Costa Rica and Panama: Jungle roads to Caribbean flow

You've got a tingling in your stomach and a pillow behind your head as your plane takes off for the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. As you glide over the endless blue expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, your destination draws ever closer. The deep green colour of Costa Rica's untouched jungle shines out at you from afar, and you can feel the excitement within you building to no end.

More than ready to hit the jungle, it's hello, San José! Your plane lands, you pick up your hire car right at the airport and then drive to where you're staying. After safely parking your trusty new companion for the next few weeks, it's time to check in and put your feet up. You settle in in peace and quiet and soon find yourself dreaming of all the adventures to come. Tomorrow, you're off into tropical paradise!

Buenos días! Before you know it, you're cruising through a tropical sea of green. Dense vegetation stretches out in every direction and shines in your astonished eyes with a thousand radiant colours! By now, you're no longer surprised that almost a third of the country is a nature reserve. You roll down the window, feel the warm rays of sun on your skin and enjoy the breeze to the fullest.

Green soon turns to deep blue, and you've made it to the Pacific Ocean! Not only is your accommodation just a stone's throw away from the beach, but Manuel Antonio National Park is right nearby, too. But before you plunge into your jungle adventure, you're drawn to the endless azure expanse, where you bury your feet in the warm sand and let the hours fly by or go for a stroll along palm-fringed beaches till the sun gives way to the twinkling stars.

Into your car and into the depths of the jungle!

Our tip: book your entrance online in advance, then there'll be nothing holding you back. Lush green rainforest, gigantic mountains and white sand beaches make Manuel Antonio National Park one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica! Slide on your hiking boots, explore secluded trails and make your way through the dense vegetation of the jungle. Make sure to keep your camera ready, too; after all, the biodiversity here is truly unique: from iguanas to coatis and the rare squirrel monkeys, you'll find numerous exotic tree dwellers romping about in the dense canopy above you. And the hiking trail leads directly to the beach, where you can get up close and personal with sloths and capuchin monkeys climbing from tree to tree under coconut palms. Swim in the turquoise sea and watch majestic pelicans as they scour the waters for their next meal.

Even if you leave Manuel Antonio again today, come evening, you'll be welcomed back to Montezuma by the sound of the waves! You climb behind the wheel, roll down the window and soak up the sun's warming rays.  A little tip: drive your hire car to Puntarenas and take the car ferry from there to Playa Naranjo (optional, payable on site). This will save you the long journey around the Golfo Colorado, which is currently even longer due to the bridge closure.  

The scent of the sea fills the air as you slowly approach Montezuma or Santa Teresa. No matter where you stay, you can feel Costa Rica's chill vibes everywhere! Check in then enjoy an evening stroll through the alleyways and listen to the colourful soundscape. The best part of it all: the beach is just a stone's throw away! So, grab your favourite drink and end the day with the sun in your heart and your feet in the warm sand.