Panama 27 Tage Central and South American Adventure: From Costa Rica to Colombia Erlebnisrundreise für junge Reisende zwischen 18- 39 Jahre in internationaler Gruppe

Phones charged and playlists queued – this 27-day journey is a full-on adventure through Central and South America that’s packed with wild nature, laid-back beach towns, and buzzing cities. Start in Costa Rica with the surfy chill of Puerto Viejo before heading into Panama’s hidden gems – think island time in Bocas del Toro, misty hikes in Boquete, and the crater village of Valle de Antón. Then go fully off-grid on the San Blas Islands, where Indigenous communities run the show and turquoise water meets white sand. After that, it’s Colombia time. Wander Cartagena’s colourful old town, trek through jungle trails to waterfalls in Minca, kick back in Santa Marta, and finish strong in Medellín with mountaintop views and a nightlife scene to match. From slow travel moments to fast-paced fun, this one’s got it all.

• Catch Caribbean waves and soak up the beach vibes in Puerto Viejo

• Island-hop through crystal-clear waters in Bocas del Toro

• Hike lush trails and hidden waterfalls in Boquete’s cloud forests

• Explore Valle de Antón nestled inside an extinct volcanic crater

• Disconnect with three nights on the remote San Blas Islands run by the Guna people

• Wander the colourful colonial streets of Cartagena’s walled city

• Sleep in jungle hammocks and discover natural pools in Minca and Palomino

• Wrap it all up with Medellín’s buzzing energy and epic mountaintop views

Reiseverlauf:

ACHTUNG wichtige Infos zur Rundreise

Früheste Abreise ab: 00:01 Uhr

1. Tag San José

Arrive at any time. There’s so much to see and do in San José so we recommend checking out what you can. From city tours to coffee experiences in the Central Valley, there’s a variety to choose from should you arrive early. Join a welcome meeting in the evening to get to know your newest travel family and opt to grab a meal at a local restaurant afterwards as a way to break the ice and grow more comfortable with each other.

Event: Begegne neuen Freunden
Event: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen (1.0h)
Unterkunft: Costa Rica Guesthouse

2. Tag San José / Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Catch a local bus from San José to the picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. You’ll find 14km (8.7 mi) of incomparable white and black sand beaches here all surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation. A true paradise to start the adventure. Set off on a CEO-led orientation walk upon arrival and then take advantage of free time to explore, unwind, and soak up the magic of Puerto Viejo. You’ll have just enough time to dive into the town’s laid-back rhythm and discover why this little corner of the Caribbean is so loved by travelers from all over the world. Whether you’re craving beach time, a local bite, or a bit of spontaneous adventure, there’s plenty to do (or not do-because relaxing counts too!)

Freizeit: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Transport: San José – Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (5.0h)
Event: CEO-led Orientation Walk of Puerto Viejo (0.5h)
Unterkunft: Hotel Agapi

Optionaler Ausflug:
Bike Rental (**)

3. Tag Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

It’s time to explore! Hop on a bike and ride to the beach with your CEO. Once here opt to try surfing if the waves are calling. Hit up beaches like Cocles, Punta Uva, and maybe even make it to Manzanillo. There will be stops along the way to grab a drink, jump in the ocean, and spot some animals. Later, the group will have free time to relax at the hostel, grab a coffee, find a hammock, and simply relax. You could also chat with your travel mates, play some cards together, or throw on a fun playlist and dance the night away to reggae and calypso for a true taste of this tropical paradise. Group hangout in the common area to spice up the evening, anyone?

Event: Biking Puerto Viejo
Freizeit: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Unterkunft: Hotel Agapi

Optionaler Ausflug:
Surf Lesson (**)

4. Tag Puerto Viejo de Talamanca / Bocas del Toro

The moment you have been waiting forPanama! Cross the border today and travel by bus, boat, and foot to the lovely archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Your CEO will show the group around on a leisurely stroll through town. Check out the main spots, learn a bit about the local culture, and get the lay of the land. The archipelago of Bocas is a reflection of Afro-Caribbean culture. As you walk the streets you’ll hear calypso and reggae rhythms, and guari-guari- a language that is a mixture of English, French and Spanish. After the walk, take some time to wander on your own, find a comfortable spot, breathe in the fresh air, and simply enjoy being present in one of Panama’s favorite destinations for locals and travellers alike.

