Panama boasts stunning beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Whether you seek relaxation, water activities, or picturesque sunsets, destinations like Bocas del Toro, San Blas Islands, and Santa Catalina will fulfill your beach dreams.
Explore the rich history and culture of Panama by visiting ancient indigenous sites. Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions and customs of the different indigenous communities throughout the country on a guided tour.
Panama is a paradise for ecotourism enthusiasts. Embark on thrilling adventures like zip-lining through rainforests, hiking volcanoes, chasing waterfalls, spotting exotic wildlife, or embarking on a boat tour of the pristine islands and mangroves.
Discover the cosmopolitan side of Panama by exploring Panama City. Wander through the historic Casco Viejo district, marvel at modern skyscrapers in the downtown area, enjoy exquisite dining experiences, and immerse yourself in a vibrant nightlife.
With over 1,500 islands dotted along its coasts, Panama offers incredible opportunities for island hopping and exploring secluded paradises. Each island has its unique charm, whether it’s the tropical beauty of Isla Taboga or the island hopping to the San Blas Islands.
Visit bustling markets like Mercado de Mariscos in Panama City to experience the local flavors and vibrant atmosphere. Take advantage of duty-free shopping opportunities in Panama City’s luxury malls or explore traditional handicrafts and artisanal products in smaller towns.
Panamanians are known for their warm hospitality and friendly nature. Experience the welcoming spirit of the locals as you interact with them during your travels, making your trip even more memorable.
We shared 10 reasons to travel to Panama. From jaw-dropping natural wonders to cultural treasures and thrilling adventures, Panama offers an authentic and enriching travel experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Belize is on the eastern coast of Central America and is at the TOP of my bucket list. Belize is the land of mountains, swamps, caves, and a tropical jungle. Oh, and BEACHES! There are many unique things to do in Belize, from exploring the Mayan Ruins or cave tubing to snorkeling at the Great Blue Hole or exploring temples. Below are the top 10 tours to book in Belize.
The best time to visit Belize is from late November to mid-April. These months are during the dry season in Belize.
5 Facts About Belize:
1-Belize is 180 miles long and 68 miles wide 2-Belmopan is the capital 3-Belize City is the largest city 4-English is the official language 5: The Belize dollar is the official currency
Travel Tips for Visiting Belize:
-A US Charger will work just fine in Belize. -$1.00 USD is = $2.00 BZD. -The best way to get around Belize is by water taxi or car. Taxis and rental cars are the most hassle-free mode of transportation. -You can stay up to 30 days without a Visa. -A passport is required.
Read the top 8 travel resources to help plan your trip or download our TRAVEL PLANNER! We listed different tour options for one specific adventure, like zip lining, to help you decide which tour to add to your trip.
Top 10 Tours to Book:
Tour 1: Mayan Temple, Cave Tubing, and Zip Lining-
This 5-star rated excursion on Viator costs $176.00 and takes you to Mayan Temple called Atun Ha, Cave Tubing down a river, and Zip Lining in the jungle all in one day! This tour begins at Belize City at 8 am and is six hours. Bottled water, transportation, and lunch are all included in the fee. Book your tour!
Altun Ha: Altun Ha is an ancient Mayan site that functioned as a trading post for centuries and features 13 temples.
Cave Tubing: Cave Tubing Adventures begins with a hike in the rainforest. Then you start your journey through the Caves of Belize in your singular tube.
Zip Lining: Zip lining is a great experience, especially if you love the adrenaline rush and are not afraid of heights.
Have you ever dreamed of swimming with SHARKS? Well, now you can! You can swim with nurse sharks, sting rays, and MORE on this Shark Ray Alley Tour on Viator!! This tour is an excellent way to experience the infamous Belize Barrier Reef. Book your tour!
Does life get any better than sailing in Belize? On this sailing and snorkeling tour at Ambergris Caye, you will witness incredible wildlife, coral reefs, and shark ray alley. Not only will you be able to see tropical fish, but you will also see nurse sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.
You will walk through the rainforest where the knowledgeable guides will explain about the wildlife in Belize. Once you reach the river, you will hop into your tube and relax as you sour through the Mayan Caves. This $65.00 tour on Viator includes lunch and is SUPER FUN! Book your tour!
On this 5-star rated adventure on Viator, you will kayak at Nohec Chen Park through caves. You will see crystalline rock formations and an underground waterfall on this adventure. Did I forget to mention? You get to hike through the jungle and Maya mountains to reach the cave entrance.
