A Tropical Odyssey in Central America

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of two days to discover the richness of Panama City's historic centre, to visit the monumental canal and the famous locks opening the passage to gigantic ships from coast to coast. This programme will be an ideal conclusion to your cruise.

Day 1 – Colón/Panama City

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

You will depart the pier by coach for Gamboa (approximately a 1h drive).

You will first do a boat trip through the Panama Canal waterways to visit the islands that once upon time were mountains and were created when the area was flooded to form the Gatun Lake.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

You will continue your day with a sightseeing tour of Panama City. You will be taken first to Miraflores locks, the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the world”. Panama Canal is one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. Upon arrival at Miraflores Visitors Centre, you will visit the exhibition halls and learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. From one of Miraflores observation terraces, you will be able to watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit, and you may observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters while you learn about the various operations of the Panama Canal (cannot be guaranteed depending on Panama Canal timetable).

You will then discover the turbulent past of Panama City, in Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo) which is the historic part and the cultural gem of this vibrant metropolis. After the destruction of the first Panama City by pirate Henry Morgan, Casco Antiguo became the second Panama City. It was established around 1673 by French colonialists, the Catholic Church and other settlers. This is where much of the impressive colonial and Baroque architecture remains today. The modern, cosmopolitan areas of Panama City add a third layer to this historically rich city. You will get the chance to explore on your own the neighbourhood of Casco Antiguo with its colonial style government buildings, old churches and grand plazas. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.

You will be transferred to the Hilton 5* hotel.

Check-in and dinner at leisure.

Day 2 - Panama City

Breakfast at the hotel.

Late check-out is included until 6 pm.

Day at leisure.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight, or any other flight (please make sure to previously communicate your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Your hotel:

The Hilton Panama 5* is a few steps away from the ocean front walkway, and two blocks away from the Financial District. Guest rooms offer views of the Panama Bay and the Pacific Ocean. They feature contemporary design and modern amenities including Wi-Fi access and a HDTV. You will find at your disposal a fitness centre, a spa and a top roof pool.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Ocean View room at Hilton Hotel 5* (or similar) including breakfast.

·        Late check-out until 6 pm.

·        Lunch as described in the programme with beverage package (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.

Your programme does not include:

·        Dinner on Day 1.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note :

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        As respecting the environment is important to us, we highly recommend you take your filled Ponant water bottle with you after your cruise, so you can use it on shore and avoid the use of plastic bottles whenever it is not strictly necessary.

- A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotel:

Hilton Hotel

Balboa Avenida & Aquilino de la Guardia

Panama City, PANAMA

Telephone: + 507 280 8000

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of four days to discover the richness of Panama City's historic centre, the natural beauties and visit the Gehry Museum of Biodiversity, not forgetting the monumental canal and the famous locks opening the passage to gigantic ships from coast to coast. This programme will be an ideal conclusion to your cruise.

Day 1 – Colón/Panama City

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

You will depart the pier by coach for Gamboa (approximately a 1h drive).

You will first do a boat trip through the Panama Canal waterways to visit the islands that once upon time were mountains and were created when the area was flooded to form the Gatun Lake. You will also visit the sloth sanctuary, orchidarium, butterfly house, fresh water aquarium and snake house.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

After lunch and a transfer to Panama City, you will visit the Old Panama Ruins, first European city built in the Pacific coast of the Americas.

You will then be transferred to the hotel Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5*.

Check-in and dinner at leisure.

Day 2 - Panama City

Breakfast at the hotel.

You will start your day with a sightseeing tour of Panama City. You will be taken first to Miraflores locks, the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the world”. Panama Canal is one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. Upon arrival at Miraflores Visitors Centre, you will visit the exhibition halls and learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. From one of Miraflores observation terraces, you will be able to watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit, and you may observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters while you learn about the various operations of the Panama Canal (cannot be guaranteed depending on Panama Canal timetable).

You will then discover the turbulent past of Panama City, in Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo) which is the historic part and the cultural gem of this vibrant metropolis. After the destruction of the first Panama City by pirate Henry Morgan, Casco Antiguo became the second Panama City. It was established around 1673 by French colonialists, the Catholic Church and other settlers. This is where much of the impressive colonial and Baroque architecture remains today. The modern, cosmopolitan areas of Panama City add a third layer to this historically rich city. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.

You will continue with the visit of the Mola Museum that opened in 2019. It was created to give relevance to the ancient culture of the Guna people represented in the mola. The mola is an indigenous textile art sewn into panels with complex designs, beautiful colours and multiple layers using a reverse appliqué technique that identifies the Guna community in Panama, you will enjoy beautiful display of many pieces at this small one floor quaint museum.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

After lunch, take part to a private Mola workshop with a Guna woman and artisan who through her art safeguards the traditions of her people and pays tribute to their culture, inspired mainly by the biodiversity of Panama. The workshop has a duration of 2 hours, starting with the history and meaning of the Molas in Panama, and continuing with the project that consist in the creation of a handkerchief.

Walk back to the hotel.

Time and dinner at leisure.

Day 3 - Panama City

Breakfast at the hotel.

