Costa Rica & Panama Canal Discovery

ITINERARY

DAY 1
PUNTARENAS
Puntarenas is a place to experience the authentic and diverse culture of Costa Rica, located on a narrow peninsula that stretches into the Pacific Ocean. Puntarenas is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, who come to enjoy its beaches, seafood, and carnival atmosphere. Puntarenas is also a gateway to explore the region's natural wonders, such as the Tortuga, Chira, Coco islands, the Nicoya Peninsula, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

DAY 2
CURU WILDLIFE REFUGE
Curu Wildlife Refuge is a private reserve on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, near Paquera. It is a hidden gem for nature lovers, who can explore its diverse habitats, such as tropical forests, mangroves, grasslands, and beaches. Curu Wildlife Refuge is home to many species of animals, such as monkeys, deer, armadillos, iguanas, and birds.

DAY 2
ISLA TORTUGAS
Isla Tortuga is a tropical island in the Gulf of Nicoya, off the coast of Costa Rica. It is a popular destination for day trips from the mainland, offering stunning scenery, white sand beaches, and clear blue waters.

DAY 3
QUEPOS
The bustling town of Quepos is a great base for accessing Manual Antonio National Park, one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica. The park has it all really, beautiful mountain vistas, mangrove forests, lagoons, beaches and lush rainforest. With over 350 species of birds and over 100 species of mammal, wildlife enthusiasts will be in heaven. Head along the stunning Perezeso trail to spot scarlet macaws, toucans, hawks, sloths, armadillos and much more. Back in Quepos, take walk through the pretty Marina Pez Vela to see the impressive fishing boats. There are also plenty of restaurants, galleries and shops around town to enjoy.

DAY 4
GOLFITO (FOR GOLFO DULCE)
The deep and well sheltered Golfo Dulce, or ‘Sweet Gulf’, borders the Osa Peninsula’s eastern shore. The northeast section of the gulf is part of the 35,000-acre Piedras Blancas National Park, a stunning tract of rainforest that used to be part of Corcovado, and still protects the same amazing biodiversity. As you explore the lush rainforest here, you’ll come face to face with some of the tallest trees in the world, you’ll also come across pretty waterfalls and perhaps also toucans, macaws, anteaters, sloths, howler monkeys and more.

DAY 5
CEBACO ISLAND
Cebaco Island is a private island in the Gulf of Montijo, off the coast of Panama. It is a hidden gem for nature lovers, who can enjoy its pristine beaches, lush forests, and abundant wildlife. Cebaco Island is ideal for diving, snorkeling, fishing, and hiking, as it has a rich marine life, including fish, rays, and turtles.

DAY 6
DARIEN JUNGLE
Today we will be making our way to an authentic Emberá settlement in the Darien Jungle. We will travel using local boats alongside our zodiacs as we make our way through the mangroves and waterways. On the journey keep a lookout for birds like heron, egret, osprey and harpy eagles. The indigenous Emberà have lived in this region for centuries. This is a unique opportunity to visit a tribe that rarely receives outside visitors. After a briefing on local customs and courtesies, you’ll meet the tribe and be able to explore the village. You’ll learn about the tribe’s strong connection to the surrounding jungle and how they rely on the natural environment for clothing, food and medicine.

DAY 7
FUERTE AMADOR (PANAMA CITY)
Located west of Panama City, at the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal, Fuetre Amador is a manmade causeway, constructed with material excavated from the canal. Before boarding your boutique cruise ship, be sure to stop in at the Miraflores Locks’ visitor’s centre. Here you will learn about the impressive engineering that went into building this legendary waterway. Watch the mighty barges make their way through the canal from the panoramic observation deck. A short taxi ride away, Panama City is a modern and vibrant place that has evolved around its Spanish colonial centre, the Casco Veijo. Here you can wander through a conquistador-era UNESCO World Heritage Site, sip coffee in the street cafés or enjoy some shopping in the malls.

DAY 8
CRUISING PANAMA CANAL
Cruising Panama Canal is a bucket-list experience that allows you to witness one of the most astonishing human-made wonders in the world. The Panama Canal is a 48-mile waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, saving ships from sailing around South America. Cruising Panama Canal lets you enjoy the scenery through three sets of locks, an artificial lake, and a narrow mountain cut. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you will never forget.

DAY 9
SAN BLAS ARCHIPELAGO, LEMON CAY
Lemon Cay is one of the 49 inhabited islands of the San Blas Archipelago, a stunning network of cays and islands off the coast of Panama. It is a small and secluded island where you can enjoy the pristine white sand beach, the turquoise water, and the palm trees. Lemon Cay is also home to a community of indigenous people, the Guna, who live in traditional huts and welcome visitors with their hospitality and culture.

DAY 10-11
CARTAGENA
Cartagena is a historic city on Colombia's Caribbean coast, famous for its well-preserved colonial walls and fortifications. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cultural treasure, where visitors can enjoy the old town's colorful architecture, lively music, and rich history. Cartagena also offers beautiful beaches, tropical islands, and diverse museums for every taste.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
• All meals onboard
• Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
• 24-hour room service
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
• Standard WiFi
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes