Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys

This program offers two different perspectives on the Isthmus of Panama, as you spend two days at a resort surrounded by a lush jungle of tropical rainforest, followed by a day tracing the history of the importance of the region as a crucial link in international trade. See how these two aspects of Panama co-exist and enjoy some of the best eco-tourism available in Panama.

Day 1 — Panama City | Gamboa

Arrive at the Panama City International Airport, where you will be met and transferred inland to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, located at the confluence of the southern leg of the Panama Canal and the Chagres River. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Relax and enjoy the many amenities of this resort property before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 — Gamboa

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day of exploration with a cruise on Gatun Lake. Before the construction of the Panama Canal, the area that is now a lake was jungle teeming with wildlife. But as the region was flooded to create the canal, animals took refuge in mountain peaks that are now the many islands that dot the lake. Leisurely cruise the channels, islands and bays of this unique ecosystem, gliding past lush rainforests to a secluded region of the lake, where you can experience nature up close. Exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and crocodiles are just some of the animals you might encounter in this beautiful tropical jungle.

Return to the hotel for an independent lunch followed by a leisurely walk to visit the Reserve's Sloth Sanctuary, where at-risk animals are monitored and treated so that they can be re-introduced to the wild; a Butterfly Garden, showcasing about 20 different species; an Orchidarium; and a protected Frog Pond, where the entire life cycle of these fascinating amphibians is on display. Later choose between a birding walk on the Pipeline Road to observe some of its 350 species or an aerial tram ride through the canopy of the rainforest aboard a gondola that traverses about half a mile of jungle at a height of 400 feet for views of nesting birds, sloths, and a variety of monkeys. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure, followed by an included dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 — Gamboa | San Lorenzo | Colon | Embarkation

After breakfast and check out, drive from Gamboa to the northern end of the Panama Canal where you begin with a visit to the 400-year-old ruins of Fort San Lorenzo. Built by the Spanish as one of a number of fortifications to protect the northern end of the trade route across the isthmus, it was an important leg in Spain's transatlantic trade. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an extraordinary example of 17th and 18th century military architecture, San Lorenzo commands marvelous views of the Caribbean and the mouth of the Chagres River.

After this step into the past, travel a short distance to Agua Claras Observation Center, where you will see the recent efforts to keep this important trade route open as you observe the results of the Panama Canal Expansion. This project doubled the waterway's capacity by creating a new lane of traffic and a new set of locks. The Observation Center offers stunning views over the Canal and Lake Gatun, as well as accessible and informative exhibits on the Canal's past, present, and future. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before you transfer to the pier in Colon to embark Le Champlain.

Your hotel:

Located in the midst of Soberanía National Park on 340 acres overlooking the Panama Canal, Gamboa Rainforest Reserve Resort is a spectacular property that immerses you in the tropical jungle while providing comfortable rooms with views of the Chagres River and the Lake Gatun. Amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, and two restaurants.

Your program includes:

·        2 nights at the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve Resort

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day

·        Welcome Reception on Day 1

·        Dinner on Days 1 and 2

·        Breakfast on Days 2 and 3

·        Lunch on Day 3

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary

·        Local English-speaking guide

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

·        It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.

·        Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.

·        The official currency is the Panamanian Balboa, which is on par with the US dollar. US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

·        This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

Gamboa Rainforest Reserve

Corregimiento de Cristobal, Colon, IA 5

Panama, Panama 7338

Phone: (507) 314 5000

WhatsApp: (507) 6672 3083

Extend your experience of Central America from the coastline to the mountains on this specially designed program.

Day 1 – Puntarenas, Costa Rica | Monteverde Cloud Forest

Disembark your ship and meet your guide for a scenic drive to the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest.

You may choose between two ways of experiencing this unique ecosystem: the first is a mile and a half 'Sky Walk' through the treetops on a trail including six hanging bridges. You will enjoy the refreshingly cool air at this altitude while looking out for the fascinating animals that roam here: howler and white-faced monkeys, the three-wattled bellbird, keel-billed toucan, bare-necked umbrellabird, and the gorgeous quetzal. The second tour visits a family-run farm where you will see sugar cane, coffee, and banana plants and view the stages involved in producing high-quality coffee. Ride an ox cart to the sugar mill (trapiche) where sugar cane is processed into brown sugar. End the visit by sampling the farm’s coffee and sugar cane products.

After your adventure in the clouds or on the farm, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the El Establo Hotel, where you stay the night. Dinner at the hotel is included.

Day 2 – Monteverde Cloud Forest | Arenal Volcano Area

After breakfast at the hotel, continue your exploration of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on a 2-hour guided walk through one of the most biodiverse regions of Costa Rica, habitat for over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles.

Lunch at a local restaurant is followed by a scenic drive down the mountains to the Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort in La Fortuna, site of Arenal Volcano National Park, and your home for the next three nights.

Day 3 - Arenal Volcano Area

Depart after breakfast on an hour and a half drive through the Northern plains to Los Chiles, very near the Nicaraguan border, where you will board a boat for a floating safari along the Rio Frio through the rain forest of Caño Negro—a birder's paradise, home to the anhinga, the roseate spoonbill, wood storks, and the jabiru, the largest bird in Central America. Along the shore, you may catch sight of howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and white-faced monkeys, as well as the three-toed sloth and reptiles like caimans, Jesus Christ lizards, and turtles.

Return to your hotel for some time at leisure before dinner.

Day 4 - Arenal Volcano Area

Spend a relaxing day at Tabacon enjoying the resort’s thermal mineral springs and waterfalls or perhaps book one of their spa treatments (additional cost). Or join us on a hike in the Arenal Volcano area to explore the 1968 lava flows and take in extraordinary views of the smoking volcano and the surrounding landscape. The trail is filled with a diverse array of flora and fauna, including colorful birds, monkeys, and exotic plants.

Day 5 - Arenal Volcano Area | Homeward

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José for flights homeward.

Your hotels:

The rustic Hotel El Establo is set on a private 150-acre farm adjacent to the Monteverde and Santa Elena reserves. It houses 155 rooms, two restaurants, a swimming pool, spa, and hiking trails.

The Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort is a hotel dedicated to the well-being of the environment and the local community, set amid a lush tropical rainforest near Arenal Volcano National Park. This all-suite hotel features thermal pools, lush gardens, volcano views, a full spa; three restaurants and bars.

Your program includes:

·        Transfers and luggage handling from the ship, through the program as described, and on to the airport on Day 5

·        1 night at the Hotel El Establo, including dinner and breakfast

·        3 nights at Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort, including 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts

·        Lunches on Days 1, 2, 3, and 4

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary

·        Local English-speaking guides

·        Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, and waiters for included meals

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

·        It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.

·        The Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José is a 2 ½ hour drive from the hotel, and check in for flights is a minimum of 3 hours before departure; schedule your return flight to depart at 2pm or later.

·        This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

El Establo Mountain Hotel

Bº Cerro Plano, Monteverde

Costa Rica

+506-2645-5110

Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort

La Fortuna de San Carlos

Alajuela Province

Costa Rica

+506-2479-1111