December 27-30, 2019
The yearning for that closeness is the virtue and spirit of the true traveler and it is the reason for the Jewels of the Pacific Ocean and the Panama Canal. That communion of body and spirit is only possible within the intimate realm of a compact craft, designed to cover the narrowest marine routes that take us to pristine lands.
A crew of ten has been carefully selected and trained to ensure a perfect journey for the 24 exclusive passengers of the Discovery. Inside the cozy, spacious cabins and lounges, the magic of night melts imperceptibly with the fabulous sunrises at amazing places that offer their purest charms at dawn ready for a day of excursion. From its decks, everything looks close, vivid, amazing, moving and…simply unforgettable!
Discovery is a 33 meter-long catamaran providing 8 queen and 4 twin cabins. All cabins have individual climate control, bathrooms and huge windows which extend along the length of the cabin allowing you to enjoy the scenery in complete privacy.
The dining area, bar and lounge are located on the upper deck which is fitted with floor to ceiling “glass walls” providing a spectacular dining experience and plenty of space to unwind. Enjoy Panamanian gastronomy as we delight you with exquisite indigenous dishes prepared by our talented Chef. A BBQ and sun deck are located on the topmost observation deck.
The Discovery is equipped with a unique platform that lowers kayakers and zodiacs gently into the water and also retrieves them in perfect safety and comfort.
The Expedition Leaders
Onboard the Discovery you will find enthusiastic expedition leaders that will provide insight and profound understanding of the adventure you will undertake. They are experienced and well trained naturalists ready to share their vast knowledge and understanding.
Your expedition leaders share a love for history and a passion for nature. They will introduce you to native human groups that still preserve their customs and traditions, and to a world of stunning natural beauty and rich history unknown by most. They are experts on their fields and they will make your journey onboard the Discovery an unforgettable experience.
Lost World Adventures itineraries can be tailor-made according to your plans and preferences: budget, hotel selections, travel dates, optional excursions, length of trip, etc.
This morning you will be picked up at your hotel lobby to first explore Casco Viejo, the French Quarter and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to the Presidential Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Theater, the French Plaza and several other iconic landmarks that offer testament to the city’s rich history, culture and heritage.
Enjoy a historical walking tour including a visit at the Inter-Oceanic Canal museum which is housed in the same building that was the original headquarters for the French canal building effort in the 1880’s.
You will then visit the Biodiversity Museum, designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. As a Smithsonian Affiliate museum, the Biodiversity Museum serves as a gateway to new information about the biodiversity and natural history of the Isthmus of Panama.
Scientific experts from both the Smithsonian Institute and the University of Panama oversee the contents of the museum and aim at teaching visitors about eco-awareness, conservation and Panama’s extraordinary natural treasures in various unique exhibition galleries.
Did you know that the Isthmus of Panama has more bird, mammal, reptile and plant species than the US and Canada together in just 75,990 Km2 (approx. 29,000 square miles)? In fact, 3 million years ago, the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama changed both the climate and the biodiversity in the planet and played a key role in the creation of the world we know today. Lunch at local restaurant included.
2:00pm - Embarkation time at Flamenco Island. Sail the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean towards Contadora Island, where the M/V Discovery will stay the first night. Take this opportunity to meet your expedition leaders, the crew and your fellow travelers while you savor our tempting native cuisine. Sunset dinner.
3 nights aboard the M/V Discovery. Lunch and dinner included.
Step aboard a time machine and travel back more than 600 years to a place that not many have had the privilege of experiencing. More than an excursion, this is a journey into the lives of the Embera Indians.
A proud people who have been able to maintain their traditions and lifestyle as they were before the Spaniards colonized the region. These natives are also master crafters of cocobolo wood carvings and basketry. After motoring up river you will see the village emerging from the jungle, as if by magic.
Keep your eyes open along the way as the region offers abundant wildlife that is particularly active along the river’s edge. Enjoy a festive New Years’ Eve dinner aboard the Discovery
All meals included today.
Snorkel and swim in the waters of the Pearl Islands. The archipelago owes its name to the abundance of pearl oysters which supported a substantial fishery in the early 1900’s.
On the outer portion of the archipelago, the islands of San Telmo and Mogo Mogo are home to some pristine beaches and fertile fishing grounds. View the remains of the submarine Explorer built in 1865 during the Civil War and which sunk off the coast of San Telmo during the oyster fishery of the late 1800s.
All meals included today.
Wake up at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal and join the morning’s ship convoy for our northbound canal passage traversing Miraflores Locks and Pedro Miguel Locks.
The Discovery will be raised 85 feet above sea level to Gatun Lake. You will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience up close the history and operation of this engineering marvel. Navigate the Gaillard Cut, the narrowest section of the Panama Canal, bisecting the Continental Divide.
This section of the canal is full of history and geological value and you will be able to appreciate the continuous maintenance that this area requires, because it is very susceptible to landslides. After a Sunday farewell brunch disembark at the Panama Canal Dredging Division’s pier in Gamboa, a small town located on the shores of the Panama Canal and the Chagres River, the main source of water for the canal’s operation.
You will be transferred to your hotel back in Panama City (not included with package price).
Breakfast included today.
| Price from | $3,570.00 per person, based on double occupancy |
|---|---|
| Days | 11 |
| Nights | 10 |
| Includes: | Based on double occupancy for 2 travelers, reduced prices for parties of 3 or more.
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| Excludes: | International and domestic airfare |
