Central America Jewels & Panama Canal Expedition

Day 1 - Puntarenas

Puntarenas, Costa Rica: Located on Costa Rica's mainland, Puntarenas is renowned as a cruise-ship port and a launching pad for ferries to the Nicoya Peninsula. It's a significant fishing hub with a vibrant fish market. Although the outskirts might seem unimpressive, the town exudes character, harking back to its prosperous days as a prominent port and a favoured holiday destination for the wealthy from San José. Although both its port and popularity have shifted, Puntarenas is experiencing a resurgence. The town sits on a narrow sand spit with a beautifully maintained Blue Flag beach offering views of the Nicoya Peninsula. Visitors can enjoy spectacular sunsets, a public swimming pool, San Lucas Beach Club, and a marine museum. The beachfront promenade, Paseo de los Turistas, is ideal for an evening stroll, and local residents frequently ride bicycles, the town’s preferred mode of transportation.

Day 2 - Golfito

Golfito, Costa Rica: Nestled along a small inlet of Golfo Dulce, Golfito is framed by lush green hills and pristine rainforest. This serene port city offers an escape, boasting stunning beaches with verdant backdrops. Visitors can venture through the forested Golfito National Wildlife Refuge, exploring rare flora and fauna. The town, once the primary port on Costa Rica's South Pacific Coast, hosts various hotels and restaurants, many offering complimentary internet. A duty-free zone was established to revitalise the area's economy, promoting tourism development.

Day 3 - Vacation Spot

Vacation Spot, Costa Rica: Set against an idyllic landscape, this area provides a harmonious blend of relaxation and adventure. Visitors can immerse themselves in tranquil natural settings by day and by night enjoy vibrant local culture. The welcoming community is proud of its unique history and traditions, offering guests a genuine glimpse into the area's cultural tapestry.

Day 4 - Darién National Park

Darién National Park, Panama: The remote Darien Jungle boasts one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems and ranks among the top ten birding sites globally, featuring species such as the Crimson-collared Tanager and Snow-bellied Hummingbirds. Tapirs and Black-headed Spider Monkeys are part of its diverse wildlife. Accessing this roadless forest is mainly by rivers, with fewer than 1,000 tourists yearly. Indigenous groups, including the Embera, reside here, offering handcrafted baskets and carvings in their traditional villages.

Day 5 - Fuerte Amador

Fuerte Amador, Panama: As a popular stopover on the way to the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador offers a breathtaking panorama of the Pacific entrance to the Canal. This scenic peninsula is not only a gateway to rich historical insights but also provides visitors with access to shopping and dining experiences amidst fascinating marine views and lush landscapes. It serves as the perfect blend of leisure and exploration, encapsulating the charm and vibrancy of Panama.

Day 6 - Coastal Exploration

Coastal Exploration, Panama: Uncover the wonders of Panama's coastline, a stretch where pristine beaches meet jewel-blue waters. The coastline offers adventurous pursuits and serene spots for reflection, giving visitors a chance to connect with nature in its purest form. With its unspoiled environment and rich biodiversity, this area promises a refreshing take on coastal adventures.

Day 7 - San Blas Islands

San Blas Islands, Panama: Off the Caribbean coast east of Colon, the San Blas archipelago comprises 365 islands, with only about fifty inhabited primarily by the Kuna Indians. The Kuna maintain internal autonomy and preserve their cultural traditions and language, despite Western influences. Spanish is widely spoken as the men commute to the mainland for work. Women don traditional costumes rich in geometric designs and stylised fauna and flora, with the island of El Porvenir serving as a key governance centre. Traditional arts, including molas, form a crucial aspect of Kuna culture, now popular souvenirs thanks to growing tourism.

Day 8 - Colón

Colón, Panama: As the provincial capital, Colón stands at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal. While it was once American-named Aspinwall, the city’s identity traces back to Christopher Columbus. Post the Panama railroad’s completion, Colón’s significance soared. Despite a devastating fire in 1885, Colón was beautifully rebuilt in French architectural style. The city's enduring buildings date back to construction by Americans. Colón today is not only a vital port but also home to the world’s second-largest duty-free zone, Zona Libre, where goods are sold largely in bulk to businesses nationwide.