Monteverde + Costa Rica And Panama with National Geographic

Description

A thrilling & enriching adventure
Explore the wild coastal rain forests of Costa Rica and Panama by expedition ship, sail through the fascinating Panama Canal, and then venture inland to walk the suspended tree canopy bridges and explore the Monteverde cloud forest reserve.

Add an inland exploration to your coastal expedition
There is a soothing aura about Monteverde’s cloud forest. Mist drifting past silhouettes of majestic trees, the cool quiet, and the haunting music of a bird called “solitaire”. Trees draped in a profusion of bromeliads and orchids display an abundance of life. The lacy-fronded tree fern, unchanged since early ecological times, stands out as a signature cloud forest specimen. Those lucky enough to glimpse the elusive resplendent quetzal, one of the world’s most beautiful birds, will see clearly how color and grace could inspire the reverence of Maya civilizations.

Escape into wildness in Costa Rica & Panama
The perfect winter escape. Dense, lush rain forests. Pristine, deserted beaches. Monkeys galore. Coatimundis and dozing sloths, plus toucans, macaws, and hummingbirds. Walk deep into the rain forest; the only sounds you’ll hear are the birds and monkeys in the trees and your own footfalls. And slowly, everyday life dissipates as revitalization takes over. Each day reveals distinct facets of the region: forest trails for hiking, a cool swim in a waterfall pool, and a coral reef to snorkel. Opportunities abound to see creatures in their natural environs—both on land and in the sea.

Exhilarating adventures daily
In Monteverde you’ll walk bridges suspended in the rain forest canopy that offer a rare bird’s eye view of the jungle, plus hike the extensive network of jungle trails with your naturalist. On the coast, you’ll kayak stretches of shore where the rain forest meets the sea, search for wildlife in an expedition landing craft, and transit the Panama Canal—a modern wonder of the world. Snorkel at Isla Coiba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the best reefs in the Eastern Pacific.

Naturalists help you see and learn more
The cloud forest is a secretive place, revealing its magic to the trained eye of our naturalists, who help you observe all facets of this marvelous habitat. On our Costa Rica expedition, you experience the forest trail at ground level. In Monteverde, you explore the upper forest canopy on an exhilarating Sky Walk—a series of suspension bridges—for a bird’s-eye view. Spend two nights at a charming, family-owned lodge.

Trip Name

Monteverde + Costa Rica And Panama with National Geographic

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 72 metres Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins) Built: 2017 Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, National Geographic Quest more than comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 cabins. Her twin expedition craft landing platform allow us to rapidly get on and off the ship to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring. Created with a shallow draft, Quest draws only nine feet of water allowing her to sail into places where much larger ships cannot go. PUBLIC AREAS: Global gallery; fitness centre; LEXspa; lounge with full service bar and facilities for films and presentations; observation deck; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear, and a partially covered sundeck with chairs and tables. Our ‘open bridge’ provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation. MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and dinner is served family-style. Menu emphasises local fare. CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Expedition landing craft, a fleet of 24 kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splashcam, underwater video camera, video microscope, snorkelling gear for all guests (where applicable). SPECIAL FEATURES: Guest internet access, elevator, National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and undersea specialist. WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features a gym with an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycles, handweights and resistance bands. Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1: San José, Costa Rica

Upon arrival in San José, Costa Rica, a short drive brings us to the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel. (D)

Day 2 - DAY 2-3: Monteverde Cloud Forest

A scenic drive takes us to Monteverde Cloud Forest, an acclaimed private reserve. Bathed in cool, year-round moisture, the forest is covered with mosses and 300 species of orchids. Walk trails rich with butterflies and bird life. Ascend the Skywalk, a series of suspension bridges, for a bird’s-eye view of the rain forest canopy. Learn about life in the early Monteverde community from a family member of one of the original Quaker homesteaders. Spend each night at a charming, family-owned lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - DAY 4: Monteverde/Puerto Caldera/Embark

Visit a butterfly farm before transferring to Puerto Caldera to embark our ship. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - DAY 5: Corcovado National Park

Anchor off the Osa Peninsula to see some of the most pristine lowland rain forest on the Pacific coast. In the environs of Corcovado National Park, swim in waterfall pools, take an optional horseback ride on the coast, or trek through the rain forest for a chance to see four species of monkeys—howler, spider, squirrel, and capuchin. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - DAY 6: Osa Peninsula

Go ashore in the pristine waters of Playa Blanca. Head inland to meet and share with inspiring local families living in remote communities and working with cocoa, heart of palm, and sugar cane. Hike mature rain forest or kayak in peaceful waters in Golfo Dulce, the only tropical fiord in the continent. In the evening, enjoy drinks ashore and, hopefully, a beautiful sunset. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - DAY 7: Golfo Dulce

Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce along the southwestern edge of Costa Rica. Visit Casa Orquídeas, a tropical paradise of ornamental palms, bromeliads, heliconias, and orchids, closed to the general public and reached by boat only. Keep your eye out for tanagers, parrots, and toucans. Later, explore the placid bay, ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac rides, and swimming. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - DAY 8: Coiba National Park, Panama

The first stop in Panama this morning is 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 snorkeling, go kayaking or hiking, try stand-up paddleboarding, or simply relax on the beach. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - DAY 9: Gulf of Panama Islets/Panama Canal Transit

Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama by Zodiac or kayak. Here we might spot frigatebirds, brown pelicans, neotropical cormorants, and brown boobies. Set sail for the Panama Canal this afternoon. Stretching more than 50 miles, the canal was a colossal engineering feat completed in 1914. It is still traversed by some 14,000 ships every year. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, we’ll most likely begin our crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - DAY 10: Gatun Lake/Panama Canal Transit

By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor in Gatun Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument overnight. 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 Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - DAY 11: Colón/Disembark/Panama City/Home

Disembark after breakfast in Colón. Drive to the airport in Panama City for flights home. (B)

Day 11 - Please Note:

All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

See monkeys, sloths, rare birds, and venture deep into the rain forest
Transit the Panama Canal, with an exclusive stop to visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Kayak, hike, swim, and snorkel; actively explore these idyllic islands and hidden waterways, getting the same enriching experience offered on our eight-day Costa Rica and Panama expedition
PLUS you’ll venture inland for an exploration of the picturesque Monteverde cloud forest