PANAMA and
COSTA RICA
INCLUDING THE PANAMA CANAL
aboard Callisto • January 7–17, 2017
ENJOY SOME OF THE
LOVELIEST ISLANDS
and national parks in Central America on a 7-day voyage
aboard the newly refurbished Callisto to Panama and Costa
Rica. Accompanied by an expert in industrial environmental
management, sail along the Pacific coast of Panama and
Costa Rica, marveling at rainforests teeming with exotic
wildlife and bird species, sugary beaches fringed by sparkling
azure water, and dense forests that cascade down impressive
mountainsides to the shore. A special highlight is a round-trip
transit of the Panama Canal between Panama City and Gatun
Lake, much of it in daylight for optimal viewing of this key
conduit for international maritime trade.
Opportunities abound to seek out the numerous species of
birds, mammals, and marine life that make these tropical
environments their home. Swim and snorkel in one of the
largest coral reefs on the Pacific Coast of the Americas. Hike
through lush rainforests alive with the vivid sounds and colors
of a richly diverse wildlife. Also meet Panama’s indigenous
Embera people, present for countless generations and
committed to maintaining many of their ancestral customs.
An optional post-tour extension to Costa Rica’s Monteverde
Cloud Forest Reserve is also available.
HIGHLIGHTS
Transit the Panama Canal by daylight between
Panama City and Gatun Lake, with an
opportunity to observe the recently constructed
new flights of locks, built to increase the canal’s
carrying capacity.
Visit the Embera Indians, traditionally a
riverine people for whom rivers and boats still
play a central role in the activities of daily life as
well as in their cosmology.
Swim and snorkel in the waters around UNESCO
World Heritage site Coiba Island, which is
surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs on
the Pacific coast of the Americas.
Discover the traditional Spanish architecture
of Panama City’s colonial old city, a UNESCO
World Heritage site, and the cutting-edge,
brightly colored, Frank Gehry-designed
Biomuseum.
Travel deep into the Darien rainforest, a vast
tropical wilderness full of exotic plants, rare
wildlife, and indigenous people and part of the
Darien Gap, the only break in the Pan-American
Highway.
Panama and Costa Rica • January 7–17, 2017 • 888.328.2089 [email protected]
ITINERARY
Saturday, January 7
HOME /
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
Depart the U.S. on a flight to Panama City,
the capital of Panama. On arrival, transfer
to the hotel. This evening enjoy a welcome
reception and dinner.
BRISTOL HOTEL (R,D)
Sunday, January 8
PANAMA CANAL /
GATUN LAKE
Built between 1881 and 1914, the Panama
Canal cuts through the Isthmus of Panama
to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
After a welcome lecture and orientation,
embark the Callisto and begin transiting the
Panama Canal through the Miraflores Locks
and the Pedro Miguel Locks, which lift ships
from the Pacific up to the level of Gatun
Lake. During this transit, observe the Third
Set of Locks project, which began in 2007
and is scheduled for completion in 2016.
CALLISTO (B,L,D)
Monday, January 9
GATUN LAKE /
PANAMA CANAL
Join biologists for a guided walk among
the protected forests of Barro Colorado
Island in Gatun Lake. The island was formed
when the Chagres River was dammed to
create Gatun Lake in 1913, causing the rising
waters to cover most of an existing tropical
forest. Established as a nature reserve in
1923, Barro Colorado is one of the most-
studied tropical forests in the world. This
evening, return through the canal to Panama
City.
CALLISTO (B,L,D)
Tuesday, January 10
PANAMA CITY
Discover Panama City’s historic and cultural
highlights, including the new Biomuseum,
designed by Frank Gehry and dedicated
to exhibitions on Panama’s biodiversity;
Panama Viejo (“Old Panama”), the
architectural vestiges of the first Spanish city
founded on the Pacific coast of the Americas;
and the San Felipe District, the colonial
heart of the city and a UNESCO World
Heritage site.
CALLISTO (B,L,D)
Wednesday, January 11
DARIEN RAINFOREST
Anchor near La Palma and travel by
motorized cayuca (traditional canoe)
into the Darien Rainforest to meet the
indigenous Embera people and learn of
their ancestral customs, which date back to
pre-Columbian times. The rainforest is on
the Panamanian side of the Darien Gap, a
large swath of undeveloped swampland and
forest between Panama and Colombia that
interrupts the Pan-American Highway.
CALLISTO (B,L,D)
Thursday, January 12
GRANITO DE ORO
Cruise to Granito de Oro (“Little Grain
of Gold”), a small island off the coast of
Coiba Island in Coiba National Park. The
island’s reef structure shelters a diversity
and volume of marine life that makes it
among the top diving destinations in the
world. Spend the afternoon swimming and
snorkeling from pristine white sand beaches.
