Name: Costa Rica & Panama Canal Discovery
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D1224042010

Puntarenas, on a narrow peninsula jutting into the Pacific, provides an authentic Costa Rican experience with its beaches, seafood and lively carnival atmosphere. It serves as a gateway to natural wonders like Tortuga, Chira and Coco islands, popular for snorkelling, diving and wildlife observation. A short drive away, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, a high-altitude rainforest renowned for its biodiversity, is a must-visit destination

Curu Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula has diverse trails through forests, mangroves and beaches. Part of a sustainable farm, it has 232 bird species, including parrots, woodpeckers, and scarlet macaws, and hosts howler and capuchin monkeys. The refuge also aids sea turtles like the Pacific ridley, hawksbill and green sea turtles through an eco-project focusing on artificial reef and coral restoration in Curu Bay.

Nature Walk at the Wildlife Refuge

Included

02 h 00 m

At the reserve your naturalist tour guide will introduce you to a variety of wildlife that thrives here, including up to 200 species of birds, capuchin and howler monkeys as well as lizards and spiders
The easy trail in Curu contains Costa Rica’s first private National Wildlife Refuge and is an example of a successful sustainable development program
Curú National Wildlife Refuge is managed sustainably to produce a profit and local employment, while also protecting its threatened and endangered forested habitats such as mangroves, tropical moist and dry forests, and coral reefs

Isla Tortuga, in the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica, is renowned for its scenic beauty, white sand beaches and clear blue waters. Comprising two uninhabited islands, it's considered Costa Rica's most beautiful. Located near the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, the island offers hiking, kayaking, snorkelling and diving to explore marine life. Canopy tours with zip-lines offer a thrilling perspective above the treetops.

Snorkelling with the Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

02 h 00 m

Lookout for angelfish, octopus, stingrays, and spinner dolphins
Enjoy the spectacular forest covered island with its has golden sand beaches and is surrounded by rich marine life

The lively town of Quepos serves as a gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica's top attractions. The park offers diverse landscapes, including mountains, mangrove forests, lagoons, beaches and vibrant rainforests. With over 350 species of birds and over 100 species of mammals, the Perezoso trail provides opportunities to spot wildlife, such as scarlet macaws, toucans, hawks, armadillos and sloths who hide in the guarumo trees.

Skywalk in the Forest & Crocodile Safari

Optional

07 h 15 m

Disvocer the forest below with three suspended cable bridges; each bridge stretches between 270 and 330 feet, and all skim the top of the spectacular rainforest, up to 126 feet above the ground
Explore the Tarcoles River, near the Carara National Park. This area is known for its mangrove forests, holding within it four different species of mangroves: tea, black, red and white mangrove
Enjoy a delicious Typical lunch and you will have some time that will allow you to browse and purchase some souvenirs to take back home with you

A Rainmaker Forest and Waterfalls

Optional

04 h 30 m

Explore a peaceful place, surrounded by an untouched natural beauty that lies beyond the boundaries of your imagination
Explore the rainforest on easy trails and suspended bridges along with lookout platforms allowing you to observe waterfalls and witness the rich biodiversity this unique site has to offer
At the end of the walk a pristine waterfall pool will invite you to enjoy a refreshing dip if weather permits

Nature Walk & Beach at Manuel Antonio National Park

Included

04 h 30 m

The dense rainforest opens into small trails where your naturalist tour guide will acquaint you with all the information regarding the transitional forest
This walk is by far one of the best in the Central Pacific, and a great opportunity to get closer to the forest
After a short drive, your guided walk will lead you to the beach, where you will have time for sunbathing

Traditional Culinary Experience

Optional

04 h 45 m

Experience a fun and informative tour of local cuisine; learn where the organic ingredients come from, how dishes are prepared, and how to recreate recipes at home
Your guide will take you through the garden to pick out some finishing flavors, colors and textures for your meal
Participate in the kitchen and experience the process of making corn tortillas by hand, exotic “ceviches” with plantain, rice cooked the old-fashioned way, chicken in a hearty tomato sauce, “picadillos” and more

