Costa Rica & Panama
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A bridge between two continents
Costa Rica and Panama are both remarkably diverse in landscape, wildlife and culture - the habitat here supports over 300 species of birds, including the brilliant toucans, scarlet macaws and over 50 varieties of hummingbirds. Local wildlife includes spider, howler and capuchin monkeys, sloths and coatimundis. Take your pick of tropical pleasures - teeming rain forest, cool cloud forest, hot volcanoes, and sugar-sand beaches. Add a uniquely crafted transit of the Panama Canal and you’ll begin to get the picture of our Costa Rica and Panama tour.
We've combined a fascinating tour of the central highlands of Costa Rica with a private 7-night expedition voyage along the Pacific coast, and we conclude with 4-nights at an exclusive Pacific coast resort in Panama.
If you’re inclined to explore nature, see one of man’s extraordinary engineering achievements, and want to travel in safe hands in the company of other discerning folk, don’t miss this tour. It’s a great opportunity to see what few have seen.
For more Costa Rica & Panama details follow the tour information links shown above.
Photo credits: Blue Morpho Butterfly © Ralph Lee Hopkins/Lindblad, Panama Canal © Lindblad, Scarlet Macaw © Lindblad, Costa Rica Beach © Stewart Cohen/Lindblad, White-faced Capuchin Monkeys © Jack Swenson/Lindblad.
Our Inside Track
Following our successful on-going partnership chartering the National Geographic Islander in Galapagos, we were delighted to select another Lindblad ship for a spectacular 7-night voyage along the coast of Costa Rica and Panama. Richard Furlong joined the voyage in March 2007 and was delighted with the experience. The crew are excellent and the voyage has just the right balance of activities and free time. There's plenty to see and a wide choice of options, all of which are escorted by a superb local expedition team who are knowledgeable, experienced, passionate and great fun.
During his Costa Rica and Panama recce, Richard also toured extensively to inspect accommodations, meet transport suppliers, and get the local advice from experienced naturalist guides. Everything tried and tested, as usual. The result is a fascinating, tailor-made tour with a particular interest in flora and fauna.
We stay 3-nights in each of two magnificent accommodations in Costa Rica ... the Marriott Costa Rica Resort just outside the capital, San Jose, and the beautiful Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Resort which is in the middle of nowhere! This is followed by our 7-night expedition voyage aboard the MS National Geographic Sea Lion and the final 4 tour nights feature a relaxing stay at the Inter-Continental Playa Bonita Resort, a 5-star hotel on the Pacific coast of Panama ... complete with your own private beach.
We operated this tour in 2008 and 2009 to high acclaim and are very much looking forward to returning in 2012.
Photo credit: Blue Morpho butterfly © Ralph Lee Hopkins/Lindblad.
Tour Dates
Sunday 18th March to Thursday 5th April 2012
Itinerary
Day 1 - UK to Costa Rica
We fly from London Heathrow with connections available from other UK airports. Arriving in San Jose we take a short private transfer to the 4-star Marriott Costa Rica Hotel for a three night stay. Lunch is included in flight and dinner at our San Jose hotel. (L*,D)
Day 2 - Poás and La Paz
Excursion included to Volcán Poás. Its main crater is one and a half kilometres wide, 300 metres deep, and full of subtle, moonscape colours. However the rest of Poás is intensely green so you’ll need to keep a look out for the many hummingbirds and also the famed sacred bird of the Maya, the quetzal. A visit to La Paz Gardens is also included. These are beautifully landscaped, right next to a series of rushing waterfalls. (B,D)
Day 3 - Lankester Gardens
Excursion included to the Orosi Valley with entry to Lankester Gardens, famous for hundreds of varieties of orchids and bromeliads. The gardens are run by the biology department of the University of Costa Rica. Orchids are abloom all year, but the best show is between February and May.(B,D)
Day 4 - San Ramon
Departing San Jose we drive to the agricultural town of San Ramón de Alajuela. Nearby, but entirely secluded, is the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Resort, our home for the next 3 nights. (B,D)
Day 5 - Cloud Forest
Villa Blanca is set in the middle of a 2,000 acre cloud forest sanctuary. Accommodation is in individual “casitas” or cottages, and a welcoming central lodge houses a lounge and excellent restaurant. Experienced local Naturalists lead optional day or night tours of well maintained trails. (B,D)
Day 6 - Cloud Forest
