Rainforests & Ancient Cultures

Day 1 Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Embark the Prince Albert II and depart on your exciting 12-day expedition – Rainforests & Ancient Cultures. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and receive a Zodiac briefing.

Day 2 Puerto Quepos, Costa Rica

Go ashore by Zodiac to the small port town of Quepos. Tranquil turquoise beaches, lush tropical jungles, and a fantastic variety of flora and fauna can only begin to paint the portrait of this idyllic destination. Quepos is less than 4.5 miles (7 km) from Costa Rica’s most popular gem, Manuel Antonio National Park, which is where you begin the day’s exploration. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most stunning and bio-diverse areas of the world. Spread out over 683 hectares it is filled with diverse wildlife, has both primary and secondary forests, boasts a stunning shoreline ideal for bird watching or swimming, and is home to a number of endemic species of plants and animals including: iguanas, sloths, squirrel monkeys, colourful crabs, and the ceiba tree, which, according to ancient Mayan culture, is the tree of life that links you to the spirit world. Together with your informative Costa Rican naturalist guides hike through the exotic, bio-diverse tropical rainforests hoping to encounter numerous species of monkeys as they traverse the tree canopy, and listen to the songs of the multitude of birds as they glide above the group.

Alternatively, enjoy a cruise through the mangroves, considered to be an important ecosystem packed with hundreds of species of marine and land animals at the beginning their life cycles.

Aboard a sturdy vessel designed for this type of cruising, your guides and captain navigate around shifting sandbanks to reveal the animals, insects and plants that lie hidden from the untrained eye. Pass through wide lagoons where many species of nesting sea birds can be observed, and round narrow passages, affording a chance for an intimate encounter with the shy white-collared capuchin monkeys. These creatures are certain to come and peer out at those who have entered their realm.

Day 3 Golfito, Costa Rica

As the sun wakes, set off on a great adventure exploring the wild side of Costa Rica. Following entry clearance in Golfito, begin your adventures in the protected Osa Peninsula. Birding enthusiasts will want to join your onboard ornithologist to look for parrots and gaudy toucans in the tropical forest canopy, while another group of guests will travel to the isolated Casa Orquideas Botanical Garden with your onboard botanist to admire its variety of delicate orchid species. For those who just cannot get enough of swimming and paddling around in one of the transparent kayaks carried onboard, there will also be an opportunity to do both in the bay of Golfo Dulce.

Day 4 Day at Sea

As you make way southward into the deep blue Pacific, meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard the Prince Albert II. Gather in the Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields present lectures and seminars. Other onboard diversions may include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 5 Cocos Island, Costa Rica

Rising from the depths of the Pacific and situated midway between the Galapagos Islands and Costa Rica’s mainland and stretching as far south as the equator, is the uninhabited Cocos Island (Island of the Coconut). This lush, tropical paradise receives up to 7 meters of rainfall annually, but seldom receives visitors as it so remote. This large volcanic island offers some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving experiences. Its fantastical underwater world features an array of tuna, rays, sharks, dolphins, and many, many more.

Together with local rangers set out, following in the footsteps of the many pirates that are said to have buried treasure on Cocos Island. During your exploratory hike, discover the diverse flora of this lush tropical paradise. Time and weather conditions permitting, set out with your fleet of Zodiacs to discover the rugged western shores of the island where you will see many waterfalls and a variety of bird species.

Day 6 At Sea

Take the time to enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at The Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship. Before turning in, take a stroll on deck and enjoy the solitude and splendour of a vast velvet sky strewn with shimmering stars.

Day 7 Isla De La Plata, Ecuador

Exploration and discovery await as you anchor off the coast of the uninhabited and unspoilt Isla de la Plata. An island whose name was derived from the legend of swashbuckling pirate Sir Francis Drake’s buried silver treasure. The island was privately owned until 1979, when it was declared part of Ecuador's Machalilla National Park. Best known for its fauna, which is amazingly similar to that of the Galapagos Islands, Isla de la Plata is a delightful place for birding, photography and long nature walks.

Although just south of the equator, today start seeing the influences of the colder Humboldt Current, which brings nutrient-rich water as far north as Isla de la Plata. Start to experience an increase in the bird life as you approach the island and blue footed boobies circle over the Prince Albert II. Together with your local natural history guides, go ashore and enjoy various walks, while watching for herons, pelicans, gulls, frigate birds, masked boobies, and hawks.

