For reservations call 1-800-788-7885
or contact your local travel agent.
The Panama Canal & Costa Rica - Westbound
2010 – 11 Days from $5,790
Tauck's 11-day journey, The Panama Canal & Costa Rica, offers the delightful combination of a memorable Panama Canal cruise and up-close discoveries of amazing wildlife, fascinating centuries-old cultures and man-made marvels. A 6-day voyage aboard the sporty yacht, Le Levant, includes a complete transit of the Panama Canal, as well as encounters with the Kuna and Choco peoples who live in tropical villages in the Darien Province and San Blas Islands much as they have for centuries. Cast anchor near sun-kissed beaches along the Pacific Ocean, explore a rainforest jungle on the Osa Peninsula and spend two nights in San José, Costa Rica, discovering national treasures, from coffee beans to volcanic landscapes to golden artifacts to architectural gems.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
2010 Itinerary
Westbound
Click here for Eastbound itinerary.
Day 1 - Bienvenidos a Panama
Tauck's Panama Canal cruise begins at InterContinental Miramar Panama at 8:00 PM. Welcome to Panama! A transfer awaits to take you from Tocmen International Airport to the InterContinental Miramar Panama hotel on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and Panama Bay. Meet your Tauck Director and your fellow travelers at our welcome reception and dinner this evening to share your excitement about your upcoming Panama Canal cruise.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: InterContinental Miramar Panama, Panama City
Day 2 - Treasures of centuries past
Spend the day touring historic Panama Viejo (Old Panama) discovering remnants of the city's golden days. Abundant ruins include the convent of St. Francis, the Company of Jesus, St. John's hospital, the royal houses and the King's bridge. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: InterContinental Miramar Panama, Panama City
Day 3 - Rainforest delights and shipboard sights
En route to the Gamboa Rainforest, get a land-based view of the Miraflores Lock in the
Panama Canal; you'll see it later aboard Le Levant during your
Panama Canal cruise. Feast on a lunch featuring Panamanian food and explore the Gamboa Rainforest with expert naturalists on your choice of an aerial tram ride* (Panama's only
gondola) or a boat cruise along the canal with a hike prior to
boarding Le Levant in nearby Colón.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Levant
Day 4 - Discover life in the San Blas Islands
Drop anchor at one of the 365 islets along the Panama coast for a day in paradise! Go ashore on one of the few inhabited San Blas Islands where you will get an authentic glimpse of daily life here on this remote archipelago. Your visit to a local Kuna village includes an inside look at a private home and a chance to watch artisans create the beautiful embroidered molas you will see adorning fabrics here. A snorkel and swim caps off a day at the beach. Your yacht sails towards the Panama Canal tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Levant
Day 5 - Your incomparable transit through The Panama Canal
Appreciate one of the world's engineering marvels during your Panama Canal cruise as Le
Levant transits the Panama Canal from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific
Ocean. The ship will rise an astonishing 85 feet as she travels from
the Miraflores locks at one end of the canal to the Gatun Locks at
other. Gatun Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world;
what appear to be islands are actually the tops of former jungle hills.
Be sure to wander up to the top of the ship for unobstructed views, a great advantage of Tauck's small-ship cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Levant
Day 6 - A village in the Darien Province
Today, you'll have an experience that you just wouldn't get if you were
traveling on your own. You'll feel like you've done some time traveling
when you step ashore in an astounding beautiful spot in a remote area
of the Darien Province of Panama seldom visited by "outsiders."
