Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
15% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
A Tropical Odyssey in Central America
Belize City - Colón
Dates:
9/1/2026
to
19/1/2026
days
nights on board
Flight from Cancún to Belize City + transfer from the airport to the port
On this 11-day cruise aboard Le Champlain, you will sail the Caribbean Sea discovering the lush landscapes of Central America, exploring the region’s historical cities to learn more about their history, sharing with the local populations and creating unforgettable memories.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, dive into incredible Mayan history from Santo Tomás de Castilla, as you discover the pyramids and sanctuaries of the Quiriguá archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Puerto Limón, sail along the labyrinthine canals of the Tortuguero National Park, in the heart of a tropical forest featuring fascinating fauna and flora, or discover traditional cocoa growing in a Ngöbe village on the island of San Cristóbal, from Bocas Del Toro.
During your odyssey aboard Le Champlain, expect to hear birdsong and see dense tropical forests and the intertwined roots of mangrove burgeoning with life. On the Rio Dulce, aboard small local boats, discover gorges shaped by the river opening onto lush vegetation, a haven of peace for many birds, such as cormorants, egrets and pelicans. Another little-known and pristine paradise, in Honduras, La Ensenada invites you to discover a unique ecosystem, at theLancetilla Botanical Garden, the largest tropical gardens in the Americas. In Puerto Limón, the Puerto Vargas Reserve, in the Cahuita National Park, is home to exuberant wildlife, including howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, sloths, coatis, agoutis... mere steps away from idyllic beaches.
Fans of swimming and immaculate landscapes will not be left out either. In the Caribbean Sea, on the little volcanic island of Providence, a former buccaneer hideout off the coast off Nicaragua, make the most of the abundant turquoise waters and beaches fringed with coconut trees to immerse yourself in the gentleness of the Caribbean. Off the coast of Isla Utila, the Water Caye islet unfurls its stretches of white sand along an azure sea, truly an invitation to lose yourself in thought and relax.
From one port of call to the next, you will also be able to seize the opportunity to share unforgettable moments with local communities. In Santo Tomás de Castilla, the Garifuna community will welcome you with a unique performance of traditional dance and music aboard the ship. In Panama, on the Bocas del Toro archipelago, famous for its rich underwater and terrestrial biodiversity, you will learn about a different history, that of the country’s largest indigenous community, the Ngöbe-Buglé.
Ref : BC354 - EC090126
Your itinerary
Uncover the secrets of Central America during a cruise exploring six countries, featuring verdant scenery and cultural discoveries. Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during...
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Your trip in detail
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Included in your cruise
To make sure things run smoothly, PONANT has included certain elements before and after your cruise as part of the price.
Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
6/3/2025 to the 21/3/2025
LE LYRIAL
3/3/2025 to the 21/3/2025
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE BORÉAL
L'AUSTRAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- Uncover the secrets of Central America during a cruise exploring six countries, featuring verdant scenery and cultural discoveries.
- Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
- Between the sea, lagoons and mangroves, explore this natural setting where contemplation and serenity mix with the discovery of abundant and extraordinary biodiversity.
- Ports of call in Bocas del Toro, to explore the mangrove and discover the local communities.
- Discover the Mayan city of Quiriguá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Encounter the local populations and discover their traditions, including Panama’s largest indigenous community, the Ngöbe-Buglé.
- The idyllic islet of Water Cay and its turquoise waters.
- Thanks to the presence of our experienced team of naturalist-guides, you will learn more about the mysteries of this infinitely rich region and experience unique moments on snorkelling trips, hikes or visits using local transport.
- Landscapes: palm-fringed beaches, blue lagoons, heavenly islands, mangroves, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, rich seabed, rivers, canals.
- Wildlife: howler monkeys, white-headed monkeys, raccoons, sloths, otters, agoutis, armadillos and porcupines, multicoloured fish, tropical birds including the toucan, green ibis, frigate bird, yellow-crowned night-heron and the boat-billed heron.
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Ports of Call & Excursions
9 January 2026 - Belize City
Embarkation 9/1/2026 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 9/1/2026 at 6:00 pm
Belize City is the former capital and the country’s largest town. Located on the Caribbean Sea, this lively little town symbolises the fusion of British, Spanish and Maya cultures. The departure point for flights over the Great Blue Hole and the barrier reef, it’s also the ideal gateway for discovering the treasures of Maya architecture: in the heart of the jungle, the grandiose and mysterious ruins of temples and palaces at the Lamanai and Xunantunich sites await you. Another unmissable experience: a trip to the mouth of the Belize River: with a little luck and care, you’ll get a glimpse of manatees, dolphins, crocodiles, iguanas and many aquatic bird species.
10 January 2026 - Dulce River
Arrival 10/1/2026 early morning
Departure 10/1/2026 early evening
In the waters of the Rio Dulce flows a part of the Caribbean soul. Lanchas, the motor boats that travel along the river and the Caribbean Sea, are the only way of reaching this small, welcoming town with no overland access to the rest of the country. Here, you are in Garifuna country: the inhabitants, descendent from Jamaican slaves, perpetuate their culture through oral tradition and ceremonies. Garifuna music, which is lively and sounds similar in some respects to reggae, and Garifuna dance, to the beat of drums, have both been classified by UNESCO as “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”.
11 January 2026 - Santo Tomás de Castilla
Arrival 11/1/2026
Departure 11/1/2026 early evening
A port city located in the north-east of Guatemala, on the coast of the Amatique Bay, Santo Tomás de Castilla offers exceptional access to the fabulous Mayan archaeological site of Quiriguá. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, this place takes you back in time, deep into a décor of ruins and vestiges from the 8th century.
12 January 2026 - La Ensenada
Arrival 12/1/2026 early morning
Departure 12/1/2026 mid afternoon
Lying on the Honduran shores, the small community of La Ensenada will charm you with its gentle way of life and breathtaking landscapes. Make the most of a timeless moment to go and meet the local population and learn more about their day-to-day lives and their customs. The mangrove, a unique ecosystem teeming with life, will also reveal itself to you with the possibility of a river cruise aboard a local boat.
