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Peregrine Travel Centre

Monteverde + Costa Rica And Panama

Monteverde + Costa Rica And Panama

From AUD $9,740

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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 Mayan 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
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 72 metres Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins) Built: 2017 Registry: United States 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, a short drive brings us to the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel.
Day 2 - DAY 2 - 3: Monteverde Cloud Forest
A scenic drive of approximately 5 hours up the mountain 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, insects and birds and watch for the rare resplendent quetzal. We ascend the Skywalk, a series of suspension bridges, for a bird's-eye view of the rain forest canopy. Later, learn about life in the early Monteverde community from one of the original Quaker homesteaders. Spend each night in a charming, family-owned lodge.
Day 3 - DAY 4: Monteverde/Herradura/N.G. Quest
Continue our exploration of Monteverde and travel to Herradura to embark our ship.
Day 4 - DAY 5: Manuel Antonio National Park
The abundant wildlife here is most active in the early morning, so we are sure to get an early start. Lethargic three-toed sloths can be easy to spot, but it often takes the expert eye of a naturalist to point three-toed sloths, out monkeys or vividly colored birds as they zip through the forest. In the afternoon, we explore Costa Rica’s beautiful coast where we’ll find a great spot for a hike or swim.
Day 5 - DAY 6: Osa Peninsula
The National Geographic Quest anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula and the environs of Corcovado National Park. Our exact landing spot for the day will depend on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride on the beach or join a an expedition landing craft cruise. Trek through the rain forest for a chance to see three species of monkeys in one day: howler, spider and squirrel!
Day 6 - DAY 7: Gulfo Dulce
Today we visit Casa Orquídeas, a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, where we see a profusion of orchids; and look for tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the forested bay of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, expedition landing craft cruises and swimming.
Day 7 - DAY 8: Isla Coiba, Panama
Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks, where you may hike the tropical, moist forest trails. The area is also perfect for swimming, snorkeling amid tropical fish and trying stand up paddleboarding. Our staff will assist both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those preferring a drier clime, our naturalists take underwater footage, which animates our evening gathering in the lounge.
Day 8 - DAY 9: Gulf of Panama Islets/Gatún Lake
Explore a cluster of islands in the Gulf of Panama via expedition landing craft or kayak. It’s a wonderful introduction to the region’s varied bird life. Observe large numbers of roosting and nesting seabirds: magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies of Galápagos fame.
Day 9 - DAY 10: Panama Canal Transit
After breakfast, board expedition landing craft for Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Lake Gatún. The island is inaccessible to most travelers and, by special arrangement, local guides from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute accompany us through the tropical forest that so challenged the builders of the Canal. Reboard National Geographic Quest to continue our crossing. A daylight transit cannot be guaranteed since cargo ships have priority over passenger ships. The Canal, however, is dramatically lit at night.
Day 10 - DAY 11: Colón/Disembark/Panama City/Home
Disembark after breakfast in Colón. Drive to the airport in Panama City for flights home.
Day 11 - Please Note:
All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-12-201815-12-2018AUD $0Category 1
05-12-201815-12-2018AUD $0Category 2
05-12-201815-12-2018AUD $0Category 3
05-12-201815-12-2018AUD $0Category 4
05-12-201815-12-2018AUD $0Category 5
05-12-201815-12-2018AUD $0Category 1 Single
05-12-201815-12-2018AUD $0Category 2 Single
19-12-201829-12-2018AUD $0Category 4
19-12-201829-12-2018AUD $0Category 5
19-12-201829-12-2018AUD $0Category 1 Single
19-12-201829-12-2018AUD $0Category 2 Single
19-12-201829-12-2018AUD $0Category 1
19-12-201829-12-2018AUD $0Category 2
19-12-201829-12-2018AUD $0Category 3
02-01-201912-01-2019AUD $0Category 1
02-01-201912-01-2019AUD $0Category 2
02-01-201912-01-2019AUD $0Category 3
02-01-201912-01-2019AUD $0Category 4
02-01-201912-01-2019AUD $0Category 5
02-01-201912-01-2019AUD $0Category 1 Single
02-01-201912-01-2019AUD $0Category 2 Single
16-01-201926-01-2019AUD $0Category 1
16-01-201926-01-2019AUD $0Category 2
16-01-201926-01-2019AUD $0Category 3
16-01-201926-01-2019AUD $0Category 4
16-01-201926-01-2019AUD $0Category 5
16-01-201926-01-2019AUD $0Category 1 Single
16-01-201926-01-2019AUD $0Category 2 Single
30-01-201909-02-2019AUD $0Category 1
30-01-201909-02-2019AUD $0Category 2
30-01-201909-02-2019AUD $0Category 3
30-01-201909-02-2019AUD $0Category 4
30-01-201909-02-2019AUD $0Category 5
30-01-201909-02-2019AUD $0Category 1 Single
30-01-201909-02-2019AUD $0Category 2 Single
19-03-201929-03-2019AUD $0Category 1
19-03-201929-03-2019AUD $0Category 2
19-03-201929-03-2019AUD $0Category 3
19-03-201929-03-2019AUD $0Category 4
19-03-201929-03-2019AUD $0Category 5
19-03-201929-03-2019AUD $0Category 1 Single
19-03-201929-03-2019AUD $0Category 2 Single

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
    • Venture inland for an exploration of the picturesque Monteverde cloud forest

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