CALLISTO (B,L,D)
Friday, January 13
COIBA ISLAND
Linked by the underwater Cordillera
mountain chain to the Cocos and Galapagos
Islands, Coiba Island is surrounded by one
of the largest coral reefs on the Pacific coast
of the Americas. Its waters teem with marine
life, including whale and tiger sharks, sperm
whales, sea turtles, angel rays, and giant
schools of fish. Coiba is also a refuge for a
number of threatened terrestrial species,
such as the crested eagle, and several
sub-species of agouti, possum, and howler
monkey. Established as a national park in
1992, Coiba Island is a UNESCO World
Heritage site. Explore this amazing marine
world, then enjoy a hearty barbecue on the
beach.
CALLISTO (B,L,D)
Saturday, January 14
GOLFO DULCE / OSA
PENINSULA, COSTA RICA
Dock in the small port of Gol to for a visit to
the Orchid House, a private botanical garden
with beautiful landscaping, amazing flowers,
and unique fruits. This afternoon explore the
Osa Peninsula, bounded by the Pacific Ocean
to the west and the Golfo Dulce to the east,
Panama and Costa Rica • January 7–17, 2017 • 888.328.2089 [email protected]
ITINERARY (CONT.)
and home to at least half of all of the species
living in Costa Rica.
CALLISTO (B,L,D)
Sunday, January 15
MANUEL ANTONIO
NATIONAL PARK
Often rated as one of the most beautiful
national parks in the world, Manuel Antonio
National Park packs a variety of impressive
landscapes into approximately 4,000 acres,
including white sand beaches, lush foliage,
imposing mountains, and dense forests that
reach to the shoreline. Soar high above the
jungle floor on a canopy tour or explore the
park’s fragile rainforest ecosystem on the
well-maintained trails below.
COSTA
RICA
CARIBBEAN SEA
San
Jose
Manuel
Antonio NP
Panama
Canal
Golfito
Panama
City
PANAMA
Osa Peninsula
La
Palma
CALLISTO (B,L,D)
Monday, January 16
CURU WILDLIFE RESERVE /
TORTUGA ISLAND
Walk with park rangers through this private
reserve, dedicated to sustainable agriculture,
forest management, and protection of
wildlife, including white-faced, howler, and
spider monkeys; scarlet macaws; whitetailed deer; collared peccaries; coatis;
raccoons; coyotes, iguanas; and hundreds
of species of tropical and migratory birds.
Enjoy a last afternoon at Tortuga Island,
which has outstanding scuba-diving sites
and excellent snorkeling opportunities to
view marine life such as sting rays, angelfish,
sharks, spinner dolphins, and octopuses.
CALLISTO (B,L,D)
Tuesday, January 17
PUERTO CALDERA / HOME
PACIFIC OCEAN
Coiba Island
OPTIONAL POST-TOUR EXTENSION
January 17–19, 2017
COSTA RICA’S MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST RESERVE
Spend a full day walking the trails of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Perched
atop Costa Rica’s continental divide at 4,662 feet and sustained by moist clouds and fog,
Monteverde’s complex ecosystem supports more than 100 species of mammals, 400
species of birds, tens of thousands of insect species, and at least 2,500 varieties of plants,
420 of which are orchids alone. Details and pricing will be sent to participants confirmed
on the cruise.
This morning disembark the Callisto and
transfer to the airport in San Jose for flights
home. (B)
Panama and Costa Rica • January 7–17, 2017 • 888.328.2089 [email protected]
CALLISTO
The 34-guest M/Y Callisto, an elegant“boutique” motor yacht renovated in
2015, offers a warm ambiance reflecting the finest traditions of seafaring, and
the highest standard of accommodation, comfort, and safety. Public areas are
decorated with rich fabrics, handsome woodwork, gleaming brass, antiques,
and fine works of art. Cabins have marble-appointed en suite bathrooms with
showers, individually controlled A/C, TV and CD/DVD player, telephone (for
internal use), hair dryers, mini-fridge, central music, public address system,
and safes. The Callisto complies with Eurosolas safety regulations, and its
powerful engines, generators, and state-of-the-art twin stabilizers allow for
safe and comfortable cruising.
PROGRAM RATES (per person)
Category
C
DOUBLE
SINGLE
$8,990
$13,490
$9,990
$14,990
$11,990
–
$13,990
–
LOWER DECK
Portholes
B
LOWER DECK
Portholes
A
MAIN DECK
Double beds (bow section) or twin beds, large windows
P
MAIN DECK
Double beds (bow section) or twin beds, large windows
Program Rates Include
A full program of briefings, lectures, and presentations by study leaders and local guides • All accommodations and meals as specified in
the itinerary • 9-night cruise aboard the Callisto • All excursions, including entrance fees, as specified in the itinerary • Transfers on group
arrival and departure days • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers, and ship’s crew for all group activities • Port fees
and embarkation taxes • Wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunches and dinners • Welcome and farewell wine receptions • Bottled water on
excursions • Complete packet of pre-departure information • Professional tour manager throughout
Panama and Costa Rica • January 7–17, 2017 • 888.328.2089 [email protected]
To reserve a place on Panama and Costa Rica you may complete
and return this form with your deposit of $1,000 per person, payable
to Criterion Travel. Mail to: 145 Forest Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301. For
more information or to reserve by phone, please call (888) 328-2089
or (650) 328-2089, or email
[email protected]
GENERAL INFORMATION
PROGRAM RATES DO NOT INCLUDE
U.S. domestic and international airfare •
Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses
and immunizations • Private airport
transfers on days other than program
arrival/departure days • Travel insurance •
Optional excursions or deviations from the
scheduled tour • Excess baggage charges
• Meals not specified in the itinerary;
dishes and beverages not part of the
included meals • Laundry or dry cleaning •
Telephone, fax, internet, and email charges •
Room service • Other items of a personal
nature
AIRFARE
U.S. domestic and international
airfare is not included in the program
rates. Information about making
flight arrangements will be sent to all
participants.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The weather in January will be pleasant,
with average daytime temperatures in
the low 80s F and little rain. This is a
moderately active program that involves
extended periods of walking on uneven
terrain on trails and beaches. There are
also opportunities for swimming and
snorkeling. Participants should be fit, in
active good health, and able to keep up
with the group without assistance from
tour staff.