Traveling by local boats called cayucos, visit a remote village where
the entire town comes to greet you. They'll take pride in showing you
their traditional Cocobolo wood or Tagua "vegetable ivory" carvings and
sharing their music and dance. Return to Le Levant, and set sail for
Coiba Island.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Levant
Day 7 - Spend the day at the beach
Le Levant anchors off lovely Granita del Oro near unspoiled Coiba
Island National Park to offer you a day of sun, sea and sand. Swim,
snorkel or kayak in the crystal-clear waters where you may get a
glimpse of underwater life not usually associated with the Americas,
and enjoy a special barbeque lunch on the beach.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Levant
Day 8 - Become one with nature at a jungle resort
Board a small boat for a ride to a jungle resort that is naturally inspiring. Set on a 170-acre private reserve adjacent to Corcovado National Park, the resort is the perfect place for a nature hike. Learn about the diverse ecosystems and wildlife that thrive here from a local expert who points out brightly colored birds and tropical foliage. You'll also have an
opportunity to enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim or lecture back aboard the ship.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard Le Levant
Day 9 - Oxcarts in Sarchi and coffee in San José
As your Panama Canal cruise ends in Puerto Caldera, bid farewell to Le Levant
and set off to discover Costa Rica's fascinating interior. Visit the
village of Sarchi, famous for its painted ox carts, as well as a coffee
plantation for a tour and a demonstration of the coffee roasting
process. Your accommodations for the next two nights are located in an elite suburb just outside of San José.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower, San José, Costa Rica
Day 10 - Discover lunar landscapes and golden treasures
Journey to Volcano Irazð, Costa Rica's tallest volcano. Although it hasn't actively erupted since 1963, it still groans and grumbles on occasion. Follow the trails across the desolate lava landscape to view the lake at the bottom of the 100-meter-deep Diego de la Haya crater, which sometimes appears emerald-green, and at other times seems rust-red. On a clear day, it is possible to see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans from this stark summit. Back in the city, visit the Gold Museum showcasing thousands of Pre-Columbia golden artifacts and see the city's National Theater, resplendent with Baroque design, gold overlays and Carrara marble. Join us for our farewell reception and dinner this evening featuring local entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower, San José, Costa Rica
Day 11 - Say adios to your wonderful Panama Canal cruise
Your Panama Canal cruise ends in San José, Costa Rica. Transfers from the Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower to Juan Santamaría International Airport are included. Allow 2 1/2 hours for check-in formalities. Please note that the Costa Rica departure tax is not included.
Meals: Breakfast
*For activites marked with an asterisk (*), participation is at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be required.
Don't miss the chance to experience natural
wonders and a Panama Canal cruise with us on
The Panama Canal & Costa Rica in 2010!
Prices11 Days from $5,790 plus airfare
| January 1 – 15; February 14 – 28 |
Double | Single | Triple |
| Champlain Deck |
$5790 | $6790 | $5140 |
| La Pérouse Deck |
$6090 | $7090 | $5440 |
| Bougainville Deck |
$6590 | $7590 | N/A |
| January 16 – February 13 |
Double | Single | Triple |
| Champlain Deck |
$5990 | $6990 | $5340 |
| La Pérouse Deck |
$6290 | $7290 | $5640 |
| Bougainville Deck |
$6790 | $7790 | N/A |
Special single rate on all departures – price reflects a savings of $2500 off previously published singles rate!
28 meals included.
Land / Cruise Price includes private Tauck shore excursions, cruise fare, port charges, wine with dinner aboard Le Levant, and gratuities to Tauck Directors and ship staff.
International Airfare is additional. Tauck can book your international air for travel originating in the United States, subject to availability; inquire upon booking for special airfares that may be available.
Travel West or East: Cruise operates both Eastbound from San José and Westbound from Panama City. Sightseeing is identical.
Note: Costa Rica Departure tax is not included and must be paid at the San José International Airport.
Need to Know
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel and ship accommodations, motor coach and ship transportation, entertainment, special dinners, sightseeing, shore excursions, luggage handling, port charges, wine with dinner aboard Le Levant, and the services of Tauck Directors and local guides are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Tocumen International Airport, which is located just outside of Panama City. Tauck will provide you with transportation to the Intercontinental Miramar Panama in Panama City regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided we have accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks before the start of the your tour. On the last day of the tour, Tauck will provide you with transportation from the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel to San José Juan Santamaría International Airport regardless of the day or time of your departure. You will also have transportation provided to the airport if you extend your stay through Tauck at the InterContinental Miramar.
Hotel and Ship Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel and ship accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot where available and are not recommended for comfort.
On board Le Levant, staterooms are furnished with two twin beds which may be requested in advance to be placed together to form a queen-size bed. Some staterooms can accommodate a third guest on a sofa bed. Each room has a private bath with an enclosed shower stall.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
On board Le Levant, breakfast and lunch are served in the panoramic restaurant on La Pérouse Deck; dinner is served in the gourmet restaurant on La Fayette Deck. International cuisine is featured and complimentary wine is offered with dinner. Both restaurants accommodate all guests in one seating.
Tauck Director – ‘Panama Canal & Costa Rica’ is conducted by two Tauck Directors who remain with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Directors are professional, fully trained employees of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All appropriate gratuities for Tauck Directors, restaurant, hotel and ship staff, local guides and drivers are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Directors will assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Travel Protection for more information.
Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport departure taxes, individual airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures - In the United States, you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocket knife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Cruise Regulations – International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to the cruise line prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to Tauck as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of printing.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at time of booking. The tour begins with your transfer from Tocumen International Airport to the InterContinental Miramar in Panama City on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. Your tour ends with your arrival at the San José Juan Santamaría International Airport on the last day of the tour. We suggest you to allow 2½ hours for flight check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Cruise Regulations – International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to the cruise line prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to Tauck as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of printing.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at time of booking. The tour begins with your transfer from Tocumen International Airport to the InterContinental Miramar in Panama City on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. Your tour ends with your arrival at the San José Juan Santamaría International Airport on the last day of the tour. We suggest you to allow 2½ hours for flight check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing to Go
Air Conditioning - The hotel rooms, staterooms and motor coaches are air-conditioned for your comfort.
ATM and Credit Cards – We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be ‘suspicious’ charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – Your journey through and along the coast of is casual. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. During the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Occasionally cool weather at higher elevations will require warmer, layered clothing. For the captain's welcome party casual cocktail attire is appropriate. Please note that swimsuits and shorts are considered unsuitable attire at mealtimes.
Valet dry cleaning and laundry service is available at both the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel and the InterContinental Miramar. Valet laundry and pressing services only are available on the ship; there is no dry-cleaning available on board.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription, or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your journey to and :
- Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks and short-sleeve shirts
- An optional jacket and tie for men
- Casually-elegant evening wear for ladies
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
- Swimwear
- A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
- Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
- Insect repellent
- Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and plenty of film
- Lightweight, comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
- Reef shoes for beach landings and reef exploring
- Travel alarm
- Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
- Zipper lock bags or daypack for camera equipment
- Refillable plastic water bottle
- Pre-moistened towelettes
- Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
- Small denominations of bills ($1s, $5s and $10s) purchases while in the Darien Province and the San Blas Islands
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room or stateroom while traveling
Elevation - The maximum overnight elevation on this tour is 3,760 ft (1,146 m). The maximum overland elevation is 11,000 ft (3,353 m) at Irazú Volcano in Costa Rica. Most time is spent at sea level.
Health - To fully enjoy this tour’s itinerary, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven, rocky and sandy terrain, as our activities include visiting national parks, biological reserves, rainforests and rustic villages. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Additionally, you must be steady and balanced aboard ship while you cruise the shores of Panama and Costa Rica. Some ship to shore transportation is by Zodiac (capacity 9 to 12 persons) and involves ‘wet landings’, which requires wading through shallow surf to reach shore. The excursion on the Mogue River uses cayucos, which are motorized canoe-like fishing boats. These are safe transports but occasionally you may get wet with spray.
Le Levant has an elevator that connects all decks except the sun deck.
Le Levant has a licensed and registered French physician on board for professional and emergency services, which are available at customary charges. The ships' small infirmary is designed to provide medical care for certain temporary illnesses and accidents, and is not intended or capable of providing on-going treatment of preexisting medical conditions. If you require oxygen equipment, please notify Tauck so that special arrangements can be made.
We regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this cruise. We also cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
On board the ship, certain outer decks have been designated as non-smoking areas. There is no smoking permitted in the interior of the ship.
Le Levant is registered in France. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises that there is a risk of contracting malaria in and around the areas visited on this tour. While a vaccination against malaria is unavailable, you can protect yourself by avoiding mosquito bites and by taking medication to prevent malaria. Mosquito bites can be avoided by applying mosquito repellent with DEET to exposed skin and clothing, wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants if you are outdoors at night, and by avoiding perfumes and colognes.
Various types of anti-malarial medicine are available. Therefore, you should seek the advice of a physician well in advance of departure to select the medicine that is right for you. Strict adherence to recommended dosages is critical for effective protection.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a citizen of the United States, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to or . For complete vaccination information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, , The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the ). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website at www.cdc.gov.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries visited to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for you to visit.
Luggage Restrictions:
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage size and weight may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage size, piece or weight policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home.
Carry-on Luggage - General:
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many intra-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not allow for access during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – If you are a United States citizen, you will need a valid passport for entry into Panama and Costa Rica. You will not need a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
You will also need an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever if you will be arriving from an infected area within 5 days.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of and of to determine what travel documentation is required.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. In addition, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as the front and backsides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels and is not available aboard Le Levant. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – Tauck welcomes the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Health - To fully enjoy this tour’s itinerary, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven, rocky and sandy terrain, as our activities include visiting national parks, biological reserves, rainforests and rustic villages. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Additionally, you must be steady and balanced aboard ship while you cruise the shores of Panama and Costa Rica. Some ship to shore transportation is by Zodiac (capacity 9 to 12 persons) and involves ‘wet landings’, which requires wading through shallow surf to reach shore. The excursion on the Mogue River uses cayucos, which are motorized canoe-like fishing boats. These are safe transports but occasionally you may get wet with spray.
