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Peregrine Travel Centre

East & West of Panama

East & West of Panama

From £7,295 GBP

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Description

Let us take you to some of the loveliest and untouched places in Ecuador, Panama and Colombia as we sail from coastal Ecuador and transit through the Panama Canal, top of many a traveller’s wish list, to the colonial architecture and crystal waters of the Southern Caribbean.

The region has abundant wildlife, highlights of which are Ecuador’s Machalilla National Park, a protected coastal haven for over 200 species of birds and wildlife and Colombia’s Utria National Park with its dense rainforest, mangroves and white sandy beaches, home to many bird species, reptiles and monkeys. Our voyage is also rich in historical and cultural interest with visits to Panama’s remote Darien province, home to the Emberá Indians and the San Blas Islands where the Kuna Indians proudly preserve their heritage. We continue through the Southern Caribbean to Cartagena, a marvellously colourful and historic port on the Colombian coast and Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia and from where we will visit Tayrona National Park, a beautiful coastal and mountain park. Bonaire in the Dutch Antilles with its very evident Dutch heritage and natural beauty will be our final stop before what promises to be an incredible voyage comes to an end in Curacao.

Much of the itinerary is far from the ‘big ship’ routes and includes little known but fascinating destinations with magnificently diverse wildlife, beautiful beaches and fascinating indigenous cultures. With amazingly rich biodiversity of flora and fauna seen against some of the lushest of landscapes to be found anywhere in the world, a voyage such as this would be difficult to comprehend or undertake by any other means than a cruise. The MS Hebridean Sky is the perfect vessel for such a journey and our Zodiacs will be put to good use in the more remote places allowing us to land and explore otherwise unreachable places.

Trip Name
East & West of Panama
Days
17
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 110 Built: 1992 - newly re-launched 2016 The Hebridean Sky (formerly the Sea Explorer) underwent a 6.5 million dollar refurbishment. Always  known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie, the Hebridean Sky continues that tradition adding a host of new amenities as well as state of the art stabilization, fuel efficiency, and upgraded communications systems. Its all-suite accommodations and increased adventure options make the Hebridean Sky the perfect blend of luxury and adventurous exploration. SPACIOUS SUITES Hebridean Sky is an all-suite yacht accommodating up to 110 guests. Built in 1992, refurbished 2014 and again in 2016, each suite features: • Exterior views • Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds • Sitting area with sofa and side chair • Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player • Telephone • Independent temperature controls • Mini-Bar • Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries • Hair dryer • 220 square feet or more • Sofa can be converted to bed for third person In adition Promenade, Deluxe, Veranda & Penthouse Suites include: • En suite Champagne & Chocolates on Arrival • Complimentary mini-bar (beer, wine & soft drinks) • $100 per person Gift Shop credit • En suite Nespresso machine Penthouse Suites (325 sq.ft.) and Veranda Suites (260 sq.ft.) feature private balconies. ONBOARD DINING Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage. SERVICES • World-Class Cuisine • Complimentary Wine with Dinner • Live Entertainment • Complimentary Coffee/Tea station • Voyage Photographer • On-board MD and Facilities • Dedicated Passenger Service Manager • Pre-voyage hotel night • Complimentary Expedition Jacket FACILITIES • Elevator serving all passenger decks • Upgraded WIFI Internet • Library with computers • Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform • Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment • Boot Room • Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities • DVD Movie Library Deck plans may very depending on the ship operator.

