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Peregrine Travel Centre

Secret World of Two Oceans – A Voyage between Costa Rica & Guatemala

Secret World of Two Oceans – A Voyage between Costa Rica & Guatemala

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Description

Join us aboard the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky as we explore Central America’s Caribbean and Pacific coastlines visiting Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador and Guatemala. If you have been contemplating a visit to Central America, then this fascinating voyage could offer you the perfect opportunity with its mix of cultural and natural wonders. Our itinerary is made possible by the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel allowing us to pass from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
During our voyage, the history of the ancient Mayan civilisation, the colonial years and the more recent events of the region will be brought to life by our onboard team and local guides. There is also much of the natural world to occupy us on our journey including our visits to Costa Rica’s Palo Verde National Park and Curu National Wildlife Refuge, El Salvador’s most important marine ecosystem, the Jiquilisco Bay Biosphere Reserve, and the pristine Bocas del Toro archipelago in Panama. The birdlife of the region is magnificent, and it is home to countless species of endangered birds from tiny hummingbirds to flashy macaws and parrots, toucans and woodpeckers. Add an amazingly rich biodiversity of flora and fauna seen against some of the lushest of landscapes to be found anywhere in the world and you have the recipe for a perfect escape.
Such a varied and comprehensive itinerary would be difficult to comprehend or undertake by any other means than a cruise aboard a vessel like the MS Hebridean Sky with her expert expedition team, fleet of Zodiacs and just over 100 fellow passengers. We will be able to visit some small islands and ports which the larger cruise vessels simply cannot access and skip the arduous, lengthy land travel which such a trip would usually entail and instead relax on board as we deliver you to a new and exciting destination each day.
Some departures may have slightly modified itineraries. Please confirm the itinerary with an Expedition Specialist.

Trip Name
Secret World of Two Oceans - A Voyage between Costa Rica & Guatemala
Days
19
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 118 Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016 The MS Hebridean Sky is a beautifully appointed small ship, designed to offer an atmosphere of refined elegance and intimate comfort. With just 59 spacious suites, many featuring private balconies, she provides all guests with an outside view and a sense of relaxed luxury. Suites are finished in warm wood panelling and brass, with thoughtful details such as rainfall showers, dressing gowns, Noble Isle toiletries and flexible bed configurations. The public areas are equally welcoming, from the bright dining room and convivial Club bar to the well-stocked library and panoramic observation deck. A clinic with doctor, hairdressing facilities, a lift serving all decks and complimentary Wi-Fi ensure that every journey is made in comfort and ease. Life on board the MS Hebridean Sky is calm, sociable, and tailored to those who value discovery and relaxation over large-scale entertainment. Dining is a highlight, with talented chefs crafting exquisite à la carte menus often enhanced by fresh local produce, complemented by fine wines included with meals. Guests may enjoy al fresco meals on the Lido Deck, afternoon tea, or informal evenings with music in the lounge. Enrichment comes through fascinating lectures, daily briefings, and the company of like-minded travellers, while the warm and attentive service creates the feel of a private yacht or country house hotel. With her understated elegance, exceptional service, and focus on exploration, the Hebridean Sky offers a truly memorable and distinguished cruising experience.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London to San Jose, Costa Rica.
Fly by scheduled flight to San Jose. On arrival we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure.
Day 2 - Day 2 San Jose to Puerto Limon.
After breakfast in the hotel enjoy some free time before we transfer to Puerto Limon, enjoying a local lunch on the way. On arrival we will embark the MS Hebridean Sky and moor overnight.
Day 3 - Day 3 Puerto Limon.
After breakfast we head to the Cahuita National Park. The area is filled with wildlife that includes howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, raccoons, sloths, otters, coatis, agoutis, armadillos and porcupines. Several avian species also live in the swamp forest including the green ibis, the green kingfisher, the yellow crowned night-heron, the frigate bird and the boat-billed heron among others. Our naturalist guides will lead us through the trails of the rainforest, sharing their vast knowledge of this fragile ecosystem. Alternatively, take a boat ride through the scenic Tortuguero Canals, known as the Costa Rican Amazon, as the surrounding rainforest supports a wide range of flora and fauna. Here we can hopefully sight waterfowl, monkeys, lizards, sloths and toucans. We will return to the ship via a banana plantation where we learn about this staple of the local economy.
Day 4 - Day 4 Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Today we discover the Bocas del Toro archipelago, pristine islands which are now part of a national marine park. We will spend the day surrounded by astounding beauty with the opportunity to visit the small town of Bocas del Toro where there will be some time to wander amongst the fine old Spanish buildings or maybe visit one of the local beaches for a swim in the clear waters.
Day 5 - Day 5 Colon & Panama Canal Transit.
From our berth in Colon, we will visit the new locks of the Panama Canal expansion. The expansion was the largest project at the canal since its original construction and created a new set of locks, doubling the waterway’s capacity. At the Agua Clara Visitor Centre we will learn about the history of the canal, the expansion efforts and watch the ships passing through. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and the remainder of the day and evening will be spent transiting the Panama Canal. The first attempt to build the canal was made by a French company but ended in failure in 1889. The American government eventually bought out the French for 40 million dollars, and their attempt to build the Canal started in 1904. Through the efforts of over 80,000 workers and the loss of more than 30,000 lives, the greatest single construction project ever undertaken was completed. The project ended in triumph, with the Canal opening in 1914, and it is now a vital artery of international trade, with nearly 14,000 ships travelling through it every year. The canal is around 50 miles long and takes between eight to ten hours to cross.
Day 6 - Day 6 Islas de Las Perlas.
Awake on the Pacific coast of Panama and enjoy a lesiurely morning at sea as we cruise to the Islas de Las Perlas. We will spend the afternoon exploring this archipelago of islands named after the large pearls found in the waters. Native Indians inhabited these islands until the 16th century when the Spanish discovered the pearls and Isla Contadora became a centre for their transit to Spain. With over 200 islands, the majority of which are uninhabited, we will find a spot to relax on the beach or swim in the clear waters with the schools of tropical fish.
Day 7 - Day 7 Darien National Park.
Over breakfast we arrive at the wild, rugged and remote Darien Province. The Darien Jungle is recognised as one of the world’s top ten birding sites and we hope to see many bird species such as the colourful crimson-collared tanager, green and chestnut-fronted macaws, rufous-tailed and snowy-bellied hummingbirds. Landing on the beach of Playa Muerto we will visit the Embera Indian village. The Embera Indian Tribe are a proud people who have been able to maintain their traditions and lifestyles. During our time in the village we will learn about the history of the tribe, meet its people and learn about their life. Returning to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch, we will enjoy a leisurely afternoon at sea.
Day 8 - Day 8 Chiriqui Gulf Marine Park.
Our final call in Panama will be the Chiriqui Gulf Marine Park which spreads over 36,000 acres and comprises of 25 islands and numerous coral reefs. Created in 1994 the marine park’s aim is to aid the preservation of the region’s ecosystems, diverse flora and fauna, scientific conservation projects and to protect the islands’ endangered inhabitants. We will land on one of the islands where you may choose to take a nature walk to mangroves learning about the local flora and fauna or find a spot under a palm tree on the beach and take a swim.
Day 9 - Day 9 Golfito & Puerto Jiminez, Costa Rica.
Arrive into Golfito and after clearing immigration formalities we spend the morning at one of Costa Rica’s most famous National Parks, the Golfito National Wildlife Refuge. Spread out over 2810 hectares it is home to many species of birds including macaws, parrots and brown pelicans whilst common mammal sightings include white-faced capuchins, spider monkeys, howler monkeys and many species of snakes and butterflies. Over lunch we will sail across Golfo Dulce to Puerto Jimenez from where we will visit one of the nearby fincas that specialises in cacao production. The crop has been grown in this region since the Mayans and we will learn about the cultivation of the crops and after walking through the plantation, see how it is transformed into chocolate. Alternatively join a walk in La Perica Sloth Garden where there will be the opportunity to spot the animals in their natural environment as well as other wildlife including hummingbirds and iguanas.
Day 10 - Day 10 Curu National Park & Isla Tortuga.
We spend the morning exploring the Curu National Wildlife Refuge which boasts a rich and diverse wildlife in five different habitats ranging from marine zones, including a wide beach area, mangrove swamps and tropical forests. Here on a range of walks we will find a number of species of birds, howler and capuchin monkeys and turtles. Over lunch we sail the short distance to Tortuga Island where we have the chance to spend the afternoon relaxing on the white sand beaches or taking a swim in the clear waters.
