengers.
    Holidays in Kenya usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    Holidays in Asia usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    Holidays in Costa Rica and Mexico usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.

Booking Conditions

How To Book

  • To book a holiday or discuss your requirements, please call us on 020 7263 3000. We can usually confirm availability immediately, but may need to check with a supplier first.

  • You can pay your deposit by bank transfer, cheque, standard UK debit card or non-premium UK personal Visa / MasterCard credit card. Balance payments can be made by bank transfer or cheque. We do not accept cards for balance payments. We are unable to accept cash.

Before You Go

  • You will receive tickets approximately 10 days before departure, along with information on accommodation, transfers and excursions. Our agents in destination will give you final details for hotel and excursions when you arrive. Please check airline tickets carefully in case timings have changed after we issued your confirmation.

  • Cards are widely accepted in most hotel and restaurants, and cash machines are common in most destinations. However, when travelling to remote areas, it is advisable to take cash, as it is difficult to withdraw or change money. Travellers cheques are no longer widely used, so it may be inconvenient to take these.

    It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals from your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary, however we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.

    More information on the situation regarding money, budgeting and tipping in specific countries is in the country information below.

  • Adequate travel insurance is essential. We do not sell or recommend any specific policy, but good medical insurance should cover medical evacuation and repatriation. If you are going to be taking part in any activity, please ensure your policy covers you for this, especially if this involves high-altitude trekking, such as the Inca Trail.

  • To issue some tickets, we require passport details and ages when you book. If you subsequently change your passport, please let us know as soon as possible.

    Latin America

    Visas are not required in advance for British citizens for any Llama Travel Latin American destination. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the appropriate consulate.

    If you are flying via another country, especially the US, you need to comply with the appropriate immigration requirements. Please ask us for details.

    You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed if you are transiting in Europe.

    There is an entry fee to enter Chile for citizens of Australia, the US, Canada and some other countries which must be paid upon arrival. There is also an entry fee for US and Canadian citizens visiting Argentina, which must be paid in advance online.

    If children are not travelling with both parents, some countries require a letter of consent to enter or depart. Please consult the appropriate consulate.

    Africa

    British nationals can enter Morocco, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana for a visit of up to 90 days without a visa. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the appropriate consulate. You need a passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For South Africa, you need a passport with two blank pages.

    British nationals require a visa to enter Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls, which can be purchased upon entry. The Kaza Univisa allows you to cross the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and also allows for day trips to Botswana (cost is approximately US$50). On occasions, the Zimbabwe border staff may not issue a Kaza Univisa, and you may need to purchase a Zimbabwe visa (single or double entry), which has a slightly higher cost. Citizens from other countries should consult the specific embassy to check entry requirements.

    Currently, no visa is required to visit Namibia, but the Namibian government has announced that it will introduce a visa upon entry in April 2025.

    British nationals to Kenya require an electronic travel authorisation, which must be obtained online in advance. You can apply for this on the eTA website. For more information, see the website of the Kenya High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Kenya consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages

    If children are not travelling with both parents, some countries require a letter of consent to enter or depart. Please consult the appropriate consulate. In South Africa and Namibia, children under 18 must also carry an unabridged birth certificate.

    You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed if you are transiting in Europe.

    To issue some tickets, we require passport details and ages when you book. If you subsequently change your passport, please let us know as soon as possible.

    Asia & the Middle East

    To visit Jordan, you need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. You will need a visa to enter Jordan. The Jordan visa is included in the price of your holiday. On arrival in Amman our representatives will meet you prior to immigration and this will be provided to you free of charge. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Jordanian consulate.

    All visitors to Sri Lanka, including British nationals, require an electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained online in advance, and for which there is a cost. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the ETA website. For more information, see the website of the Sri Lanka High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Sri Lanka consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages, valid for six months after your return to the UK.

    All visitors to India, including British nationals, require a visa, which can be obtained online in advance, and for which there is a cost. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the e-visa website. For more information, see the website of the India High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Indian consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages, valid for six months after your return to the UK.

    Visitors from 13 countries, including the UK, can travel to Vietnam visa-free for stays up to 45 days. For stays longer than 45 days, a visa is required at a cost. This can be applied for online on the e-visa website. Stays longer than 90 days are not permitted. You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Vietnamese consulate.

    To visit Cambodia, a visa is required at a cost. This can be applied for online on the e-visa website. You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Cambodian consulate.

    To visit Laos, a visa is required at a cost. This can be applied for online on the e-visa website. You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Laotian consulate.

    If you are arranging a stopover in Singapore, you must complete an electronic SG Arrival Card up to three days before entry into Singapore.

