zCosta Rica's Rainforests + The Land of the Inca

Welcome aboard our luxury ship, the 210-guest M.S. Saint Laurent. Settle in to your stylish stateroom or suite and acquaint yourself with the welcoming public areas and outdoor lounges of your floating home for the next 13 days. Enjoy an elegant dinner accompanied by free-flowing wines, cocktails and beverages as the Saint Laurent sets sail along the Pacific Coast of Central America. Meals D

Hailed by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth,” the remote Osa Peninsula was one of the last places in Costa Rica to be settled and the first roads were just built 10 years ago. In addition, half of Osa’s vast tracts of rainforest, swamp and coastline are protected by Corcovado National Park. The result is an incredible habitat that shelters some of Central America’s most critically endangered species including Baird’s tapir, the white-lipped peccary, jaguars and the harpy eagle. The Peninsula is also home to almost half of Costa Rica’s 860 bird species, 140 different types of mammals and 117 species of reptiles and amphibians. Arborists have recorded more than 740 species of trees! This morning’s expedition will begin with a Zodiac excursion to the Peninsula where you’ll step ashore with our naturalist guides to explore Osa’s pristine beaches and forests. These warm Central American waters also draw Humpback Whales during the mating season when they can be seen jumping from the ocean and slapping the water with their heads and fins – a fascinating breeding ritual which will be fully interpreted by our expedition team and shipboard marine biologist.  Meals B+L+D

Early this morning, the Saint Laurent will navigate into the pristine waters of Coiba National Park, one of the largest marine parks in the world comprising 38 protected islands. After breakfast, you’ll join your fellow guests and expert guides to explore by Zodiac the shores of Coiba Island and the surrounding marine areas that lie within the Gulf of Chiriquí. Coiba Island served Panama as a penal colony and for many years, access was heavily restricted.  Virtually untouched by human contact for generations, the island’s flora and fauna have flourished and the primary tropical forests maintain exceptionally high levels of endemism of mammals, birds and plants due to the ongoing evolution of new species. Coiba is also the last refuge for a number of threatened animals including the Crested Eagle, and its isolation promises thrilling wilderness exploration as you step ashore for expertly guided beach and forest walks.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast, you’ll set out by Zodiac for a guided expedition into Darien National Park. Recognized by UNESCO in 1981 as a World Heritage Site, this unique Pak forms a bridge between the two continents of the New World. It encompasses a remarkable range of habitats including sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, mangrove forests, swamps and lowland tropical rainforests all inhabited by a wide variety of mammals, birds and butterflies. The region is also home to two indigenous groups, including Embera Indians who navigate the waterways in their dugout canoes to hunt with blowpipes as their ancestors have for generations. We’ll explore these same waterways to observe the Park’s diverse flora and fauna. Birders will be thrilled with this opportunity to spot elusive species including Harpy Eagles, Red-cheeked Woodpeckers, macaws and Yellow-bellied Great Kiskadees. Before returning to ship, we’ll also spend time in an Embera village to learn more about their daily life and enduring traditions.  Meals B+L+D

An unforgettable day unfolds as our luxury ship charts a course off the western coast of Colombia, South America. Take in the exhilarating sea air from one of the ship’s enchanting Outdoor Lounges or enjoy a complimentary beverage with fellow guests at the Bar. You can also participate in the Saint Laurent’s enriching Listen + Learn Aboard program which features a variety of engaging speakers including marine wildlife specialists and others who are well-versed in the history, natural wonders and cultures of Central and South America.  Meals B+L+D

Situated about 31 miles off the Pacific coast of Colombia, the island of Gorgona is less than 6 miles long and only 1.5 miles across at its widest point. But despite its diminutive size, the rugged hills of this densely forested island boast an abundance of flora and fauna and its nearly deserted beaches are stunning. You’ll go ashore by Zodiac for a guided nature walk along the beach and into the forest, home to more than 145 species of birds and 100 different types of insects. Just offshore, migrating Humpback Whales are often sighted. In addition to this remarkable biodiversity, Gorgona boasts a fascinating history which our guides will share as you explore. The island’s first inhabitants were Indian tribes who left petroglyphs and stone statues. Francisco Pizarro landed here in 1537 and throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, Gorgona was a favorite hideaway for pirates and buccaneers.  Return to ship for lunch as we continue a southward course toward the Equator. Throughout the afternoon, you can enjoy the ocean views from one of the Saint Laurent’s outdoor lounges or while you enjoy a complimentary drink at the bar. In addition, our enriching Listen + Learn Aboard program will continue with discussions and informal lectures highlighting the Pacific regions of our cruise itinerary.  Meals B+L+D