Rainforest Extravaganza

Optional

05 h 30 m

Visit a property that is filled with crystal-waters creeks and surrounded by giant trees that you can only find in tropical jungles a land of an outstanding number of species of birds and butterflies
Enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful place, while you walk on easy trails

The deep and well sheltered Golfo Dulce, or ‘Sweet Gulf’, borders the Osa Peninsula’s eastern shore. The northeast section of the gulf is part of the 35,000-acre Piedras Blancas National Park, a stunning tract of rainforest that used to be part of Corcovado, and still protects the same amazing biodiversity. As you explore the lush rainforest here, you’ll come face to face with some of the tallest trees in the world, you’ll also come across pretty waterfalls and perhaps also toucans, macaws, anteaters, sloths, howler monkeys and more.

Piedras Blancas National Park

Included

04 h 00 m

Explore Piedras Blancas National Park, considered by many experts to have the best birdwatching in Costa Rica
Enjoy a short sightseeing drive in the coastal area of Golfito
Visit the mysterious stone spheres and the old train locomotive that was used in the 18th century to transfer the crops from the fields to the port

Dolphin Watch & Beach Scape

Optional

04 h 00 m

Explore a place known by ¨National Geographic to be the most biologically intense area on Earth.... A place where large groups of dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays swim in clear blue tropical waters in an amazing show
You will learn about the biological behavior and habits of the wildlife that you will spot, as you sail across the area
If weather permits there will be leisure time, where you can enjoy and swim in the placid waters of a local beach

Ocean Kayak Adventure

Optional

03 h 00 m

Birdwatchers will be delighted with the variety of seafowl that commonly includes pelicans, frigate birds, egrets, and more
Keep your eyes open as sometimes pods of bottle-nosed dolphins stay in the area before or after their daily activities in the open waters of the gulf
You will stop at a nice beach where you will take a break to relax and enjoy some nicely presented fresh fruits and snacks before returning to Golfito

Pre-Columbian Stone Spheres at a UNESCO site

Optional

07 h 00 m

Visit Finca 6, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the four archaeological collections of unique stone spheres located in chiefdom settlements from the Pre-Columbian period (500-1500 CE)
Discover a collection of stone spheres, between 0.7 m and 2.57 m (8.5 ft) in diameter, whose meaning, use, and production remain largely a mystery. The spheres are distinctive for their perfection, number, size, and density, and placed in original locations."
After this amazing encounter with the past, replenish with a savory Costa Rican lunch before returning to the pier

Cebaco Island, a private island in the Gulf of Montijo off Panama's coast, captivates nature lovers. Verdant forests host diverse flora and fauna, while pristine beaches line the coast. The island's marine life thrives, showcasing vibrant fish in coral reefs, graceful rays in the depths, and majestic sea turtles navigating with unhurried grace.

Leisurely Beach Rainforest Nature Walk with your Expedition Team

Included

03 h 00 m

Discover the biodiversity of this true paradise Island
Marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty and feel the serene atmosphere
Spot some of the most beautiful birds in the world

Snorkelling Activities with your Expedition Team

Included

02 h 00 m

Enjoy the pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and the peaceful atmosphere.
Be delighted by the vibrant underwater world surrounding Cebaco Island
Explore the coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life

The authentic Emberá tribe live in the Darien Jungle, and rarely receive outside visitors.They rely on the jungle, using its plants for food, medicine and clothing. This is a unique opportunity to meet the indigenous people and discover their local customs.This visit offers an immersive look at an ancient culture still thriving in the Panamanian wilderness.