Start your day at the Biomuseo, also called the Gehry’s Museum in honour of its world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The building is designed to recall the creation of the isthmus of Panama which linked two continents and changed the planet’s biodiversity forever. The event that would change natural history for both continents occurred around three million years ago. Species from both continents mingled as northern animals went south and southern animals went north. The Biomuseo’s 4,000 square metres describe the country’s rich biodiversity.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Continue with the Agua Clara Locks is the largest project at the Canal since its original construction that created a new lane of traffic along the Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, doubling the waterway’s capacity, be a witness of this major undertaking by visiting the New Observation Centre of the Canal Expansion.

The new Observation Centre of the Canal Expansion, located in Colon Panama, is a park style concept based on open platforms and roofed terraces, built in an area of four hectares, 400 visitors, simultaneously, will be able to enjoy in this new centre, the construction of the new locks of the Panama Canal in the Atlantic, at the same time, from its privileged location, visitors see the majestic Gatun Lake, where ships continue their transit through the waterway.

Way back to your hotel, time and dinner at leisure.

Day 4 - Panama City

Breakfast at the hotel.

Late check-out is included until 6 pm.

Day at leisure.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight, or any other flight (please make sure to previously communicate your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Your hotel:

The Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5* is located in the heart of the Casco Antiguo of Panama City, a UNESCO protected site and declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. It enjoys a privileged location facing the sea, facilities that blend historical heritage with modernity and impeccable service. It is an architectural beauty, built in the Bay of Panama City with important buildings around such as the National Theatre, the San José del Altar de Oro Church and a few minutes from the Biomuseo. The hotel features 3 restaurants and cafés, 2 bars and the largest outdoor pool deck in Casco Antiguo.

Your programme includes:

·        3-nights accommodation in Ocean View room at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5* (or similar) including breakfast.

·        Late check-out until 6 pm.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.

Your programme does not include:

·        Dinners.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note :

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Room service at the Sofitel Legend is available at an additional cost.

·        The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is under renovation and may not be open during your visit.

·        This programme involves walking on uneven and paved terrain, walking uphill in the Old Town.

·        This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Contact of your hotel:

Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo

Calle Primera Oeste, San Felipe, Casco Viejo
0843 PANAMA CITY
PANAMA
Telephone: +507 302-4300

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 – Cancùn

Meet at Cancùn International Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to the hotel Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*.

Day and dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 – Cancun/Valladolid

After breakfast, board your coach for a two-hour drive to the colonial city of Valladolid, named after a city in Spain and founded in the 16th century. Your guide will bring you to the main cathedral, San Servasio, where you will learn about the history of the city, which was one of the first settlements in the area founded by the Spaniards, as well as the history of the Maya people of the region.

You will then have the opportunity to visit La Casa de los Venados, a private home and national cultural tourism asset. It has the largest museum quality collection of Mexican folk art in private hands. Learn about the history of this house, as well as about the handcrafts and pop art that come from all over Mexico, while touring this amazing home.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

You will then be transferred to your hotel Posada San Juan 4*.
 
Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 3 – Valladolid/Chichen Itza/Bacalar

Depart early in the morning to visit Chichen Itza after a 45-minute drive (breakfast will be served as a lunch box).

You will visit Mexico’s most famous archaeological site, Chichen Itza. Named for the large cenotes (natural wells fed by underground rivers) on the site that provided the otherwise dry landscape with life-giving water, Chichen Itza is an iconic example of the elaborate Mayan architecture. An important city in the Mayan region between 600 CE and about 900 CE, Chichen Itza reflects different periods of architecture as well as different regional influences. Discover why Chichen Itza has held its place in the imaginations of visitors for hundreds of years, helping to answer questions about the life of the ancient Mayans, while having confounded historians for centuries with its seemingly endless mysteries. You will walk through the spectacular ruins with a professional guide, who will share facts about the buildings and their significance to the larger Mayan way of life, as well as explain the legacy of their ingenious culture.

After the visit, board your coach for a two-and-a-half-hour drive to a local restaurant where lunch will be served.

Then, drive to Bacalar (one hour and a half) and check-in at your ecolodge at Habitas Bacalar 5*.

Meet by the laguna at sunset and enjoy a private mezcal tasting.

Dinner will be served at the hotel's restaurant.

Day 4 – Bacalar

During this full day at the hotel Habitas Bacalar, enjoy some time at leisure to take in the peaceful environment and the laguna, on your own.

Lunch and dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 5 – Bacalar/Becan/Kohunlich

Enjoy a tasty local breakfast with a view. After check out, depart for Becan (two-hour drive).

Becan is an archaeological site of the Maya civilization in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The first settlement dates to the middle of the Preclassic Era. Monumental architecture appeared by the late Preclassic Era as the site grew in economic and political importance. Many trade goods from the Mexican cultural and administrative centre of the era, Teotihuacan, have been found here. The name Becan was bestowed on the site by archaeologists who rediscovered the site, and it means "ravine or canyon formed by water" in Yukatek Maya, named after the site's most prominent and unusual feature, its surrounding ditch.

