Monteverde Cloud Forest & Arenal Volcano Cruise Tour

Explore the inner workings of the Panama Canal, head into the jungle to meet with Embera Indians, or take an aerial tram ride through the rainforest canopy.

At nearly 48 miles long, on your transit through the Panama Canal you will enter three sets of locks that raise and lower the vessel 85 feet between the calm Pacific Ocean and the shimmering waters of the Atlantic. Your voyage features a daylight hours transit with numerous observation vantage points for outside viewing and comfortable indoor air-conditioned lounges. Expert onboard commentary enhances your journey as you watch the day to day workings of this bucket list experience.

One of the entrances to the Panama Canal on the Pacific side, Balboa/Fuerte Amador was founded in 1519 and is a short distance from Panama City.  In 2012 Balboa was ranked #1 in Latin America in the category of world's busiest container ports. Sightseeing highlights include the colonial homes, the Administration Building, the Goethals Memorial, the Prado, and the local handicraft markets of traditional Panamanian crafts.

One of the entrances to the Panama Canal on the Pacific side, Balboa/Fuerte Amador was founded in 1519 and is a short distance from Panama City.  In 2012 Balboa was ranked #1 in Latin America in the category of world's busiest container ports. Sightseeing highlights include the colonial homes, the Administration Building, the Goethals Memorial, the Prado, and the local handicraft markets of traditional Panamanian crafts.

Located within a Nature Preserve of 50 islands, and part of Chiriqui Marine National Park lovely Isla Parida boasts magnificent beaches, one of which is over 1,300 feet long.  The crystal clear waters stay at 82 degrees year round and are filled with marine life. There are numerous hardwood trees like teak, mahogany, and eucalyptus, and fruit trees like mango, banana and coconut trees. Here you will be treated to Windstar's Signature Beach Party on a secluded beach that faces the Pacific Ocean.

Picture Jurassic foliage growing down steep hillsides all the way to the waterline, the hoots &nbsp;of monkeys echoing through trees choked by orchids. Golfo Dulce is one of Costa Rica&rsquo;s most biodiverse areas, where both the jungle and the sea brim with life. Explore the canals by kayak in search of javelinas, butterflies, and more bird species than in all of North America.&nbsp;<em>This port is accessed with a wet landing.</em>

The former banana-exporting town of Quepos is your basecamp for a day of rainforest adventure. Take a walk along trails that weave up to waterfalls, or ride horseback to a beautiful jungle pool. A float trip through a mangrove swamp populated by monkeys, crocodiles, egrets, and herons is also available. Or you may choose a nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, with its lovely beaches, easy trails, and abundant animal life.&nbsp;

Located on the Gulf of Nicoya, the small town of Puerto Caldera is one of Costa Rica&rsquo;s top attractions, perfect for travelers who like more off the beaten path destinations where the native Tico lifestyle can be experienced. It is the gateway to San Jose, Jaco and the big city of Puntarenas, plus Los Suenos and Tortuga Island. Carara National Park is nearby, the rainforest home to crocodiles, over 400 species of birds and is considered the most likely place to see scarlet macaws.

Upon arrival to Puerto Caldera disembark from the ship to be picked up by an English-speaking guide and a driver and transferred to Monteverde. Along the way you learn about the wildlife you might encounter at the Monteverde Reserve. Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is among the most famous reserves in the world for its biodiversity, conservation, contributions, and scientific researches. Hike in the forest canopy, go birding, hoping to spot the Resplendent Quetzal, or discover the aromas and beauty of the coffee plantation. The evening brings Curi-Cancha Reserve, part of 210-acre private wildlife reserve in the very heart of Monteverde, covering both lower, and wet montane, and premontane wet virgin cloud forest. The night allows for possible sightings are mammals and sleeping birds. Enjoy the nightly symphony of frogs and insects. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.<br />
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(Includes overnight at hotel in Monteverde and breakfast onboard the yacht, lunch and dinner.)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to fuel you for your lake crossing to Arenal. On the way, stop at Rancho Heliconia for a tour of world-famous Costa Rican coffee plantation, take a cooking class on local cuisine, and leave your green footprint by planting a tree. Lunch is served at Rancho Heliconia. Then head to Arenal Lake to board a boat. At the other side of the lake, head to your resort for the rest of the evening is at your leisure. Soak in the hotel&rsquo;s well-known hot springs to prepare for your next full day. Buffet-style dinner at Aves del Paraiso (or similar) is included.<br />
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(Includes overnight at hotel in Arenal and breakfast, lunch and dinner.)