Exploring Embera Village with the Expedition Team

Included

04 h 00 m

Stop in the beautiful Darien region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the outskirts of Darien National Park
Watch tattoo-covered locals perform traditional dances and admire their intricate jewelry
Shop for souvenirs, such as carvings made from cocobolo wood and tagua nut (vegetable ivory)

Fuerte Amador, the Panama Canal's Pacific terminus, lies at the end of a mile-long manmade causeway, built from the canal's waste materials. Nearby, Frank Gehry's colourful Biomuseo showcases Panama's biodiversity. Miraflores Locks' visitor centre tells the story of this legendary waterway. A short taxi ride away, modern Panama City has evolved around its two historic centres: the conquistador-era Panamá Viejo and 17th-century Casco Viejo.

Highlights of Panama City

Included

04 h 00 m

Take in the must-see attractions in Old Panama and Colonial Panama, its successor
Visit to the Interoceanic Canal Museum, which is housed in the building that was the original headquarters for the French Canal building
Observe landmark buildings featuring French and Spanish architecture

Small Boat Rainforest Expedition in the Panama Canal

Optional

05 h 00 m

Try to spot incredible wild life as green iguanas three-toed sloths resting on tree branches, crocodiles, and ospreys in the hunt for peacock bass
Admire the tropical scenery while driving to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve
Cruise massive Gatun Lake,passing by gigantic cargo ships transiting the waterway

Helicopter Tour of the Panama Canal

Optional

01 h 30 m

Enjoy aerial views of the East and West banks of Pacific Canal Lock
Have some impressive views of Panama City's skyline
Fly over the entire Panama Canal

Flavors of Casco Viejo

Optional

06 h 00 m

Have the chance to sample the famous ceviche, a delicious traditional dish prepared from raw fish
Try an array of the best coffees from the Chiriqui Highlands
Walk through the cobblestone streets of Casco Antiguo for a chocolate tasting experience

Cruising the Panama Canal is a bucket-list experience, navigating a 48-mile waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, eliminating the need for a voyage around Cape Horn. The journey involves passing through three sets of locks, lifting and lowering the ship by up to 85 feet, traversing Gatun Lake, an artificial reservoir, and navigating the narrow Culebra Cut—a 9-mile stretch carved through the Cordillera Central mountain range.

Lemon Cay is one of the 49 inhabited islands of the San Blas Archipelago, a network of cays and islands off the coast of Panama. It is a small and secluded island with a pristine white sand beach, turquoise water and palm trees. Lemon Cay is also home to the Guna, a community of indigenous people who live in traditional huts and welcome visitors with their hospitality and culture.

Snorkelling activities with your Expedition Team

Included

02 h 00 m

Encounter the local marine wildlife, including schools of tropical fish, barracudas, trumpet fish, and stingrays
Observe every detail of the marine life and coral formations through these so clear waters
Explore one of the most untouched coral reefs by mankind

Zodiac Cruising with Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

02 h 00 m

Within the walled Old City of Cartagena, a historic coastal city in Colombia, 16th- to 18th-century military architecture, unmatched in the Americas, stands tall. Vibrant streets host museums like the Gold Museum, overlooked by the hilltop Castillo San Felipe fortress. Along the picturesque coast, La Boquilla fishing village is known for folkloric drumming and dancing and is the gateway to one of Colombia's largest mangrove forests.

Comprehensive Cartagena City Tour

Included

04 h 15 m

Admire Cartagena from a hilltop fortress that offers a wonderful panoramic view
Stroll through Cartagena’s atmospheric Old City
Visit the Gold Museum

Mangrove Canoe Ride & Community Drumming Performance

Optional

04 h 30 m

Visit La Boquilla Fishing Village
Enjoy a folkloric presentation
Learn about the traditions of the small villages

Colombian Coffee Experience with Rum Pairing

Optional

03 h 15 m

Taste the best coffee of the word at Café San Alberto awarding coffee shop
Taste some Colombian rums through the experience
Learn about the Coffe Process and culture

Caribbean Culinary Experience

Optional

04 h 30 m

Visit the iconic traditional Bazurto Market
Learn about the Colombian Gastronomy and prepare your own Caribbean meal

Costa Rica & Panama Canal Discovery

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