13 January 2026 - Water Caye, Isla Utila
Arrival 13/1/2026
Departure 13/1/2026 late afternoon
The Bay Islands archipelago is home to stunning cays, sheltered coral islets with warm, crystal-clear turquoise waters. Off the island of Utila, the white-sand beaches lined with palms and coconut trees and the reefs of the deserted islet called Water Caye offer a picture-postcard setting that will delight fans of swimming and snorkelling.
14 January 2026 - At sea
Arrival 14/1/2026
Departure 14/1/2026
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
15 January 2026 - San Andrés and Providencia archipelago
Arrival 15/1/2026 early morning
Departure 15/1/2026 midday
The Isla de Providencia, an insular Colombian territory near the coast of Nicaragua, is part of the Archipelago of San Andrés. Nicknamed the “flower of the ocean”, its clear and warm waters and lush tropical forests are surrounded by legends and stories of pirates. The beauty of its underwater life has earned it the title of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. You’ll be able to discover the island’s natural riches during a walk or while snorkelling. The Isla de Providencia offers an enchanted interlude and the serenity of balanced and preserved nature, home to pretty and colourful houses.
16 January 2026 - Puerto Limón
Arrival 16/1/2026 early morning
Departure 16/1/2026 early evening
We’re pretty sure the little coastal town of Puerto Limón will completely win your heart. It is located on the Caribbean sea. Just beyond the harbour, Playa Bonita creek opens its arms to a haven of beauty rimmed by clear blue waters and shaded by giant peach-palms. If you wish to explore the lush green areas in the town, it’s worth taking a stroll through the lemon groves that give Puerto Limón its name. You’ll have all the time in the world to mosey around the streets scattered with multicoloured wooden makeshift stalls. These makeshift bars with their raffia roofs offer fresh juices blended just for you.
17 January 2026 18 January 2026 - Bocas del Toro
Arrival 17/1/2026 early morning
Departure 18/1/2026 late afternoon
Heavenly stretches of beach with opalescent sand, virgin rainforest, traditional houses in flamboyant colours... the Bocas del Toro Archipelago welcomes you in a gentle, typically Caribbean atmosphere. Anchored to the north-west coast of Panama, this lush and wild Eden is composed of nine main islands surrounded by thousands of verdant islets. Boasting a rich biodiversity, this lost paradise is home to the only national marine park in Panama: Isla Bastimentos. This stunning reserve protects an exceptional marine ecosystem composed of a rich coral reef, more than 200 species of colourful fish, and a population of bottlenose dolphins that live here permanently. On Isla Popa, meet the Ngöbe-Bugle, an indigenous community of Panama that still lives according to its ancestral traditions.
19 January 2026 - Colón
Arrival 19/1/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 19/1/2026 at 8:00 am
Colón is the second largest city in Panama, at the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal. Colón is today an important port, and the free trade zone created in 1953 contributed greatly to the development of the city. Colón was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts through the isthmus of Panama; the city rapidly overshadowed the older Caribbean ports of Panama when the canal opened.
The Rio Dulce by boat
Take a boat ride to discover the natural treasures of the Rio Dulce: its emerald waters, its gorges rising to over 91 metres (299 ft), its lush vegetation and its abundant wildlife.
Heading towards the village of Livingston, where the Rio Dulce meets the Caribbean Sea, immerse yourself in breathtaking panoramas. This 10 km-long branch of the river becomes a canyon with sides covered in palm trees, mahogany, teak and many other tropical species, home to birds such as cormorants, egrets and pelicans.
Led by a guide, you will have plenty of time to observe these feathered inhabitants and immerse yourself in the history of the region.
- This excursion involves walking for a distance of approximately 200 metres (656 ft) on rough ground. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. We recommend wearing a long-sleeved top and trousers, as well as a hat and comfortable waterproof shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Ak’Tenamit Project and marimba music
Nestled in the canyons of the Rio Dulce, the Ak’Tenamit K’eqchi community embodies a remarkable model of resilience and sustainable development, thanks to local arts and crafts and to the support of a visionary Canadian. Discover this fascinating history during an encounter with the families of this community.
Descendants of the Maya, the members of the K’eqchi community settled in the heart of the Guatemalan forest, near Livingston, to flee the civil war that was affecting their country. In this remote region, they long lived in difficult conditions, until their encounter with Steve Duendenhoffer. Driven by a desire to help, the Canadian launched the Ak’Tenamit Project, which was initially a small school for the community’s children.
The project then expanded to include pupils from neighbouring communities and now offers a full educational programme including nature protection, sustainability, customer service, and contemporary economic skills. In addition to education, Ak'Tenamit offers a floating dental clinic, a natural trail for discovering the region’s biodiversity, and an arts and crafts store selling hand-made objects, thus supporting local traditions and supplying a source of sustainable income.
More than a simple development model, the Ak’Tenamit Project represents a veritable revival for a community which, thanks to mutual aid and innovation, has been able to turn its challenges into opportunities; you will see evidence of this during an encounter, featuring traditional music, lunch and arts and crafts.
- This excursion involves walking on uneven paths. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes, and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €180
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Maya archaeological sites in Quiriguá
Dive into Maya history and fall under the spell of one of the era’s largest and most influential cities: Quiriguá, between ancestral legends and UNESCO World Heritage Site archaeological ruins.
Tucked away in the heart of the luxuriant Izabel jungle, Quiriguá, a veritable break in time, will plunge you into a setting of ruins and vestiges dating back to the 8th century. As you stroll the paths of this archaeological site, the bewitching sounds of nature will envelop you and seem to whisper forgotten legends. The colossal sculpted stelae, the largest in the Maya world, stand proud, defying time and telling epic stories of kings and gods, such as King K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat. As for the royal palaces, the only marble-covered ones in Meso-America, these show the city’s strategic importance in the political Maya world of the era. Each glyph engraved on these monuments resonates like a distant echo of ceremonies and sacrifices. In Quiriguá, each step will take you into a mystical past, where art, spirituality and astronomy combine to unveil the secrets of a fascinating and enigmatic world.