Indulge in another day of cruising aboard the elegant, but never stuffy, M.S. Saint Laurent. Today finds our ship crossing the Equator off Manabí Province, Ecuador. Gastronomic dining, convivial lounges, terrific on-deck views and enriching shipboard talks are enhanced throughout the day with free-flowing beverages, cocktails and wine. Depending upon what time the Saint Laurent is cleared through immigration formalities, there might be time for a guided late afternoon tour of Manta, a bustling Pacific port that has existed since pre-Columbian times.  Meals B+L+D

This morning’s guided expedition takes us into Machalilla National Park, a coastal wildlife refuge comprised of islands, beaches, coastal scrubland, wetlands, fog forests and tropical dry forests. Established in 1979 and heralded for its bio-diversity, the Park is home to a remarkable range of fauna like black howler monkeys, collared peccaries, armadillos and more than 250 unique bird species including pelicans and boobies. Machalilla is also the only place outside of the Galapagos Islands where the Waved Albatross can be found. The waters of the National Park are recognized as an important breeding ground for Humpback Whales.  Meals B+L+D

You’ll want to keep a sharp lookout throughout the day as we continue our southerly course. Marine birds often follow in the wake of passing ships like the Saint Laurent and these Pacific waters offer outstanding opportunities to observe migrating whales. Our fine Expedition Team and marine specialists are always on-hand to illuminate your observations and deepen your understanding of all that you’ll encounter. Of course, our Listen + Learn Aboard program continues with additional lectures and discussions. Throughout the day, your cruising pleasure is enhanced by elegant shipboard dining, our Open Bar and the congenial company of your fellow travelers.  Meals B+L+D

After a leisurely morning of cruising, our ship will be docked in the port city of Salaverry, just 9 miles from Trujillo, Peru’s second largest city. After lunch, you’ll step off ship for a guided excursion to the archaeological zone at Chan Chan. Established by the Chimu Kingdom which reached its peak in the 15th century before falling to the Inca, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is regarded as the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas. Distinguished by its division into nine citadels that formed autonomous units, the planning and construction of this adobe city reflects a sophisticated political and social strategy, and our visit promises fascinating insight into one of Peru’s greatest, but little known, ancient civilizations. You’ll be back onboard with time to refresh before another elegant dinner accompanied by free-flowing wines and beer. The Saint Laurent will be docked overnight here in Salaverry.  Meals B+L+D

This morning, you’ll embark on a guided tour of Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna – the Temples of the Sun and the Moon. Located near Trujillo, this complex of two temples was an important ceremonial center for the Moche culture which flourished between 400 and 600 AD. The magnificent Temple of the Sun is the largest adobe structure in the Americas and is regarded as the most important of the many ancient pyramids which have been discovered along the Peruvian coast. Although still monumentally impressive, the structure you’ll behold this morning is estimated to be about 30% of its original size. Though smaller in scale, the equally amazing Temple of the Moon was part of an ancient complex built over hundreds of years that included a network of interconnected rooms and open spaces. Many of the walls are still adorned with brilliantly painted frescoes that attest to the sophisticated artistry of the ancient Moche civilization. Return to ship in time for lunch and another enriching afternoon of ocean exploration along the Pacific coast of Peru.  Meals B+L+D

Another unforgettable day unfolds, enriched by our informative and entertaining Listen + Learn Aboard program. Throughout the day, you’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for the diversity of marine life that swim in these Pacific waters. At this time of year, Humboldt Penguins, Guanay Cormorants and migrating whales are often sighted.  As always, gourmet dining with free-flowing wines and beer and our ship’s Open Bar add to your cruising pleasure.  Meals B+L+D

After a final breakfast onboard, you’ll disembark the Saint Laurent here in Callao. Peru’s primary seaport is located just east of the capital and is part of the Lima Metropolitan Area.  Meals B