The Caribbean & Central America
Barbados has something for everyone: pink sand beaches, exotic wildlife, and sunsets just begging to be enjoyed with a fresh cocktail. Named by Condé Nast as one of the 10 Most Beautiful Islands of the Caribbean, its beauty is complemented by the delicious cuisine and high-end resorts that line its sandy shores.
Days 1 - 5: January 28th - February 1st, 2025
- Barbados | Sandy Lane
Days 5 - 7: February 1st - February 3rd, 2025
- Panama City | Hotel La Compañia
Day 7: February 3rd, 2025
- Colón | Embarkation in the afternoon.
Day 8: February 4th, 2025
- Fort San Lorenzo (Colón)
Day 9: February 5th, 2025
- San Blas Islands
Day 10: February 6th 2025
- Crossing the Panama Canal
Day 11: February 7th 2025
- Pearl Islands + Isla Pachec
Day 12: February 8th 2025
- Darien National Park (Playa Muerto)
Day 13: February 9th 2025
- Cébaco Island
Day 14: February 10th 2025
- Rio Esquinas
Day 15: February 11th 2025
- Drake Bay (Corcovado National Park)
Day 16: February 12th 2025
- Curú Wildlife Refuge
Day 17: February 13th 2025
- Puntarenas | Disembarkation in the morning.
Day 17 - 21: February 13-17th, 2025
- Papagayo | 4 nights | Andaz Papagayo
Barbados
In January, Barbados experiences warm and pleasant weather, perfect for those seeking a sunny escape from winter elsewhere. Average temperatures typically range from the high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 25-28 degrees Celsius), providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island's attractions. January marks the dry season in Barbados, with minimal rainfall and plenty of sunshine, allowing visitors to enjoy the island's beautiful beaches, vibrant festivals, and cultural events to the fullest.
Panama
In February, Panama experiences hot and dry weather as it falls within the country's dry season (December - April). Being a tropical country near the equator, temperatures in Panama remain consistently warm year-round, with an average of 86°F (30°C) rising to 90°F (32°C) during the dry season.
Costa Rica
In February, Costa Rica enters its dry season, with warmer temperatures around the mid-90s Fahrenheit on the northern Pacific Coast. The northern Caribbean side and central highlands experience slightly cooler temperatures in the mid-80s due to higher elevations. February is an ideal time for a vacation in Costa Rica, offering drier weather.
There are no visa requirements for any of the proposed countries for US passport holders.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
We have designed some great playlists for you to enjoy during your trip through Central America full of local talent to discover!
- Summer Chill is the perfect soundtrack for basking in the sun and enjoying the laid-back island life.
- Lazy Beach Days is designed for you to unwind on the beach and relax.
Passengers:
- A passenger
- A passenger
- A passenger
- A passenger
Flight details below.
Booked Independently
Upon exiting customs, a private car will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Booked by Scenset
Passengers:
- A passenger
- A passenger
- A passenger
Flight details below.
Booked Independently
Upon exiting customs, a private car will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Booked by Scenset
Head up the hill for a relaxed lunch at Sandy Lane Country Club with views over the golf course.
- Reservation Time: will be provided
Booked by Scenset | Paid Locally
L'Acajou on the beach of your hotel specializes in refined, modern, classical and contemporary renditions on European cuisine with an emphasis on French and Mediterranean, paired with an impressive range of Old and New World wines.
- Reservation Time: will be provided
Booked by Scenset | Paid Locally
- One Bedroom Luxury Ocean Room x4
- These rooms feature a king bed, sitting area private sea view terrace.
- Breakfast included
Booked by someone
Why do we love it for you? Sandy Lane's legendary style makes it one of the most prestigious resorts in the Caribbean. Boasting four restaurants, a golf course, and a spa voted #1 in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure, this gorgeous property will be the perfect end to your Caribbean holiday.
- Free wifi
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival to the next category (based on availability)
- Complimentary early check-in/late checkout (based on availability)
Enjoy your first day in Barbados at leisure on the beach or by the pool.
