Join a 9-day land and sea adventure. Arrive in San Jose and transfer to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano. Explore rainforest trails, suspension bridges, and Lake Arenal, observing sloths, toucans, and other wildlife. Relax at Ecotermales Hot Springs and visit Pierella Ecological Gardens, home to butterflies. Fly to Panama City and transfer to Colon to board National Geographic Quest. Explore Portobelo via kayaks, SUPs, or Zodiacs, visit colonial fortifications, and hear pirate history. Navigate the Panama Canal, hike Barro Colorado Island, and cruise Gatun Lake. Discover the Pearl Islands’ beaches, reefs, and tropical forests while snorkeling and learning local history.
Highlights
Hike rainforest trails near Arenal Volcano spotting sloths and toucans
Relax in naturally heated Ecotermales hot springs
Snorkel among marine life around Pearl Islands
Navigate the Panama Canal through complex locks into Pacific Ocean
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive in San Jose and transfer to La Fortuna in the northern highlands. Use La Fortuna as your base to explore nearby wildlife reserves, forest trails, and natural habitats. Early arrivals can join an optional pre-voyage extension to Caño Negro for rainforest exploration and glamping.
Day 2-4: Arenal Volcano Area
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Explore the Arenal Volcano Area, once Costa Rica’s most active volcano, dormant since 2010. Trek surrounding hills, zipline above the forest canopy and Lake Arenal, and cross suspension bridges for panoramic treetop views. Search for wildlife along forest trails and soak in the naturally heated Ecotermales Hot Springs.
Stay in La Fortuna and visit nearby protected land that shelters two- and three-toed sloths, along with toucans, agoutis, tree frogs, and owls. Explore Pierella Ecological Gardens, a butterfly farm and nature reserve that raises Blue Morpho butterflies sustainably. Transfer to San Jose for an overnight before the next stage of the journey.
Day 5: San Jose | Panama City, Panama | Colon | Embark
Fly from San Jose to Panama City on a recommended group flight or on a flight selection of your own. Transfer by land to Colon to embark the National Geographic Quest. Meet your expedition staff and marvel at the coastline ahead as you sail to the historic port of Portobelo.
This morning, explore the Caribbean Sea on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or Zodiac cruises upriver. Portobelo is known for its Spanish colonial military architecture, which is designated collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit several of the town’s fortifications, as well as the old Customs House, and hear the tales of Portobelo’s pirate history. Enjoy a traditional Congo music and dance performance. Later on, set sail for the Panama Canal. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, crossing will most likely begin at night when the canal is dramatically lit. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor overnight in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument.
This morning, you have a choice of two activities: Hiking and Zodiac cruising around Barro Colorado Island, which is home to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute or a boat ride to Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, followed by a hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the Canal and venture into the Pacific Ocean.
Explore one of the approximately 200 islands that make up the idyllic Pearl Islands archipelago as you learn about the history of the native populations, and eventually the Spaniard colonizers and African slaves, who arrived for the pearl trade. Deep rainforests, lush rivers, white sandy beaches and shallow reefs provide a memorable backdrop for beach activities and snorkeling.
Day 9: Balboa | Disembark | Panama City, Panama
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark in Balboa and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home, or to begin a three-day Panama City extension.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$6,8012-3 travelers
Category 1
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and two portholes. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
Category 2
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and two portholes. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
Category 3
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and a large view window. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
Category 4
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door, and small, private balcony. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
Category 5
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are all available, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available, but is subject to availability.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