    Europe

    You need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed.

     

  • In many destinations, you can arrange adventure activities, either through Llama Travel or through the local operator. If you are interested in taking any of these, please make sure you are covered by your travel insurance.

  • Some countries have strict regulations regarding the entry and exit of children under 18 when not travelling with both parents, or if the child has nationality of the country you are visiting. If you are travelling with children who are not entering or leaving the country with both parents, or if the child has nationality of the country you are visiting, please contact the consulate of the country you are visiting to check requirements.

    Countries in Africa have particularly strict requirements regarding children travelling, and in both South Africa and Namibia, children need to carry an unabridged birth certificate. Additionally, in Namibia, adults travelling with children where they are not the biological or legal guardians of those children, should be in possession of an affidavit statement from the child’s parents giving consent for their travel.

    Such requirements do change from time to time, and although we try to keep abreast of such changes and update this information, if you are travelling with children, we suggest you check current requirements carefully.

When Your Are Travelling

  • Most people who travel to the countries where Llama Travel operates experience no problems on holiday. However, as is the case anywhere in the world, crime can be a problem, especially in large cities. Tourists can appear attractive targets to criminals. To minimise the risk, use common sense. Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive looking jewellery or cameras. Avoid empty streets, especially on your own. Take a taxi after dark. By taking sensible precautions, you should have a trouble-free holiday.

    Each country has its own standards for health and safety, but these are often not as good as in the UK. We take this into account when selecting hotels and request that they comply with all local regulations, but cannot guarantee that these are equivalent to British standards. Please take reasonable precautions to protect yourselves whilst on holiday, e.g. by locating fire exit routes.

    Please also check the Foreign Office travel advice for the countries you are visiting at www.fco.gov.uk.

  • Attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) travellers around the world can be very different from those in the UK.

    In Latin America and Europe, attitudes can sometimes be more conservative than in the UK, but there are not usually problems.

    In some African countries, including Morocco, Zimbabwe and Kenya, same sex relationships are illegal and conservative attitudes prevail. However, hotels and lodges do not discriminate and same sex couples can share rooms. In much of Africa and the Middle East, public displays of affection may attract negative attention, especially with LGBT couples, although the majority of people are friendly to visitors, irrespective of gender and sexual orientation. In South Africa, the authorities have introduced legislation which bans any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

    In most of Asia, attitudes to same sex relationships can be conservative, but there are not usually any problems. In Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan, same sex relationships are illegal, but hotels do not discriminate and same sex couples can share rooms.

    The UK Foreign Office has information LGBT travel on their travel advice for individual countries, found at www.fco.gov.uk.

  • For all wildlife excursions, please always follow the instructions of your guide, both for the animals’ welfare and for your safety. Staff are experienced at dealing with wildlife, but by their nature, excursions involving exposure to wild animals will always carry some risk.

    If you take a safari in Africa, you will be with an experienced guide at all times, who is usually unarmed. Staff are experienced at dealing with wildlife, but by their nature, game drives have exposure to wild animals, and there will always be some risk in this, which you accept by going on holiday. Game drives run according to a schedule, although unexpected delays can occur, which the guide will deal with as quickly and safely as possible. Being in the wilderness means that the environment is unpredictable, so the unexpected can happen, and off-road vehicles can occasionally break down or get stuck in the uneven terrain.

    .

Health & Fitness

  • Please consult your GP or a travel clinic about health and vaccination requirements. Advice for travellers is available at NaTHNaC  

    When travelling, stomach illnesses are not uncommon due to changes in diet. We suggest you only drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you are unsure if salads and fruit have been washed in purified water, it is best to avoid them.

    If you suffer from a disability or condition and are worried whether this will affect the enjoyment of a holiday, please call us. We will do our best to help. We recommend that you bring any medicines you require from the UK.

    If you have any health problems on holiday, please speak to our local agents or hotel staff. They will arrange for a doctor or hospital if necessary. If you do experience any problems, please seek appropriate medical attention.

    Outside of major cities, medical facilities can be basic, meaning a lengthy transfer if hospital attention is required.

    Latin America

    Yellow fever and / or malaria precautions are recommended for visiting the jungle, Iguazu Falls and some parts of Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. Yellow Fever certificates are sometimes required if you have recently visited a country with an infected area. Children under 6 require proof of vaccination against polio to enter Brazil. Some GPs do not recommend yellow fever vaccinations for travellers over 60 years old. If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, please speak to your GP about zika. Please seek medical advice before you travel.

