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

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys

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

  • Itinerary
    Puntarenas to Colón
    Duration
    8 days
  • Dates
    Prices from
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Come aboard Le Lapérouse for an unforgettable voyage.

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

Discover Panama and Costa Rica with PONANT on this splendid 8-day cruise aboard Le Lapérouse, which explores the region’s abundant natural splendours, local indigenous communities, and the modern marvel of the Panama Canal.

Your journey in Central America will start in Quepos, Costa Rica, gateway to the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, where you will encounter myriad tropical flora and fantastic fauna, including sloths, the noisy howler monkey, the white-faced capuchin, and the tiny squirrel monkey. The combination of forest and ocean also provides a special opportunity to observe both terrestrial and sea birds—toucans, pelicans, hummingbirds, terns, and more.

Your ship calls next in the remote and magnificent Darién National Park. This little corner of paradise is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a remarkably diverse range of plants and wildlife. Rocky coastlines, mangroves, swamps, and tropical rainforests abound and offer a feast for photographers. Here, meet members of the local Emberá community.

Le Lapérouse continues to Fuerte Amador for an exploration of Panama City’s Old Quarter and of the region’s fantastic biodiversity at the superb Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo.

Here, you will also visit the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), a fascinating, open-air museum dedicated to marine science and conservation. On a specially arranged tour guided by Smithsonian staff, hear about the latest studies, observe marine species up close, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest.

After a daytime sailing from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean through the world-famous Panama Canal, your final call will be along the white sands and translucent waters of Holandes Cayes, one of the coral islets of Panama’s San Blas Islands. Spend a day in this tropical paradise and enjoy the opportunity to swim and snorkel. Members of the Guna community call these islands home, and you may encounter them along the beach.

The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

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Destination

Destination

Central America

Puntarenas to Colón

Duration

8 days, 7 nights on board

Timeless, Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys

Shore excursion or activity in each port of call + transfers included

Offers

PONANT Bonus 30%

Ref: PC5745US - ER190227

Journey

Your daily itinerary

  • A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion or activity in each port of call.
  • Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts.
  • A specially arranged visit to the Punta Culebra Nature Center at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), guided by Smithsonian staff.
  • Opportunity to swim and snorkel on beautiful Holandes Cayes, one of the magnificent islets of the San Blas Islands.
  • A daytime crossing of the Panama Canal, a true masterpiece of civil engineering.
  • The UNESCO World Heritage Darién National Park and its magnificent rainforest.
  • An exploration of the region’s rich and myriad tropical flora and fauna in Manuel Antonio National Park.
  • Encounters with the local indigenous Guna and Emberá communities.
Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys null

Staterooms and suites

Elegance and refinement

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

Details

More information

What's Included

Important travel details

In your luggage

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

Itinerary

Embarkation 19/02/27 from 16:00 to 17:00 Departure 19/02/27 at 18:00

19 Feb 27 - Puntarenas
19 Feb 27 - Puntarenas

Arrival 20/02/27 early morning Departure 20/02/27 late afternoon

20 Feb 27 - Quepos
20 Feb 27 - Quepos

Arrival 21/02/27 Departure 21/02/27

21 Feb 27 - At sea
21 Feb 27 - At sea

Arrival 22/02/27 midday Departure 22/02/27 late afternoon

22 Feb 27 - Playa Muerto, Darien National Park
22 Feb 27 - Playa Muerto, Darien National Park

Arrival 23/02/27 early morning Departure 23/02/27 late evening

23 Feb 27 - Fuerte Amador, Flamenco Island
23 Feb 27 - Fuerte Amador, Flamenco Island

Arrival 24/02/27 early morning Departure 24/02/27 late afternoon

24 Feb 27 - Crossing the Panama Canal
24 Feb 27 - Crossing the Panama Canal

Arrival 25/02/27 early morning Departure 25/02/27 late afternoon

25 Feb 27 - San Blas Islands
25 Feb 27 - San Blas Islands

Arrival 26/02/27 early morning Disembarkation 26/02/27 at 8:00

26 Feb 27 - Colón
26 Feb 27 - Colón

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

Included package

Shore excursion or activity in each port of call + transfers included

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

Other available date

19/02/2726/02/27

7 nights aboard the ship Le Lapérouse

PONANT Bonus 30%

From

5,470 €

/person*

26/02/2605/03/26

7 nights aboard the ship LE CHAMPLAIN

No single supplement, PONANT Bonus 25%

From

4,720 €

/person*

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