Itinerary



Day 1 - London or Manchester to Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Oro Verde Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay. Remainder of the day and evening is at leisure.
Day 2 - Guayaquil.
Enjoy a leisurely morning before lunch at a local restaurant followed by a city drive which will include the Centennial Plaza which honours the heroes of Guayaquil’s independence, the famous Moorish Clock Tower and Bolivar Park, with an equestrian statue of South America’s liberator, Simon Bolivar. At the end of the tour we transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and embark.
Day 3 - Puerto Lopez & Machalilla National Park.
As we start our exploration of coastal Ecuador we will anchor at Puerto Lopez for an excursion to the Machalilla National Park, an area of great diversity on the juncture of the cold Humboldt current flowing north and the warm El Nino current flowing south. It contains one of the world’s largest tropical dry forests, at 55,000 hectares, and is an example of the vegetation that once covered 25% of Ecuador’s land mass. We will split into groups for our walks to see the varied flora and fauna, including several types of cacti, Kapok and palo santo trees that have adapted to the arid conditions, and the many varieties of birds including coastal parrots. We will enjoy lunch in the park after which there is the option to return to the ship or visit nearby Los Frailes beach for a swim. Over dinner we sail the short distance to Isla de La Plata for our overnight anchorage.
Day 4 - Isla de la Plata.
Around forty kilometres off the Ecuadorian coast is the small island of Isle de la Plata (Silver Island) where it is claimed Sir Francis Drake buried some of his treasure. The island is part of the Machalilla National Park and a sanctuary for sea birds such as the red footed, blue footed and Nazca boobies who share the steep cliffs with frigate birds, albatrosses and the red-billed tropic birds. This morning either join our naturalists on a series of walks searching for wildlife or enjoy a swim from one of the nearby beaches. Return to the ship for lunch and keep an eye out for dolphins as we start our journey to Colombia.
Day 5 - At sea.
Enjoy a day at sea as we cross the equator. Maybe join a lecture or relax with a book on deck.
Days 6 & 7 - Utria National Park & Bahia Solano, Colombia.
After clearing immigration formalities in Nuqui we reposition to the Utria National Park, a tropical forest which reaches down to the sandy beaches. We have a day and a half to explore this beautiful area, using our Zodiacs to get ashore to enjoy hikes and nature trails and observe the flora and fauna with our local guides. In Bahia Solano the more active amongst us may wish to join a walk through the jungle to the impressive Cascada Chocolatal waterfall, with our naturalists helping to identify the local flora and fauna along the way. We also see the botanical gardens which run alongside the Rio Mecana and are part of a 170 hectare nature reserve, made up of mangroves, tropical forest and native plants and trees of the Choco region. Our local guides will lead walks through the gardens, pointing out the indigenous plants and birdlife and highlighting the ongoing reforestation programmes. On the afternoon of day 7 we sail towards Panama.
Day 8 - Darien, Panama.
This morning we arrive at the wild, rugged and remote Darien Province and timings today will be tidal dependent. We will explore this pristine, seldom visited area by local canoe, navigating up the tidal Mogue River to an Embera Indian settlement. These little known tribes offer a fascinating glimpse of an ancient world that has changed little since Sir Francis Drake was ransacking the shore of the Spanish Main.
Day 9 - Panama City.
Panama City is a combination of the historic old town, declared a UNESCO historical monument, and the ultra-modern new town. We will stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Casco Viejo visiting the colonial mansions and 17th century churches and convents before continuing to Panama Viejo and the original ruins of the city founded in 1517 and burnt to the ground by British pirate Henry Morgan. This afternoon is free to explore further and maybe look for the famous Panama hats. Alternatively join an excursion to the Panama Canal Observation Centre. Here we will learn about the expansion of the canal before visiting the Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre where we see the history of the canal and watch the ships as they pass through.
Day 10 - Panama Canal Transit.
An undisputed destination on the travel bucket list has to be 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 11 - San Blas Islands.
After a morning at sea we arrive at the stunning San Blas Archipelago made up of over 400 islands which line the north coast of Panama with dazzling white sandy beaches, set in a turquoise sea. The islands are home to the indigenous Kuna Indians who gained self-rule from the government of Panama in the 1920s and maintain their traditional way of life including the production of colourful fabric art known as ‘molas’.
Day 12 - Cartagena, Colombia.
Today we arrive in the colonial walled-city of Cartagena, virtually surrounded by water and steeped in history, with a wealth of 16th and 17th century buildings and churches. There will be a choice of tours, you can either join a morning walking tour including the 16th century Fort of San Felipe and monastery of San Pedro Claver, or a full day boat trip to the nearby Rosario Islands at Isla Baru, encircled by coral reefs and declared a National Natural Park.
Day 13 - Santa Marta.
The Santa Marta area is renowned for the eco-diversity and dramatic beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the highest coastal mountain range in the world, that sweep down to the sea. From our berth we will travel slightly inland to the Tayrona National Park this morning. Covered in large part by virgin tropical forest, the park is home to over 100 species of mammals, 200 species of birds and 50 species of reptiles. On a walk through this semi-tropical jungle we will be joined by a local guide who will offer insights into the park’s vegetation, animals and eco-system.
Day 14 - At sea.
Enjoy a day at sea as we sail to the Dutch Antilles.
Day 15 - Bonaire, Dutch Antilles.
Over breakfast we arrive in Bonaire, world famous for the variety of its corals, fish and exceptionally clear waters. Our morning will be spent at the Washington Slagbaai National Park, which was created to protect some of the Caribbean’s last remaining desert habitat. The island’s birdlife is remarkable including native parrots and, in one of the lagoons, a resident flock of flamingos. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon or join a scenic tour of Bonaire to see the salt water lagoon at Lake Goto followed by Mangazina di Rei cultural park which showcases indigenous culture.
Day 16 - Willemstad, Curacao to London or Manchester.
Arrive this morning into the lively port and UNESCO World Heritage site of Willemstad. This capital has a rich history dating back to the 16th century and the island’s colonial Dutch heritage sets a genteel tone amid markets, museums and cafes. On a morning excursion we will explore the historic downtown district including Fort Amsterdam before transferring to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London or Manchester.
Day 17 - London or Manchester.
Arrive this morning.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-04-201724-04-2017£10,545Shackleton Hebridean Suite
08-04-201724-04-2017£7,695Byrd Superior Suite
08-04-201724-04-2017£7,295Amundsen Standard Suite
08-04-201724-04-2017£8,970Amundsen Standard Sole
08-04-201724-04-2017£9,460Byrd Superior Sole
08-04-201724-04-2017£9,495Shackleton Owner's Balcony Suite
08-04-201724-04-2017£9,095Scott Deluxe Balcony Suite
08-04-201724-04-2017£8,795Mawson Corner Suite
08-04-201724-04-2017£7,995Mawson Premuim Suite

Inclusions

    • Enjoy an excursion to the Machalilla National Park, an area of great diversity on the juncture of the cold Humboldt current flowing north and the warm El Nino current flowing south.
    • Visit the small island of Isle de la Plata (Silver Island) where it is claimed Sir Francis Drake buried some of his treasure.
    • Explore the Utria National Park, a tropical forest which reaches down to the sandy beaches. Have a day and a half to explore this beautiful area, using our Zodiacs to get ashore to enjoy hikes and nature trails and observe the flora and fauna.
    • Discover Panama City
    • a combination of the historic old town, declared a UNESCO historical monument, and the ultra-modern new town.
    • Transit the Panama Canal.
    • Arrive in Bonaire, world famous for the variety of its corals, fish and exceptionally clear waters.

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