    Parts of South America are at high altitude. Most visitors do not suffer major problems. However, shortness of breath is common and we advise you to take things calmly during your first day at altitude. If you suffer from a heart or lung condition, or think that you may suffer due to the altitude, please consult your GP.

    Africa

    Malaria precautions are highly recommended when visiting the Kruger National Park in South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the north of Namibia, including Etosha, Botswana and Kenya. Yellow Fever vaccination is highly recommended for Kenya. Travellers entering many African countries, including South Africa and Kenya Africa, coming from a yellow fever zone must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Some GPs do not recommend yellow fever vaccinations for travellers over 60 years old.

    Asia

    Malaria tablets are not usually advised when visiting the areas that Llama Travel offers in Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, although a low risk exists in south-east Asia, so general precautions are recommended. If you have visited a country with yellow fever recently, you will usually require a valid yellow fever certificate to enter. Please be aware that Shimla in the Himalayas in India is at a moderately high altitude, so we recommend you take things calmly during your first day at altitude. If you suffer from a heart of lung condition, or think you may suffer due to the altitude, please consult your GP.

  • For most of our holidays, age is not a concern. However, a reasonable level of fitness is required, as most holidays require some walking, sometimes on uneven ground. Even relatively mild activities can be strenuous at altitude. High altitude trekking is more strenuous than an equivalent length walk at low altitude.

Getting There

  • Air fares vary from date to date and between airlines. Our holidays are scheduled to use the most advantageous air fare. You can choose which airline you prefer, we will let you know if a supplement is payable. Levels of onboard service and facilities, such as entertainment, vary by airline and route. Please ask us for details. Flights are sometimes operated by another airline in the appropriate airline alliance.

  • Many airlines offer the option of flying from regional airports in the UK, avoiding the need to make your own way to London. Due to the timing of flights, in some cases this may involve an overnight stop in London or another intermediate airport. There is usually a supplement for regional departures. Please note that most of our flights depart from London.

  • You can upgrade to business class or premium economy on most airlines. Call us for prices for the route and airline you are interested in.

    Premium Economy

    Some airlines offer Premium Economy cabins, which provide more comfortable seats which recline further and have more legroom. There are better meals and a bar service.

    Other airlines offer standard economy class seats with extra legroom for an additional cost.

    Business Class

    Many airlines have long-haul business class cabins with seats that convert into full flat beds and often have a privacy screen.

    Business Class within Europe is often similar to economy class seating, but with better meals, and middle seats are often left empty.

  • Most scheduled airlines have a baggage allowance of 23kg per passenger for international flights, but internal flight allowances can be less. Exact limits can be found on airline webpages. Please bear this in mind when packing, as carrying excess baggage will normally incur an expensive additional cost payable at check in. Additionally, certain excursions have a limited baggage allowance. Where this is the case, we will advise you in advance. Llama Travel accepts no responsibility for the delay, loss or damage of luggage.

    There may be additional luggage restrictions for specific countries. In this case, details of this will be in the country information below.

  • Many airlines now charge a fee to select your seat prior to checking in for your flight, even when travelling in premium economy or business class. Alternatively, you may choose your preferred seat free of charge when online check-in opens 24 hours prior to departure or at the airport. Please ask us about the options available at time of booking.

    We all want a comfortable journey, particularly on long haul flights. If you would like a seat with some extra leg room or a larger recline please let us know. Airlines have introduced a range of “economy comfort” seats that may be purchased in advance. In some cases, these seats may only be purchased online directly with the airline once Llama Travel has issued your ticket approximately 30 days prior to departure.

    For internal flights, and for connecting flights in Europe, it is usually only possible to select seats when you check-in online or at the airport.

    It may not be possible to always use online check-in systems, especially when using a codeshare flight. On occasion, your preferred seat may be changed by the airline for operational reasons such as a change of aircraft or to facilitate a disabled passenger on the day you fly and as such, Llama Travel cannot guarantee specific seats.

  • Depending on the route and the airline, if you would like to break your journey to or from your final destination, and add a stopover to your holiday, this may be possible. Please ask us for information.

  • If you are interested in arranging your own international flights, this is sometimes possible. Please ask us for details of this and any discount we can arrange for removing international flights. Please do not book your flights until we have reconfirmed all services with our suppliers and you have checked the confirmation invoice.

  • All people transiting in a third country need to make sure they comply with any immigration requirements for that country.

    This is especially the case when in transit in the US when flying to Latin America. In this case, you must comply with US immigration requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with these requirements before you travel. Failure to do so may result in you being denied boarding on your flight to the US and, at best, a last-minute and probably expensive re-routing avoiding the US. It is important, therefore, that you follow these procedures carefully.

