The city tour gave a good over view of Manaus, but the real adventure didn't begin until I boarded the Motor Yacht Tucano and headed up river on the Rio Negro.
It was exciting to get on board and get ... Full Journal »
Panama, Costa Rica, and Peru: Natural Wonders and Ancient Civilizations
« All Clelia II cruise options
- Day 1 Arrive Panama City
- Day 2 Transit the Panama Canal
- Day 3 Coiba Island, Panama
- Day 4 Golfito, Costa Rica
- Day 5 Manuel Antonio National Park
- Day 6 Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula
- Days 7-8 At Sea
- Day 9 Manta / Montecristi or Machalilla National Park / Manta, Ecuador
- Day 10 At Sea
- Day 11 Salaverry / Huaca de la Luna & Huaca del Sol / Chan Chan, Peru
- Day 12 Salaverry / El Brujo or Trujillo / Salaverry
- Days 13-15 Callao / Lima, Pachacamac & Puruchuco, or Cuzco & Machu Picchu
- Day 16 San Martin / Paracas / Ballestas Islands
- Day 17 San Juan / Nazca
- Day 18 Matarani / Disembark / Arequipa
- Day 19 Arequipa
- Day 20 Arequipa / Return Home
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||||
| Category E | Category D | Category C | Category B | Category A | Category AA | Category VS | Category PHS | |
Day 1 Arrive Panama City
Upon arrival in Panama City, transfer to Colón, on the Caribbean coast, to embark Clelia II.
Day 2 Transit the Panama Canal
Clelia II transits the historic Panama Canal, passing from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The scenery and mechanics of the transit are fascinating, with the ship being raised and lowered a total of 85 feet.
Day 3 Coiba Island, Panama
Call at Coiba, one of several islands located off Peninsula Azuero. The island is one of the best protected marine national parks in Panama. In the company of resident naturalists, take a hike in search of scarlet macaws, brown pelicans, brown boobies, and frigate birds.
Day 4 Golfito, Costa Rica
Sail through Golfo Dulce to the town of Golfito. Drive to the Orchid Garden to see its native and exotic plant collection. Reboard the Clelia II after visiting the Orchid Garden and while sailing to Rio Esquinas, enjoy a presentation by a local historian about cacao, the region, and do a chocolate tasting. Arrive at Saldero Farm via Zodiac, a 400-acre farmstead located in the Piedras Blancas National Park. Due to the abundant fruits, a wide range of birds can be spotted on any given day. The primary rainforest supports hundreds of different species of birds, including the Fiery-billed Aracari and the Blue-crowned Motmot as well as Scarlet Macaws, and a variety of toucans and trogons.
Day 5 Manuel Antonio National Park
Scenic Manuel Antonio National Park is a perfect combination of warm Pacific waters and rain forest that grows down to white-sand beaches. Nature trails follow the beach and over a forested, rocky promontory. The park protects many habitats, including primary and secondary forest, mangroves, beach vegetation, and marine resources. Due to its relatively small size and isolation by surrounding ocean and plantations, it is one of the easiest places in Costa Rica to see wildlife, particularly sloths, coatimundi, agoutis, White-faced Monkeys, and the tiny Squirrel Monkey.
Day 6 Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula
This morning arrive at Marenco Biological Reserve. Here you will have the choice of doing a zodiac landing onto Marcenco Beach with a half-hour walk along the shore along public trails. You can also choose to take a swim in the river. Or alternately take zodiacs to land at Drake Bay and tour Rio Chiquito to visit a local town. Return back to the ship for lunch and after a short sail to Corcovado. Explore spectacular Corcovado National Park. On a bluff overlooking the Pacific, this protected virgin rain forest is home to hundreds of different types of trees. Once ashore your tour will start at the Park Ranger Station and take a 2 ½ hr hike to San Pedrillo area – along well-marked trails. The park is widely considered the crown jewel in the extensive system of national parks and biological reserves spread across Costa Rica. National Geographic called it “the most biologically intense place on Earth.” Naturalists aid in your understanding of the intricate ecosystem and familiarize you with conservation efforts. Look for prehistoric iguanas, sloths clinging to trees, and playful primates dancing along the jungle ceiling. The abundant wildlife also includes scarlet macaws (the country’s largest population), spider monkeys, anteaters, pumas, and whitefaced capuchin monkeys.
Days 7-8 At Sea
Relax on board the Clelia II as your ship cruises toward Ecuador.
Day 9 Manta / Montecristi or Machalilla National Park / Manta, Ecuador
Arrive in Ecuador’s port city of Manta, founded by the conquistadors in 1535. Even before the Spanish foundation, the city was an important center of the Manta culture, which thrived in this area from about A.D. 500. Explore the town and visit the Banco Central Museum, with its small but excellent collection of artifacts from archaeological sites in the area. Also, drive to the interesting colonial town of Montecristi, an important center for wicker-work and the Panama hat industry. Alternatively, spend the day at Machalilla National Park, created to protect one of the few remaining coastal habitats of Ecuador. Over 200 species of birds and a variety of other wildlife are found in the park.
Day 10 At Sea
Relax on board the Clelia II as your ship cruises toward Peru.
Day 11 Salaverry / Huaca de la Luna & Huaca del Sol / Chan Chan, Peru
Visit Huaca de la Luna and see Huaca del Sol, pyramids from the Moche culture, a remarkable pre-Inca civilization. Continue to Chan Chan, imperial capital of the Chimú (A.D. 1000-1470) and the world’s largest adobe city.