GROUP SIZE
The maximum number of participants on
this program is 26, including travelers from
Yale University.
INSURANCE
Travel insurance for trip cancellation and
interruption, medical problems, baggage
loss and delay, etc., is highly recommended,
and we hope that you will obtain it for this
expedition. Trip cancellation policies that
apply to this expedition are included in
this brochure. Please be sure to carry the
details of your travel insurance coverage
with you on the program. Travelers are
free to purchase the travel insurance
of their choice. It is recommended that
travelers clearly understand the difference
between “primary” and “secondary” travel
insurance.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Upon payment of a $1,000 deposit per
person, all reservations are subject to the
cancellation provisions set forth below
and by which the passenger agrees to be
bound. Cancellations shall not be effective
until they are received in writing and
confirmed by Criterion Travel. Deposits
are refundable (less a $250 per person
administration fee) if written notice of
cancellation is received within 30 days
of reservation; after that, deposits are
100% nonrefundable. Final payment is due
September 8, 2016 (120 days prior to
departure). Cancellations within 120 days
of departure are 100% nonrefundable. For
this reason, we strongly urge participants
to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
If the program is cancelled by Criterion
Travel, you will receive a full refund,
without further obligation on our part.
BIRTHDATE
NAME #2 (as on passport) BIRTHDATE
STREET ADDRESS
CITY / STATE / ZIP / POSTAL CODE
HOME PHONE
WORK PHONE
E-MAIL(s)
PAYMENT
O Enclosed is my check for $ ______________ ($1,000 per
person), to reserve _____ place(s) on Panama and Costa Rica
OR O Charge the deposit to my credit card (circle one):
VISA
MC AMEX
Diners Club
Discover
NAME ON CREDIT CARD
CARD # EXP. DATE
SECURITY CODE
SIGNATURE AS IT APPEARS ON CREDIT CARD TERMS & CONDITIONS
RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSITS
To reserve space, please complete the
reservation form and mail it with your
check or credit card information to the
address at the top of the form.You may
also fax the form to (650) 560-6400 and
your reservation will be held for five
working days pending receipt of your
check or credit card information. If you
have questions, please call (888) 328-2089
or email [email protected]. Final
payment deadline is September 8 2016, 120
days prior to departure.
NAME #1 (as on passport) No refunds will be made for any part of
this program on which you choose not to
participate. Note: Criterion Travel does not
accept liability for any airline cancellation
penalty incurred by the purchase of a
nonrefundable ticket in conjunction with
this tour.
CATEGORY PREFERENCE
ITINERARY CHANGES
The itinerary presented for this tour is
subject to modification and change by
Criterion Travel. Every reasonable effort
will be made to operate the program
as planned; however, should unforeseen
world events and conditions require the
itinerary to be altered, Criterion Travel
reserves the right to do so for the safety
and best interest of the group. Any extra
expenses incurred in this situation are the
responsibility of the participant.
SINGLE TRAVELERS
RESERVATION CONTACT
(888) 328-2089 or
[email protected]
DATE
1st Choice ______________ 2nd Choice______________
Bed Preference (not guaranteed): O One bed O Two beds
O I prefer to have single accommodations.
OR O I plan to share accommodations with:
___________________________________________
OR OI’d like to know about roommates.
I am a O Non-smoker O Smoker.
I understand that if a roommate cannot be found by the final
payment deadline of September 8, 2016, I will pay the single rate.
O I/We have read the Terms & Conditions section of this brochure
and understand and agree with them as stated herein.
California Seller of Travel Program
CST #2088800-40
PHOTO CREDITS:
(From Dreamstime.com): Panama City
© Carolbsokolow; Panama Canal ©
Picturemakersllc; Coconuts in the Doorway
© Konstantin Kalishko. Other photos
courtesy of Andy Ridgway.
SIGNATURE DATE
SIGNATURE DATE
Panama and Costa Rica • January 7–17, 2017 • 888.328.2089 [email protected]