MONTEVERDE + COSTA RICA AND PANAMA

MONTEVERDE + COSTA RICA AND PANAMA
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.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 — San Jose, Costa Rica
Upon arrival, a short drive brings us to the Doubletree Cariari. (D)
DAYS 2 - 3 — Monteverde Cloud Forest
A scenic drive, approximately five hours over some bumpy roads for the last
half, 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,
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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, which was
established by the Quakers in the 1970s. Eleven families left Alabama and
came to Costa Rica in search of peaceful living. Among the original
homesteaders is Marvin Rockwell who documented the emigration. He will
give us a talk on the trials and triumphs of rural life in the tropics. We spend
the night at a charming, family-owned lodge. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 — Monteverde/Herradura/N.G. Sea Lion
Continue our exploration of Monteverde and travel to Herradura to embark our
ship. (B,L,D)
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 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. (B,L,D)
Explore a cluster of islands in the Gulf of Panama via Zodiac 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 — Panama Canal Transit
After breakfast, board Zodiacs for Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Lake
Gatun. The island is inaccessible to most travelers and, by special
arrangement, guides from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
accompany us through the tropical forest that so challenged the builders of
the Canal. Reboard National Geographic Sea Lionto 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 — Colon/Disembark/Panama City/Home
Disembark after breakfast in Colon. Drive to the airport in Panama City for
flights home. (B)
Please Note:
DAY 6 — Osa Peninsula
The National Geographic Sea Lion 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 kayak. Trek through the rain forest for a chance to see
three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider and squirrel! (B,L,D)
All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit,
conditions permitting.
DAY 7 — Gulfo Dulce
Today we visit Casa Orquideas, 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 or swimming. (B,L,D)
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 and
snorkeling amid tropical fish. 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.
(B,L,D)
DAY 9 — Gulf of Panama Islets/Gatun Lake
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YOUR SHIP: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SEABIRD & SEALION
National Geographic SeaBird &
YOUR SHIP:
SeaLion
VESSEL TYPE:
Comfortable Expedition
LENGTH:
52 metres
PASSENGER CAPACITY:
62 (in twin cabins)
BUILT/REFURBISHED:
1982 / Refurbished 2015
Twin Expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird & Sea
Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their
small size, yet each can comfortably accommodate 62 guests.
The feeling, is often compared to that of a large private yacht,
with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means
freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the
regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so
that you feel the places we visit are all ours.
Full interior renovations have been completed on these twin
62-guest ships, _National Geographic Sea Lion_ and _National
Geographic Sea Bird_. The extensive renovation to guest cabins,
the lounge and bar, dining room, public areas and spa has
transformed the ships to provide the ultimate in expedition
hospitality and comfort. Nothing has been left untouched, from
the sleekly framed wall photos, to the fresh paint, and new
carpets throughout the ships.
The lounge and bar have been completely redesigned and
reconfigured to provide an open, enhanced environment with
additional
seating and better flow. The modern design features new tables
and chairs, upholstery of settees, overhead ceiling panels, and
LED dimmable lighting. The lounge also hosts a new food &
beverage area, library, and Global Market.
The dining room's upgrade features all new tables, chairs,
ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The wine bar has
been replaced and features a display showcasing selections
from the regions explored.
Every cabin has been completely redone and all furnishings
have been replaced. Modern aged cherry bed boxes, faux
leather headboards, Lindblad signature bed linens, new
windows, lighting, and additional USB outlets provide a
dramatic makeover for a relaxing guest experience. Bathrooms
now feature new shower doors and all new hardware.
Exterior renovations include new deck furniture and outdoor
awning.
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INSIDE YOUR SHIP
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0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
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PRICING
23-Nov-2016 to 03-Dec-2016
18-Jan-2017 to 28-Jan-2017
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10180 AUD pp
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11300 AUD pp
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Category 3
12550 AUD pp
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12550 AUD pp
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14460 AUD pp
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07-Dec-2016 to 17-Dec-2016
01-Feb-2017 to 11-Feb-2017
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Category 3
12550 AUD pp
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Category 1 single
14460 AUD pp
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14460 AUD pp
Category 2 single
16340 AUD pp
Category 2 single
16340 AUD pp
21-Dec-2016 to 31-Dec-2016
15-Feb-2017 to 25-Feb-2017
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10180 AUD pp
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11300 AUD pp
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11300 AUD pp
Category 3
12550 AUD pp
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12550 AUD pp
Category 1 single
14460 AUD pp
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14460 AUD pp
Category 2 single
16340 AUD pp
Category 2 single
16340 AUD pp
04-Jan-2017 to 14-Jan-2017
Category 1
10180 AUD pp
Category 2
11300 AUD pp
Category 3
12550 AUD pp
Category 1 single
14460 AUD pp
Category 2 single
16340 AUD pp
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
[email protected] | wildearth-travel.com
PRICING
01-Mar-2017 to 11-Mar-2017
Category 1
10180 AUD pp
Category 2
11300 AUD pp
Category 3
12550 AUD pp
Category 1 single
14460 AUD pp
Category 2 single
16340 AUD pp
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
[email protected] | wildearth-travel.com