C O S TA R I C A A N D T H E PA N A M A C A N A L T H E N AT G E O D I F F E R E N C E • A board the new National Geographic Quest, transit the Panama Canal over two days. • B y special permission, take a guided walk through the tropical forests of Barro Colorado Nature Monument, site of a National Geographic– supported wildlife tracking study. • S norkel the pristine reef surrounding Isla Coiba, one of Panama’s most remote national parks. • C ruise into Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce to visit Casa Orquídeas, a flowering tropical paradise reachable only by boat.
ITINER ARY
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DAY S
and orchids closed to the general public and reachable only by boat. Later, explore the placid bay.
I N F O R M AT I O N
Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAT E S
DAY 5
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COIBA NATIONAL PARK, PANAMA
At Isla Coiba, observe a vibrant undersea world while swimming, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 6
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GULF OF PANAMA ISLETS/ PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT
Today, explore the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama. Set sail for the Panama Canal this afternoon. We’ll most likely begin our crossing at night, when the canal is dramatically lit. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 7 DAY 1
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SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA/ PUERTO CALDERA
Upon arrival in San José, transfer to Puerto Caldera and embark our ship. National Geographic Quest for the entire voyage | Meals: D
DAY 2
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OSA PENINSULA
Anchor off the Osa Peninsula. In Corcovado National Park, swim in waterfall pools, take an optional horseback ride on the beach, or trek through the rain forest for a chance to see four species of monkeys. Meals: B/L/D
DAYS 3 AND 4
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GOLFO DULCE
Enter the mangrove-fringed Golfo Dulce. Venture ashore at Playa Blanca. Then head inland to visit remote indigenous communities and experience daily life on the Osa Peninsula. Hike in mature rain forest or kayak in the Golfo Dulce. The following day, visit the Casa Orquídeas, a tropical paradise of ornamental palms, bromeliads, heliconias,
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GATÚN LAKE/PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT
Board an expedition landing craft to visit Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Gatún Lake by special arrangement. Scientists have worked at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island since 1923. It is also the site of a National Geographic–supported wildlife project. Join local guides for a walk through the forests. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal. Meals: B/L/D
DAY 8
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COLÓN/PANAMA CITY
After breakfast, disembark in Colón and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home. Meals: B
EXPEDITION TEAM A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer Kike Calvo will join the March 19, 2018 departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
Above: A sloth hangs loose in the jungles of Costa Rica.
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CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/COSTARICA
2017: Dec. 2–9 Dec. 9–16*
Dec. 16–23 Dec. 23–30*
Dec. 30–Jan. 6, 2018
2018: Jan. 6–13* Mar. 19–26* Jan. 13–20 Dec. 8–15* Jan. 20–27* Dec. 15–22 Jan. 27–Feb. 3
Dec. 22–29* Dec. 29– Jan. 5, 2019
2019: Jan. 5–12* Jan. 12–19 Jan. 19–26*
Feb. 9–16 Feb. 16–23*
Jan. 26–Feb. 2 Feb. 2–9*
*These departures follow the itinerary shown but in the reverse order, beginning in Panama City and ending in San José.
COST Category 1
$5,990
Category 2
$6,590
Category 3
$6,990
Category 4
$7,790
Category 5
$8,690
See the description, photos, and deck plan for the National Geographic Quest on page 56. Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin, add $3,000 in Category 1 and $3,300 in Category 2. Airfare to San José and return from Panama City, or vice versa, is not included in the expedition cost. Maximum ship capacity: 100
SPECIAL OFFER Book now and receive free international round-trip airfare between Miami and Costa Rica or Panama, or a complimentary Panama City extension on all departures between December 2, 2017 and March 19, 2018. In addition, book the December 16, 2017 departure and we will waive the single-cabin premium in Categories 1 and 2.
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