-
This excursion involves walking on uneven paths. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes, bring mosquito repellent and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lancetilla Botanical Garden
Lancetilla Botanical Garden, on the Caribbean coast of Honduras, is recognised as the largest tropical botanical garden in the Americas. This site offers a rich experience, educating visitors about tropical plants from around the world, while highlighting the local history associated with the banana industry.
Initially created as an experimental station, with the aim of observing how non-native tropical fruits such as the rambutan adapted to the climate, the Lancetilla gardens were developed thanks to land concessions granted by the government to the Tela Railroad Company in exchange for the construction of a Honduran railway line.
Originally dedicated to the production of bananas and other tropical fruits, they now offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of the country as they observe the rich biodiversity of the gardens and the abundance of birds attracted to this tropical Eden.
During a walk through the forests of centenarian bamboo and the tropical gardens with a local, discover the myriad plants and fruits that make up this unique ecosystem. Your expert will show you the poisonous species (remember, this is an experimental garden) and will take you to meet local inhabitants, who may offer you a taste of some of the fruit or fruit wine they produce. Then, at the Information Centre, enjoy a local tasting before returning to your ship!
- This excursion will be about 3.5 hours long and involves walking on uneven and often sandy ground. Due to the type of terrain and the amount of walking, it is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. We recommend wearing walking shoes and light, comfortable clothing, and bringing mosquito repellent with you.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Santa Catalina visit
Fall under the spell of the gentle Colombian way of life as you walk around Santa Catalina island, discovering its history, architecture and idyllic landscapes.
Santa Catalina island is very close to Providencia, in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, and offers a concentration of the Caribbean spirit along its golden beaches and opposite the azure blue. During a walk to Warwick Fort, dive into the history of the island’s discovery by Puritans, pirates and filibusters, and admire the houses, which are typical of insular life. Constructed on stilts, they proudly display their colourful façades and like to surround themselves with generous fruit trees, giving the island the appearance of an open-air museum.
- This excursion involves walking around 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) on uneven, steep ground, with several steps and sometimes with cobblestones. We recommend wearing walking shoes, comfortable clothing and sun protection.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cahuita National Park visit
Cahuita is one of the most beautiful and picturesque regions on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, with its breathtaking white beaches, endless coconut trees and a calm sea with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.
Fall under the spell of the natural splendour and stunning panoramas of the Puerto Vargas Reserve, in the heart of the Cahuita National Park. This protected sanctuary stands out thanks to its countless coconut trees, its crystal-clear waters and stunningly beautiful coral reefs.
The biodiversity is extraordinarily rich, home to emblematic species like howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, raccoons and sloths. The marshes are a refuge for remarkable bird life, including green ibis, kingfishers and frigatebirds. The reserve, integrated into the National Park, has landscapes that will take your breath away, with white sandy beaches, coconut trees and an exceptionally clear sea.
The territory, mainly made up of marshlands, between the coral platform and the continent, offers a fascinating duality between beaches and tropical forests. A naturalist-guide will lead you through raised walkways, designed to facilitate your exploration of this unique ecosystem. At the end of the visit, you will be able to savour a buffet of tropical fruits in a local restaurant, an epicurean experience that will live up to the natural splendours that have just amazed you.
- This excursion involves walking on uneven ground. We recommend you wear light clothing, comfortable shoes and sun protection. We also recommend you bring a camera and an umbrella or raincoat. This excursion is not recommended for persons with physical difficulties.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Tortuguero Canals by boat
Considered as the Amazonia of Costa Rica thanks to the intense tropical forest that surrounds them, the Tortuguero Canals will unveil their unique landscapes, where flora and fauna are happily intertwined.
During an exploration aboard a local boat from Moín, discover the Tortuguero canals, waterways shaped by both nature and human hands. In this unique setting, observe the vibrant ecosystem where orchids, water lilies, a multitude of bird species, monkeys, lizards, sloths, and toucans thrive, and admire the spectacle of the lush jungle endlessly reflecting on the water of these navigation channels.
- This excursion involves walking around 100 metres (330 feet) as well as some steps. We recommend you wear light clothing and comfortable shoes, apply sun cream, use mosquito repellent, and bring a hat or a visor and sunglasses. The order of visits is subject to change. Wildlife viewing is not guaranteed. It is forbidden to feed or touch wild animals and to use the flash when taking their picture.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Bocas Del Toro, from island to island
A small preserved paradise along the Costa Rican border, the Bocas Del Toro archipelago unveils lush and wild nature, featuring idyllic beaches and crystal-clear waters where you may admire fascinating fauna. See for yourself sailing from island to island, between Zapatilla Cay, Coral Cay and Bastimentos.
During a boat excursion, explore three authentic islands and as many preserved landscapes. At Zapatilla Cay, discover the reaches of this azure heaven during a one-hour hike in lush nature, before enjoying its wild beaches.
Then sail in the direction of Coral Cay, where a splendid coral garden awaits you. From the boat or on the edge of the restaurant on stilts, make the most of the crystal-clear waters to go snorkelling, before enjoying a delicious lunch featuring local flavours.
Then, you head to Bastimentos Island, in the eponymous marine reserve, and the Bahia Honda Bay with its incredible sprawling mangrove. Keep your eyes open, for here reign sloths, caimans and many bird species that you will perhaps be able to observe!
-
We recommend you wear suitable shoes for water-based activities, as well as a swimming costume and sunscreen (without oxybenzone, octinoxate or octocrylene).