Transport: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca – Sixaola (2.5h)
Event: Border Crossing (Costa Rica – Panama) (1.0h)
Transport: Guabito – Almirante (2.0h)
Transport: Almirante – Bocas del Toro (0.5h)
Event: CEO-led Orientation Walk – Bocas del Toro (0.25h)
Freizeit: Bocas del Toro
Unterkunft: Dreamers Hostel

5. Tag Bocas del Toro

The tropical vibes continue during a full free day to enjoy all that Bocas del Toro has to offer. Think paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling, or maybe a bioluminescence tour later in the day. Choose to be as relaxed or active as you would like. Swimming, sunbathing, rocking in a hammock, or people watching from a cute local spot, are great options too.

Freizeit: Bocas del Toro
Event: Big Night Out
Unterkunft: Dreamers Hostel

Optionale Ausflüge:
Bioluminescence Tour (**)
Fahrradverleih (**)

6. Tag Bocas del Toro

Charge up those phones and cameras because you’re going to want proof of today’s activity! The group will enjoy a visit to the famous Starfish Beach, known for the hundreds of starfish that spend the day in the shallow waters of an isolated cove. Swim in the calm waters and enjoy the beauty before you. Travel back to the hostel in the afternoon and relax on your own. Grab some friends and head out for a fun local meal and some dancing, read a book in solitude, or try one of the optional activities you didn’t have time for yesterday. There will be an optional group dinner tonight and everyone will walk there together if you choose to join.

Freizeit: Bocas del Toro
Event: Ausflug zum Starfish Beach (3.0h)
Unterkunft: Dreamers Hostel

Optionale Ausflüge:
Fahrradverleih (**)
Bioluminescence Tour (**)
Schnorcheltour bei Sonnenuntergang (**)

7. Tag Bocas del Toro / Boquete

Pack those bags and travel back to the mainland today as the group heads to the mountain town of Boquete, where an abundance of outdoor activities await! Along the way pay a visit to the local indigenous Ngäbe community and learn about the process from which chocolate is derived and why cacao is so important to their culture. Arrive in the evening to Boquete and get settled in at your base for the next few nights. Choose to join an optional dinner at a local spot with the group.

Transport: Bocas del Toro – Almirante (0.75h)
Transport: Almirante – Boquete (3.5h)
Event: Local Community Focused Chocolate Experience (1.0h)
Unterkunft: Hotel Oasis

8. Tag Boquete

Everyone loves to feel that adrenaline kick in every now and then, and the wooded valley of Boquete surrounded by mountains is the perfect destination to make that happen. Enjoy a full free day here to discover the trails of lost waterfalls, hike to Baru Volcano, go whitewater rafting, or horseback riding. You can also choose to book a tour of a coffee plantation, hike through the cloud forest, or try spotting wildlife in the area. Craving some deeper connection after a day of activity? Choose to join the group and walk from the hostel to a nearby restaurant for an optional local dinner.

Freizeit: Boquete
Unterkunft: Hotel Oasis

Optionale Ausflüge:
Wildwasser-Rafting (**)
Wanderung zum Verlorenen Wasserfall (**)
Reiten (**)
Coffee Plantation Tour (**)
Wanderung (**)

9. Tag Boquete

Everyone wants more time in Boquete, so take another free day to try some of the optional activities you didn’t have time for yesterday. Life is better when shared, so grab a buddy and opt in to one of the active activities together. Take pictures and videos of your experiences and push yourself out of your comfort zone in a place that largely celebrates being adventurous. Walk from the hostel to a local restaurant tonight for an optional group dinner and share stories of your experiences from today.

Freizeit: Boquete
Unterkunft: Hotel Oasis

Optionale Ausflüge:
Wildwasser-Rafting (**)
Wanderung zum Verlorenen Wasserfall (**)
Radtour in Boquete (**)
Coffee Plantation Tour (**)

10. Tag Boquete / Valle de Antón

Be enveloped by Panama’s inland scenery today while the group travels from Boquete to Valle de Anton. Located in the middle of the crater of an inactive volcano, this quaint town is rich in green, fertile land, biodiversity, and full of adventure waiting for you. Arrive later in the day, get settled in the hostel, and perhaps go out for dinner with the group and cheers to a successful travel day.