Indulge in a 90 minute massage at the world class Sandy Lane Spa, offering a range of treatments and massage styles to choose from.
7 massages are included.
Booked by a scenset participant
We will pre-arrange a taxi to dinner, to be paid locally to the driver.
- Departure Time: Evening
- Drive Time: A few minutes
Arranged by Scenset | Paid Locally
The Cliff promises a luxurious fine dining experience on the water’s edge, with a 3 course gourmet meal created by a Michelin Star chef.
- Reservation Time: Evening
- Note: A deposit has been placed in advance and will be removed from the bill.
Booked by Scenset | Paid Locally
A phone number will be provided to call a taxi after dinner, payable to the driver. It's recommended to call 10-15 minutes before your planned departure.
Set sail on a private charter boat for a half day on the water with lunch included. Your captain will take you around the Barbados coast, where you'll have the opportunity to swim, snorkel and lounge in the sun.
Booked by Scenset
Bajan Blue at your hotel is a renowned beachfront restaurant offering an exquisite culinary experience amidst the stunning backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.
Booked by Scenset | Paid Locally
Have brunch by the sea and enjoy a morning to sleep in and relax.
Recommendation by Scenset
We will pre-arrange a taxi to your tour, to be paid locally to the driver.
- Departure Time: Afternoon
- Drive Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Arranged by Scenset | Paid Locally
The Mount Gay Rum Historic Distillery Tour takes you through the fully-operational rum-making headquarters. To follow, a food and rum pairing takes place in the beautiful Great House on the distillery estate.
- Start Time: Afternoon
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Booked by a scenset participant
A phone number will be provided to call a taxi after dinner, payable to the driver. It's recommended to call 10-15 minutes before your planned departure.
Take some time to rest at the hotel before your dinner reservation in the evening.
We will pre-arrange a taxi to dinner, to be paid locally to the driver.
- Departure Time: Early evening
- Drive Time: A few minutes
Arranged by Scenset | Paid Locally
The Tides Barbados delivers waterfront fine dining with a stunning interior and fresh-caught seafood specialties.
- Reservation Time: Evening
- Note: A deposit will be removed from the bill.
Booked by Scenset | Paid Locally
A phone number will be provided to call a taxi after dinner, payable to the driver. It's recommended to call 10–15 minutes before your planned departure.
After breakfast and checkout, meet your private driver who will transport you to the Barbados airport for your flight to Panama City.
Booked by Scenset
Details below.
Booked by Scenset
Upon arrival in Panama City, meet your private driver who will bring you to your hotel for check in.
Booked by Scenset
Check into your hotel and get settled for two nights in Panama's capital.
1739 at your hotel allows you to feel the sensation of going back through centuries of history and culture to enjoy the simple art of delicious food paired with the finest wines and spirits.
Booked by Scenset | Paid Locally
Hotel La Compañia: A Hyatt Hotel
- King Bed Suite x4
- These rooms feature a king bed, sitting area and views over the picturesque courtyard.
- Breakfast included
Booked by someone
Why we love it for you: Hotel La Compañía in Panama City is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic Casco Viejo district, offering guests a charming blend of colonial architecture and modern comforts. With its convenient location, guests can easily explore nearby attractions such as Plaza de la Independencia and Panama Viejo. The hotel boasts amenities such as a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city skyline, a cozy courtyard, and stylishly appointed rooms, providing a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling cityscape.
This VIP experience will also allow access to restricted areas for the general public with the unique opportunity to get a much closer view of the locks and the operations. A Panama Canal guide will introduce some of the most important and unique details of this marvel of engineering. You will learn about the history and construction of the first set of locks at the Visitor’s Center and Museum, and will have the opportunity to watch massive vessels transit through the locks.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Note: It is very important to bring sneakers or shoes with closed toes for security reasons.