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ngöbe village and chocolate plantation
The Ngäbe community are an indigenous people of remarkable resilience, settled mainly in the west of Panama and in some enclaves in Costa Rica.
In the traditional village of San Cristobal, discover the many cultural riches of the Ngäbe community, before setting off to explore a traditional chocolate plantation in the heart of the jungle. This authentic hamlet will reveal itself to you, with its essential infrastructures and its modest market stalls and dwellings, bearing witness to a preserved way of life. Your itinerary will continue with an immersion in the secrets of this “brown gold”. You will venture into a traditional cocoa plantation, where the jungle and the crop blend in a perfect symbiosis, and observe the local fauna, such as the cardinal frog or the nonchalant sloth. You will see three varieties of cocoa tree and gain insight into the subtilities of a rich ancestral culture.
Back in the village, it will be time to roll up your sleeves and learn the art of chocolate making and all the secrets of how these delights are produced. As custodians of this age-old know-how, the Ngäbe women will guide you through the different stages of this gourmet alchemy, even inviting you to take part in the cocoa processing. This sensorial experience will culminate in a culinary workshop where you will learn how to make chocolate truffles enhanced by local ingredients such as coconut, ginger, cumin and sugar cane. The excursion will end on a note of craftmanship, with the presentation of the process for transforming pita fibres into traditional bags, a veritable local skill. Finally, finish off this odyssey for the senses with a traditional meal, highlighting local products and thus concluding this exceptional cultural and gastronomic immersion.
- This excursion involves walking around 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) on uneven and sometimes steep ground. We recommend you wear walking shoes and comfortable clothing, and bring insect repellent.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Bocas Del Toro, from island to island
A small preserved paradise along the Costa Rican border, the Bocas Del Toro archipelago unveils lush and wild nature, featuring idyllic beaches and crystal-clear waters where you may admire fascinating fauna. See for yourself sailing from island to island, between Zapatilla Cay, Coral Cay and Bastimentos.
During a boat excursion, explore three authentic islands and as many preserved landscapes. At Zapatilla Cay, discover the reaches of this azure heaven during a one-hour hike in lush nature, before enjoying its wild beaches.
Then sail in the direction of Coral Cay, where a splendid coral garden awaits you. From the boat or on the edge of the restaurant on stilts, make the most of the crystal-clear waters to go snorkelling, before enjoying a delicious lunch featuring local flavours.
Then, you head to Bastimentos Island, in the eponymous marine reserve, and the Bahia Honda Bay with its incredible sprawling mangrove. Keep your eyes open, for here reign sloths, caimans and many bird species that you will perhaps be able to observe!
-
We recommend you wear suitable shoes for water-based activities, as well as a swimming costume and sunscreen (without oxybenzone, octinoxate or octocrylene).
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ngöbe village and chocolate plantation
The Ngäbe community are an indigenous people of remarkable resilience, settled mainly in the west of Panama and in some enclaves in Costa Rica.
In the traditional village of San Cristobal, discover the many cultural riches of the Ngäbe community, before setting off to explore a traditional chocolate plantation in the heart of the jungle. This authentic hamlet will reveal itself to you, with its essential infrastructures and its modest market stalls and dwellings, bearing witness to a preserved way of life. Your itinerary will continue with an immersion in the secrets of this “brown gold”. You will venture into a traditional cocoa plantation, where the jungle and the crop blend in a perfect symbiosis, and observe the local fauna, such as the cardinal frog or the nonchalant sloth. You will see three varieties of cocoa tree and gain insight into the subtilities of a rich ancestral culture.
Back in the village, it will be time to roll up your sleeves and learn the art of chocolate making and all the secrets of how these delights are produced. As custodians of this age-old know-how, the Ngäbe women will guide you through the different stages of this gourmet alchemy, even inviting you to take part in the cocoa processing. This sensorial experience will culminate in a culinary workshop where you will learn how to make chocolate truffles enhanced by local ingredients such as coconut, ginger, cumin and sugar cane. The excursion will end on a note of craftmanship, with the presentation of the process for transforming pita fibres into traditional bags, a veritable local skill. Finally, finish off this odyssey for the senses with a traditional meal, highlighting local products and thus concluding this exceptional cultural and gastronomic immersion.
- This excursion involves walking around 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) on uneven and sometimes steep ground. We recommend you wear walking shoes and comfortable clothing, and bring insect repellent.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Decks
Flight from Cancún to Belize City + transfer from the airport to the port
For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the airport and the port. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Embarkation day: Cancún/Belize City
Flight Cancun/Belize City.
Approximate flight duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Transfer to the port and embarkation.
This programme includes:
- Flight Cancún/Belize City selected by PONANT in economy class.
- Transfer and services mentioned in the programme.
- English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
- Tips.
- Personal expenses.
- Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- Flight included in the programme is as of today, operated in economy class.
- For passengers in transit in Cancún, we recommend staying one night in Cancún before the flight to Belize City.
- Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
Excursions included
During your journey, enjoy an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. Whether this is the visit of an emblematic museum or a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an activity in the heart of nature or a tasting of local products, or one of many other highlights, you will benefit from a careful selection of activities throughout your itinerary.
Pre-bookings will open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests will be processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
ON THE PATH OF THE MAYA CIVILIZATION (5 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Cancùn
Meet at Cancùn International Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*.
Day and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Cancun/Valladolid
After breakfast, board your coach for a two-hour drive to the colonial city of Valladolid, named after a city in Spain and founded in the 16th century. Your guide will bring you to the main cathedral, San Servasio, where you will learn about the history of the city, which was one of the first settlements in the area founded by the Spaniards, as well as the history of the Maya people of the region.
You will then have the opportunity to visit La Casa de los Venados, a private home and national cultural tourism asset. It has the largest museum quality collection of Mexican folk art in private hands. Learn about the history of this house, as well as about the handcrafts and pop art that come from all over Mexico, while touring this amazing home.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
You will then be transferred to your hotel Posada San Juan 4*.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 3 – Valladolid/Chichen Itza/Bacalar
Depart early in the morning to visit Chichen Itza after a 45-minute drive (breakfast will be served as a lunch box).