Transport: Boquete – Valle de Antón (7.0h)
Unterkunft: Hotel Don Pepe

11. Tag Valle de Antón

Valle de Anton is an ideal destination for travellers looking to hike, zipline, cycle, or soak in hot springs. If you’re feeling really adventurous, opt to try the 30km (18.6 mile) Ruta de la Caldera, or choose one of its sections, the most iconic being El Gaital which reaches over 1,000 metres (3,281 ft) above sea level. You could also rent bikes and cycle around the town, or visit the Pozos Termales to soothe those muscles from yesterday’s long bus rides. It’s your time to enjoy the great outdoors, laugh with your travel family, and soak up the cool weather as you search for wildlife on your own. As always, there will be the option to join together with the group for dinner in the evening at a hip, local spot, and dish out stories about how you spent your free day here.

Freizeit: Valle de Antón
Unterkunft: Hotel Don Pepe

Optionale Ausflüge:
Cerro Gaital Hike (**)
Valle de Anton Hot Springs (**)

12. Tag Valle de Antón / Panama City

Enjoy a relaxed morning before travelling by private bus to Panama City. Sit back and enjoy the scenery along the way, or catch up on your favorite podcasts and playlists. Arrive in the late afternoon and join your CEO for an orientation walk to discover the main attractions like Casco Viejo, Plaza de la Independencia, and the Panama Cathedral. Then, enjoy free time in the evening to take a more in-depth city tour, stroll or bike along the Amador Causeway, the city’s scenic boardwalk, or relax at your accommodation. Tonight is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the nightlife atmosphere of Panama’s capital.

Transport: Valle de Antón – Panama City (2.5h)
Event: Panama City CEO-led Orientation Walk (1.0h)
Freizeit: Panama City
Unterkunft: Hotel Toscana Inn

13. Tag Panama City

Panama City has plenty to offer travellers. From walking along the Bay of Panama, to visiting the Metropolitan Natural Park’s nature sanctuary in the middle of the city. If you’re feeling up to it, you could even arrange a visit to the iconic Panama Canal about an hour outside the city. From great food to loads of archaeological sites and colonial history, there’s loads to experience and check out. Enjoy yourself on this full free day in the vibrant atmosphere of the city before you go off the grid to the San Blas Islands.

Freizeit: Panama City
Unterkunft: Hotel Toscana Inn

Optionale Ausflüge:
The Shaping of Panama-Tour und Ausflug zu den Miraflores-Schleusen (**)
Besuch des Panamakanals (**)
Metropolitan Natural Park Visit (**)

14. Tag Panama City / San Blas Islands

It’s time to bid farewell to the mainland as the group travels early this morning to catch the ferry to the magical and largely untouched San Blas Islands. The islands are governed by the local Guna indigenous community and the archipelago is made up of 365 islands, of which only 50 are inhabited by the Guna community. The islands‘ well-protected natural beauty make them a top destination to experience while in Panama, especially before word gets out about this wonderful paradise. Arrive to the community of Carti and pay a visit to the chief at their local Congress House for a brief welcome. Then, continue by boat to Ariyaladub Island, where you will have free time to relax on the beach and explore the underwater world of snorkelling. Gather round with the group after an included dinner this evening and listen to stories about Guna culture for a truly unique introduction to the San Blas Islands. (M) (A)

Transport: Panama City – Guna Yala (2.5h)
Transport: Guna Yala – San Blas Islands (1.0h)
Freizeit: San Blas Islands

15. Tag San Blas Islands

Remember, a trip to the San Blas Islands won’t look like an island experience you’ve had before. So embrace the local customs and cuisine, and keep in mind there’s no internet access. You will be completely unplugged for a few days. It’s paradise without the everyday creature comforts, and you’ll be surprised by how much you enjoy the simple things in life. After breakfast visit a natural pool and check out the starfish lounging beneath the surface. Then, visit another island for a slight change of scenery. Relax more on the beach here, play some games in the water with your travel pals and go snorkeling. Arrive back to Ariyaladub Island and your cozy huts there for more free time. Kick back in the common area and take it easy, there’s nowhere to be but here. (F) (M) (A)

Freizeit: San Blas Islands
Unterkunft: San Blas

16. Tag San Blas Islands

Today, learn more about the prevalent traditional practices of the Guna. In the morning travel by boat to the Aguadub Community for a presentation and cultural session highlighting Guna tradition. This includes the art of crafting Molas, a traditional textile made from layers of colored fabric created to form patterns and pictures inspired by their universal beliefs. Listen as a member of the community discusses the significance of beadwork and ancestral medicine shared by a local healer. Return to Ariyaladub with a great appreciation for the indigenous community that calls these islands home and how they are working to protect and preserve its untouched beauty. This afternoon take advantage of free time to swim, snorkel, and maybe play a game of beach volleyball as a group. End the day feeling far more connected to this immensely special place. (F) (M) (A)