This river cruise will take you to Lamanai Temples, Ancient Mayan Palaces, and the Lamanai Museum. You will spot wildlife on the river cruise, including birds and monkeys.
Lamanai is a Mayan site located at the banks of New River Lagoon. While you explore this Mayan site, you will find pottery, drawings, and ancient figurines, which will provide you with a bigger picture of what life was like up until the 16th century.
You can play and feed monkeys on this tour!! The monkeys will be in their natural habitat. You will enjoy the rest of your day swimming and relaxing at a beautiful turquoise color beach.
Option 2: Altun Ha Temple, Cave Tubing, Zip Lining, and Baboon Sanctuary-
This combo tour will take you to Altun Ha Ancient Mayan Site, a Baboon Sanctuary, Zip Lining, and Cave Tubing. Wow! This tour is great to book if you are on a time limit and want to do multiple things in one day! Inside the cave, you will find crystalline formations, stalagmites, and stalactites. Then, you will see Baboons and monkeys up close at the Baboon Sanctuary!
This action-packed adventure will take you to three waterfalls, including the Twin Falls and Rio Frio. You will be able to swim or cliff jump at each waterfall. Rio Frio waterfall is 75 ft high and has an open area for swimming.
Tour 8: Bioluminescence Tour & Sunset River Cruise-
You will not forget the spectacular sunset and wildlife on this river cruise!! The $75.00 5-star tour on Viator begins at Anderson Lagoon on a boat. You will see bioluminescent plankton light up the water. Exploring the mangroves will be an experience of a lifetime. It will be so cool to see the natural phenomenon so closely. Did you know? Agitated plankton illuminate immediately.
You will not only see Xunantunich, the largest ancient Mayan city, but you will see Inland Blue Hole on this small group tour. The ancient Mayan city overlooking the Mopan River was once home to 100,000 people. The Inland Blue Hole lies on the offshore reef. You will find 200 species of birds and three big cat species. You will be able to go for a swim.
Belize faces the Caribbean Sea and is in Central America. The country is home to incredible Mayan ruins and the second largest coral reef. The natural beauty is one of the main reasons to visit Belize, as there are beautiful beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and caves to explore. Before we dive deeper into our blog filled with the 11 best things to do in Belize, be sure to book these two tours to get the most out of your experience in Belize:
Did you know? There are more Maya Ruins per square mile in Belize than in any other country. The best place to see the majestic ruins is at San Ignacio, where you can also explore various caves, visit a Mayan temple called Cahal Peach, and go to Chaa Creek Nature Reserve.
Xunantunich sits near a rainforest and rock ridges.
El Castillo is a Mayan Ruin that is 130 feet tall and is the second-tallest building in the country.
Altun Ha is an ancient Mayan site that functioned as a trading post for centuries and features 13 temples. Book the Altun Ha Temple Tour!
Caracol is one of the most impressive Mayan sites in the country. The Caracol Natural Monument Reservation features a vast Mayan city within the Chiquibul National Park.
Lamani is a Mayan site located at the banks of the New River Lagoon. While you explore this Mayan site, you will find pottery, drawings, and ancient figurines, which will provide you with a bigger picture of what life was like up until the 16th century.
The Blue Hole, located along the Belize Barrier Reef, is a dark blue circle surrounded by turquoise water and bright green coral. The Blue Hole formed 10,000 years ago when a cave collapsed. It is a scuba divers’ paradise. If you prefer to go snorkeling, then you can. The best spot to go snorkeling is along the edge of the hole, where you can check out the corals and marine life.
3-Stay at the Largest Island in Belize, Ambergris Caye
Belize is home to 200 secluded islands. Ambergris is the largest island at 25 miles long and is a perfect place to relax, eat food, and enjoy beachfront views. The best beach to relax at is called Secret Beach. The most common ways to get around the island are by golf cart or bicycle. The island’s main town is called San Pedro, which has cobblestone streets, colorful restaurants, and upscale hotels. We recommend staying at the Pelican Reef Villas Resort! WOW, the views are incredible.
4- See Jaguars at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
At Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, you will see jaguars, monkeys, and Toucans. Did I forget to mention it? There is a stunning waterfall and a chocolate factory where you can make chocolate!
Cahal Peach – This museum is a Mayan temple located at San Ignacio.
