Central America: Panama City to Costa Rica

Arrive individually in Colón and embark on the glamorous Sea Cloud II to let the journey begin.

Since 1914, the Panama Canal has linked the Atlantic to the Pacific. This technological marvel of locks and canals also comprises two artificial lakes. The Gatúnsee, one of the world's largest dammed lakes, has now regained a unique range of flora and fauna. In fact, nature has reclaimed the lake for itself, with the rainforest sprawling over its banks. The former hills are now islands on which an astonishing variety of species has formed, due to its isolation. The largest island, Barro Colorado, is completely untouched and has been a nature reserve since 1923. Scientists from all over the world come here to try and discover the jungle's last secrets.

The name of this Pacific archipelago in the Gulf of Panama pre-dates the Spanish conquest to a time when its inhabitants were pearl fishermen and traded in beautiful oyster pearls. Where in previous centuries, pirates and buccaneers hid out and buried their loot, other treasures can now be found. Over 200 pearl islands, of which even the smallest are inhabited, form an almost undisturbed paradise with a diverse range of lakes and rivers, enchanting white coral beaches, golden sandy beaches and black volcanic beaches, rounded off with lush green tropical vegetation. The island of Contadora has special significance as the place where U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed the Panama Canal Treaty in 1977, ceding sovereign rights over the Panama Canal to the Republic of Panama.

Coiba National Park covers the island of Coiba, the largest in the country, and 38 other smaller tiny islets. It is one of the world's largest marine national parks and is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Because the island broke off from the mainland around 15,000 years ago, a unique range of flora and fauna and an extraordinary variety of species are preserved here. Beautiful deserted beaches nestle up to the delightful turquoise sea.

One of the oldest rainforests in Costa Rica is on the Osa Peninsula in the Pacific Ocean. The impenetrable Corcovado National Park is home to jaguars, tapirs, pumas, ocelots, anteaters and around 400 species of bird. Some trees grow to 80 meters (262 feet) in height with trunks that are three-meters (10 feet) thick. The time of explorers seeking the legendary gold of Eldorado in the untouched rainforest is over; today the many rare animal and plant species are the real treasure.

Isla Tortuga is on the Gulf of Nicoya on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. It actually consists of two islands - Isla Tolinga and Isla Alcatraz, with the latter known as Tortuga. The turquoise ocean, blue sky, deep green palms, and white sandy beaches make "turtle island" a heavenly place to stop for a swim and its many fishes make it a colorful place for snorkeling.

Quepos was a lively little port at the time of booming banana exports. Today it is a gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park, which lies to the south. The park covers an area of just 683 hectares and is one of the most diverse rainforests in Costa Rica. Paths lead you from the beautiful sandy beach straight to the heart of this untamed green kingdom. More than 1,000 varieties of plant and prolific wildlife, including whole herds of inquisitive apes, sloths, coatis and raccoons, iguanas, many species of bird, and unique colorful butterflies have made this place their home.

On the weekends, the beaches of Playas del Coco are likely to be populated with young Ticos hoping to swim and catch some sun. Take a river trip through the jungle areas, rice fields, and sugar cane plantations and discover animals that are native to the shores of the Rio Corobici. The Palo Verde National Park stretches along one bank of the Rio Tempisque. It features the densest population of waterfowl in the whole of Costa Rica and is one of the best areas for bird watching in Central America - almost 300 species of bird have been identified here. The best vantage point to see them is on a boat trip through the mangroves.

The beautiful colonial city of Granada lies at the foot of the Mombacho volcano and on the western bank of Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America with its own archipelago of around 300 islands. The country's oldest town, it was founded by the Spanish in 1524. It was often attacked by pirates in colonial times due to its growing wealth as one of the most important trading places. This important historic legacy has received special protection, and the place is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old city around the Parque Centrale is a magnificently restored treasure with its splendid Spanish facades, Cathedral, and monasteries.

Arrive at Puntarenas and disembark after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your continued independent journeys.