Event: Guna Community Visit (2.5h)
Freizeit: San Blas Islands
Event: Kuna Yala Cultural and Natural Immersion
Unterkunft: San Blas

17. Tag San Blas Islands / Panama City

Spend a leisurely morning on the island and soak up the magical connection you have built by visiting. Then, wave goodbye to the palm trees swaying in the breeze and the small waves crashing in the white sand as you board the boat back to Puerto Carti. From here, travel back to Panama City by private vehicle. Enjoy free time to explore the vibrancy of this city and if you desire, dance the night away with your new close friends. A rooftop bar seems like the perfect vibe for tonight’s night out on the town. The choice is all yours. (F) (M)

Freizeit: San Blas Islands
Transport: San Blas Islands – Guna Yala (0.5h)
Transport: Guna Yala – Panama City (2.5h)
Freizeit: Panama City
Event: Big Night Out
Unterkunft: Hotel Toscana Inn

18. Tag Panama City / Cartagena

Travel from Panama to Colombia today and enjoy time in South America! In the morning the group will catch a flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to get settled, explore a bit on your own, and fall in love with the pulsing energy of this gorgeous city.

Transport: Panama City – Cartagena (1.5h)
Freizeit: Cartagena
Unterkunft: Hotel Villa Colonial

19. Tag Cartagena

Start the day with a CEO-led orientation walk through streets of the historic old town. Depart from your hotel and pass by the Plaza de San Diego, Murallas de Cartagena for views of the Caribbean Sea, Heredia Theatre, and Monumento Torre del Reloj, during the route. Then, the day is yours to explore this coastal colonial city. Check out the San Felipe fortress, keep walking the lively streets, or take a break from the heat and people watch in one of the city’s many plazas, like Plaza de Santo Domingo. (F)

Event: CEO-led Orientation Walk of Old Town Cartagena (1.0h)
Freizeit: Cartagena
Unterkunft: Hotel Villa Colonial

Optionale Ausflüge:
Bootsausflug zum Nationalpark Islas del Rosario (**)
Besuch des Karibischen Marinemuseums (**)
Besuch des Palasts der Inquisition (Museum) (**)
Nächtliche Chivafahrt (**)
Besuch im Goldmuseum (**)
Besuch des Museums für moderne Kunst (Museo de Arte Moderno) (**)
Stadtführung in Cartagena (**)

20. Tag Cartagena / Minca

Leave the liveliness and pulsing energy of Cartagena behind and travel to the small town of Minca, where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air and take advantage of free time to explore. This growing village has a laid back, but energetic vibe with lots of opportunities for jungle hiking, waterfalls, and other adventurous activities. (F)

Transport: Cartagena – Minca (5.0h)
Freizeit: Minca
Unterkunft: On the rock hostel

Optionale Ausflüge:
Pozo Azul (**)
Hiking Jungle Trails Near Minca (**)

21. Tag Minca

In the morning after breakfast at the hotel, set off on one of the best, but lesser-known activities while in Minca; a hike to the Marinka Waterfalls. These two large jungle cascades can be found about 3.6km from town amidst the beautiful forest, and they offer a deep swimming pool to cool off in after your hike. The group will arrive back to Minca for a free afternoon to lounge about, or be as adventurous as you choose. (F)

Freizeit: Minca
Unterkunft: On the rock hostel

Optionale Ausflüge:
Pozo Azul (**)
Hiking Jungle Trails Near Minca (**)

22. Tag Minca / Palomino

Get ready to lean into those beach vibes and a laid-back coastal paradise energy as the group travels from Minca to Palomino, on the Caribbean coast. Due to it’s location at the southern portion of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, you get the lush mountain greenery right up against the warm sea. Upon arrival there will be free time for lunch on your own as well as the opportunity to book an optional tubing activity on the nearby river. Later, kick back with your travel buddies around a beach bonfire before a free night out in Palomino on your own. (F)

Transport: Minca – Palomino (2.0h)
Freizeit: Palomino
Event: Palomino Beach Bonfire (1.0h)
Unterkunft: Huku Beach Hostel

23. Tag Palomino

Travel into Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike thorough the stunning landscape accompanied by a local guide. Experience the natural biodiversity and beautiful trails while any nature lovers unite on a search for wildlife amid the dense jungle forest. Spend half of the day here in the park before an included lunch and transfer back to Palomino. Arrive in the early evening and spend it as you choose. Opt to find a local spot for dinner and toast with your travel pals to a day well spent, maybe catch the sunset. (F) (M)

