Exploring Arenal Volcano, Pearl Islands and the Panama Canal

Arrive in San José this afternoon and transfer to La Fortuna. This charming town in the northern highlands will be your base as you explore the surrounding areas and enjoy a sampling of Costa Rica’s best wildlife areas and trails. Opt to arrive early for a pre-voyage wildlife and glamping extension in the rainforests and reserves of Caño Negro.

Arrival Time: Arrive before 1:00 p.m. local time.  
Arrival City: San José, Costa Rica

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, located in the central valley region. It serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. The city is known for its museums, theaters, and lively urban atmosphere surrounded by mountains. San José blends modern development with historic architecture and local traditions. It is also a major gateway for travelers exploring the rest of Costa Rica.

Spend the first few days exploring the natural beauty of the Arenal Volcano Area. Once considered Costa Rica’s most active volcano, this cone-shaped wonder (which has been dormant since 2010) looms large over the verdant hillsides that surround it, providing a stunning backdrop to your activities.

Highlights include ziplining over dramatic views of the volcano, lush jungles and picturesque Lake Arenal; traversing suspension bridges for panoramic treetop vistas; searching for wildlife on the tropical forest floor; and taking a relaxing dip at the Ecotermales Hot Springs, which is heated by the natural energy surging from the nearby volcano.

We overnight at La Fortuna and also visit land nearby which was set aside to preserve the habitat for two- and three-toed sloths. Over 30 individuals of both species have been counted in the area. Your naturalists will share insights about the flora and the other fauna, including toucans, agoutis, tree frogs and owls, which reside in this tropical rainforest. Lastly, marvel at the lush scenery of Pierella Ecological Gardens, a nature reserve and butterfly farm where iconic species like the Blue Morpho are sustainably raised on the property.  On day 4 we overnight at San Jose in preparation for the next day’s activities.

Fly from San José to Panama City on a recommended group flight or on a flight selection of your own. Transfer by land to Colón to embark the National Geographic Quest. Meet your expedition staff and marvel at the coastline ahead as you sail to the historic port of Portobelo.

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, located in the central valley region. It serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. The city is known for its museums, theaters, and lively urban atmosphere surrounded by mountains. San José blends modern development with historic architecture and local traditions. It is also a major gateway for travelers exploring the rest of Costa Rica.

The Panama Canal Transit is the process of a ship traveling through the Panama Canal, moving between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. During the transit, vessels are raised and lowered through a system of locks to cross the continental divide. It is considered one of the most remarkable engineering journeys in the world. The transit offers passengers a close view of how massive ships are carefully guided through narrow waterways. Today, it remains a key route for global maritime trade and travel.

Expect incredible morning views as you arrive into the port for Panama City. Tinged with a silver pre-dawn light, the city will metamorphosise into a golden glow as the sun rises above it. And from then on expect one stunning view after another. Very interesting in its own right, Fuerte Amador is obviously overshadowed by its proximity to Panama City. So should the Miraflores museum of the Canal, which offers a comprehensive and immersive tour of the Canal including a 3-D experience, four exhibition halls, an observation deck, and a surprisingly good restaurant not interest you then there is always the option of lovely Casco Viejo – literally the old quartier of Panama. The grand old colonial houses, cobbled streets, independent boutiques and buzzing street scene make this a must stop on your itinerary. And if you like seafood, you will not want miss the many restaurants and market stalls serving different variations of so-fresh-it’s-still-practically-swimming ceviche. Best eaten like the Panamanians do, with salty crackers and a cold beer on the beach. And if money is no object, a cup of geisha coffee – supposedly the world’s best and definitely the world’s most expensive at $7 a shot is definitely a pick me up! Cool cosmopolitan capital aside, Panama has a skyscraper filled skyline that is worthy of some of its North American counterparts. But if urban utopia is not your scene then fear not, the sandy beaches and lush rainforests are never more than a short cab ride away.