You will visit Mexico’s most famous archaeological site, Chichen Itza. Named for the large cenotes (natural wells fed by underground rivers) on the site that provided the otherwise dry landscape with life-giving water, Chichen Itza is an iconic example of the elaborate Mayan architecture. An important city in the Mayan region between 600 CE and about 900 CE, Chichen Itza reflects different periods of architecture as well as different regional influences. Discover why Chichen Itza has held its place in the imaginations of visitors for hundreds of years, helping to answer questions about the life of the ancient Mayans, while having confounded historians for centuries with its seemingly endless mysteries. You will walk through the spectacular ruins with a professional guide, who will share facts about the buildings and their significance to the larger Mayan way of life, as well as explain the legacy of their ingenious culture.
After the visit, board your coach for a two-and-a-half-hour drive to a local restaurant where lunch will be served.
Then, drive to Bacalar (one hour and a half) and check-in at your ecolodge at Habitas Bacalar 5*.
Meet by the laguna at sunset and enjoy a private mezcal tasting.
Dinner will be served at the hotel's restaurant.
Day 4 – Bacalar
During this full day at the hotel Habitas Bacalar, enjoy some time at leisure to take in the peaceful environment and the laguna, on your own.
Lunch and dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 5 – Bacalar/Becan/Kohunlich
Enjoy a tasty local breakfast with a view. After check out, depart for Becan (two-hour drive).
Becan is an archaeological site of the Maya civilization in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The first settlement dates to the middle of the Preclassic Era. Monumental architecture appeared by the late Preclassic Era as the site grew in economic and political importance. Many trade goods from the Mexican cultural and administrative centre of the era, Teotihuacan, have been found here. The name Becan was bestowed on the site by archaeologists who rediscovered the site, and it means "ravine or canyon formed by water" in Yukatek Maya, named after the site's most prominent and unusual feature, its surrounding ditch.
After your visit, drive for one hour to your next stop, Explorean Kohunlich 5*.
Lunch will be served at the hotel.
Meet your guide for a visit to Kohunlinch, a Maya site located a few minutes away from the hotel. The site is best known for its Temple of the Masks, an early Classic pyramid whose central stairway is flanked by huge humanized stucco masks. The Temple was built around 500 A.D. and is one of the oldest structures at Kohunlich. After 700 A.D., this temple was covered over with a late Classic construction, which protected the masks and preserved them in the marvellous state they find themselves in today. The only standing remains of the later temple are some steps in the lower portion of the stairs.
Return to your hotel.
Diner will be served at the hotel.
Day 6 – Kohunlich/Belize City
After check-out, board your bus for one-and-a-half-hour drive to the border of Mexico and Belize.
After finishing the border crossing procedures, enter Belize and drive for two hours to reach the Maya site of Altun Ha.
It is an important archaeological zone from the Classic Period (200-900 A.D.). Many exotic trade items have been discovered here, the most important being the largest jade artifact known to be from the Maya area. The archaeological park contains a large selection of flora and fauna typical of lowland tropical forests.
After the visit, drive an hour to Belize City to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.
Your hotels:
Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4* is a luxury hotel overlooking Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. It is a three-minute walk from La Isla Entertainment Village which offers many shops and restaurants, and 700 meters from the beach. There is a rooftop terrace with bar and outdoor pool, the hotel also has a restaurant serving American, Caribbean and Mexican cuisine.
Located in the historic centre of Valladolid, the Hotel Posada San Juan 4* is a small charming hotel distributed in two beautifully preserved colonial houses. There is an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by beautiful gardens and terraces. The restaurant offers local specialties made with fresh produce, the rooms have wooden furniture, ceiling fans and a hammock.
The Habitas Bacalar 5* is a luxury retreat that allows you reconnect with nature, with a private lagoon access and a gourmet restaurant. The lodges are spread across the property, in between the Mayan jungle and the Bacalar Lagoon. Each room features air conditioning and an outdoor rain shower.
The Explorean Kohunlich 4* is an all-inclusive jungle Resort offering a nature experience. It features an infinity pool, and all rooms are bungalow-style and feature air-conditioning, a private patio, and a hammock.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in Classic room at Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- 1-night accommodation in Standard room at the Posada San Juan Hotel 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- 2-night accommodation in Partial Sea view Bungalow at Habitas Bacalar 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- 1-night accommodation in Standard Bungalow at Kohunlich Explorean Resort 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Dinner on day 1.
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- This programme involves a great amount of walking and hiking in the jungle. It requires good physical condition and is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- This programme involves long drives on certain days and is not suitable for people with back issues.
- This tour involves overnight stays in or near the jungle, therefore you might encounter a few local, harmless bugs.
- Tap water is not drinkable in Mexico and Belize. Plastic bottles will be available, a few hotels offer glass bottles in the room. We recommend you bring a water bottle to fill and avoid the use of plastic.
- It is highly recommended you pack a separate luggage for your pre-tour. We suggest you pack suitable clothing for hiking in the jungle. We also recommend bringing sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a hat and sunglasses.
- Crossing the border between Mexico and Belize will involve a change of bus and driver, a customs check and about 50 meters to cross on foot. A tax of 20 dollars per person will be requested on site (to be paid in cash).
Contact of your hotels :
Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*
Blvd. Kukulcan S N-Km. 12.5, La Isla, Zona Hotelera
77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Telephone : +52 998 689 1193
Posada San Juan Hotel 4*
C. 40 231B, entre 49 y 51, San Juan,
97784 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico
Telephone : +52 985 856 0129
Habitas Bacalar 5*
Carretera Federal 307 Xul Ha
Bacalar, 77963, Mexico
Telephone number: +52 983 980 1388
Explorean Kohunlich 4*
Km 5.6 Carretera Chetumal Escárcega
Chetumal, 77981, Mexico
Telephone number: +52 983 689 0042
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$0
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.The Rio Dulce by boat
Take a boat ride to discover the natural treasures of the Rio Dulce: its emerald waters, its gorges rising to over 91 metres (299 ft), its lush vegetation and its abundant wildlife.
