References:
Guide 1 Guide 2 Video through the Canal
Huatulco
This half day excursion starts at the pier when you board your air-conditioned transportation for the scenic drive through Huatulco, and the picturesque Chahue Bay valley. Stopping at dazzling Tangolunda Bay, you will enjoy panoramic views of Huatulco’s coastline and its golden-sandy beaches. Look up to the amazing Copalita river estuary and continue on to the traditional Mexican town of La Crucecita, where you will enjoy a walk around the charming plaza, and a look inside the white-washed church that houses the largest painting of the virgin de Guadalupe in Mexico.
After some independent shopping and sight-seeing, it’s time to visit the fascinating Arts and Crafts exhibition, where you will meet the artisans as they demonstrate how the famous rugs from Teotitlan del Valle are made from scratch. You will have plenty of time to browse their colorful, traditional Oaxacan arts and crafts in their gift shop. Your return route to the ship takes in panoramic views of Playa Entrega, one of the many gorgeous unspoiled beaches that hugs this delightful coastline.
Depart From Ship For A Photo Stop For Tangolunda Viewpoint
Transport type:Air Conditioned TransportationTransport Capacity:44Travel time:00:10Time at site:00:10Inside visit:NoWalking distance:20Steps:1Wheelchair accessible:NoRestroom available:NoPhoto/video opportunity:Yes
Photo Stop For Copalita River Estuary
Transport type:Air Conditioned TransportationTransport Capacity:44Travel time:00:20Time at site:00:15Inside visit:NoWalking distance:30Steps:1Wheelchair accessible:NoRestroom available:NoPhoto/video opportunity:Yes
Free Time At La Crucecita Plaza
Transport type:Air Conditioned TransportationTransport Capacity:44Travel time:00:25Time at site:00:40Free time at site:40Inside visit:NoWalking distance:60Wheelchair accessible:YesRestroom available:YesShopping available:Yes
Visit The Church And Arts And Crafts Exhibition
Transport type:WalkingTravel time:00:05Time at site:00:45Inside visit:YesWalking distance:300Steps:40Wheelchair accessible:YesRestroom available:YesShopping available:Yes
Photo Stop For La Entrega
Transport type:Air Conditioned TransportationTransport Capacity:44Travel time:00:15Time at site:00:15Inside visit:NoWalking distance:80Wheelchair accessible:NoRestroom available:NoPhoto/video opportunity:Yes
Re-Board Your Transportation And Return To Your Ship
Transport type:Air Conditioned TransportationTransport Capacity:44 Travel time:00:10
Special Notes:
Tour itinerary may be reversed. Due to local regulations, buses are not allowed to park at La Crucecita. There is an approximately 1/2 mile walk to the church and plaza.
Puntarenas PA4-350
3. SABANA ADVENTURE
WHAT YOU VISIT
Ponderosa Adventure Park
Located just ten miles in the town of El Salto, this 100-acre park is home to 297 animals of 22 species and 11 species native to Africa. From your seat on the open-air vehicle, you can feed animals like camels, white-tailed deer, and giraffe right out of your hand, watch zebras running in herds, and get up close and personal with animals you won’t find anywhere else in Costa Rica.
LUNCH
Following this enjoyable tour, you can enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the staff at the La Pampa Ponderosa restaurant, which overlooks the park.
SHOPPING
Commemorate your visit with a stop at The Gift Shop before you return to Puntarenas.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
As you travel north from Puntarenas, you’ll travel through a vast alluvial plain that resembles that of certain plains of Africa.
all visitors to Capri.
4. FUERTE AMADOR, PANAMA
5. PANAMA CANAL FULL NEW LOCK
What you visit:
Canal Expansion Observation Center 7AM-12
A sprawling four hectares, the Canal Expansion Observation Center is an expanse of parklands with terraces and both open and covered platforms that can accommodate 400 visitors. Take in panoramic views of magnificent Gatún Lake and the new waterway system, called New Panamax that accommodates larger ships. This massive undertaking, the largest project since the canal’s original construction, is impressive and will have a direct impact on the global economy and international trade by doubling the waterway’s capacity and increasing the size and scale of the vessels that can pass through its system. Visitors can peruse the photo gallery then climb to the top of the lookout, 60 meters above sea level. Built above the treetops, it affords sweeping vistas of the area’s natural splendor.
What you see along the way:
On your return to port, you will pass the former Panama Canal Zone, an area that was once a military installation of the American canal administration, a gentle reminder of the canal’s strategic importance.
Photo Opportunities:
You’ll want to bring your camera to capture images of this historic expansion project, which began in 2007 to build two new sets of locks to raise the capacity of Gatún Lake and triple the locks’ size limit. Work was completed in 2016 and is an extraordinary visual example of ingenuity and construction.
Shopping:
Snacks are available to purchase at the Canal Expansion Observation Center.
6. CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA
Old City’ & Folkloric Show By Dance Company 10:30 -2:30
CTG-200
Step back in time and explore a charming old world city born at the height of the Spanish Main. Relive the days when Spanish galleons roamed the seas and conquistadors and padres ruled over the land. Immerse yourself in history, culture and dramatic scenery on this easy, half-day tour.
Your Cartagena adventure begins at the pier where you’ll meet your guide for the scenic drive that begins at the historic port. The sights continually unfold and the expert commentary brings it all to life. The Manga residential area, for instance, is a dazzling tableau of stately “Republican” architecture with several mansions restored to their original splendor to catch your eye.
At the historic Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a magnificent old fortress, you’ll quickly see why Cartagena was the most impenetrable city of the Spanish Main. This 17th-century construction is the largest Spanish fort in the New World, representing the most important work of Spanish military engineering in South America. A photo stop here allows you to capture indelible images of the massive walls and parapets where an extensive battery of guns commanded the bay.
After a short drive, you’ll arrive at the old walled city where you’ll have the pleasure of exploring the compact historic core on foot. Soak up the sights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site from a photo stop at the San Francisco Javier gun battery to the renowned San Pedro Claver Church. Built in the 17th century, the church displays exquisite statues and old-world furnishings honoring the life and work of missionary Saint Peter Claver, the patron saint of slaves and the first saint canonized in the Western Hemisphere.
Next, you’ll wander the narrow cobblestone streets and city squares of the famed Old City. Marvel at the well-tended Spanish Colonial buildings, the age-old fortifications, and the intriguing blend of church domes, clock towers and shimmering ocean views.
Your next stop is the stunning Heredia Theater built in 1911 from the ruins of the old Mercy Church. Inside, enjoy a folkloric professional show of music and dance produced by the dance director, Giovanni Barandica from the Calenda Folclorico Group. Five distinct dances with costumes and accessories from three important regions of Colombia will be presented, from the Atlantic Coast (Cumbia and Fandango), the Pacific Coast (Currulao and Sanjuanero), and the Los Andes region (the Market Place).
Your tour concludes with a shopping stop at Joyeria Caribe in Bocagrande, noted for leather goods, coffee and, of course, emeralds! Colombia is the world’s leading producer of quality emeralds. Local gem cutters are considered among the best in the world. And, with low Colombia wages, the finished piece can often be had for a very reasonable price. To get the best deal, learn at home, shop smart, and save on the souvenir of a lifetime!
7. FT. LAUDERDALE