Booked by Scenset
After lunch, meet your guide for a guided walking tour of the picturesque Casco Viejo, commonly called the Walled City. Casco Viejo was founded by the Spaniards in 1673 after the First City of Panama (Old Panama) was destroyed. Together with Old Panama, the Casco Viejo is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is appreciated worldwide for its unique historical and artistic value. The neighbourhood’s character comes alive with a walk through its narrow cobblestoned streets. You will have the opportunity to appreciate this area’s beautiful colonial and neoclassical architecture, squares and monuments, while learning more about the history and culture of the city.
- Duration: 2 hours
Booked by scenset
Named as a tribute to a tiny street in the old city of Panama, Salsipuedes showcases contemporary Panamanian taste with nods to the past and present. Choose from an eclectic menu featuring an authentic blend of cultures, integrating flavors from Panama, Africa, Italy, France, Spain, China, and Peru.
Booked by someone | Paid Locally
At a pre-designated time, meet your private drivers and luxury SUVs that will transport you to the Colon cruise port for check in and boarding.
Booked by Scenset
PONANT takes you to discover Panama and Costa Rica with an 11-day expedition cruise. A circuit of extraordinary beauty around the isthmus of Panama, a link between two continents, which concentrates a biodiversity that is unique in the world; from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, you will experience dream islands, natural reserves and encounters with the fascinating local communities.
- Time On Board: 10 nights, 11 days
- Click here for your itinerary overview.
Booked by will be provided.
Your cruise includes the following ports of call:
- San Lorenzo’s Fort is the first port of call on your cruise aboard Le Bellot. Admire this unusual fortress built by the Spanish Crown to protect transatlantic trade. Now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an exceptional example of military architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries.
- You will then discover the golden sand and crystal-clear waters of the coral islets of the San Blas Islands. The Kuna live among the palm trees and pirogues; this people perpetuates, among other things, the traditional craft of molas, weaved textiles in sparkling colours.
- After crossing the legendary Panama Canal that connects the Atlantic to the Pacific, Le Bellot will sail to the heart of the Pearl Islands, nestling in the Gulf of Panama. There, our naturalists will offer to take you on an outing in a zodiac dinghy.
- Your ship will then head for the magnificent Darien National Park in Panama. This little corner of paradise is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to remarkable plants and wildlife. Sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, mangroves, swamps and tropical rainforests vie with each other for beauty and offer a feast for photographers. This will also be an opportunity to meet the astonishing semi-nomadic Emberas community.
- During the final stop in Panama, in front of Cebaco Island, you will have the possibility to enjoy the beach or to take walks nearby.
- Your ship will then take you to Costa Rica. The next stage of your cruise: Rio Esquinas. You will ride aboard one of our zodiac dinghies to observe this lush environment where monumental mangroves and emblematic species reign supreme.
- After a day spent discovering Drake Bay, your final visit will be the stunning Curú nature reserve. Deep inside the tropical rainforest you may be lucky enough to see multicoloured birds, monkeys, iguanas and sloths.
Click here for your itinerary overview.
Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Bellot has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world's most remote and isolated regions.
Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of Le Bellot, a unique ship in the world of cruising.
- Click here for more information.
- Stateroom 522/524: 1 person
- Stateroom 518/520: 2 people
- Stateroom 514/516: 2 people
- Stateroom TBD Deck 6: 2 people
These suites feature a king bed, private balcony, two bathrooms, and a separate living area.
Booked by a party
Highlights
Some highlights from your cruise itinerary include:
- An expedition cruise to discover Panama and Costa Rica, meet the local populations, and explore the lush natural environment.
- Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- Discover the fabulous National Parks, biodiversity and tribes of Central America.
- UNESCO sites: San Lorenzo’s Fort; Darien National Park and its superb jungle, from Playa Muerto.
- In Costa Rica, outings in the Curú Wildlife Refuge, sanctuaries of unspoiled nature.
- The magnificent San Blas archipelago and its fabulous underwater wildlife.
- Sail through the Panama Canal, a masterpiece of civil engineering.
- Fauna and lush flora: tropical forest, howler monkeys, sloths, tropical birds.