Heading towards the village of Livingston, where the Rio Dulce meets the Caribbean Sea, immerse yourself in breathtaking panoramas. This 10 km-long branch of the river becomes a canyon with sides covered in palm trees, mahogany, teak and many other tropical species, home to birds such as cormorants, egrets and pelicans.
Led by a guide, you will have plenty of time to observe these feathered inhabitants and immerse yourself in the history of the region.
- This excursion involves walking for a distance of approximately 200 metres (656 ft) on rough ground. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. We recommend wearing a long-sleeved top and trousers, as well as a hat and comfortable waterproof shoes.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Ak’Tenamit Project and marimba music
Nestled in the canyons of the Rio Dulce, the Ak’Tenamit K’eqchi community embodies a remarkable model of resilience and sustainable development, thanks to local arts and crafts and to the support of a visionary Canadian. Discover this fascinating history during an encounter with the families of this community.
Descendants of the Maya, the members of the K’eqchi community settled in the heart of the Guatemalan forest, near Livingston, to flee the civil war that was affecting their country. In this remote region, they long lived in difficult conditions, until their encounter with Steve Duendenhoffer. Driven by a desire to help, the Canadian launched the Ak’Tenamit Project, which was initially a small school for the community’s children.
The project then expanded to include pupils from neighbouring communities and now offers a full educational programme including nature protection, sustainability, customer service, and contemporary economic skills. In addition to education, Ak'Tenamit offers a floating dental clinic, a natural trail for discovering the region’s biodiversity, and an arts and crafts store selling hand-made objects, thus supporting local traditions and supplying a source of sustainable income.
More than a simple development model, the Ak’Tenamit Project represents a veritable revival for a community which, thanks to mutual aid and innovation, has been able to turn its challenges into opportunities; you will see evidence of this during an encounter, featuring traditional music, lunch and arts and crafts.
- This excursion involves walking on uneven paths. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes, and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : €180
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Maya archaeological sites in Quiriguá
Dive into Maya history and fall under the spell of one of the era’s largest and most influential cities: Quiriguá, between ancestral legends and UNESCO World Heritage Site archaeological ruins.
Tucked away in the heart of the luxuriant Izabel jungle, Quiriguá, a veritable break in time, will plunge you into a setting of ruins and vestiges dating back to the 8th century. As you stroll the paths of this archaeological site, the bewitching sounds of nature will envelop you and seem to whisper forgotten legends. The colossal sculpted stelae, the largest in the Maya world, stand proud, defying time and telling epic stories of kings and gods, such as King K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat. As for the royal palaces, the only marble-covered ones in Meso-America, these show the city’s strategic importance in the political Maya world of the era. Each glyph engraved on these monuments resonates like a distant echo of ceremonies and sacrifices. In Quiriguá, each step will take you into a mystical past, where art, spirituality and astronomy combine to unveil the secrets of a fascinating and enigmatic world.
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This excursion involves walking on uneven paths. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes, bring mosquito repellent and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lancetilla Botanical Garden
Lancetilla Botanical Garden, on the Caribbean coast of Honduras, is recognised as the largest tropical botanical garden in the Americas. This site offers a rich experience, educating visitors about tropical plants from around the world, while highlighting the local history associated with the banana industry.
Initially created as an experimental station, with the aim of observing how non-native tropical fruits such as the rambutan adapted to the climate, the Lancetilla gardens were developed thanks to land concessions granted by the government to the Tela Railroad Company in exchange for the construction of a Honduran railway line.
Originally dedicated to the production of bananas and other tropical fruits, they now offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of the country as they observe the rich biodiversity of the gardens and the abundance of birds attracted to this tropical Eden.
During a walk through the forests of centenarian bamboo and the tropical gardens with a local, discover the myriad plants and fruits that make up this unique ecosystem. Your expert will show you the poisonous species (remember, this is an experimental garden) and will take you to meet local inhabitants, who may offer you a taste of some of the fruit or fruit wine they produce. Then, at the Information Centre, enjoy a local tasting before returning to your ship!
- This excursion will be about 3.5 hours long and involves walking on uneven and often sandy ground. Due to the type of terrain and the amount of walking, it is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. We recommend wearing walking shoes and light, comfortable clothing, and bringing mosquito repellent with you.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Santa Catalina visit
Fall under the spell of the gentle Colombian way of life as you walk around Santa Catalina island, discovering its history, architecture and idyllic landscapes.
Santa Catalina island is very close to Providencia, in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, and offers a concentration of the Caribbean spirit along its golden beaches and opposite the azure blue. During a walk to Warwick Fort, dive into the history of the island’s discovery by Puritans, pirates and filibusters, and admire the houses, which are typical of insular life. Constructed on stilts, they proudly display their colourful façades and like to surround themselves with generous fruit trees, giving the island the appearance of an open-air museum.
- This excursion involves walking around 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) on uneven, steep ground, with several steps and sometimes with cobblestones. We recommend wearing walking shoes, comfortable clothing and sun protection.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cahuita National Park visit
Cahuita is one of the most beautiful and picturesque regions on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, with its breathtaking white beaches, endless coconut trees and a calm sea with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.
Fall under the spell of the natural splendour and stunning panoramas of the Puerto Vargas Reserve, in the heart of the Cahuita National Park. This protected sanctuary stands out thanks to its countless coconut trees, its crystal-clear waters and stunningly beautiful coral reefs.
The biodiversity is extraordinarily rich, home to emblematic species like howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, raccoons and sloths. The marshes are a refuge for remarkable bird life, including green ibis, kingfishers and frigatebirds. The reserve, integrated into the National Park, has landscapes that will take your breath away, with white sandy beaches, coconut trees and an exceptionally clear sea.
