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Day by Day Summary and Map
Cruise Segment of Itinerary
Sunday - Nov 3, 2024
Day 1
Balboa, Panama
Upon arrival in Panama City, transfer to the port in Balboa and embark our ship. (D)
Monday - Nov 4, 2024
Day 2
Cruising Gatun Lake, Panama
Cruising the Panama Canal, Panama
By special permission, our ship anchors overnight in Gatun Lake, a vast artificial lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal. In the morning, disembark on Barro Colorado, a hilltop transformed into an island by the damming of the Chagres River to build the Panama Canal. Visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and learn about initiatives to protect the incredible biodiversity of the surrounding Barro Colorado Nature Monument, one of the most studied areas of tropical forest on the planet and the site of various National Geographic-supported studies. Later, choose to hike into the jungle, navigate the lake by Zodiac, or take a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres River to explore the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. Tonight, cruise onward through the complex lock system of the Panama Canal, taking advantage of the nighttime lull in cargo activity. Completed in 1914, the canal is about 50 miles long and sees some 14,000 ships pass through every year. Witness this astonishing feat of engineering under the dramatic golden glow of floodlights. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Tuesday - Nov 5, 2024
Day 3
Portobelo, Panama
This morning, we arrive along Panama's Caribbean coast and step ashore at the historic town of Portobelo. Named by Cristopher Columbus in 1502, Portobelo, or "beautiful port", was one of the most important Spanish trading centers in the New World. Explore the town's 17th- and 18th-century Spanish colonial fortifications, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, hike into Portobelo's lush jungles in search of mantled howler monkeys, toucans, and a variety of parrots. In the afternoon, our ship sails further down the Panamanian coast, where we'll set out with snorkel and fins to explore the vibrant undersea world of the Caribbean. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Wednesday - Nov 6, 2024
Day 4
Guna Yala, Panama
Wake up amid the archipelago of Guna Yala (also known as the San Blas Islands), a constellation of 368 tiny white-sand isles scattered off the northeast coast of Panama. Get to know the indigenous Guna people, one of the first native groups to achieve political autonomy in Latin America. Spend the morning among the thatched huts of an island village, learning about Guna culture and handicrafts. Marvel at the intricate designs of handmade textiles called molas, which harken back to a female tradition of body painting. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant marine world around the islands by snorkel, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Thursday - Nov 7, 2024
Day 5
Sapzurro, Colombia
Capurgana, Colombia
National Geographic Quest calls at the wonderfully isolated villages of Sapzurro and Capurgana positioned only 3 miles apart on the stunning coast of Caribbean Colombia. Set out on a nature walk on the Capurgana-Sapzurro trail. In this area, the ranges of two species of howler monkeys overlap as both the mantled and the Colombian red howler monkeys are here. Watch for toucans, parrots, trogons, occasionally scarlet macaws, and possibly three-toed sloths as we traverse the tropical forest trails between the villages. Or choose a shorter hike which takes us across an international, transcontinental frontier to Panama. Pass through the quick, walk-through border crossing perched high on a bluff before descending to the beach at the Panamanian village of La Miel. The sheltered waters of the bay at Sapzurro back in Colombia beckon us for a pleasant kayak or paddleboard around this tropical inlet. We finish our day at sunset in the village of Capurgana. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Friday - Nov 8, 2024
Day 6
Santa Cruz del Islote, San Bernardo Islands, Colombia, Colombia
San Antero, Colombia, Colombia
Bus Travel
Tuchin, Colombia
Bus Travel
San Antero, Colombia, Colombia
Santa Cruz del Islote is one of the most densely populated islands on Earth, where some 600 inhabitants live squeezed together in an area the size of two soccer fields, surrounded by turquoise seas and coral reefs. Stroll the island's motor-free streets, past brightly painted houses and bustling docks; and experience daily life on this unusual island as you chat with local residents. Later, as we enjoy lunch onboard, we cruise through the San Bernardo archipelago calling at San Antero. Our afternoon excursion takes us to Tuchin, an indigenous village celebrated as the birthplace of the sombrero vueltiao, a type of hat considered a national symbol of Colombia. Observe vueltiao makers at work, and then meet with members of the local Zenu community, known for their ingenious irrigation systems. Return to National Geographic Quest, which will stay at anchor tonight in San Antero. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Saturday - Nov 9, 2024
Day 7
Covenas, Colombia
Bus Travel
Santa Cruz de Lorica, Colombia, Colombia
Bus Travel
Covenas, Colombia
Cispata Bay, Colombia
Disembark this morning for our short drive to Santa Cruz de Lorica, a charming riverside town influenced by several waves of immigration from France, Belgium, England, Syria, and Lebanon. Stroll through the central square, overlooked by a stunning Spanish-colonial cathedral and historic buildings in colorful Arabic styles. Return to the ship for lunch and time to relax before embarking on a late afternoon cruise in the rarely explored Cispata Bay, timed for optimum wildlife spotting as native creatures emerge from their mid-day rest. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Cruise and Land Value Offers that combine with this sailing.
Pricing Terms and Conditions
Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.
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