FROM THE PANAMA CANAL TO PERU ITINERARY:
DAY 1 — Miami/Panama City, Panama
Arrive Panama and drive to the pier in Colon, where we
embark National Geographic Explorer and begin our adventure with
a passage through the Gatun Locks. (L,D)
DAY 2 — Panama Canal
Surrounded by the tropical rain forest that so challenged
its builders, the Panama Canal is an amazing feat of
engineering. Each of the 1,000-foot lock chambers will raise our
ship, 27 feet at a time, without the assistance of pumps. This
is strictly a gravity-fueled operation. Today’s exact schedule
will be governed by the Panama Canal Commission. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 — Isla Coiba National Park
The Marine Conservation Corridor of the Tropical Eastern
Pacific is a vast area of protected ocean including Panama’s
Isla Coiba, remote Cocos Island in Costa Rica and Isla Malpelo —
all World Heritage Sites. Today we explore Coiba to swim, kayak,
hike or snorkel amid tropical fish. Our staff will assist both
novice and expert snorkelers alike. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 — At Sea (B,L,D)
DAY 5 — At Sea/Cocos Island National Park, Costa Rica
Once you see the striking landscapes of Cocos Island —
exuberant shades of green and impressive cascades that spring
from tall cliffs – you’ll understand why this treasure is
protected. Because of its isolation 300 miles into the Pacific,
it has become a haven for big marine wildlife: schooling
hammerheads, white-tip reef sharks, manta rays and tuna. Walk
with our naturalists through the rain forest, snorkel, Zodiac or
kayak in clear waters. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 — Cocos/At Sea (B,L,D)
DAY 7 — Isla Malpelo, Colombia
In stark contrast to lush Cocos, Isla Malpelo is a sheer
rock rising from the sea with three high peaks, the highest
being 1,000-foot Cerro de la Mona, often wreathed in clouds.
Some 300 miles off the coast of Colombia, the Malpelo Fauna and
Flora Sanctuary is visited by migratory birds, including
red-billed tropic bird, red-footed boobies and magnificent
frigate birds. With extremely stringent conservation and
regulatory laws, we are very excited to finally gain permission
to visit Malpelo for the first time ever! (B,L,D)
DAY 8 — At Sea (B,L,D)
DAY 9 — Puerto Lopez & Isla de la Plata, Ecuador
Today we arrive in Ecuador. Choose from activities that are
historically focused, or spend the day with our Naturalists
exploring Machallila National Park, where we hike through
tropical dry forest and learn about archaeological findings of
the little-known Manteno people. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 — Exploring Coastal Peru
Today is an exploratory day to find a small bay or inlet
along the beautiful Peruvian coastline for hikes, Zodiac forays
and kayak excursions. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 — Lobos de Tierra & Afuera. Peru
Spend a peaceful day exploring islands abundant with marine
life, including sea lion colonies — via Zodiac and kayak. Our
Undersea Specialist takes underwater footage, which animates our
evening recap. (B,L,D)
DAY 12 — Salaverry: Chan Chan & Trujillo
Venture into the sacred Moche Valley, center of two ancient
cultures. Our guides lead the way to the Temples of the Sun and
Moon from the Moche culture. Then explore the adobe ruins of
Chan Chan built by the Chimu, and on to the desert city of
Trujillo, founded by Pizarro and still exuding Spanish colonial
charm. (B,L,D)
DAY 13 — Lima
Explore Lima’s golden past, visiting the colonial market,
the Indian market and the Larco Herrera Museum, with an
extensive collection of pre-Columbian art and the famed Gold and
Silver Gallery. In the late evening, after dinner aboard the
ship, we take an overnight flight to Miami. (B,L,D)
DAY 14 — Arrive Miami/Home
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National Geographic Explorer begins with a transit of the Panama
Canal, linking the Atlantic and the Pacific. Along the Pacific
coast of South America, we explore an exciting sequence of
off-the-beaten-track expedition calls, ranging from the fabled
treasure island of Cocos, off the coast of Costa Rica, to Lobos
de Tierra off the coast of Peru, a significant breeding place
for the masked booby. And the stunning National Park at Isla
Coiba in Panama, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Fauna and
Flora Sanctuary at Isla Malpelo, some 300 miles off the
Colombian coast, with its schools of hammerhead sharks and
colonies of rare algae, lichens and mosses.
Pre-Columbian archaeology will be another highlight of this
voyage. In Peru, the temples of the sun and moon were built by
the Moche in the fifth century and the world’s largest adobe
city, constructed at Chan Chan at the turn of the first
millennium by the Chimú people. In Lima, we visit the Larco
Herrara Muusem with its internationally renowned pre-Columbian
gold collection.
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DATES & RATES |
Departure Dates:
October 19, 2008 - National Geographic Explorer
Prices From:
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Category |
Sole |
Double |
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01 |
- |
$9,180 |
|
02 |
- |
$9,730 |
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03 |
- |
$10,190 |
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04 |
- |
$10,590 |
|
05 |
- |
$12,650 |
|
06 |
- |
$12,650 |
|
07 |
- |
$14,620 |
|
08 |
- |
$16,990 |
|
2S |
$12,150 |
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3S |
$12,750 |
- |
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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER |
The newest addition to its fleet is the National Geographic
Explorer, an ice-class polar expedition vessel that will hold
148 guests in 81 outside cabins and will set sail in the summer
of 2008. The ship, the Lyngen, purchased from the Norwegian
company Hurtigruten, will be renamed the National Geographic
Explorer and will be redesigned to provide travelers with the
most innovative tools for exploring the undersea, the polar
regions and key destinations around the globe. The ship will be
the seventh in the Lindblad fleet.
Built in 1982, Lindblad’s new ship will undergo extensive
renovations to become a state-of-the-art vessel, offering guests
an intimate, educational environment. The new ship, like all
Lindblad vessels, will carry the name of National Geographic,
showcasing the deepening relationship between the two
organizations. In addition, the ship’s new name reflects the
National Geographic Society’s century of exploration and the
name of Lindblad Travel’s first ship, the Lindblad Explorer,
which was commissioned in 1969 by Lars-Eric Lindblad, known to
many as the ‘father of eco-tourism,’ as the world’s first
purpose-built expedition ship. “Adding the National Geographic
Explorer to our fleet of ships enables us to bring to life, in
the fullest sense, the name of my father’s first ship, but with
all of the best tools for exploring and the comfort of a
21st-century expedition ship,” said Sven Lindblad, founder and
president of Lindblad Expeditions. “This vessel will not only
explore the remote corners of the world, but with our partners
at NGS, we hope to positively impact these regions through guest
involvement in scientific research and conservation”.
The National Geographic Explorer will be a state-of-the-art
expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins.
It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages
while providing comfort. Building upon Lindblad Expedition’s
spirit of exploration and discovery, the National Geographic
Explorer will house technology for sea exploration, such as
Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a
Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional ship-enhancement plans
include the development of multiple dining venues, a lounge area
designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury
wellness spa.
Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar,
library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A
mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition
gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables
for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is
international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or
portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely
operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam,
underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing
craft.
Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist,
Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler.
There is internet access for guests, a business center, and
laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about
the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational
equipment from our Captain and Officers.
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