The territory, mainly made up of marshlands, between the coral platform and the continent, offers a fascinating duality between beaches and tropical forests. A naturalist-guide will lead you through raised walkways, designed to facilitate your exploration of this unique ecosystem. At the end of the visit, you will be able to savour a buffet of tropical fruits in a local restaurant, an epicurean experience that will live up to the natural splendours that have just amazed you.
- This excursion involves walking on uneven ground. We recommend you wear light clothing, comfortable shoes and sun protection. We also recommend you bring a camera and an umbrella or raincoat. This excursion is not recommended for persons with physical difficulties.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Tortuguero Canals by boat
Considered as the Amazonia of Costa Rica thanks to the intense tropical forest that surrounds them, the Tortuguero Canals will unveil their unique landscapes, where flora and fauna are happily intertwined.
During an exploration aboard a local boat from Moín, discover the Tortuguero canals, waterways shaped by both nature and human hands. In this unique setting, observe the vibrant ecosystem where orchids, water lilies, a multitude of bird species, monkeys, lizards, sloths, and toucans thrive, and admire the spectacle of the lush jungle endlessly reflecting on the water of these navigation channels.
- This excursion involves walking around 100 metres (330 feet) as well as some steps. We recommend you wear light clothing and comfortable shoes, apply sun cream, use mosquito repellent, and bring a hat or a visor and sunglasses. The order of visits is subject to change. Wildlife viewing is not guaranteed. It is forbidden to feed or touch wild animals and to use the flash when taking their picture.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Bocas Del Toro, from island to island
A small preserved paradise along the Costa Rican border, the Bocas Del Toro archipelago unveils lush and wild nature, featuring idyllic beaches and crystal-clear waters where you may admire fascinating fauna. See for yourself sailing from island to island, between Zapatilla Cay, Coral Cay and Bastimentos.
During a boat excursion, explore three authentic islands and as many preserved landscapes. At Zapatilla Cay, discover the reaches of this azure heaven during a one-hour hike in lush nature, before enjoying its wild beaches.
Then sail in the direction of Coral Cay, where a splendid coral garden awaits you. From the boat or on the edge of the restaurant on stilts, make the most of the crystal-clear waters to go snorkelling, before enjoying a delicious lunch featuring local flavours.
Then, you head to Bastimentos Island, in the eponymous marine reserve, and the Bahia Honda Bay with its incredible sprawling mangrove. Keep your eyes open, for here reign sloths, caimans and many bird species that you will perhaps be able to observe!
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We recommend you wear suitable shoes for water-based activities, as well as a swimming costume and sunscreen (without oxybenzone, octinoxate or octocrylene).
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ngöbe village and chocolate plantation
The Ngäbe community are an indigenous people of remarkable resilience, settled mainly in the west of Panama and in some enclaves in Costa Rica.
In the traditional village of San Cristobal, discover the many cultural riches of the Ngäbe community, before setting off to explore a traditional chocolate plantation in the heart of the jungle. This authentic hamlet will reveal itself to you, with its essential infrastructures and its modest market stalls and dwellings, bearing witness to a preserved way of life. Your itinerary will continue with an immersion in the secrets of this “brown gold”. You will venture into a traditional cocoa plantation, where the jungle and the crop blend in a perfect symbiosis, and observe the local fauna, such as the cardinal frog or the nonchalant sloth. You will see three varieties of cocoa tree and gain insight into the subtilities of a rich ancestral culture.
Back in the village, it will be time to roll up your sleeves and learn the art of chocolate making and all the secrets of how these delights are produced. As custodians of this age-old know-how, the Ngäbe women will guide you through the different stages of this gourmet alchemy, even inviting you to take part in the cocoa processing. This sensorial experience will culminate in a culinary workshop where you will learn how to make chocolate truffles enhanced by local ingredients such as coconut, ginger, cumin and sugar cane. The excursion will end on a note of craftmanship, with the presentation of the process for transforming pita fibres into traditional bags, a veritable local skill. Finally, finish off this odyssey for the senses with a traditional meal, highlighting local products and thus concluding this exceptional cultural and gastronomic immersion.
- This excursion involves walking around 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) on uneven and sometimes steep ground. We recommend you wear walking shoes and comfortable clothing, and bring insect repellent.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
DISCOVER PANAMA CITY (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of two days to discover the richness of Panama City's historic centre, to visit the monumental canal and the famous locks opening the passage to gigantic ships from coast to coast. This programme will be an ideal conclusion to your cruise.
Day 1 – Colón/Panama City
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will depart the pier by coach for Gamboa (approximately a 1h drive).
You will first do a boat trip through the Panama Canal waterways to visit the islands that once upon time were mountains and were created when the area was flooded to form the Gatun Lake. You will also visit the orchiderarium, butterfly house, fresh water aquarium and snake house.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
You will continue your day with a sightseeing tour of Panama City. You will be taken first to Miraflores locks, the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the world”. Panama Canal is one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. Upon arrival at Miraflores Visitors Centre, you will visit the exhibition halls and learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. From one of Miraflores observation terraces, you will be able to watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit, and you may observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters while you learn about the various operations of the Panama Canal (cannot be guaranteed depending on Panama Canal timetable).
You will then discover the turbulent past of Panama City, in Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo) which is the historic part and the cultural gem of this vibrant metropolis. After the destruction of the first Panama City by pirate Henry Morgan, Casco Antiguo became the second Panama City. It was established around 1673 by French colonialists, the Catholic Church and other settlers. This is where much of the impressive colonial and Baroque architecture remains today. The modern, cosmopolitan areas of Panama City add a third layer to this historically rich city. You will get the chance to explore on your own the neighbourhood of Casco Antiguo with its colonial style government buildings, old churches and grand plazas. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
You will be transferred to the Hilton 5* hotel.
