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

Upon arrival in Panama City this afternoon, transfer to the Port of Colón, and embark our ship National Geographic Quest, standing by, ready to transit the Panama Canal this evening. (D)

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)

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)

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)

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, yellow-throated toucans, fiery-billed aracaris and crimson-fronted 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Walk the Arenal Hanging Bridges, strung through two miles of dense rain forest canopy. From Arenal, we travel 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)

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)

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