Panama Canal to the Costa Rican Highlands: A Central American Odyssey

Description

Experience all the wildness and beauty of Costa Rica and Panama on a sweeping adventure through the Panama Canal, along the coasts, and inland to a mist-shrouded cloud forest, volcano, lake, and a jungle village. First explore aboard the versatile National Geographic Quest. You’ll walk in the rainforest, kayak along pristine coastlines, search scarlet macaws and monkeys, and transit the Panama Canal—a modern wonder of the world. Snorkel at Isla Coiba, a UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the best reefs in the Eastern Pacific. Then venture inland to dramatic Monteverde cloud forest to experience this rugged, mist-shrouded ecosystem. Cross Lake Arenal by boat, then explore the smouldering Arenal Volcano. Plus, discover the Caribbean coast in remote Tortuguero National Park. With a rustic lodge at the water’s edge as your base, wander the narrow streets of the car-free village and venture into its narrow, wildlife-rich canals.

Trip Name

Panama Canal to the Costa Rican Highlands: A Central American Odyssey

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 72 metres Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins) Built: 2017 Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, National Geographic Quest more than comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 cabins. Her twin expedition craft landing platform allow us to rapidly get on and off the ship to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring. Created with a shallow draft, Quest draws only nine feet of water allowing her to sail into places where much larger ships cannot go. PUBLIC AREAS: Global gallery; fitness centre; LEXspa; lounge with full service bar and facilities for films and presentations; observation deck; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear, and a partially covered sundeck with chairs and tables. Our ‘open bridge’ provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation. MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and dinner is served family-style. Menu emphasises local fare. CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Expedition landing craft, a fleet of 24 kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splashcam, underwater video camera, video microscope, snorkelling gear for all guests (where applicable). SPECIAL FEATURES: Guest internet access, elevator, National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and undersea specialist. WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features a gym with an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycles, handweights and resistance bands. Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1: Panama City, Panama / Colón / Embark

Upon arrival in Colón, transfer by land to Panama City, and embark our ship National Geographic Quest. (D)

Day 2 - DAY 2: Gatún Lake / Panama Canal

Transit By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight. Today, choose hikes and Zodiac cruises at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute facility on Barro Colorado Island or take a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres River and hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - DAY 3: Gulf of Panama Islets

Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac or kayak. Here we might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical cormorants, and brown boobies. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - DAY 4: Coiba National Park, Panama

Our last stop in Panama this morning is at the remote Isla Coiba, one of the many islands of Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once a penal colony, the island has long been protected and accessible by special permit only. Among its many endemic species are the Coiba Island agouti and the mantled howler monkey, as well as four varieties of sea turtle. Discover rich marine life while snorkeling, go kayaking or hiking, try stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relax on the beach. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - DAY 5: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica as our nimble expedition ship takes us into the remote upper reaches of this placid bay. Exploring by Zodiac, paddleboard and kayak, we encounter Pacific Costa Rica’s dazzling avifauna as we watch for golden-hooded and Cherrie’s tanagers, yellowthroated toucans, fiery-billed aracaris and crimsonfronted and orange-chinned parakeets, constantly chattering in flight above the jungle treeline. The flora is a kaleidoscope of tropical color with bromeliads, heliconias and orchids set against the verdant green of the tropical forest. Later, jump into the cool, refreshing waters of the bay for an afternoon swim. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - DAY 6: Golfo Dulce / Osa Peninsula

Go ashore on the western side of the bay, in the pristine waters of Playa Blanca, on the Osa Peninsula. Head inland to meet and share with inspiring local families living in remote communities and working with cocoa, heart of palm, and sugar cane. Hike mature rainforest or kayak in peaceful waters in Golfo Dulce. By special arrangement, visit Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST) Association on the Osa Peninsula and assist researchers with data collection and hear presentations by the staff at LAST including a talk by the dedicated researchers, working so hard to positively impact sea turtle conservation. At the end of our visit, we will be invited to participate in the release of rehabilitated, healthy turtles back into the Pacific—a truly poignant moment. In the evening, enjoy a beautiful sunset. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - DAY 7: Corcovado National Park

Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the most pristine lowland rain forest on the Pacific coast. In the environs of Corcovado National Park, swim in waterfall pools, take an optional horseback ride on the coast, or trek through the rainforest for a chance to see four species of monkeys—howler, squirrel, spider, and capuchin. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - DAY 8: Puerto Caldera / Monteverde

Disembark and transfer to bird-watch and search for American crocodiles. Later, visit the Bat Jungle exhibit or hear from an early Quaker settler. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - DAY 9-10: Monteverde / Arenal

Enjoy a visit to a butterfly farm and a tour of the Monteverde reserve. Get a new perspective on the region as you sail across Lake Arenal. Check into your hotel and relax in the naturally heated pools. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - DAY 11-12: Arenal / Tortuguero

Walk the Arenal Hanging Bridges, strung through two miles of dense rain forest canopy. From Arenal, we cross the isthmus to Tortuguero, a spectacular Caribbean lowland forest on Costa Rica’s northeast coast. Tour the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero National Park in small, guided boats. Later, check into a rustic lodge at the water’s edge for dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - DAY 13-14: Tortuguero / San José

Enjoy a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy to learn the area’s history and go for a stroll through the car-less village. Then a charter flight will bring us to San José, where we partake in a workshop on preparing chocolate at Sibu Chocolatier. The day ends with a farewell dinner at Costa Rica Marriott Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - DAY 15: San José / Home

Transfer to the San José airport for flights home. (B)

Day 13 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Explore the Pacific and Caribbean sides of Costa Rica, inland rainforests, and mountains and see wonderful wildlife
Transit the Panama Canal over two days, with an exclusive visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute at Barro Colorado Island
Hike through the mist-shrouded cloud forest reserve in Monteverde with great bird watching
Walk suspension bridges in the dense forest surrounding Arenal Volcano and relax in nearby hot springs
Visit the remote, car-less town of Tortuguero and venture through rainforest-shrouded canals in small boats