Imaging exploring the coastal regions of Panama and Costa Rica for an intriguing blend of nature – plus a transit of the legendary Panama Canal. 
The wildlife of the region includes spider, howler and capuchin monkeys, coatimundis, sloths and over 300 species of birds including toucans and macaws! This isn’t an on-your-own trip, this is a small ship cruise aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion.
Day 1: Embarkation
Day 2: Board zodiacs for Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Gatun Lake. Have breakfast with a professional photographer from the National Geographic and learn several exciting tips you can hardly wait to use. Don’t worry, you wouldn’t have to wait because as soon as breakfast is over you travel through the rain forest that has been studied by the Smithsonian center for almost 100 years. Here you will be able to visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, meet with the scientists. You think to yourself, this isn’t vacation, this is a dream.
Day 3: You awake with anticipation. Today you are set to explore the gulf of Panama Islets due south of Panama City. You will explore radiant turquoise waters, the colors so beautiful you feel deceived by believing the beauty that surrounds you is real. Your elect to paddle a kayak with your best friend instead of going out in the Zodiac this morning. Twenty minutes into your paddling you are rewarded when a pod of dolphins drops by bring you unexpected company. The day finishes with a meal as rich as the conversation. When your head his the pillow a different but wonderful dreams carry you to happy memories of the day.
Day 4: Today’s travels take you to Isla Coiba National Park. During your morning jaunt you find howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, and crested eagles, but it is the afternoon snorkeling that leaves you truly stunned with beauty all hidden just below the surface, all you need to do is pull the covers back and take a peak. You think to yourself, why in the world did I wait so long to do this?
Day 5: Day five finds you in Costa Rica at Casa Orquideas a privately-owned garden oasis accessible only be boat and special invitation. You see stunning orchids their petals so perfect they look manufactured, parrots and toucans in the trees. An afternoon dip – -just another bit of heaven to enjoy.
Day 6: On the agenda for today is a hike through Corcovado National Park. Over your morning coffee you wonder what you will see today. Perhaps an elusive jaguar or scarlet Macaws, squirrel or spider monkey or white-lipped Peccaries.
Day 7: You awake a tad melancholy that your vacation that over a week has passed, the most wonderful week of your life, and soon you will be back home. There is no time for your thoughts to linger long, you are off to the stunning beachscape at Manuel Antonio National Park. The Naturalist is quick to point out the monkeys, but by now you are an ace at identifying different species. Another afternoon for nice swim. Heaven on earth, indeed the thought settles into your core wrapping tightly, securely taking hold, you know that taking this trip was one of the best decisions you every made.
Day 8: Disembark in Herradura.
Look for more information on this exciting destinations soon as Midwest Travel Solutions will be touring inland Costa Rica with Pleasant Holidays May of 2013.
