Upon arrival in Panama City this afternoon, a short transfer takes us to the port in Balboa where we board the National Geographic Quest, embarking this evening to begin our transit of the Panama Canal to the Caribbean Sea.

Special permission allows our ship to anchor overnight in the Panama Canal’s vast GatúnLake. Disembark in the morning at Barro Colorado, an island formed by the damming of the Chagres River to build the Panama Canal. A visit to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute unveils initiatives to protect and study the extraordinary biodiversity of one of our planet’s most studied tropical forests and site of National Geographic studies.

Later, engage in the wildness of the region by taking a hike into the jungle, a Zodiac across the vast lake, or a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres to explore the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. The luminosity of the evening heightens the drama of your transit through the complex lock system of the legendary Panama Canal, 50 miles long and passage for some 14,000 ships yearly.

In the morning, arrive at the historic town of Portobelo, or “beautiful port,” so named in 1502 by Christopher Columbus and a critical Spanish trading center in the New World. Explore 17th- and 18th-century Spanish fortifications, designated a UNESCO site.

Later, hike the surrounding jungle in search of a Harpy eagle, Panama’s national bird; native parrots; or even unruly howler monkeys. As we sail down the coast, there will be time for snorkeling the colorful Caribbean undersea.

Wake up and find yourself amidst the Guna Yala archipelago (known also as the San Blas Islands), a scattering of 368 tiny, white-sand isles off the northeast coast of Panama. Spend the day exploring paradise where the Guna people still live as their ancestors did–in thatched huts making ancient handicrafts such as molas, colorful panels of stitched fabric. Deeply committed to their culture, the Guna are admired as a politically autonomous community where women make the rules and gender fluidity is celebrated.

In the afternoon, go offshore and explore the vibrant marine world of this breathtaking utopia by snorkel, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard.

National Geographic Quest calls at the wonderfully isolated villages of Sapzurro and Capurgana positioned only 3 miles apart on the stunning coast of Caribbean Colombia.

Set out on a nature walk on the Capurgana-Sapzurro trail. In this area, the ranges of two species of howler monkeys overlap as both the mantled and the Colombian red howler monkeys are here. Watch for toucans, parrots, trogons, occasionally scarlet macaws, and possibly three-toed sloths as we traverse the tropical forest trails between the villages.

Or choose a shorter hike which takes us across an international, transcontinental frontier to Panama. Pass through the quick, walk-through border crossing perched high on a bluff before descending to the beach at the Panamanian village of La Miel. The sheltered waters of the bay at Sapzurro back in Colombia beckon us for a pleasant kayak or paddleboard around this tropical inlet. We finish our day at sunset in the village of Capurgana.

Imagine 600 residents living peacefully squeezed together in an area the size of two soccer fields, illustrated by brightly painted houses, bustling docks, and the surround of majestic turquoise seas. This is Santa Cruz del Islote, and you are invited to experience this unique way of life and chat with locals.

Later, as we enjoy lunch on board, we’ll navigate the San Bernardo archipelago to arrive in San Antero for an excursion to the indigenous village of Tuchín. Watch craftsmen as they make hats that are considered Colombia’s national symbol, the sombrero vuelitiao, and meet the local Zenú, celebrated for their ingenious irrigation systems.

National Geographic Quest will remain anchored in San Antero overnight.

The day begins with a short drive to Santa Cruz de Lorica, on the banks of the Sinú River, a melting pot of cultures from throughout Europe and the Middle East. Stroll the central square and notice how the city’s distinct influences live harmoniously, spotlighted in the architecture of the stunning Spanish-colonial cathedral and historic buildings in colorful Arabic styles.

Have lunch on board and relax before embarking on a late afternoon cruise in the little-explored Cispatá Bay, timed for optimum wildlife spotting as native creatures emerge from the mid-day nap.

After breakfast on board, disembark in Cartagena, also known as the “Jewel of the Indies.” This magical city, historically notorious for regular invasion by pirates, is home to some of the finest historical architecture in Colombia. Board your transfer to the city’s airport to connect to your flight home.