COSTA RICA & THE PANAMA CANAL CRUISE | January 8 - January 16, 2027

Cruise from San José to Colón on the small ship Wind Star

January 8-January 16, 2027
9 days from $7495 plus flight (air services available)

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Ready to Sign Up or Have Questions? Contact 325-670-1377 or travel@hsutx.edu

On this unforgettable, varied program, travel through one of the greatest engineering marvels of our time and explore pristine rainforests and jungle-fringed beaches.

Cruising for 7 nights aboard the small ship Wind Star, visit the lush Manuel Antonio National Park — a captivating combination of rainforest, beach, and coral reef. Naturalist guides will lead an exploration of this protected biodiverse paradise, where you may spot toucans, iguanas, and howler monkeys. As you go ashore on Isla Parida, look out for whales, dolphins, and colorful fish — spend the day hiking in the rainforest or snorkeling in open water.

On the lush Osa peninsula, learn about sloths or organic farming‚ specifically vanilla, pineapple, banana, and cacao crops. In Panama City, tour the fascinating UNESCO-designated historic district, or take a culinary walking tour, complete with tastings.

Finish with a specially arranged daylight transit of the mighty locks of the Panama Canal, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Augment your stay with a Pre-Tour Extension in San José, Costa Rica.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Home City | San José, Costa Rica
Day 2: San José | Puerto Caldera | Embark Wind Star
Day 3: Quepos | Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 4: Puerto Jimenez | Osa Peninsula
Day 5: Isla Parida, Panama
Day 6: Day at Sea
Day 7: Panama City
Day 8: Panama City | Canal Crossing | Colón
Day 9: Panama City | Disembark | Return to Home City

View of Panama Canal from cruise ship

Highlights

• 7-night cruise from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, to Colón, Panama, aboard the first-class small sailing ship Wind Star; plus a 1-night hotel stay in San José, Costa Rica.
• Exclusive voyage that combines the treasures of culture-rich, historic Panama with the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica.
• Specially arranged daytime transit through the fascinating Panama Canal, an incredible feat of engineering.
• UNESCO World Heritage site — Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá, Panama.
• Arenal and San José Pre-Tour Extension (Available at additional cost.)

Traveler’s Choice

Elevate your experience with a selection of included excursions. Join the excursion of your choice in the following locations:

• Osa Peninsula: Sloth visiting center or organic farm and chocolate-making.
• Isla Parida: Open-water snorkeling (not for beginners) or rainforest hike.
• Panama City: Historic Panama walking tour or Panama culinary excursion.

UNESCO

• Archaeological Site of Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá, the first European city built along the Pacific Ocean in the Americas.

Your Travel Program

• 7-night cruise from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica to Colón, Panama.
• Get to know colorful San José and uncover interesting Costa Rican history at the National Theater and National Museum.
• Witness an abundance of natural wonders — monkeys, mangroves, butterflies, sloths and more — in Manuel Antonio National Park.
• Discover the wildlife of the Osa peninsula and learn about sloths and chocolate on included excursions.
  

  Capuchin Monkeys

• Experience a daylight passage through the awe-inspiring Panama Canal — an experience unmatched for sheer drama and engineering prowess.
• 1 night in San José, Costa Rica, at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen.
• Included meals | 2 receptions, 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners.

Always included

• Elegantly appointed, first-class accommodations.
• Deluxe motor coach transfers during the Land/Cruise Program.
• Transfers and luggage handling abroad for passengers who book their air through Gohagan & Company.
• Experienced, English-speaking local guides for included excursions.
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers.
• Complimentary non-premium and nonalcoholic beverages throughout the cruise; complimentary beverages at lunch and dinner and nonalcoholic beverages at all meals during the land program. Complimentary bottled water in your room and on excursions.
• Hospitality desk. Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Directors at your service.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access (conditions permitting).
• Complimentary audio headset during guided excursions.

Accommodations: Wind Star

WindStar guests can connect to the wonder, authenticity and majesty of a world discovered by small ship. Slip past the crowds to experience smaller ports and get to know the local culture on more
intimate excursions. WindStar’s all-suite small ships and personalized approach bring you closer to each destination and every port, so you can see the world from new perspectives. No wonder WindStar was voted the World’s Best midsize-ship ocean cruise line by the readers of Travel + Leisure in 2022.

After an adventurous day of exploring, the best part is coming back to the comfort of a well-appointed private space. A place to unwind and rest, to reflect on the day’s adventures. Each of the ocean-view staterooms features one queen bed or two twin beds and a private granite-finished bathroom with shower.

Arenal and San Jose Pre-tour Extension

5 Days | 4 Nights

Explore Costa Rica’s diverse biospheres, from steamy hot springs to misty cloud forests. In view of towering Arenal Volcano, walk in the lush rainforest along a series of suspended and fixed bridges. Visit an organic chocolate workshop, an award‑winning coffee estate and a traditional artisan town known for hand‑painted woodcrafts. Includes accommodations for two nights at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belén and two nights at the Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa.

Trip Brochure | Real-Time Details | Claim Your Spot!
Ready to Sign Up or Have Questions? Contact 325-670-1377 or travel@hsutx.edu