Day 12 Salaverry / El Brujo or Trujillo / Salaverry
Visit El Brujo Archaeological Complex and the newly opened Museo de Cao or tour Trujillo, founded by the Spanish in 1534 and known for its colonial architecture.
Days 13-15 Callao / Lima, Pachacamac & Puruchuco, or Cuzco & Machu Picchu
Clelia II will remain in Callao, Lima’s lively port, for three days, giving you the opportunity to comprehensively explore the area’s ancient sites and Lima’s splendid museums. Before the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century, the area around Lima contained vibrant cities, two of which you will explore: Pachacamac, the largest pre-Columbian Peruvian coastal city and ceremonial center; and Puruchuco, the site of a pre-Inca palace of a noble. In Lima, visit the city’s historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the superb National Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology, and the renowned Gold Museum. Alternatively, fly to Cuzco for two nights/three days to explore the center of the Inca Empire and Machu Picchu, the Inca site dramatically situated atop towering mountains.
(The Cuzco/Machu Picchu excursion is available at an additional cost of $865 per person.)
Day 16 San Martin / Paracas / Ballestas Islands
Explore the Paracas peninsula, a reserve protecting an important marine ecosystem. Paracas was also a pre-Nazca necropolis, with over 400 mummies excavated. Also discover the Ballestas Islands, home to thousands of seabirds.
Day 17 San Juan / Nazca
Travel to Nazca, named for the culture that lived here from a.d. 200-800. Via small aircraft, fly over the Nazca Lines, giant, mysterious designs (a condor, etc.) drawn in the desert by the Nazca or another early culture.
Day 18 Matarani / Disembark / Arequipa
Disembark at the port of Matarani on the south coast of Peru and drive through impressive scenery to Arequipa, set in a beautiful valley surrounded by lofty mountains. Overnight accommodations are at Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca.
Day 19 Arequipa
Occupied originally by Aymaras and Incas, Arequipa was founded by the Spaniards in 1540 and is today one of Peru’s loveliest cities, notable for its magnificent colonial architecture. Spend the day exploring the city, including the elegant Plaza de Armas, the Santa Catalina Convent, a miniature walled colonial town in the middle of the city, the church of La Compañia, dating to the 17th century, the Archaeological Museum, and the Museo Sanctuarios de Altura, which contains the celebrated frozen mummies found on the icy summits of the Ampata volcano.
Day 20 Arequipa / Return Home
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima to connect with flights home.
Itinerary Notes
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS* 2-night stay in Arequipa at the Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca
* 17-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 100-guest Clelia II
* Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship
* All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
* Open bar aboard ship throughout cruise
* Complete program of tours and excursions, as described
* Educational program of lectures by accompanying guest lecturers and onboard naturalists
* Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program departure and arrival dates
* Complete pre-departure materials
* Port and embarkation taxes
* Gratuities to porters, guides, and drivers
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $1500, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 91 days or more | $400 per person |
| 90-61 days | 55% trip cost |
| 60 days or less | 100% trip cost |
| For Itineraries with 19+ days | . |
| 91 days or more | $850 per person |
| 90-61 days | 55% trip cost |
| 60 days or less | 100% trip cost |
Clelia II
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 100
- Luxury Expedition Ship
Launched in early 2009, after extensive refurbishment, redecoration and other improvements, the all-suite Clelia II offers the finest in small-ship luxury cruise travel to the Mediterranean, Antarctica, Great Lakes, the Atlantic coast, South & Central America and more. This private yacht-like cruise ship accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites, each of which affords ocean views, measures 215 square feet or more and is appointed with a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen-size beds, spacious closets, air conditioning.
Suite Amenities
• Satellite TV, DVD/CD player
• Telephone
• Mini-refrigerator
• Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries and teak floor
• Plush terry robes and slippers
• Fresh flowers and fruit basket
• 24-hour room service
Clelia II Small-Ship Amenities
Decorated with rich fabrics, handsome wood, polished brass, rare antiquities and fine works of art, the yacht’s public spaces are warm and inviting. These include:
• Library with Internet access
• 2 Lounges with audiovisual facilities
• State-of-the-art gym/spa
• Beauty salon
• Boutique
• Hospital
• Elevator serving all passenger decks
• Dining room
• Two sun decks
• Jacuzzi
• Swimming platform
Clelia II Specifics
Clelia II complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing, an ice-strengthened hull and a fleet of Zodiacs. Clelia II is staffed by 60 European officers and crew. Taken together with her limited guest capacity, excellence of design, craftsmanship and material, Clelia II's spaciousness and intimate ambiance combine to make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Category E Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto decks with windows and sitting area. 215 sq. feet. Partially obstructed view. Suites 342-345, 428, 429. |
 | Category D Deluxe suites on Ariadne Deck with windows, sitting area, mini-bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower . 215 sq. feet. 334-335, 433. |
 | Category C Deluxe suites on Athena deck with three portholes, sitting area, mini-bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower. 275 sq. feet. Suites 246-252. |
 | Category B Deluxe suites on Ariadne deck with window, sitting area, mini-bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower. 225 square feet. Suites 336-341. |
 | Category A Deluxe suites on Leto deck with window, sitting area, mini-bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower. 235 square feet. Suites 420-427, 430-431. |
 | Category AA Deluxe suites on Cleo deck with forward and side windows, sitting area, mini-bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower. 285 square feet. Suites 505-506. |
 | Category VS Deluxe Veranda suites on Cleo deck with private balcony, sitting area, mini-bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower. 245 sq. feet. Suites 507-518. |
 | Category PHS Deluxe Penthouse suites on Phoebe deck with private balcony , sitting area, mini-bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower. 260 sq. feet. Suites 601-604. |