    If your flight to Latin America involves a stop in the US, you will be subject to US immigration control upon entry to the US. If you qualify for the US Visa Waiver Program, you are able to avoid the need to apply for a visa, but still need to enter your details online on the US State Department website. If you do not qualify for the US Visa Waiver Program, you must apply in person at a US embassy for a US visa. Please make sure that you do this in good time.

    If you are a UK citizen and have a UK passport, you may qualify for visa-free travel. You will require a machine readable passport to qualify for the ESTA Visa Waiver Program (so you do not require a visa to enter the US). A machine readable passport has the holder's personal details (name, date of birth, nationality and passport number) contained in two lines of text at the bottom of the photo page. This appears as two lines of letters, numbers and chevrons (">>>>>") printed across the long edge of the photo page. It must be also include an integrated circuit chip capable of storing the biographic information from the data page, a digitized photograph and other biometric information.

    Please note, holders of passports indicating that the bearer is a British Subject, a British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen or British Protected Person do not qualify for travel without a visa. A passport which states that the holder has Right of Abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not quality for visa-free travel.

    If you have visited certain restricted countries, including Cuba, you may not qualify for visa-free travel.

    If you have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, or if you have a criminal record, you will need a visa.

    If you have any doubts about whether you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, please check with the US embassy. Full details can be found on the US embassy’s UK website at: http://london.usembassy.gov/vwp3.html

    Many European, Australian and New Zealand passport holders also qualify for the Visa Waiver Program as long as the passport is machine readable and complies with the relevant criteria. Please see the US embassy website for a list of countries which qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. It is important that you check the website of the US Embassy in the country of passport nationality for any further changes before you travel.

    Details of the ESTA Visa Waiver Program can be found on the US State Department website at

    https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

    In addition to the Visa Waiver Programme, the US Transportation Security Authority requires anybody flying through the United Sates to supply specific passenger information prior to their international flight.

  • Air fares vary from date to date and between airlines. Our holidays are scheduled to use the most advantageous air fare. You can choose which airline you prefer, we will let you know if a supplement is payable. Levels of onboard service and facilities, such as entertainment, vary by airline and route. Please ask us for details. Flights are sometimes operated by another airline in the appropriate airline alliance.

Costa Rica

Travelling in Costa Rica

  • The temperatures in Costa Rica can vary significantly depending where you are visiting. On the coast, daytime highs of over 30°C are possible. In the highlands of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, temperatures at night can drop to lower than 10°C. Therefore, a variety of clothing, suitable for hot and cold weather is advisable. Rain is possible throughout the year, and can be heavy, so waterproofs are also recommended. Insect repellent is advisable, especially for jungle areas.

    If you visit Tabacon Hot Springs near Arenal, the pools can be slippery, so please bring non-slip sandals.

    Electricity in Costa Rica is 110V, and plugs are of the flat two-pin type.

    We recommend you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

    Please bring any medication you may require from the UK.

  • All hotels include breakfast, and other meals are included on some tours and excursions. However, generally, you will need to arrange your own lunches and dinners. We recommend budgeting approximately US$15 – 20 for a meal, although many restaurants have excellent value set lunches for less than this. Hotel restaurants, especially in superior hotels, can be more expensive. Additionally, there are many upmarket restaurants, particularly in San Jose, where you should expect to pay up to US$50 per person, or possibly more.

    Bar prices are similar to the UK and a small bottle of beer usually costs around US$2-3 in a hotel bar. This can be higher in more remote areas.

    If you are planning on arranging any activities locally, these can be expensive. These can usually be paid for by credit card.

  • The national dish of Costa Rica is Gallo pinto which consists of rice and beans. This is traditionally had for breakfast, although it can be eaten with any meal. The capital city of San Jose has a wide range of restaurants, La Fortuna – a town near Arenal Volcano – serves a mix of international and Costa Rican dishes, and there are several restaurants in Santa Elena and Monteverde. The Hotel Parador in Manuel Antonio has three restaurants, and there are also reasonably priced restaurants in the village. Seafood is the specialty of this area.

  • The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon. Travellers should take local currency or US dollars and not UK sterling, which is not widely accepted in any form. Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus) can be used in many shops and restaurants, and can also be used to withdraw money from cash machines. There are cash machines in the centre of town in San Jose, La Fortuna (Arenal), Santa Elena (Monteverde) and Quepos (Manuel Antonio).

    When changing US dollars into local currency, always use a reputable place to change: banks, hotels or exchange shops. Do not change money on the street if you can avoid it. If taking travellers cheques, a high commission may be charged, especially if changing directly into dollars. Some hotels do not change travellers cheques so you may need to change them in a bank or exchange shop, therefore, please bear in mind opening hours.