Check-in and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 - Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel.
Late check-out is included until 6 pm.
Day at leisure.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight, or any other flight (please make sure to previously communicate your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
The Hilton Panama 5* is a few steps away from the ocean front walkway, and two blocks away from the Financial District. Guest rooms offer views of the Panama Bay and the Pacific Ocean. They feature contemporary design and modern amenities including Wi-Fi access and a HDTV. You will find at your disposal a fitness centre, a spa and a top roof pool.
Your programme includes:
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1-night accommodation in Ocean View room at Hilton Hotel 5* (or similar) including breakfast.
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Late check-out until 6 pm.
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Lunch as described in the programme with beverage package (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
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Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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Services of a local English-speaking guide.
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Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.
Your programme does not include:
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Dinner on Day 1.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Personal expenses.
-
Visa if necessary.
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note :
-
It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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As respecting the environment is important to us, we highly recommend you take your filled Ponant water bottle with you after your cruise, so you can use it on shore and avoid the use of plastic bottles whenever it is not strictly necessary.
Contact of your hotel:
Hilton Hotel
Balboa Avenida & Aquilino de la Guardia
Panama City, PANAMA
Telephone: + 507 280 8000
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$1,030
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE OF PANAMA (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of four days to discover the richness of Panama City's historic centre, the natural beauties and visit the Gehry Museum of Biodiversity, not forgetting the monumental canal and the famous locks opening the passage to gigantic ships from coast to coast. This programme will be an ideal conclusion to your cruise.
Day 1 – Colón/Panama City
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will depart the pier by coach for Gamboa (approximately a 1h drive).
You will first do a boat trip through the Panama Canal waterways to visit the islands that once upon time were mountains and were created when the area was flooded to form the Gatun Lake. You will also visit the sloth sanctuary, orchidarium, butterfly house, fresh water aquarium and snake house.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch and a transfer to Panama City, you will visit the Old Panama Ruins, first European city built in the Pacific coast of the Americas.
You will then be transferred to the hotel Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5*.
Check-in and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 - Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel.
You will start your day with a sightseeing tour of Panama City. You will be taken first to Miraflores locks, the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the world”. Panama Canal is one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. Upon arrival at Miraflores Visitors Centre, you will visit the exhibition halls and learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. From one of Miraflores observation terraces, you will be able to watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit, and you may observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters while you learn about the various operations of the Panama Canal (cannot be guaranteed depending on Panama Canal timetable).
You will then discover the turbulent past of Panama City, in Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo) which is the historic part and the cultural gem of this vibrant metropolis. After the destruction of the first Panama City by pirate Henry Morgan, Casco Antiguo became the second Panama City. It was established around 1673 by French colonialists, the Catholic Church and other settlers. This is where much of the impressive colonial and Baroque architecture remains today. The modern, cosmopolitan areas of Panama City add a third layer to this historically rich city. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
You will continue with the visit of the Mola Museum that opened in 2019. It was created to give relevance to the ancient culture of the Guna people represented in the mola. The mola is an indigenous textile art sewn into panels with complex designs, beautiful colours and multiple layers using a reverse appliqué technique that identifies the Guna community in Panama, you will enjoy beautiful display of many pieces at this small one floor quaint museum.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch, take part to a private Mola workshop with a Guna woman and artisan who through her art safeguards the traditions of her people and pays tribute to their culture, inspired mainly by the biodiversity of Panama. The workshop has a duration of 2 hours, starting with the history and meaning of the Molas in Panama, and continuing with the project that consist in the creation of a handkerchief.
Walk back to the hotel.
Time and dinner at leisure.
Day 3 - Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start your day at the Biomuseo, also called the Gehry’s Museum in honour of its world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The building is designed to recall the creation of the isthmus of Panama which linked two continents and changed the planet’s biodiversity forever. The event that would change natural history for both continents occurred around three million years ago. Species from both continents mingled as northern animals went south and southern animals went north. The Biomuseo’s 4,000 square metres describe the country’s rich biodiversity.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Continue with the Agua Clara Locks is the largest project at the Canal since its original construction that created a new lane of traffic along the Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, doubling the waterway’s capacity, be a witness of this major undertaking by visiting the New Observation Centre of the Canal Expansion.
The new Observation Centre of the Canal Expansion, located in Colon Panama, is a park style concept based on open platforms and roofed terraces, built in an area of four hectares, 400 visitors, simultaneously, will be able to enjoy in this new centre, the construction of the new locks of the Panama Canal in the Atlantic, at the same time, from its privileged location, visitors see the majestic Gatun Lake, where ships continue their transit through the waterway.
Way back to your hotel, time and dinner at leisure.
Day 4 - Panama City
Breakfast at the hotel.
Late check-out is included until 6 pm.
Day at leisure.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight, or any other flight (please make sure to previously communicate your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
The Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5* is located in the heart of the Casco Antiguo of Panama City, a UNESCO protected site and declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. It enjoys a privileged location facing the sea, facilities that blend historical heritage with modernity and impeccable service. It is an architectural beauty, built in the Bay of Panama City with important buildings around such as the National Theatre, the San José del Altar de Oro Church and a few minutes from the Biomuseo. The hotel features 3 restaurants and cafés, 2 bars and the largest outdoor pool deck in Casco Antiguo.
Your programme includes:
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3-nights accommodation in Ocean View room at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5* (or similar) including breakfast.
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Late check-out until 6 pm.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
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Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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Services of a local English-speaking guide.
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Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.
Your programme does not include:
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Dinners.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Personal expenses.
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Visa if necessary.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note :
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It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is under renovation and may not be open during your visit.
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This programme involves walking on uneven and paved terrain, walking uphill in the Old Town.
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This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Contact of your hotel:
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Calle Primera Oeste, San Felipe, Casco Viejo
0843 PANAMA CITY
PANAMA
Telephone: +507 302-4300
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$2,880
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.