A free day, although plenty of options are available: Horse back riding, nature walks, quetzal viewing, and a cultural tour of San Ramon. Or perhaps a relaxing treatment at the hotel’s Serenity Spa? (B,D)
Day 7 - Sea Lion
To the Pacific via Carara National Park. “Carara” is derived from the Huetar Indian word for crocodile and you’ll likely see some of them from the safety of the road bridge over the Rio Tárcoles! Then onward to Herradura to embark our privately chartered MS Sea Lion. (B,D)
Day 8 - Manuel Antonio
The abundant wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park is most active in the morning, so we are likely to get an early start. We transfer ashore via rigid Zodiac boats and start exploring. Monkeys or vividly coloured birds can be easy to spot, but it often takes the expert eye of a naturalist to point out lethargic three-toed sloths. This afternoon we’ll visit Refugio Curu, a private nature reserve in dry forest. We follow a wide track to spot for green-tailed iguanas, coatimundis, and more than 150 species of birds including scarlet macaws. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Osa Peninsula
Accessible only by boat or small aircraft, we visit Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, a region of immense biological diversity. Here we’ll take a walk to a magnificent waterfall with an optional refreshing swim in its waters. Plus free time to relax on the beach, swim, horse ride, snorkel, or bird watch. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Golfo Dulce
A unique tropical fjord, Golfo Dulce is surrounded by spectacular forests and dense mangroves. We’ll drop anchor near the Rincon river and explore by your choice of Zodiac, kayak, or on foot, all escorted by our expert Naturalists. This afternoon, a private visit to Ron & Trudy McAllister’s wonderful botanic garden, Casa Orquídeas, which overlooks the sea and boasts a huge collection of tropical plants and flowers. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Isla Coiba
Overnight we left Costa Rica behind and sailed into the equally lovely neighbouring country of Panama. Our first port of call in Panama is Isla Coiba. Since 1991 this island has been the centrepiece of a huge national park, most of which is oceanic. In addition to the selection of birds, reptiles and mammals in this park, there are also 69 species of fish. We’ll spend a relaxing morning on an idyllic beach perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Then enjoy a sumptuous barbecue lunch. In the afternoon we head towards the Bay of Panama, watching for pods of dolphins and other marine mammals as we sail. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Gulf of Panama
Dropping anchor off Otoque Island in the Gulf of Panama we take a Zodiac ride to see close up the amazing abundance of sea birds here. Brown pelicans, magnificent frigate birds, brown boobies, blue boobies, herons, falcons and great-tailed grackles. Weighing anchor we’ll head towards the modern city of Panama to await our canal transit. The construction of the canal, completed over 90 years ago, is a story of adventure, ordeal and accomplishment. We’ll proceed through the first two sets of locks lifting us 86 feet above sea level into the large, man-made Gatun lake, where we’ll drop anchor for the night. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - Barro Colorado
By special arrangement we are guests of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Famous for studies of tropical forest ecosystems since the 1920s, we visit Barro Colorado Island, escorted by local Smithsonian guides. This afternoon we continue our transit of the canal, past the earth dam on the Chagres River, and through the three Gatun Locks. At the end of the transit we will be lowered into the Caribbean Sea! (B,L,D)
Day 14 - Panama
Farewell to our floating hotel and our wonderful crew as we disembark in Colon and head back to Panama City. With a mini tour en-route, our destination is a secluded spot on the Pacific coast ... the 5-star InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort. Utter comfort and luxury for 3 nights. (B,D)
Days 15, 16 and 17 - Panama
Three days pure relaxation in wonderful surroundings. A beautiful resort with gardens, private beach, swimming pools, rainforest walks and everything you need. If you don't fancy relaxing for three days, don't worry! We'll have some optional excursions including a guided visit to old Panama City, and some animal and bird watching options. (B,D)
Days 18 - Panama
Almost a full day in paradise before our early evening transfer to the airport. (B,D*)
Day 19 - Arrive UK
Land back at London Heathrow. (B*)
Photo credits: Toucan © Lindblad, Humming bird in flight © Ralph Lee Hopkins/Lindblad, White-faced capuchin monkey © Lindblad, Panama Canal © Lindblad, Dinner with a view © Inter-Continental Playa Bonita Resort, Panama.