The provincial capital of Colón, beside the canal's Atlantic entrance, is named for the Spanish-language surname of Christopher Columbus, though the Americans called it Aspinwall in the 19th century.. The city was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad and named Aspinwall for one of the railway engineers. Following completion in 1855, Colon gained in importance, which was furthered by the plans for an isthmian canal. During the time of the French canal attempt, a fire in 1885 burned the city nearly to the ground and left thousands of people homeless. Colon was rebuilt in the architectural style then popular in France. Buildings from that era plus the ones constructed by Americans between 1904 and 1914 are still in use today, although the majority is on the verge of collapse. In addition to its importance as a port, Colon boasts the world’s second largest duty-free zone, known as Zona Libre, which is contained in a huge fortress like, walled-off area with giant international stores. However, most of the merchandise is sold in bulk to commercial businesses throughout the country.

This morning, explore the Caribbean Sea on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or Zodiac cruises upriver. Portobelo is known for its Spanish colonial military architecture, which is designated collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit several of the town’s fortifications, as well as the old Customs House, and hear the tales of Portobelo’s pirate history. Enjoy a traditional Congo music and dance performance. Later on, set sail for the Panama Canal. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, crossing will most likely begin at night when the canal is dramatically lit. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor overnight in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument.

The Panama Canal Transit is the process of a ship traveling through the Panama Canal, moving between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. During the transit, vessels are raised and lowered through a system of locks to cross the continental divide. It is considered one of the most remarkable engineering journeys in the world. The transit offers passengers a close view of how massive ships are carefully guided through narrow waterways. Today, it remains a key route for global maritime trade and travel.

This morning, you have a choice of two activities: Hiking and Zodiac cruising around Barro Colorado Island, which is home to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute or a boat ride to Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, followed by a hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the Canal and venture into the Pacific Ocean.

The Panama Canal Transit is the process of a ship traveling through the Panama Canal, moving between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. During the transit, vessels are raised and lowered through a system of locks to cross the continental divide. It is considered one of the most remarkable engineering journeys in the world. The transit offers passengers a close view of how massive ships are carefully guided through narrow waterways. Today, it remains a key route for global maritime trade and travel.

Explore one of the approximately 200 islands that make up the idyllic Pearl Islands archipelago as you learn about the history of the native populations, and eventually the Spaniard colonizers and African slaves, who arrived for the pearl trade. Deep rainforests, lush rivers, white sandy beaches and shallow reefs provide a memorable backdrop for beach activities and snorkeling.

Approximately 200 islands make up the idyllic Pearl Islands. Explore several of the islands in the archipelago, including Isla del Rey and Isla Pacheca, as you learn about the history of the native populations and eventually the Spaniards and African slaves who arrived for the pearl trade. Deep rainforests, lush rivers, white sandy beaches and shallow reefs provide great opportunities for hiking, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac river cruises, beach activities and snorkeling.

Balboa is a historic area located within Panama City, near the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. It was developed during the early 20th century when the canal was being built. The area played an important role in supporting canal operations and shipping activities. Today, Balboa is known for its waterfront views, port facilities, and nearby cultural sites. It remains an important gateway between ocean trade routes and the capital city.

Expect incredible morning views as you arrive into the port for Panama City. Tinged with a silver pre-dawn light, the city will metamorphosise into a golden glow as the sun rises above it. And from then on expect one stunning view after another. Very interesting in its own right, Fuerte Amador is obviously overshadowed by its proximity to Panama City. So should the Miraflores museum of the Canal, which offers a comprehensive and immersive tour of the Canal including a 3-D experience, four exhibition halls, an observation deck, and a surprisingly good restaurant not interest you then there is always the option of lovely Casco Viejo – literally the old quartier of Panama. The grand old colonial houses, cobbled streets, independent boutiques and buzzing street scene make this a must stop on your itinerary. And if you like seafood, you will not want miss the many restaurants and market stalls serving different variations of so-fresh-it’s-still-practically-swimming ceviche. Best eaten like the Panamanians do, with salty crackers and a cold beer on the beach. And if money is no object, a cup of geisha coffee – supposedly the world’s best and definitely the world’s most expensive at $7 a shot is definitely a pick me up! Cool cosmopolitan capital aside, Panama has a skyscraper filled skyline that is worthy of some of its North American counterparts. But if urban utopia is not your scene then fear not, the sandy beaches and lush rainforests are never more than a short cab ride away.