    It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals on your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary, however we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.
    When withdrawing money abroad, the daily limit may be lower than your UK limit.

  • If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. For general excursions, if you want to tip guides, US$3 – 5 per person per day is usual if you are in a group. Approximately US$2-3 is usual for drivers or transfer staff. Service is usually included in restaurants so tipping is not normally expected. Please give any tips directly to the person you would like to tip to ensure that they get it.

Panama

Travelling in Panama

  • The Panamanian currency is the Balboa, which is tied to the US dollar (US$1 = PAB1). ATM’s are widely available in Panama City and credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and upscale hotels.

    It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals on your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary; however we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.

  • It is customary to tip in Panama although it is by no means obligatory. Restaurant staff are accustomed to approximately 10%, which may or may not be included in the bill. Guide tips range between US$7 and US$10 per person per day, and slightly higher for naturalist guides.  Should you use a taxi during your stay, tipping is optional, but often the cost is rounded up a dollar or two, particularly for night journeys.

  • Panamanian cooking is influenced by a variety of factors. Its geographical location, literally bridging two continents means there is a wide variety of fruits and vegetables available, while its history and diverse population mean that the cuisine is influenced by African, Spanish and Native American approaches to cooking. In general though, as with a lot of Latin American cuisine, rice, maize and meat feature prominently. Flavours tend to be quite mild.

    Some typical food you may come across on your journey in Panama includes rice with shrimp and coconut milk, sweet or savoury empanadas (similar to a pasty), bollos (corn dough wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled), and ropa vieja (stewed beef and vegetables served with plantain and rice).

  • Hotels in Panama include breakfast. For other meals, an inexpensive restaurant will cost about US$7.50 per person while three courses in a mid-range restaurant costs around US$40 for two people. A local beer will cost US$1.50, and a coffee will cost US$2.58.

  • Panama City sits on the coast and as such tends to be warmer than some inland areas. The average temperature during the year is around 27 degrees Celsius, so summery weather is appropriate. Bear in mind that rain is possible throughout the year too, so packing rainwear is advisable.

    Electrical sockets in Panama are between 110 and 120 Volts. Plug sockets match the North American design.

    We recommend you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

    Please bring any medication you may require from the UK.

    You can bring whichever luggage you feel most comfortable with: suitcases, soft bags and rucksacks are fine.

Customer Comments

"Excellent guides (the best I've experienced in all my travels). Thanks Llama Travel for a wonderful trip!"

- Mrs K

went to Costa Rica in December 2024

"I loved this trip and met amazing people on this tour!"

- Mr C

went to Sri Lanka in November 2024

"Our guide was exceptional, he was a font of knowledge on Sri Lankan history, geography, religion and tradition."

- Mr H

went to Sri Lanka in November 2024

"Overall, the holiday was amazing! Llama Travel agents were all exceptional."

- Mrs & Mr R

went to Sri Lanka in November 2024

"Thank you - we had a fantastic holiday!"

- Mr W

went to Costa Rica in November 2024

"Very well organised. The Atacama desert was the 'jewel in the crown'!"

- Mr B

went to Chile in November 2024

"The holiday was fantastic!"

- Mr T

went to Costa Rica in November 2024

"The overall organisation of this tour & selected excursions was very well done. "

- Mrs M

went to Chile in November 2024

"The entire holiday is something I will remember forever."

- Mrs B

went to Peru in November 2024

"An excellent holiday - would use Llama Travel again! "

- Mrs & Mr K

went to Vietnam in November 2024

"The holiday was excellent!"

- Mrs & Mr R

went to Costa Rica in November 2024

"It was a really good trip. All local guides knew what to do, and were friendly and reassuring. "

- Mr T

went to Argentina in November 2024

"We have had the best holiday - thank you! "

- Mrs M

went to India in November 2024

"I would definitely use Llama again, everything was perfect!"

- Mrs J

went to Peru in November 2024

"Overall, we had an amazing holiday. Thank you! "

- Mrs H

went to Argentina in November 2024

"We will be booking with you again! The organisation overall is excellent and very efficient."

- Mrs A

went to Peru in November 2024

"One of our best holidays, and we do many."

- Mrs & Mr V

went to South Africa in November 2024

"We had a brilliant trip! Everything was well organised and ran smoothly. Thank you! "

- Mrs W

went to Japan in November 2024

"Thank you for a wonderful-memorable holiday!"

- Mr M

went to Mexico in November 2024

"This was our 3rd Llama holiday and all have been excellent!"

- Mr & Mrs H

went to Namibia in November 2024

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Customer Rating

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