Museum of Belize- This museum preserves stories of the nation from early Mayan societies to colonization and modern history.
6- Go Island Hopping to the Turneffe Islands
The Turneffe Islands are home to 200 coral islands. Each island is magical and unique in a different way. You will find crystal clear visible waters, lagoons, creeks, crystalline flats, and more to explore.
A. Placencia Peninsula has three of Belize’s best turquoise-colored beaches.
B. Bird Caye National Park has sparkling white sand with a baby blue sea. The island is only 1.4 miles big. There are no shops or restaurants.
8-Explore the Charming Village of Hopkins
Hopkins is a village located in Southern Belize. The village has an endearing charm. The town began with the Garinagu people who fled from Honduras. Their culture is different from the rest of Belize. During the day, you can go snorkeling or scuba diving, while during the evening, you can experience the Garinagu drumming and dancing performances.
Toledo is also known as the Forgotten Land because the place is in a remote location with few tourists. The region is authentic with few infrastructures. You will be able to witness families tending to their crops and locals washing clothes in the river. The beach in Toledo is called the Snake Cayes, where you can go kayaking, swimming, or relaxing on the white sand.
9-Go Cave Tubing
Cave Tubing
Cave Tubing Adventures begins with a hike in the rainforest. Then you start your journey through the Caves of Belize in your singular tube. One of the best places to go cave tubing is near Altun Ha. Altun Ha is a Mayan ruin featuring 13 temples. Book your tour to go cave tubing, zip lining, and see a Mayan Temple!
Hol Chan National Park is within Ambergris Caye. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is one of the best to see along the Belize Barrier Reef. The best way to appreciate the reef is by putting on snorkel gear and exploring! You can do a 7-stop snorkel tour to swim with reef sharks in Shark Valley and Sea turtles!
Belize City has colorful colonial buildings and is home to the main airport. You will also find the Belize Zoo and other sites like the Museum of Belize and Belize Swing Bridge.
Costa Rica is home to beautiful beaches, a spectacular rainforest, and incredible wildlife. The list of things you could do in Costa Rica could keep you busy for an entire year if you wanted to stay that long; however, we are going to break down how you can spend your time there on a five-day time limit and budget to accomplish what we think would make for a memorable trip. This itinerary is for if you stay near Conchal Beach. Below is how to spend five days in Costa Rica.
Book Your Flight:
Book your flight to and from Liberia Costa Rica Airport. The tours below will pick you up directly from your hotel near Conchal Beach.
Where to Stay?
Find a hotel near Conchal Beach!
Day 1: Relax at the Beach
Conchal Beach
Costa Rica is home to world-class beaches and is known for waves that are great for surfing. The country also has calm, relaxing waters in some areas. Following this specific 5-day itinerary, spend this day at Conchal Beach. Playa Conchal is a crystal-clear ocean perfect for swimming!
Day 2: Half Day Tour of Water Tubing, Zip Lining, and Horseback Riding
This tour picks you up at 7:20 am at Conchal Beach!
If you are adventurous and love the adrenaline rush, this tour filled with outdoor activities is for you! This half-day tour on TripAdvisor has an average 5-star rating and will not only take you water tubing, but you will also be able to go zip lining, horseback riding, and to the Rio Negro Hot Springs!
Zip Lining:
Zip-lining through the Costa Rican Rainforest will give you the experience of a lifetime, as you will get a bird’s eye view of the lively forest below. Once strapped in your harness, you will start the zip-lining course through the incredible canopy and canyons over a turbulent river! This specific course has eight zip-line cables, a rock-climbing wall, a hanging bridge, and a Tarzan swing! Now, if you do not want to go rock climbing, you do not have to. The guides are super accommodating.
Horseback Riding:
What better way to explore Costa Rica than on a horse? This 45-minute horseback ride through the forest is incredible as you will see the local flora and fauna of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.
Water Tubing:
Water Tubing will be the time of your life, as you will bounce down Rio Negro’s speedy rapids in your tube.
Rio Negro Hot Springs:
Rio Negro Hot Springs
After lunch, you will go to the Rio Negro Hot Springs. The Rio Negro Hot Spring, naturally heated by the largest volcano, is in the Guanacaste region. The hot springs feature ten pools surrounded by a tropical dry forest. The mineral-laden waters of the hot springs in Costa Rica have therapeutic benefits. The hot springs have been known to cure aches and pains for over 200 years. The mystical healing is said to work.
