DAY 1: MIAMI/SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
Depart Miami late morning on a non-stop American Airlines flight to San Jose, about 3 hours flying time. A short drive brings us to the Hotel Double Tree Cariari. (D)

DAYS 2 & 3: MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
A scenic drive of approximately five hours, over some bumpy roads for the last half up the mountain, takes us to Monteverde Cloud Forest. Bathed in cool, year-round moisture, the forest is covered with moss and punctuated by 300 species of orchids. Walk trails rich with butterflies, insects and birds and watch for the rare resplendent quetzal.
We ascend the Skywalk, a series of suspension bridges, for a bird’s-eye view of the rain forest canopy. Later, we’ll learn about life in the early Monteverde community from Marvin Rockwell, one of the original homesteade rs, who will speak to us about the trials and triumphs of rural life in the tropics. We spend two nights at a charming, family- owned lodge. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: MONTEVERDE/HERRADURA/EMBARK
Continue our exploration of Monteverde and travel to Herradura to embark National Geographic Sea Lion. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Today we explore early, when the wildlife is most active. See lethargic three-toed sloths. Our Naturalists point out monkeys or birds as they zip through the forest. Find a great spot for a final hike or swim. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: OSA PENINSULA
We anchor off the remote Osa Peninsula and the environs of Corcovado National Park. You may swim in waterfall pools, horseback ride or join a Zodiac cruise. Trek through the rain forest for a chance to see three species of monkey in one day: howler, spider and squirrel! (B,L,D)

DAY 7: GOLFO DULCE, COSTA RICA
At Casa Orquideas, a privately owned garden accessible only by boat and special invitation, see a profusion of orchids; look for tanagers, parrots and gaudy toucans. Explore Golfo Dulce, ideal for kayaking or swimming. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: ISLA COIBA NATIONAL PARK
Isla Coiba is one of Panama’s most remote national parks, where you may swim from pristine beaches. The area is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: GULF OF PANAMA ISLETS/GATUN LAKE
This archipelago of islands due south of Panama City has a storied past — pearls, conquistadors, buccaneers, and so much more. We’ll explore the turquoise waters via Zodiac or kayak, where dolphins and whales have been spotted. Observe roosting and nesting magnificent frigate birds and blue-footed boobies on an otherwise empty stretch of white sand. (B,L,D)

DAY 10: BARRO COLORADO ISLAND/PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT
In the morning, we’ll boa rd Zodiacs for Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Gatun Lake. This island has been the primary Smithsonian center for tropical rain forest study since 1923, and we are very proud to have special permission to visit the facilities at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Meet some of the scientists and learn about their work before we reboard to continue our crossing. Often we have the opportunity to cross part of the Canal during the day, and another when it is dramatically lit at night. (B,L,D)

DAY 11: COLON/DISEMBARK/PANAMA CITY/ MIAMI
Disembark after breakfast in Colon and proceed to the airport in Panama City for the flight to Miami. (B)