Transport: Palomino – Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona (1.0h)
Event: Tayrona National Park Visit & Hike (4.0h)
Transport: Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona – Palomino (1.0h)
Freizeit: Palomino
Unterkunft: Huku Beach Hostel

24. Tag Palomino / Santa Marta

In the morning the group will travel by private vehicle to Santa Marta from Palomino. Upon arrival, join your CEO for an orientation walk of the town passing by landmarks such as, Parque de los Novios, Parque Bolívar, Parque Camellón Rodrigo de Bastidas (along the water), and the marina. Then, take advantage of free time in the afternoon to explore. Choose to grab some lunch at a local restaurant, or maybe head to El Rodadero for white sand beaches and warm water. Tonight, head out for a final night out on the town with your travel crew. (F)

Transport: Palomino – Santa Marta (2.0h)
Event: Santa Marta CEO-led Orientation Walk (0.75h)
Freizeit: Santa Marta
Event: Big Night Out
Unterkunft: Hotel Tayromar

Optionale Ausflüge:
Goldmuseum Santa Marta (**)
Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino (**)

25. Tag Santa Marta / Medellín

Wheels up! In the mid-morning, fly inland to Medellín, a city that has transformed into one of Latin America’s safest destinations. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to become acquainted with your surroundings on your own before an optional night out with the group. (F)

Transport: Santa Marta – Medellín (1.0h)
Freizeit: Medellín
Unterkunft: Viajero Medellin

Optionale Ausflüge:
Explora Park (**)
Museum für Moderne Kunst (**)
Besuch des Cerro Nutibara (**)

26. Tag Medellín

Explore Medellín today and visit the Comuna 13 neighbourhood-a community transformed. Embark on a walking tour and learn more about the social enterprises supporting the local women and youth. Afterwards, enjoy time to grab lunch on your own and choose to visit museums, take a historical tour, or try one of the other optional activities available in the area. (F)

Freizeit: Medellín
Event: Tour Comuna 13 Guide Local
Unterkunft: Viajero Medellin

Optionale Ausflüge:
Explora Park (**)
Museum für Moderne Kunst (**)
Besuch des Cerro Nutibara (**)

27. Tag Medellín

Depart at any time.

Event: Tag der Abreise

________
Fahrplan-, Flugplan-, Hotel- und Programmänderungen bleiben ausdrücklich vorbehalten.

(**) organisierte Programme sowie Aktivitäten. Diese sind nicht im Reisepreis enthalten und müssen vor Ort gebucht werden. Änderungen vorbehalten.

(F=Frühstück,M=Mittagessen,A=Abendessen)

Leistungen:

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Local Community Focused Chocolate Experience, Bocas del Toro
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Kuna Yala Cultural and Natural Immersion, San Blas Islands
Dein First-Night-Out-Moment: Begegne neuen Freunden
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Bocas del Toro
Dein Discover-Moment: Boquete
Dein Discover-Moment: Panama City
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Panama City
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Santa Marta. CEO-led Orientation Walk of Puerto Viejo. Biking in Puerto Viejo. CEO-led Orientation Walk – Bocas del Toro. Starfish Beach Visit. Panama City CEO-led Orientation Walk. 3-night San Blas Islands Stay supporting the local ingenious community. Guna Indigenous Community Visit & Presentation. Island Visits. Free time in Puerto Viejo, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, Valle de Anton, Panama City, San Blas Islands, Cartagena, Minca, Palomino, Santa Marta, and Medellín. CEO-led orientation walks in old town Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Guatapé. Walk to the Marinka Waterfalls outside of Minca. Tayrona National Park visit and moderate hike. Palomino beach bonfire. Comuna 13 visit and tour. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Unterbringung: Hostels (8 nts, multi-share), Hotels/Guesthouse (15 nts), Basic Island Huts (3 nts, multi-share).
Transport: Public bus, walking, private vehicle, ferry, boat, plane
Mahlzeiten: 11 Frühstück, 5 Mittagessen, 3 Abendessen

Aufpreis für Einzelzimmer – nur wenn explizit gewünscht:
Ansonsten wird das Zimmer mit einem gleichgeschlechtlichem Zimmerpartner geteilt

Gruppengröße: 11 Frühstück, 5 Mittagessen, 3 Abendessen