The National Geographic Sea Lion
Following our successful, on-going partnership chartering the National Geographic Islander in Galápagos, we’re pleased to select another ship operated by Lindblad Expeditions for our 7-night voyage along the coast of Costa Rica and Panama. We’ve chosen the National Geographic Sea Lion, which sails between Herradura in Costa Rica and Colon in Panama.
The Sea Lion can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to her small size, yet can comfortably accommodate around 60 guests in 31 outside cabins. The ship is well appointed. All cabins have private facilities with individual climate control, and the ship features a Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations; Observation Deck; partially covered Sun Deck with chairs and tables, and LEXspa. The "Open Bridge" policy provides guests an opportunity to meet Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.
Meals are served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast and lunch is served buffet style and dinner is served with a choice of menu.
Our voyage will be escorted by an Expedition Leader plus expert Naturalists. Specialist equipment on board includes rigid Zodiac craft for cruises and shuttles ashore, kayaks, snorkel gear, hydrophone, underwater camera and video microscope. The lounge has facilities for films, slide shows and lectures. There is also a guest Internet kiosk and small shop. A ship’s doctor, a masseuse, and a Video Chronicler are also on board.
Category 1 Main Deck cabins (numbers 300 to 305) are 94 sq ft.
Category 2 Upper Deck cabins (numbers 200 to 215) are 90 sq ft.
Category 2 Bridge Deck cabins (numbers 100 to 104) are 90 sq ft.
Category 3 Upper Deck cabins (numbers 214 to 219) are 116 sq ft.
Category 3 Bridge Deck cabins (numbers 105 and 106) are 116 sq ft.
Photo credit: MS National Geographic Sea Lion and zodiac © Alexandra C. Daley-Clark.
Our hand-picked accommodations
Marriott San Jose Hotel
Near Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, we’ll stay at the very comfortable, 4-star Marriott Costa Rica Hotel. Built in the style of a 16th century colonial hacienda, this hotel is set amidst a coffee plantation. Hotel bedrooms are luxurious and public facilities include lounges and courtyards, restaurants, two swimming pools, and an outdoor jacuzzi.
Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Resort
A traditional country setting near San Ramon is home to the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Resort. The resort features “casita” style cottages set in the gardens. Each casita has a bedroom with traditional open-beam cane ceiling and adobe fireplace. Villa Blanca also boasts a beautiful lodge house with lounge, bar, library and restaurant, and the enticing “Cloud Nine” spa!
Inter-Continental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa
The InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa in Panama is a perfect grand finale to a magnificent tour. This five-star hotel is set on a large secluded, private beach on the Pacific. Luxurious bedrooms each have a private balcony overlooking the ocean and there is a spa, private walking trails and gardens, three restaurants, and four swimming pools!
What's Included?
Scheduled economy class flights from Heathrow to Costa Rica, and from Panama to Heathrow.
3-nights at the 4-star Marriott Costa Rica Hotel.
3-nights at the deluxe Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Resort
4-nights at the 5-star Inter-Continental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa
Breakfast and dinner daily on tour.
Excursions to Poas Volcano, La Paz Gardens, Lankester Botanical Gardens and San Ramon.
7-night coastal expedition voyage on board the privately chartered National Geographic Sea Lion.
National Park visits and landings accompanied by an Expedition Leader and Naturalist Guides.
Breakfasts, lunches, dinners and soft drinks on board.
Use of kayaks and snorkelling equipment.
Transport and airport transfers.
Port charges.
Current airport and prepaid air taxes.
Gratuities including ship crew gratuities.
Holiday personally escorted by Richard and Dawn Furlong.
Flights included are scheduled services in economy class. Business class upgrades at extra cost, subject to availability.
Tour Prices
Tour costs depend on the ship cabin chosen:-
Category 1 cabins (numbers 300 to 305):
Tour cost £5,495 per person in twin, £7,445 in sole occupancy.
* Less early booking discount of £500 per couple (£250 for single).
Category 2 cabins (numbers 100 to 104, and 200 to 215):
Tour cost £5,995 per person in twin, £7,945 in sole occupancy.
* Less early booking discount of £500 per couple (£250 for single).
Category 3 cabins (numbers 105, 106, and 214 to 219):
Tour cost £6,495 per person in twin (not available for sole occupancy).
* Less early booking discount of £500 per couple (£250 for single).
* Early booking discount originally offered until 30th September 2011. Tour currently fully booked, but please enquire for cancellations.