After your visit, drive for one hour to your next stop, Explorean Kohunlich 5*.

Lunch will be served at the hotel.

Meet your guide for a visit to Kohunlinch, a Maya site located a few minutes away from the hotel. The site is best known for its Temple of the Masks, an early Classic pyramid whose central stairway is flanked by huge humanized stucco masks. The Temple was built around 500 A.D. and is one of the oldest structures at Kohunlich. After 700 A.D., this temple was covered over with a late Classic construction, which protected the masks and preserved them in the marvellous state they find themselves in today. The only standing remains of the later temple are some steps in the lower portion of the stairs.

Return to your hotel.

Diner will be served at the hotel.

Day 6 – Kohunlich/Belize City

After check-out, board your bus for one-and-a-half-hour drive to the border of Mexico and Belize.

After finishing the border crossing procedures, enter Belize and drive for two hours to reach the Maya site of Altun Ha.

It is an important archaeological zone from the Classic Period (200-900 A.D.). Many exotic trade items have been discovered here, the most important being the largest jade artifact known to be from the Maya area. The archaeological park contains a large selection of flora and fauna typical of lowland tropical forests.

After the visit, drive an hour to Belize City to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.

Your hotels:

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4* is a luxury hotel overlooking Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. It is a three-minute walk from La Isla Entertainment Village which offers many shops and restaurants, and 700 meters from the beach. There is a rooftop terrace with bar and outdoor pool, the hotel also has a restaurant serving American, Caribbean and Mexican cuisine.

 

Located in the historic centre of Valladolid, the Hotel Posada San Juan 4* is a small charming hotel distributed in two beautifully preserved colonial houses. There is an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by beautiful gardens and terraces. The restaurant offers local specialties made with fresh produce, the rooms have wooden furniture, ceiling fans and a hammock.

The Habitas Bacalar 5* is a luxury retreat that allows you reconnect with nature, with a private lagoon access and a gourmet restaurant. The lodges are spread across the property, in between the Mayan jungle and the Bacalar Lagoon. Each room features air conditioning and an outdoor rain shower.

The Explorean Kohunlich 4* is an all-inclusive jungle Resort offering a nature experience. It features an infinity pool, and all rooms are bungalow-style and feature air-conditioning, a private patio, and a hammock.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Classic room at Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        1-night accommodation in Standard room at the Posada San Juan Hotel 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        2-night accommodation in Partial Sea view Bungalow at Habitas Bacalar 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        1-night accommodation in Standard Bungalow at Kohunlich Explorean Resort 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Dinner on day 1.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        This programme involves a great amount of walking and hiking in the jungle. It requires good physical condition and is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

·        This programme involves long drives on certain days and is not suitable for people with back issues.

·        This tour involves overnight stays in or near the jungle, therefore you might encounter a few local, harmless bugs.

·        Tap water is not drinkable in Mexico and Belize. Plastic bottles will be available, a few hotels offer glass bottles in the room. We recommend you bring a water bottle to fill and avoid the use of plastic.

·        It is highly recommended you pack a separate luggage for your pre-tour. We suggest you pack suitable clothing for hiking in the jungle. We also recommend bringing sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a hat and sunglasses.

·        Crossing the border between Mexico and Belize will involve a change of bus and driver, a customs check and about 50 meters to cross on foot. A tax of 20 dollars per person will be requested on site (to be paid in cash).

- A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotels :

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*
Blvd. Kukulcan S N-Km. 12.5, La Isla, Zona Hotelera

77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Telephone : +52 998 689 1193

 

Posada San Juan Hotel 4*
C. 40 231B, entre 49 y 51, San Juan,

97784 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Telephone : +52 985 856 0129

Habitas Bacalar 5*
Carretera Federal 307 Xul Ha
Bacalar, 77963, Mexico
Telephone number: +52 983 980 1388

Explorean Kohunlich 4*
Km 5.6 Carretera Chetumal Escárcega
Chetumal, 77981, Mexico
Telephone number: +52 983 689 0042

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a night in Cancun.

 

Day 1 : Cancun

 

Meet & greet at Cancun International airport by our local English-speaking representative.

You will be transferred to the hotel Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*.

 

Check-in.

Dinner at leisure and overnight.

 

Day 2

 

Breakfast and check out.

 

Transfer to Cancun International airport in time for check-in of flight Cancun/Belize City selected by PONANT.

 

Your hotel :

 

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4* is a luxury hotel overlooking Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. It is a three-minute walk from La Isla Entertainment Village which offers many shops and restaurants, and 700 meters from the beach. There is a rooftop terrace with bar and outdoor pool, the hotel also has a restaurant serving American, Caribbean and Mexican cuisine.

 

Your programme includes:

 

·        1-night accommodation in Sunrise view room at the hotel Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*. (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        Transfers as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking assistance.

 

Your programme does not include:

 

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Meals and other services not mentioned in the programme.

 

Please note:

 

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.

·        Hotel check-out time is 12:00 p.m.

- A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotel :

 

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*
Blvd. Kukulcan S N-Km. 12.5, La Isla, Zona Hotelera

77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Telephone : +52 998 689 1193

To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.