It depends on what you want to do whether or not it would be wise to go independent in Panama or Costa Rica. In Panama, I did an excursion through the cruiseline where they take you the length of the canal in a ferry, which was really amazing. I've heard really good things about My Friend Mario's tours in Panama.


In Costa Rica, I did a wonderful tour through the ship which took us 3 hours inland to Tabacon Hot Springs and Mt. Arenal Volcano. I went through the cruiseline due to the time and distance involved (3 hours drive away from the port, and 3 hours back - the tour was the entire time we were in Costa Rica and they held the ship for us). However, I've heard really good things about independent excursions through Oscar involving the Tortueguero Canals and a Canopy tour and other things.

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