The capital of the eponymous province, Puntarenas is sometimes called "the pearl of the Pacific", for its unique charm. It sits on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, along the Gulf of Nicoya, lined with long expanses of wild natural environments. Further inland, among the countless natural wonders to be found in the generous rainforest of the Costa Rica's national parks, Poas and Arena volcanoes tower up in all their majestic glory. In this luxuriant natural setting, Costa Rica protects one of the planet's richest biodiversity: monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles, waterfalls, canyons, and more than ten thousand species of tropical plants. ... Read More
Thursday - Mar 6, 2025
Day 2
Curu Reserve, Costa Rica
On the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula, the small Curu Wildlife Refuge is the oldest protected park in Costa Rica. This refuge is an exemplary site in terms of ecotourism as well as a research center for scientists from all over the world. It has been at the heart of an original conservation and sustainable development project since the 1930s. After a short zodiac trip, you will discover, via the paths that criss-cross the tropical forest and lead to magnificent beaches, the most emblematic species of Costa Rica: monkeys, iguanas, and over 200 bird species. Since their recent reintroduction, the scarlet macaw and the spider monkey have thrived in this preserved environment. ... Read More
Friday - Mar 7, 2025
Day 3
Bahia Drake, Costa Rica
Located on Costa Rica's remote Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park covers 164 square miles, making it the country's largest national park, the largest primary forest on the American Pacific coast, and one of the few remaining large areas of lowland tropical rain forests in the world.
Saturday - Mar 8, 2025
Day 4
Rio Esquinas, Costa Rica, Costa Rica
The beauty of Costa Rica and the richness of its biodiversity reveal themselves at this port of call in the heart of the mangrove. In the meanders of Rio Esquinas, a tropical corner of paradise, you will discover an incredibly dense ecosystem. Aboard your Zodiac dinghy, you will brush past the tangled arms formed by the roots of the mangrove trees. This green and lush gallery forest and its inhabitants welcome you. Watch closely: common squirrel monkeys, white ibis, Eurasian whimbrels, ospreys, toucans, snowy egrets, and great blue herons can be found hiding here. ... Read More
Sunday - Mar 9, 2025
Day 5
Cebaco Island, Panama
Off the Pacific coast of Panama, at the entrance to the Gulf of Montijo, Cebaco Island conjures visions of paradise lost. Covered in tropical rainforest, edged by white sandy beaches, and home to exceptionally rich plant and wildlife, the island offers a number of hiking routes along which to discover its pristine natural environment. Its magnificent coral reefs, located in the outlying regions of the Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the refuge for many marine species and offer stunning underwater landscapes. ... Read More
Monday - Mar 10, 2025
Day 6
Playa Muerto, Panama, Panama
The most remote and least developed region of Panama, the province of Darien is an unspoilt land with an extremely rich variety of flora and fauna. Listed by UNESCO as World Heritage, Darien National Park offers its extraordinary scenery of rocky coastlines, mountain ranges, mangroves, rivers, and creeks. Discover Playa Muerto, a tiny coastal village home to the Amerindian Embera community. You will visit the village, attend traditional songs and dances of the locals, and admire beautiful local craft. ... Read More
Tuesday - Mar 11, 2025
Day 7
Pearl Islands, Panama, Panama
The Pearl Islands archipelago, formed by over 220 islands and islets, is named in memory of the pearl oysters present in the Gulf of Panama. In colonial times, the pearls were extracted and used as ornaments or currency. "La Peregrina" was discovered in this archipelago: this pearl is famous for its perfection and for belonging to several royals and, more recently, Elizabeth Taylor. While the pearls have now disappeared from the azure waters of this paradise with its history of adventures and piracy, you can still swim from the sandy white beaches and observe shoals of multi-colored fish performing their gracious ballet. ... Read More
Isla Pacheca, Panama
Isla Pacheca lies in the far north of the maze of more than two hundred islands composing the Pearl Islands. This small piece of uninhabited land is a special place for the numerous bird species that have taken up residence there. Among these is the unusual-looking blue-footed booby, which you might spot wandering along one of the island's beaches. The shore visit in a Zodiac dinghy holds the promise of an unforgettable moment spent in lush nature between white-sand beaches and verdant rainforest. ... Read More
Wednesday - Mar 12, 2025
Day 8
Cruising the Panama Canal, Panama
Onboard your ship, experience something unique that has inspired the imagination of numerous adventurers in the 20th century: sailing the Panama Canal. Its construction started in 1880 under the direction of Ferdinand de Lesseps. Abandoned, then resumed, this marvel of engineering was completed by the United States and opened in 1914. The canal crosses the Isthmus of Panama and links the Atlantic to the Pacific. By raising ships to the level of Gatun Lake, it allows them to avoid having to round Cape Horn. ... Read More
Thursday - Mar 13, 2025
Day 9
San Blas Islands, Panama
Located on the north-east coast of Panama, the San Blas archipelago is a string of coral islands in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. More than 300 islands and cays cover an area of 300 square kilometers offering travellers a multitude of treasures. Sheltered behind a long coral reef, the San Blas Islands are full of enchanting anchorages. The long white-sand beaches bound by crystal-clear waters will allow you to relax and enjoy incredible marine fauna before engaging with the Kuna Indian community. Still subsisting on hunting and fishing, they will welcome you in their villages of bamboo houses gathered near the beaches. ... Read More
Friday - Mar 14, 2025
Day 10
Fort San Lorenzo, Panama
In the Colon District, Fort San Lorenzo faces the sea, its canons pointing towards the horizon as they used to under the Spanish Crown. This construction is part of a group of buildings exemplifying the military architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries along the Caribbean coast of Panama, hence its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander along the fort's alleyways accompanied by the melodious singing of the birds that have made the surrounding forest their home. Enjoy an unforgettable port of call combining history and walking in nature. ... Read More
Colon is the second-largest city in Panama, at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Colon is today an important port, and the free trade zone created in 1953 contributed greatly to the development of the city. Colon was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts through the isthmus of Panama; the city rapidly overshadowed the older Caribbean ports of Panama when the canal opened. ... Read More
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