CYCLE NICARAGUA, COSTA RICA AND PANAMA This is the perfect holiday for somebody who loves to be on the go all the time, likes the idea of whizzing through 3 beautiful and interesting countries on a bike, and doesn't mind a bit of time spent on a minibus, but likes to fit in lots of other things too - birds, animals, history, scenery, rain forests, seas, boats, volcanoes and endless cocktails!
This is a very varied trip - lots of different scenery (mountains, jungle, colonial towns, pacific and caribbean coasts, lakes, islands, volcanos), wildlife (toucans, sloths, coatimundi, agouti, crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys...), cultures (the three countries are noticeably different from each other), food, ... there's something for everyone here. Unless you don't like cycling, that is...!
I have traveled to many countries before, mostly with the tour operator. I've been to at least 30 European countries, but this is definitely my new favourite destination and tour. To reach Colombia I had to undertake a few flights, this is the main reason why I choose this tour in the first place as it also includes Panama and Costa Rica - and make it worth the long return trip. Everybody was concerned when they heard I'm traveling to Colombia, but I felt save every single moment and I think Colombians are the most friendly and sincere people ever! The destinations on the Colombia part of the tour is stunning, and a perfect balance of cities, nature, food, drinks and attractions. Bogota walking tour was a surprize, so was Armenia coffee region. Medellin was unbelievable (I watched Narcos on Netflix before this!), but I so much enjoyed the destinations of St Marta and Cartagena on the Caribbean coast. There was even a resort stay on our own private beach with sunset dinner on the beach included! Panama City ... well a big city with all the things of a a big city. But, the Jungle is always just 10 minutes away and being from a engineering background, was fabulous to see so much of the famous Panama Canal! The included flight to Bocas del Toro was so fast and again, 2 full more days of Caribbean and plenty of Islands. And another private beach resort! The border crossing to Costa Rica was interesting - you have to walk across a bridge with your bags - followed by the drive up the coast and then to Arenal. The next 6 days is just pure overwhelming beautiful nature. I saw so many animals and wild life - including sloths! I can write so much more! But... just book the tour and see it yourself.