Exploring Arenal Volcano, Pearl Islands and the Panama Canal

Day 1

San José, Costa Rica / Arenal Volcano Area

Arrive in San José this afternoon and transfer to La Fortuna. This charming town in the northern highlands will be your base as you explore the surrounding areas and enjoy a sampling of Costa Rica’s best wildlife areas and trails. Opt to arrive early for a pre-voyage wildlife and glamping extension in the rainforests and reserves of Caño Negro.   

Arrival Time: Arrive before 1:00 p.m. local time.  
Arrival City: San José, Costa Rica 

Meals Included: Dinner

Days 2-4

Arenal Volcano Area

Spend the first few days exploring the natural beauty of the Arenal Volcano Area. Once considered Costa Rica’s most active volcano, this cone-shaped wonder (which has been dormant since 2010) looms large over the verdant hillsides that surround it, providing a stunning backdrop to your activities.  

Highlights include ziplining over dramatic views of the volcano, lush jungles and picturesque Lake Arenal; traversing suspension bridges for panoramic treetop vistas; searching for wildlife on the tropical forest floor; and taking a relaxing dip at the Ecotermales Hot Springs, which is heated by the natural energy surging from the nearby volcano.  

Overnight at La Fortuna, and visit land nearby which was set aside to preserve the habitat for two- and three-toed sloths. More than 30 individuals of both species have been counted in the area. Your naturalists will share insights about the flora and the other fauna, including toucans, agoutis, tree frogs and owls, which reside in this tropical rainforest. Lastly, marvel at the lush scenery of Pierella Ecological Gardens, a nature reserve and butterfly farm where iconic species like the Blue Morpho are sustainably raised on the property.  On day 4, overnight at San Jose in preparation for the next day’s activities.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

San José / Panama City, Panama / Colón / Embark Ship 

This day has a recommended group flight.

Fly from San José to Panama City on a recommended group flight or on a flight selection of your own. Transfer by land to Colón to embark the National Geographic Quest. Meet your expedition staff and marvel at the coastline ahead as you sail to the historic port of Portobelo. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Portobelo / Panama Canal Transit

This morning, explore the Caribbean Sea on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or Zodiac cruises upriver. Portobelo is known for its Spanish colonial military architecture, which is designated collectively as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit several of the town’s fortifications, as well as the old Customs House, and hear the tales of Portobelo’s pirate history. Enjoy a traditional Congo music and dance performance. Later on, set sail for the Panama Canal. As cargo ships tend to pass through the canal during the day, crossing will most likely begin at night when the canal is dramatically lit. By special arrangement, National Geographic Quest will anchor overnight in Gatún Lake near the Barro Colorado Nature Monument.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Gatún Lake / Panama Canal Transit 

This morning, you have a choice of two activities: Hiking and Zodiac cruising around Barro Colorado Island, which is home to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute or a boat ride to Gamboa, where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, followed by a hike on the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center trails. This evening, continue through the complex lock system of the Canal and venture into the Pacific Ocean.  

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Pearl Islands 

Explore one of the approximately 200 islands that make up the idyllic Pearl Islands archipelago as you learn about the history of the native populations, and eventually the Spaniard colonizers and African slaves, who arrived for the pearl trade. Deep rainforests, lush rivers, white sandy beaches and shallow reefs provide a memorable backdrop for beach activities and snorkeling. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Balboa / Disembark Ship / Panama City, Panama

After breakfast, disembark in Balboa and transfer to the airport in Panama City for your flight home, or to begin a three-day Panama City extension. 

Departure Time: Depart any time after 12:30 p.m.  
Departure City: Panama City, Panama  

Meals Included: Breakfast