Day 8 Guayaquil, Ecuador

This city of more than two million people spreads out from the banks of the chocolate-coloured Guayas River. It is the country’s main port, with 90% of all Ecuadorian imports and half of its exports. Today, your excursion will allow you to see rural Ecuador at work. During your drive to the Province of Los Ríos, observe crops of rice, sugar cane, pineapple, cacao, and corn. Make a short stop to taste fruits of the season before arriving at the Hacienda Rodeo Grande. Here taste the juice of fresh fruits like naranjilla (tree tomato) and patacones – fried plantain tortillas with cheese. While at the ranch visit their banana plantation where you will be able to see and learn about all stages of the production of bananas, from the growing process until the bananas are packed and ready to be exported. Later, you will have the opportunity photograph the water buffalos. A delicious lunch including typical foods of the region will be served at the hacienda while listening to music performed by local musicians. After lunch have some free time to do some souvenir shopping or just walk through the paths of the hacienda before returning to Guayaquil.

Quito & The Middle of the World
On this optional excursion, fly to Quito, the capital of Ecuador Quito and World Heritage Site located approximately 9,200 feet above sea level in the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano. Its churches, monasteries, narrow streets, rock and adobe buildings and Spanish patios provide a magnificent blend of Spanish, Flemish, Moorish and pre-Columbian architecture styles. During this full-day tour admire the spectacular views out to the Cumbaya and Tumbaco Valleys and see the Old Town’s historic Independence Square, Government Palace, Cathedral, Jesuit church of La Compania de Jesus, and the Square of San Francisco. Following lunch at a typical Ecuadorian Restaurant, head north to the Equatorial Line Monument – “The Middle of the World”. Enjoy the rare experience of standing in both northern and southern hemispheres simultaneously. At the Ethnographical Museum learn of Ecuador indigenous cultures. (Requires advance booking, please inquire)

Day 9 Paita, Peru

Today drive to the east, crossing through typical small northern villages until you arrive at Piura and the district of Sechura where you will find the Sechura Desert, which, at 127,550 Ha, is the most extensive in Peru. Next arrive at Sechura Bay and the San Pedro de Vice wetlands. This place is great for birdwatching; there are approximately 89 resident and migratory bird species registered in this site, including the yellow warbler, wood stork, Chilean flamingo and the western sandpiper. Your birdwatching expedition continues in the scenic landscape of “Bosque Seco”.

Alternatively, take a panoramic city tour of Piura where you will see its cathedral, San Francisco church and Vicus Museum. Visit Catacaos, famous for their gold and silver filigree work. Handmade filigree products, embossed leather items and straw hats make for charming souvenirs of your visit to this capital of craftsmen.

Day 10 Cruise & Explore Isla Lobos de Tierra, Peru

This morning, the Prince Albert II anchors off Isla Lobos de Tierra and readies for the day’s extreme adventures examining marine life up close. Lobos De Tierra and Lobos de Afuera are steep and rocky islands that protrude more than 200 feet (61 metres) from the surface of the deep blue Pacific.

An abundant array of marine mammals and seabirds surround these two islas and offer you a splendid opportunity to explore with your Zodiacs. Sea lions, like sunbathers, bask on the beach and hundreds of blue-footed boobies can be viewed ashore as well, whilst Peruvian pelicans pass overhead. Weather permitting; attempt to make a landing on the island.

Day 11 Salaverry, Peru

Dock at Salaverry, but the day’s destination is the Valley of Chicama where you will visit the archaeological complex of El Brujo, the Sorcerer, which dates back to the Mochica culture. The dig here began in 1990 and excavations have revealed pyramids reaching up to 150 feet in height with walls decorated with friezes and coloured reliefs that depict complex scenes, characters, and geometric designs.

Next, visit a private hacienda. Here, enjoy lunch and witness a performance featuring the Peruvian paso horse and Marinera dance show – an unrivalled opportunity to immerse ourselves in genuine Peruvian culture and customs through food, dance, costume, music and the nation’s purebred horses.

Day 12 Callao, Peru

This afternoon drive southeast of Lima to visit the Pachacamac Pilgrimage Center. Built around 700 A.D. as a temple for worshiping the sun god Pachacamac, it housed an oracle and is believed to be one of the main pilgrimage centers in pre-Columbian Peru, on par with Cusco. Pilgrims flocked here from far away to worship Pachacamac, who was believed to be the creator of the world and its creatures. The site includes palaces, plazas and temples that have been painstakingly restored. The on-site museum has a collection of local relics. Return to the Prince Albert II in the early evening.

Day 13 Callao, Peru

Following breakfast, disembark the Prince Albert II.