zTreasures of Nature in Costa Rica

Check in to the upscale InterContinental Hotel.

Managua’s Old City and modern districts reveal past and future. Then travel to Ometepe, a most unique island formed by two volcanoes in the middle of Lake Nicaragua’s vast expanse. Check in to the Villa Paraiso Hotel. Meals B,L

Your day begins on the forested slopes of the Maderas Volcano, once the site of an ancient civilization. Then visit the Ometepe Museum and continue into Charco Verde Nature Reserve, nestled at the base of two volcanoes. Meals B,L

Travel by ferry and over land to Granada, the oldest Colonial city in the Americas. Visit La Merced Church and San Francisco Convent, home to a collection of pre-Columbian sculpture. Enjoy two nights at the Plaza Colon. Meals B,L

Enjoy a guided nature walk around the crater and learn about this unique eco-system, home to more than 90 species of orchids. Your afternoon is free to explore more of Granada’s Colonial-era ambience at your own pace. Meals B

Explore Santiago Crater, active since 1946, and experience daily life at the Masaya Market, also a great place to find artisan handicrafts. In Leon, founded in 1524, you’ll visit the Cathedralc, the largest in Central America. Overnight at the charming El Convento Hotel. Meals B,L

Explore by motorboat in this pristine reserve, where mangrove forests and a barrier island are home to abundant animal life. Return to Leon in the mid-afternoon. Meals B,L

Our program finishes this morning. Meals B

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to your choice of deluxe hotel in the heart of the city: The Bristol Hotel or the Hilton Hotel.

An unforgettable day begins this morning as you embark on a Canal transit from the Culebra Cut all the way to the Pacific Ocean. This half-day adventure takes you through the Pedro Miguel Locks and the Miraflores Locks. You’ll sail across Miraflores Lake and see the Centennial Bridge that crosses the Canal. As you make the descent from central Panama to the Pacific Ocean, you’ll enjoy lunch onboard and have plenty of opportunity to marvel at the enormous ships transiting through the Canal. Before disembarking at the Flamenco Marina, you’ll sail under the Bridge of the Americas and take in the splendid views of the Bay and the skyline of Panama City.
 
After your transit, you’ll enjoy an expertly guided walking tour through Casco Antiguo, founded in 1673 and noted for its fine Colonial architecture. Before heading back to your deluxe hotel, you’ll explore the bustling Seafood Market where city residents come to procure the day’s catch brought in by local fishermen from the bountiful offshore waters.  Meals B

Marvel at the ships entering the Canal via the Miraflores Locks as your expert guide shares fascinating history and insight into the operation of this engineering wonder. Later, at the unique BioMuseum designed by Frank Gehry, you’ll learn how Panama’s vital role as a land bridge between North and South America has impacted biodiversity and human life on both Continents. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of this day at leisure to enjoy and explore at your own pace.  Meals B

We’ll take you to the airport today for your onward flight.  Meals B
 
[Note: Our Panama Canal excursion on Day 2 also operates in the reverse direction starting from the Flamenco Marina. You’ll ascend through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks and voyage across Miraflores Lake and through the Culebra Cut. Upon disembarkation, you’ll enjoy the same walking tour through Casco Antiguo. The direction of your Canal cruise depends on your date of travel and can be confirmed to you upon booking.]