Compare Costa Rica and the Panama Canal by Lindblad Expeditions vs Costa Rica: Family Volunteer Adventure by Discover Corps
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 5,990 | $ 2,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 749 | $ 374 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners |
7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
| Description |
Joining an expedition to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal is a singular experience of diverse nature and jungle wildlife coupled with an in-depth crossing of the Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering. A knowledgeable, engaging staff caters to your daily interests and provides insight, all while traveling in comfort. |
Visit rainforests, pristine beaches, volcanoes, cloud forests, and wildlife rescue centers. A family vacation to Costa Rica that will inspire, delight and make a difference. Renowned for its world-class abundance of wildlife and for being the “happiest country on earth”, Costa Rica is unrivaled in its natural beauty. From the lush rainforests teeming with monkeys, sloths and toucans to its splendid palm-fringed beaches, there are many sides of Costa Rica to explore. |
Day 1: U.S./Panama City, Panama/Colón/Embark Ship
Meals: Dinner
Depart U.S. late morning via American Airlines on a non-stop flight to Panama City. On arrival, drive to Colón to board National Geographic Sea Lion and set sail for the first part of our Panama Canal transit, anchoring in Gatún Lake for the night.
Day 2: Barro Colorado Nature Monument/ Gatún Lake/Panama Canal Transit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Board an expedition landing craft this morning to visit Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Gatún Lake by special arrangement. Scientists have worked at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on Barro Colorado Island since 1946, researching the 120 mammals and diverse tree species that can be found here. It is also the site of a pioneering project supported by National Geographic that tracks tagged animals using automated radio signals and wireless technology. Join local guides for a walk through the forests that so challenged the builders of the canal. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the canal.
Day 3: Gulf Of Panama Islets
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Our nimble motorized landing crafts allow us to navigate the tiny islets of the Gulf of Panama today, stopping to explore hidden coves and beaches. Here, we might spot magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans, neotropic cormorants, and brown boobies.
Day 4: Isla Coiba National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks, where you may hike the tropical, moist forest trails. The area is also perfect for swimming, snorkeling amid tropical fish and stand up paddle boarding. Our staff will assist both novice and expert snorkelers alike. For those preferring a drier clime, our naturalists take underwater footage, which animates our evening gathering in the lounge.
Day 5: Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today we make our first landfall in Costa Rica. At Casa Orquídeas, a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, see a profusion of orchids; and look for tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Later, explore the forested bay of Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, expedition landing craft cruises and swimming.
Day 6: Osa Peninsula
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The National Geographic Sea Lion anchors off the remote Osa Peninsula and the environs of Corcovado National Park. Our exact landing spot for the day will depend on sea conditions. You may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride or join a expedition landing craft cruise. Trek through the rain forest for a chance to see three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider and squirrel!
Day 7: Golfo Dulce/Osa Peninsula
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Go ashore in the pristine waters of Playa Blanca. Head inland to meet and share with inspiring local families living in remote communities and working with cocoa, heart of palm, and sugar cane. Hike mature rain forest or kayak in peaceful waters in Golfo Dulce, the only tropical fiord in the continent. In the evening, enjoy drinks ashore and, hopefully, a beautiful sunset.
Day 8: Herradura/Disembark/San José/U.S.
Meals: Breakfast
Disembark National Geographic Sea Lion this morning in Herradura and drive to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures. The U.S. bound flight departs in late morning, arriving in the late afternoon.
Day 1:
Meals: Dinner
You’ll be met at the airport by your Discover Corps host who will accompany you to our hotel in the town of Ciudad Quesada, a cattle-raising town in the central highlands. (D)
Day 2:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Immerse yourself in a rural community and experience their typical way of life. Enjoy a dance presentation and demonstration of traditional agricultural methods. Spend some time assisting on a reforestation project, and then return to town to learn how to cook one of Costa Rica’s most famous dishes.
Day 3:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a hands-on program learning about the cacao bean - the source of chocolate and cocoa. This bean has played an important role in Costa Rican history. Learn the story of this crop - from harvesting, production, to savoring a delicious treat! After a delicious lunch, then soak in the natural thermal hot springs at the base of Arenal volcano. Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 4:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, head out to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve where we will hike along hanging bridges that skirt the rainforest canopy. This is one of the most biodiverse regions of Costa Rica with over 90% virgin rainforest. For adventurous travelers, you can continue on to an optional 15 cable zip line. Tonight, enjoy a relaxing night hike through the forest with a naturalist guide being on the lookout for nocturnal creatures.
Designed for Families
Children of all ages have a deep connection with nature, and Costa Rica is the perfect place to nurture this passion. This trip was designed especially for families and intergenerational groups. Our small groups of approximately 16 people ensure personalized service and intimate wildlife encounters. All activities have been designed to be interactive and engaging. To accommodate the whims of children, most hotels are located walking distance from shops and restaurants. To give families time alone, we schedule one free evening for them to dine independently.
Best Time to Visit
As in most tropical countries, Costa Rica has dry and green seasons. The green season lasts from May to November and the dry season runs between December to April. During the green season, a storm might roll through for an hour or two in the afternoon, a welcome relief from the warm weather! Temperature-wise, expect the weather to range from 75°-85°. As this is a tropical country not far from the equator, it can get quite hot, especially in the afternoons.
Day 5:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hit the road to Quepos, a fun coastal surf town. On the way, we’ll stop for lunch as we transition between the misty cloud forest to the warm Pacific beaches. After settling into our accommodation, we’ll make a visit to a nearby wildlife rescue center to see up close and personal Costa Rica’s array of wildlife including sloths, monkeys and toucans. Tonight, take some time to explore this quaint coastal town.
Day 6:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, we’ll dedicate our time to a project at the wildlife rescue center. This is designed to not only help the wildlife of the center, but to also learn about the issues facing Costa Rica’s animal inhabitants. Later in the afternoon, we’ll continue on to Manuel Antonio National Park which encompasses stunning a stunning coastline, rugged rainforest and colorful reefs. Spend the late afternoon exploring the beaches before dinner together in town.
Day 7:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, those that opted for the adrenaline package will head over to the nearby Rio Savegre for a morning of whitewater rafting on Class II rapids. The rest of the group will continue on with a hike through Manuel Antonio spotting wildlife and birds along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a relaxing afternoon alongside the pristine beaches located inside the park. Tonight, enjoy a final farewell dinner together.
Day 8:
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Wake up early and travel back to San Jose to catch our flights back home. Depending on the time of your flight, we’ll share a final lunch before saying adios.
Our Lodging
During your time in Costa Rica, you will stay in several bed and breakfast style lodges walking distance to town and near many of the major sites we’ll be visiting. All accommodations offer single and double occupancy lodging with private bathrooms.