Deposits and payments
The deposit is £1,000 per person and the balance of your holiday costs is payable 90 days before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
This A-to-Z section gives you useful travel information including health advice, passport requirements and details of our airport services. More detailed "advance holiday information" is provided to all guests prior to travel. If you have any questions not covered here, please don't hesitate to contact us. Richard and Dawn will be delighted to pass on their first hand knowledge.
Departure service
For this tour you may join us at London Heathrow or at our office near Tenterden in Kent. We will operate a complimentary private coach transfer from our office to Heathrow at the beginning of the holiday, and from Heathrow Airport back to our office at the end of the holiday. You may park your car at our office for the duration of the holiday (parking at no cost but at your own risk). Coach transfer times will be confirmed once the flight schedule is finalised (see Heathrow hotel option, below).
Flights
The tour includes economy class scheduled flights with Iberia Airlines from London Heathrow. Connections from other UK airports to Heathrow may be possible, please enquire for further details. Business Class upgrades may also be available subject to extra cost, please ask for details.
Our flight itinerary, subject to change, is as follows:-
- Departing London Heathrow at 6.20am on Sunday 18th March 2012.
- Returning to London Heathrow at 5.50pm on Thursday 5th April 2012.
Health / Altitude
A trip to explore Costa Rica and Panama is an active holiday that calls for good health. Some of the shore excursions involve walking on trails and sometimes on uneven and slippery terrain. However, sightseeing options will be offered such as a choice of easy or more strenuous walks.
Please consult your GP or local travel clinic for appropriate health information and vaccination advice. Our local clinic recommends immunisations/boosters for Tetanus, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Typhoid, with low to no risk precautions for Malaria, but please remember we are a travel company and not experts in health advice so we recommend you consult your local GP or health clinic, show them the holiday brochure and indicate the places you will be visiting. Your GP is most familiar with your personal medical history and is best qualified to determine your particular needs.
For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC (National Travel Health Network and Centre) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
You may also care to visit The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website http://www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo which publishes essential travel tips and up-to-date information about travelling abroad. You may also ring them on 0870 6060290.
Heathrow hotel option
Nearer the time we will offer a Heathrow hotel option for those guests wishing to stay over the night before departure.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you have comprehensive and adequate travel insurance for this tour. We recommend "Holiday Extras Travel Insurance" which is underwritten by Europ Assistance, but are happy for you to arrange your own cover so long as it provides suitable cover. For details of the recommended insurance please call Holiday Extras direct on 0870 844 2742 and quote "Furlongs WZ679", or click here.
Meals
On board the MS National Geographic Sea Lion, breakfasts and lunches are buffet style, and evening meals are served with a choice of menu. In our Costa Rica and Panama hotels, breakfasts will be buffet style and dinners and any lunches included will be a buffet or a served menu. We are happy to provide vegetarian meals and can cater for most special dietary requirements if you let us know well in advance.
Money
The currency of Costa Rica is the Colon, but US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and stores. The monetary unit in Panama is the US dollar. Major credit cards are also accepted at all our hotels, and at most restaurants and larger stores. We suggest you carry some US currency in small denominations for smaller purchases such as taxis, refreshments and miscellaneous expenses. Furlongs Travel offer a commission free currency service for US dollars and full details will be circulated to all guests.
Passports and Visas
To visit Costa Rica and Panama as a tourist all you need is a valid passport, a return flight ticket, and sometimes proof of sufficient funds during your stay (a credit or debit card will do for this). Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after our return date. Visas are not required in advance of arrival. Visitor visas are issued on entry to each country and will be valid for the duration of our tour. In addition to bringing your passport it is a good idea to bring one or two copies of your passport photo page so you may care to organise this before departure.
Singles/Twin Shares
Cabins and hotel rooms for sole occupancy are subject to availability and applicable tour prices. If you are travelling alone but happy to share twin accommodation we will be delighted to try to find you a sharer. Please contact us, we often have guests looking to share. The majority of the extra price for a single is the cost of the ship cabin so another possibility is to share a twin cabin on board ship, but enjoy single rooms at the hotels. If this may interest you, please ask for more details.
Terms and Conditions
Reservations are subject to our standard terms and conditions.
Water
Although water is generally safe in Costa Rica and Panama, we recommend that you drink bottled water throughout the tour except on board the MS Sea Lion where the water is purified and safe to drink. If you are susceptible to occasional stomach upsets we suggest that you ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend anti-diarrhoea medication.