Mud Bath:
The volcanic mud “bath” is another activity to partake in at the Hot Springs, where you will spread volcanic clay mud all over yourself and then wash it off with a cool river water shower. The hot springs will feel great afterward!
This tour picks you up at 7:20 am at CONCHAL Beach!
Rio Celeste Hike and Sloth Sanctuary: Costa Rica is home to breathtaking waterfalls. Swimming in the bright blue natural pool is an experience you won’t ever forget. Rio Celeste is one of the most beautiful sites ever. This tour will take you to this waterfall and a sloth sanctuary.
Rainforest: On the 2-mile hike to the waterfall, you will see incredible wildlife in the rainforest. A rainforest is a tropical forest with tall trees and heavy year-round rainfall. The tall trees block out sunlight preventing overgrowth as is found in a jungle. Colorful flora and Guanacaste trees are present in the rainforest and are exquisite. There are over 10,000 species of plants.
Costa Rica the most biodiverse country in the world. You will be amazed by the amount of wildlife you will see when you visit. Costa Rica is home to more than 230 species of mammals. In the country, you will have animal encounters in the wild. There are sloths lounging around, monkeys swinging from branches, iguanas everywhere, brightly colored tree frogs, and more. Did you know? There are six toucan species in Costa Rica. Toucans eat fruit only. Spotting wild animals in Costa Rica is bound to happen.
Sloth Sanctuary: The sloths are in their natural habitat. You won’t get to see them up close; however, you will see them at a distance. You will see brightly colored tree frogs.
Lunch:The restaurant for lunch overlooks two Volcanos. Costa Rica is home to 100 volcanoes. Seven volcanoes are active today. To be categorized as an active volcano means the volcano has erupted in the last 10,000 years. There are so many volcanoes in Costa Rica due to the northeast subduction of the Pacific tectonic plate underneath the Caribbean tectonic plate. The five must-see volcanoes to visit in Costa Rica are Arenal Volcano, Poas Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and Irazu Volcano.
This Whitewater Rafting Tour at the Tenorio River will be an adventure of a lifetime, as you will experience 15 miles of intense, challenging, and wild rapids.
You will find pristine beaches in Costa Rica, as I stated previously. It is your second day relaxing at Conchal Beach!
We listed how to spend five days in Costa Rica. Are you looking to stay more than five days? I recommend visiting the Arenal area, as you will then get to go to the infamous Arenal volcano, hot springs, and the Fortuna waterfall. Are you looking for a list of what to do in Costa Rica? Read: 5 Reasons to Travel to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in Central America because there are beautiful beaches, a spectacular rainforest, and incredible wildlife. It is best for travelers who love nature and outdoor activities. We share 5 reasons to travel to Costa Rica.
Reason #1: The Waterfalls:
Costa Rica is home to breathtaking waterfalls. Swimming in the natural bright blue pool under the waterfall is an experience you won’t ever forget.
La Fortuna Waterfall:
The most famous one is called the La Fortuna Waterfall. This Tripadvisor adventure will take you to the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and hot springs.
There is no shortage of things to do in Costa Rica, especially if you are an adrenaline seeker. You can go waterfall rappelling, white water rafting, visit volcanoes, zip lining, snorkeling, relax in hot springs, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, hiking, cave spelunking, and horseback riding. The country offers endless opportunities to get your heart pumping. Keeping yourself busy will not be a problem!
A. Waterfall Rappelling–
Pure Trek Canyoning has professional tour guides that provide safety tips, instructions, and equipment on your waterfall rappelling adventure. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the beautiful trails and spectacular views.
The mineral-laden waters of the hot springs in Costa Rica have therapeutic benefits. The hot springs have cured aches and pains for over 200 years, and the mystical healing is said to work. There are eight hot springs in the Arenal area. The Arenal Hot Springs, shown in the photo above, is one of the eight. The Rio Negro Hot Springs, naturally heated by the largest volcano in the Guanacaste region, is super relaxing. Another great place to visit hot springs is Los Lagunas, which offers two acres of multi-level pools. Eight have natural mineral water, while the remaining four are chlorinated pools.
There is a white-water rafting experience for all. If you want a more relaxing float down the river or an adrenaline-filled, fast-paced experience, there is an adventure for your needs. Costa Rica has got you covered.