- In Panama, the possibility of discovering the crafts and traditions of the Guna people in the San Blas Islands (Atlantic side), and of meeting the indigenous Emberá tribe in Darien National Park (Pacific side).
- The two brand-new ports of call in Panama to discover San Lorenzo’s Fort and Isla Pacheca in the Pearl Islands.
Note: Cruise excursions are a la carte and are not included in the base scenset of the cruise. We can book excursions on your behalf after the cruise reservation is confirmed.
- Disembarkation Time: Morning
A private car will meet you at the cruise port and transport you to your hotel.
Booked by scenset
Take in your first Costa Rican sunset and dinner at Ostra, the resort's premiere restaurant offering a chic terrace and gourmet seafood.
Booked by scenset | Paid locally
Andaz Papagayo | Bay View Suite x4
- Your suite features a king bed, floor to ceiling windows and panoramic views of the bay.
- Breakfast included
Booked by scenset
Why we love it for you: The Andaz Papagayo Hotel in Costa Rica is a luxurious retreat nestled on the pristine shores of the Papagayo Peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. With its modern design, eco-conscious approach, and exceptional amenities, including multiple infinity pools, a spa, and access to a private beach, it provides guests with an unforgettable tropical experience. Whether relaxing in the plush accommodations, indulging in delectable cuisine, or exploring the surrounding rainforests and wildlife, the Andaz Papagayo Hotel is a haven of tranquility and adventure.
Enjoy a day at leisure in Papagayo, lounge by the beach and have lunch at the resort's oceanside restaurant.
Head to the spa for a 90 minute massage at the Andaz spa facilities.
Booked by Scenset
Get ready for a culinary journey through Latin America and the Caribbean with a menu meant to be shared among friends and family. Live music, an innovative mixology program and a premium spirits selection will make this your favorite spot to unwind.
- Reservation Time: Evening
Booked by Scenset | Paid Locally
Andaz Papagayo | Bay View Suite x4
Booked by a scenset individual
Embark on an unforgettable hiking tour to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a true gem among Costa Rica's 30 National Parks. Journey through the tropical dry forest, where encounters with diverse wildlife await. An expert guide will lead you to a majestic waterfall through abundant vegetation of the Costa Rican rainforest.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park boasts some of Costa Rica's finest hiking trails, leading to mesmerizing viewpoints and other natural wonders. Discover the magic of this active volcanic wonderland as you traverse its awe-inspiring landscapes.
On the way back, stop for a quick lunch in the local town of Liberia.
- Hike Rating: Rated as easy
- Distance: 2.2 miles
Booked by Scenset
Indulge in Andaz's newest restaurant, Meso, and prepare your taste buds for “Mesoterranean cuisine,” an innovative blend of vibrant Mediterranean flavors with a touch of Mesoamerican influence, complemented with refreshing tropical renditions of classic Mediterranean cocktails.
- Reservation Time: Evening
Booked by Scenset | Paid Locally
Andaz Papagayo | Bay View Suite x4
Booked by someone
Enjoy your final day of the trip at leisure to explore and relax at your own pace.
Offering stunning water views atop river-inspired pools, Rio Bhongo provides all the comforts of home infused with market-fresh inspirations. The menu offers fresh grilled fish and meats along with an extensive plant-based menu.
- Reservation Time: Evening
Booked by Scenset | Paid Locally
Andaz Papagayo | Bay View Suite x4
Booked by someone
At a pre-designated time, meet your private driver who will transport you to the airport for your flight home.
Booked by Scenset
Passengers:
- A passenger
- A passenger
Flight details below.
Booked Independently
Passengers:
- An individual
- An individual
Flight details below.
Booked Independently
Passengers:
- A passenger
- A passenger
- A passenger
Air France Booking Reference (Passengers): OSMRUP, WYMCC6
Flight details below.
Booked by Scenset
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Thank you for traveling with us. We hope you had a fantastic time and wish you a safe journey home!