Travelpack

Panama City - Colon - Gatun Lake - Panama Canal Transit - Gulf of Panama Islets - Coiba National Park - Golfo Dulce - Osa Peninsula - Corcovado National Park - Puerto Caldera - Hanging Bridges - Cano Negro - Tenorio Volcano National Park - San Jose

A luxury journey through Panama and Costa Rica that blends iconic engineering, wild jungles, and untouched coastlines. Cruise the legendary Panama Canal, explore remote islands and UNESCO-listed Coiba, then dive into Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and wildlife-rich havens like Corcovado and Cano Negro. From exotic marine life to thundering waterfalls and vibrant Indigenous culture, this is Central America at its most thrilling, wild, and unforgettable. Every moment brings something extraordinary—spotting monkeys in the treetops, sailing past hidden islets, and walking through misty rainforest trails alive with colour and sound, making it a perfect mix of adventure and luxury at every turn

Day 1 & 2:Panama
Flight from London Heathrow Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Via Panama City Tocumen Intl Airport
Private Transfer Airport to Hotel
STAY: InterContinental Miramar Panama by IHG
InterContinental Miramar Panama is a luxurious waterfront hotel in the heart of Panama City, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Panama Bay, with a prime location close to the financial district and shopping areas. The hotel features spacious, elegantly designed suites with stunning sea views, along with excellent facilities, including an outdoor pool for relaxation. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining experiences at the Bay View Restaurant, Las Olas Pool Bar, and Lobby Bar, offering international buffets and authentic Panamanian dishes such as ceviche and sancocho, plus a popular Sunday brunch. Blending comfort, convenience, and culinary excellence, it offers a refined stay with both city energy and coastal views.

Day 3: Panama City - Colon
Private Transfer Hotel to Port
Following your stay in Panama City transfer to Colon this evening to begin your journey aboard the National Geographic Quest.

Day 4: Gatun Lake - Panama Canal Transit
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 Centre trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatun Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight.

Day 5: Gulf of Panama Islets
Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac. Here you might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical cormorants and brown boobies.

Day 6: Coiba National Park, Panama
Begin your day 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 snorkelling or simply spend the afternoon exploring or relaxing on the beach.

Day 7 & 8: Golfo Dulce - Osa Peninsula
Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica as our nimble expedition ship navigates the remote upper reaches of this placid bay Head inland to meet inspiring local families in remote communities who cultivate cocoa hearts of palm and sugar cane Spend time hiking through mature rainforest kayaking in peaceful waters or exploring by Zodiac while scanning the jungle treeline for a dazzling array of avifauna including golden-hooded tanagers yellow-throated toucans and fiery-billed aracaris Take in a kaleidoscope of tropical colour with bromeliads heliconias and orchids set against the verdant green landscape On the western side of the bay go ashore at the pristine Playa Blanca on the Osa Peninsula By special arrangement visit the Latin American Sea Turtles LAST Association to hear presentations by dedicated researchers regarding their vital work in sea turtle conservation.

Day 9: Corcovado National Park
Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the most pristine lowland rainforest on the Pacific coast. In the environs of Corcovado National Park, swim in waterfall pools or trek through the rainforest for a chance to see four species of monkeys - howler, spider, squirrel and capuchin.

Day 10: Puerto Caldera
This morning, disembark the National Geographic Quest in Puerto Caldera and continue to Cano Negro Rainforests and Reserves Post-Voyage Extension.

Hanging Bridges - Cano Negro
This morning, disembark the National Geographic Quest in Puerto Caldera and head to the foothills of the Tenorio Volcano in Cano Negro. Visit a private reserve for a scenic hike with spectacular views of Bijagua and Lake Nicaragua. You will find a peaceful atmosphere that provides incredible biodiversity on over 185 acres of primary rainforest. A guided tour over the three suspension bridges trail will allow you to safely experience the great complexity of the forest from a different perspective as your naturalist guides help you spot an array of wildlife that may include monkeys, sloths, white-nosed coati, snakes, insects and birds like the toucan, woodpecker, motmot and tanager. After lunch, continue on to Tocu Tent Camp, your home for the next three nights. Each tent features one king-size bed and one queen trundle bed, both with luxurious bedding, air conditioning and private patios with outdoor showers and soaking tubs where you can enjoy a relaxing moment under a starry sky.

