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Adventure Life VOYAGES
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1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  National Geographic Explorer

Itinerary:  From the Panama Canal to the Andes

click to enlarge
  Toucan resting on the tree branch

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy

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.

Day 1 : Arrive Panama City. Embark in Colon.

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 : Disembark in 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 disembark for overnight flights out (B,L,D)

Ship Description: National Geographic Explorer

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  Sail the high seas on luxury expedition ship National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer is 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. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include 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.

Cat 1 C Deck - Cabins 301-308. Double with porthole.	Cat 2 C Deck - Cabins 317-320, 335-336. Double with window.
Cat 2S C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window	Cat 3 D and E Deck - Cabins 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228. Double with window.
Cat 3S D and E Solo - Cabins 105-106, 203, 208. Single cabins with window.	Cat 4 C Deck - Cabins 313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350. Long double with window.
Cat 5 C Deck - Cabins 341, 343. Oversize double with window, no balcony.	Cat 6 D Deck - Cabins 209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224. Double with balcony.
Cat 7 E Deck Suites with no balcony - 101-102. D Deck Suite with balcony - 213.	Cat 8 D Deck - Suites with balcony. 215, 219, 230.