Day 11 - Day 11 Palo Verde National Park.
Our final stop in Costa Rica is Playa del Cocos in the Papagayo Gulf. Once a small fishing village it has grown into a popular destination for local Costa Rican tourism. We will use our Zodiacs to land before heading inland to the Palo Verde National Park where we will board local boats to travel along the Tempisque River seeing the mangroves and dry forest vegetation which is home to countless birds and multiple mammals. As we will be visiting in the dry season we hope to see peccaries, armadillos, jaguarondis, coatis, agoutis, deer and monkeys which are attracted to the river. We will enjoy lunch at the 19th century Hacienda House with views of the savannahs and sugar cane fields.
Day 12 - Day 12 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we continue our journey towards El Salvador.
Day 13 - Day 13 La Union, El Salvador.
We will spend the day exploring the southern region of El Salvador and there will be a choice of excursions. You may wish to follow the ‘peace route’ set up to remember the events of the 1980s when El Salvador experienced a bitter civil war. It is estimated that over 100,000 were killed in the fighting whilst half a million people fled into exile. We will visit Perquin, once a stronghold of the guerrillas and home to the Museum of the Revolution where former members of the rebel army are willing to share their experiences. We continue to the village of El Mozote where in December 1981 one of the worst atrocities occurred and more than 1000 people were killed in a single day. Our local guides will explain about living in the country during this time and we will see the monument erected for the victims and the memorial garden decorated with brightly coloured murals. Alternatively a full day tour will visit the Jiquilisco Bay Biosphere Reserve which is El Salvador’s most important marine ecosystem with the coastal area being made up of remote islands, mangrove canals and desolate beaches whilst inland we will find beautiful forests and cacao plantations. It is an important base for migratory birds as well as a nesting site for four sea turtle species including one of only two sites in the Pacific for the endangered Hawksbill Turtle. We will explore the different areas of the reserve spending time with the environmentalists and scientists who will teach us about the conservation of the turtles, and we will walk through the forest on the lookout for spider monkeys. We will also visit a cacao plantation where we learn about the cultivation of cacao which creates some of the finest chocolate.
Day 14 - Days 14 & 15 Acajutla.
After a leisurely morning at sea we arrive in the port of Acajutla where we spend the next day and a half. An afternoon tour will explore some of the colonial towns and communities on the ‘Flower Route’ named after the abundance of flowers found along the roadsides and in the villages. We will drive through the beautiful mountains to the town of Nahuizalco, home to one of the most longstanding native communities and arts and crafts production sites in the country. We continue to Ataco, the final stop on the Ruta de las Flores. Ataco is a quaint, colonial village that is known for its natural beauty, as well as its brightly painted homes, cobblestone streets, colourful murals and unique arts and crafts. Meanwhile a full day excursion will discover the Mayan route starting at the archaeological site of Joya de Ceren, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Pompeii of America. The site was covered by the Loma Caldera volcano explosion which kept the remains of pre-Hispanic civilisation covered for hundreds of years and the site provides a unique insight into everyday life in a Mesoamerican farming community of the 6th century AD. We continue to the ruins of San Andres, once an important political and religious centre and testimony of the Indigo industry during the colonial period, better known as the ‘Blue Gold’. After lunch in a local restaurant we will continue to Santa Ana and see the beautiful Gothic Cathedral and National Palace before our tour ends at the ruins of Tazumal, the largest pyramid in El Salvador which dates from 1500 BC and is an important Mayan settlement.
Day 15 - Day 16 Puerto Quetzal to Antigua, Guatemala.
We will disembark after breakfast in Puerto Quetzal and drive to Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between three magnificent volcanoes in 1542, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the Americas. Antigua remained an economic and political heart of Central America until a devastating earthquake in 1773 destroyed much of the city. We will explore the city with its wealth of colonial buildings, beautiful squares, cobblestone streets and Baroque churches. This afternoon we will transfer to our hotel for a two night stay and the remainder of the day will be at leisure for independent exploration before we meet for dinner tonight.
Day 16 - Day 17 Lake Atitlan.
After breakfast, we embark on full day tour to Lake Atitlan, described by Aldous Huxley as the most beautiful lake in the world. Surrounded by 12 post-Mayan villages, all bearing the names of Catholic saints, and surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, the experience is unique. We visit the main town of Panajachel where there will be some time at leisure to take some photographs and explore the local shops. After lunch in a local restaurant we will head back to our hotel in Antigua and there will be some free time before we meet for dinner this evening.
Day 17 - Day 18 Antigua to London.
Check out from the hotel after breakfast and transfer to Guatemala City Airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 18 - Day 19 London.
Arrive this afternoon.
Day 19 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-02-202704-03-2027GBP £11,295Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
14-02-202704-03-2027GBP £11,895Byrd Deck Superior Suite
14-02-202704-03-2027GBP £12,295Mawson Deck Premium Suite
14-02-202704-03-2027GBP £12,495Mawson Deck Corner Suite
14-02-202704-03-2027GBP £13,895Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
14-02-202704-03-2027GBP £14,195Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
14-02-202704-03-2027GBP £14,395Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite
14-02-202704-03-2027GBP £14,495Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
14-02-202704-03-2027GBP £14,995Byrd Deck Superior Sole
14-02-202704-03-2027GBP £0San Jose To Antigua Departure
27-02-202715-03-2027GBP £11,295Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
27-02-202715-03-2027GBP £11,895Byrd Deck Superior Suite
27-02-202715-03-2027GBP £12,295Mawson Deck Premium Suite
27-02-202715-03-2027GBP £12,495Mawson Deck Corner Suite
27-02-202715-03-2027GBP £13,895Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
27-02-202715-03-2027GBP £14,195Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
27-02-202715-03-2027GBP £14,395Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite
27-02-202715-03-2027GBP £14,495Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
27-02-202715-03-2027GBP £14,995Byrd Deck Superior Sole

Inclusions

    • Panama Canal Transit and Agua Clara Visitor Centre: Experience a full transit of the iconic Panama Canal, a 50-mile engineering marvel, and visit the Agua Clara Visitor Centre to learn about its history, expansion, and role as a vital global trade route.
    • Cahuita National Park and Tortuguero Canals, Costa Rica: Explore the biodiverse Cahuita National Park, spotting howler monkeys, sloths, and vibrant birdlife, or take a boat ride through the Tortuguero Canals, the "Costa Rican Amazon," teeming with waterfowl, monkeys, and toucans.
    • Lake Atitlan and Antigua, Guatemala: Visit the stunning Lake Atitlan, surrounded by three volcanoes and 12 Mayan villages, and explore Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic Baroque churches.

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