Day 11: Cano Negro
After breakfast, explore Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge by boat, one of Costa Rica's most important wetlands and one of the best sites on the continent for birdwatching. Over 160 species of terrestrial mammals and bats, and over 300 species of resident and migratory birds, live in its lakes and tropical forests. You can also spot sloths, an array of monkey species, caimans, crocodiles, lizards, tapirs, turtles, green iguanas and a variety of flora native to the wetlands. Transfer to the neighbouring Hacienda Cano Negro by road for lunch. Enjoy some free time at Tocu Tent Camp in the afternoon, and then take a walk around the property searching for birds and monkeys.

Day 12: Cano Negro - Tenorio Volcano National Park
Start the day with a morning birding walk before travelling to Tenorio Volcano National Park, one of the country's youngest parks. Hike to turquoise colored waters produced by the majestic stratovolcano, which reaches over 6,000 feet. You will witness a panoply of picture-perfect spots, including the park's iconic waterfall, three different volcanic craters, the Blue Lagoon, and Tenideros, where two rivers join and appear to magically transform from clear to deep blue waters. This afternoon, a member of the Nature Reserve shares the traditions and culture of the Maleku, Costa Rica's smallest remaining Indigenous tribe, through a demonstration that includes the art of using a bow and arrow. You will also learn about the traditional diet of the Maleku, which consists of various plants and animals from tropical forests. A class on local cuisine will round out your stay as you learn to prepare local dishes, such as gallo pinto, casados and ceviche, using Maleku crops.

Day 13: Cano Negro - San Jose
After checking out of your lodging, head south for a tour of Trapiche BaZu to witness the traditional process of extracting sugarcane juice using a trapiche or sugar mill. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue on to Cinchona, a biodiverse area situated in the Central Highlands. The region is home to abundant plant and animal species, as well as the renowned Cinchona Forest Reserve and the La Paz waterfall. Nestled amidst lush rainforest, this magnificent waterfall offers an immersive experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. After exploring your surroundings, transfer to San Jose and check into the Hotel Marriott Hacienda Belen (or similar) for your final night.

Day 14: San Jose
This morning, you're welcome to depart after breakfast. If your flight leaves later in the morning, enjoy the lovely hotel grounds prior to your airport transfer.
Private Transfer Hotel to Airport

What is included in the offer
• Return flights from Heathrow with 23kg baggage
• 2 nights at the 4* InterContinental Miramar Panama by IHG with breakfast
• 7 nights all-inclusive cruise on-board National Geographic Quest
• Full-board meals
• Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
• Wi-Fi
• Excursions & zodiac landings
• Kayaks, zodiac cruises & stand-up paddleboards
• Guidance and expertise of expedition staff
• Presentations led by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
• 4 nights escorted Caño Negro Rainforests and Reserves tour
• 3 nights at the Cano Negro at Tocu Tent Camp
• 1 night at the 4* San Jose at Hotel Marriott Hacienda Belen (or similar)
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
• Hanging Bridges and Private Rainforest Hike
• Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Boat Excursion and Property Nature Walk
• Tenorio Volcano National Park, Rio Celeste and Maleku Cultural Experience
• Local Cuisine Cooking Class
• Trapiche BaZu Sugarcane Tour and La Paz Waterfall Visit
• All overseas transfers

Prices & Departures:
Total price inclusive of all charges:
B58421 Heathrow from £9,199pp
B58599 Manchester from £9,299pp
B58602 Glasgow from £9,299pp
B58603 Dublin from £9,249pp

No fees payable locally

Deposit: £790pp

Terms & Conditions:
Based on 2 Adults

Meal Plans