Did you know? Almost anyone at any age and physical condition can enjoy zip-lining in Costa Rica, as you will be secured into a harness and attached to a sturdy cable. Zip-lining through the Costa Rican Rainforest will give you the experience of a lifetime, as you will get a bird’s eye view of the lively forest below.
The best places to go scuba diving in Costa Rica are off the Pacific Coast, where you can see some of the largest animals in the sea, like whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and the occasional humpback whale. The Gondola Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is the best spot for diving on the Caribbean Coast. You can swim with sharks in a “shark cave” where you can see white-tip sharks 50 feet deep.
F. Kayaking/ Paddle Boarding–
Kayaking and paddle boarding are great ways to get out on the water. The best beach to kayak at is Samara Beach due to the calm, relaxing water.
G. Surfing–
Tamarindo Beach is the best spot to surf for beginners.
H. Fishing–
Enjoy off-shore sport fishing, where you can catch everything from tuna to sailfish to prepare for your dinner.
I. Cave Spelunking–
In 1945, a farmer fell through a hole in the earth. The farmer discovered a chamber full of stalactites and stalagmites. This cavern is now known as the Venado Caves, an underground maze filled with limestone labyrinth carved by underground rivers.
J. Horseback Riding–
What better way to explore Costa Rica than on a horse? Traverse the misty mountainside or go horseback riding along the beach.
You can go biking through the charming rural villages or the mountains, jungles, and volcanos.
Reason #3: The Beaches:
Costa Rica is home to world-class beaches on two coasts: the Pacific and the Caribbean. The Caribbean coast is more laidback and less developed. The beaches on the Pacific coast are more touristy. You will find pristine beaches on both coasts and activities along them. Costa Rica is known for its surfing.
A. Tamarindo Beach:
Tamarindo Beach is perfect for beginner surfers. Langosta white sand beach is also worth a visit.
B. Dominical Beach–
Dominical Beach on the South Pacific coast is also well known as one of the best places to go surfing. The beach offers a year-round lifeguard program.
C. Conchal Beach–
The best beach to visit and snorkel at is Conchal Beach. Do not forget to bring your snorkeling gear!
D. Samara Beach:
The best beach to kayak and sport fishing is in the calm waters off Samara Beach.
E. Punta Uva:
Punta Uva is a quiet and calm white sand beach on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. There is a coral reef on this beach, so there will be tropical fish to go and see for yourself! Again, do not forget your underwater camera and snorkel gear!
F. Manzanillo Beach-
This laidback, turquoise beach is home to coral reefs, where you can snorkel, dive, or kayak.
Reason #4: The Natural Beauty:
Costa Rica has a diverse landscape to discover because you can see volcanos, rainforests, jungles, beaches, waterfalls, and mountains. The landscapes are magnificent, and the country preserves and protects their natural beauty.
A. Volcanoes-
Costa Rica is home to 100 volcanoes. Seven volcanoes are active today. An active volcano means the volcano has erupted in the last 10,000 years. The five must-see volcanoes are Arenal Volcano, Poas Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and Irazu Volcano.
B. Costa Rica Jungle & Mangrove Tours:
Hiking and kayaking are ways to explore the jungle in Costa Rica. Tortuguero National Park is primarily known for the sea turtles that come to shore; however, there are mangrove waterways with jungle undergrowth you can go kayaking through. The best place to go hiking in the jungle is Corcovado National Park.
C. Rainforest Destinations:
51% of Costa Rica is a rainforest. These numbers have declined due to deforestation.
What is a Rainforest? A rainforest is a tropical forest with tall trees and heavy year-round rainfall. Colorful flora and Guanacaste trees in the rainforest are exquisite. There are over 10,000 species of plants.
Manuel Antonio Beach
Manuel Antonio National Park has the best beach in all of Costa Rica. It takes about 30 minutes to hike from the entrance through the rainforest to Manuel Antonio Beach.
Other: The best rainforest destinations include Piedras Blancas National Park, Carara National Park, and Cahuita National Park.
Costa Rica is the most biodiverse country in the world. You will be amazed by the amount of wildlife you will see when you visit. Costa Rica is home to more than 230 species of mammals. You will see sloths lounging, monkeys swinging from branches, iguanas everywhere, brightly colored tree frogs, and more. Did you know? There are six toucan species in Costa Rica. They only eat fruit. Spotting wild animals in Costa Rica is bound to happen to you.
We listed 5 reasons to travel to Costa Rica! Have you ever been to Costa Rica? Please comment below about your experience!
