CENTRAL AMERICA CRUISE 2023

On the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula, the small Curú Wildlife Refuge is the oldest protected park in Costa Rica. This refuge is an exemplary site in terms of ecotourism. It’s also a research center for scientists from all over the world. It’s been at the heart of an original conservation and sustainable development project since the 1930s. After a short Zodiac trip, you’ll discover, via the paths that criss-cross the tropical forest and lead to magnificent beaches, the most emblematic species of Costa Rica: monkeys, iguanas and over 200 bird species. Since their recent reintroduction, the scarlet macaw and the spider monkey have thrived in this preserved environment.

Le Bellot will sail across the gulf of Dulce in the direction of the splendid botanical garden of Casa Orquideas, which you’ll reach by Zodiac. Golfo Dulce is one of the most intense rainforest landscapes in the world, unfolding and exposing what has been described by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on earth.” More than 400 species of tropical birds, over 500 species of vascular plants, 140 species of tropical mammals, hundreds of butterfly species, and many more tropical organisms call this place home.

Off the Pacific coast of Panama, at the entrance to the Gulf of Montijo, Cebaco Island conjures visions of paradise lost. Covered in tropical rainforest edged by white sandy beaches, it’s home to exceptionally rich plant and wildlife. The island offers a number of hiking routes that give you the chance to discover its pristine natural environment. Its magnificent coral reefs, located in the outlying regions of the Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are the refuge for many marine species and offer stunning underwater landscapes.

The most remote and least developed region of Panama, the province of Darien is an unspoilt land with an extremely rich variety of flora and fauna. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Darien National Park offers its extraordinary scenery of rocky coastlines, mountain ranges, mangroves, rivers, and creeks. Discover Playa Muerto, a tiny coastal village home to the Emberas Amerindian community. You’ll visit the village, attend traditional songs and dances of the locals, and admire beautiful local craft.

Aboard Le Bellot, experience something wholly unique that’s inspired the imagination of numerous adventurers in the 20th century: sailing the Panama Canal. Its construction started in 1880 under the direction of Ferdinand de Lesseps. Abandoned then resumed, this marvel of engineering was completed by the United States in 1887 and opened in 1914. The canal crosses the Isthmus of Panama and links the Pacific to the Atlantic. This modern marvel allows ships to avoid having to round Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America.

In the province of Colón, along the magnificent Caribbean coast of Panama, Portobelo is located not far from the famous canal. Given its name of “beautiful port” by Christopher Columbus, who landed here in 1502, this charming and peaceful bay was one of the most important ports for the shipping of precious metals from the New World to Spain. Don’t miss a visit to its fortifications, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town has preserved the strong religious and cultural traditions of its colonial past, such as the veneration of the Black Christ and a strongly-rooted Afro-Caribbean culture.

A splendid harbor city in the north of Columbia and a source of inspiration for the Columbian writer Gabriel García Márquez, Cartagena will win you over with its well-preserved colonial architecture and warm friendly atmosphere. You can visit the sumptuous UNESCO World Heritage fortified historical center, whose churches and houses have magnificent multi-colored façades. A witness of Spanish domination, the San Felipe de Barajas fortress stands on top of a hill from where you can admire views over the whole city. The Las Bóvedas neighborhood will charm you with its arcades, used as prison cells during the 19^th century civil wars. We’ll overnight here, giving you the chance to melt into this exciting city.

Have you lived out your Romancing the Stone dreams yet? If not, you’ve got the entire morning to do so!

Beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters await you on this perfect day in Panama. After all your prior adventures, this beach day gives you the perfect break before our cruise comes to an end.

Colón is the second largest city in Panama, at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Colón is an important port, and the free trade zone created in 1953 contributed greatly to the development of the city. Colón was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts through the isthmus of Panama; the city rapidly overshadowed the older Caribbean ports of Panama when the canal opened. From here, you’ll fly home or on to other adventures in the region. The airport code for Colón is ONX.