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San Jose, Costa Rica
Use San José as a launchpad — stock up on gear, grab a casado in the Mercado Central, and visit the National Museum. Day trips to Poás Volcano are easy from here.
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La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Hike the Arenal Volcano trails and explore the hanging bridges of Mistico Park for incredible wildlife spotting. Wind down in the natural hot springs after a long day on the trail.
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Monteverde, Costa Rica
The cloud forest reserve here is world-class for birdwatching — keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal. Night walks reveal sloths, frogs, and insects that stay hidden by day.
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Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio National Park blends pristine beaches with dense jungle teeming with monkeys, sloths, and toucans. Hike the park trails in the morning before the heat peaks, then relax on Playa Biesanz.
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Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica
Gateway to Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth — tapirs, jaguars, and scarlet macaws roam freely. Book a guided overnight trek into the park from Puerto Jiménez in advance.
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Bocas del Toro, Panama
This Caribbean archipelago delivers turquoise water, coral reefs, and a laid-back island vibe perfect for snorkelling and beach recovery. Hop between islands by water taxi and look for red poison dart frogs in the jungle interior.
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Boquete, Panama
Boquete sits in a cool highland valley and is the base for summiting Volcán Barú, Panama's highest peak — the sunrise view spans both oceans on a clear day. The surrounding cloud forest is rich with quetzals and excellent coffee fincas to tour.
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Panama City, Panama
Walk the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo before watching massive container ships navigate the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks. It's also the best transit hub to fly or connect onward to Colombia.
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Santa Marta, Colombia
Santa Marta is the base for the legendary Ciudad Perdida trek — a 4-day guided jungle hike to the ancient Tayrona city that predates Machu Picchu. The trek crosses rivers, climbs 1,200 stone steps, and passes through indigenous Kogui villages deep in the Sierra Nevada.
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Cartagena, Colombia
Finish the adventure in Cartagena's stunning walled Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of colourful colonial architecture and rooftop bars. Day trip to the Islas del Rosario for snorkelling in the Caribbean, and feast on fresh ceviche in Getsemaní.