Le Levant has an elevator that connects all decks except the sun deck.
Le Levant has a licensed and registered French physician on board for professional and emergency services, which are available at customary charges. The ships' small infirmary is designed to provide medical care for certain temporary illnesses and accidents, and is not intended or capable of providing on-going treatment of preexisting medical conditions. If you require oxygen equipment, please notify Tauck so that special arrangements can be made.
We regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this cruise. We also cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
On board the ship, certain outer decks have been designated as non-smoking areas. There is no smoking permitted in the interior of the ship.
Le Levant is registered in France. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises that there is a risk of contracting malaria in and around the areas visited on this tour. While a vaccination against malaria is unavailable, you can protect yourself by avoiding mosquito bites and by taking medication to prevent malaria. Mosquito bites can be avoided by applying mosquito repellent with DEET to exposed skin and clothing, wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants if you are outdoors at night, and by avoiding perfumes and colognes.
Various types of anti-malarial medicine are available. Therefore, you should seek the advice of a physician well in advance of departure to select the medicine that is right for you. Strict adherence to recommended dosages is critical for effective protection.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a citizen of the United States, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to or . For complete vaccination information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, , The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the ). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website at www.cdc.gov.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries visited to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for you to visit.
Luggage Restrictions:
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage size and weight may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage size, piece or weight policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home.
Carry-on Luggage - General:
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many intra-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not allow for access during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – If you are a United States citizen, you will need a valid passport for entry into Panama and Costa Rica. You will not need a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
You will also need an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever if you will be arriving from an infected area within 5 days.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of and of to determine what travel documentation is required.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. In addition, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as the front and backsides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels and is not available aboard Le Levant. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – Tauck welcomes the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.
All children who are citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.
All children who are citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel, during group functions, when sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your phone will operate in and .
Currency and Exchange Rates - The currency in is the U.S. dollar and in , the Colón; however, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted in by hotels and merchants.
On board Le Levant, personal shipboard accounts may be settled by U.S. dollars, travelers’ checks, American Express, Visa or MasterCard. There is no foreign exchange facility on the ship.
To obtain the most current exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website www.oanda.com.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the . Please call your local customs office or consult the government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Panama currently levies a Value Added Tax (VAT) of approximately 5% on consumer goods and services; , 13%. (The tax rate may be higher for luxury items and lower for basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – In and , electric power is provided at 120 V, 60 Hz, which is the same as that provided in the On board Le Levant, all hotel rooms and staterooms are equipped with 220 V, 50 Hz, AC that requires European-style two round-pronged plugs. If you bring electrical devices that are not compatible with this system, you may want to bring the appropriate adapters and converters.
Internet Access - The hotels and Le Levant offer internet access, as indicated below:
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel - High speed internet access in rooms
Le Levant - Satellite communication system for fax and phone for a fee; no internet access
Miramar InterContinental Panama - Broadband internet access
Time Zones – Panama is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time); Costa Rica is 6 hours behind. There is no Daylight Savings Time scheduled for the year 2000 through 2009. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, www.timeanddate.com.
Weather – Although warm and humid, the climate along our route is moderately comfortable. From January through March, the weather is at its best; humidity is low and rainfall is minimal. Average high temperatures range from 75 to 80 °F (24 to 27 °C) in Costa Rica's Central Valley to 85 to 90 °F (29 to 32 °C) along the coast and in Panama.
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Average Temperature
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San José,
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Colón,
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Month
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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January
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75 / 58
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24 / 14
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83 / 79
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28 / 26
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February
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76 / 58
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24 / 14
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83 / 79
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28 / 26
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March
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79 / 59
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26 / 15
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84 / 79
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29 / 26
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Panama City,
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Month
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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January
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87 / 77
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31 / 25
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February
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87 / 77
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31 / 25
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March
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87 / 77
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31 / 25
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Average Rainfall
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San José,
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Colón,
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Month
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Inches
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Millimeters
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Inches
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Millimeters
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January
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0.6
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15
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1.3
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34
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February
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0.2
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5
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0.7
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17
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March
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0.8
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20
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0.3
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6
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Panama City,
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Month
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Inches
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Millimeters
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January
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0.0
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1
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February
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0.0
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0
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March
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0.0
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1
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To determine current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, www.weather.com.
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers Tauck Travel Protection.
If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties reduced. Click here for more details.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$1,100 per person (the cost of the deposit)
59-30 days before departure
50% of the cost of the tour per person
29-1 days before departure
100% of the cost of the tour per person
$1,100 per person (the cost of the deposit)
59-30 days before departure
50% of the cost of the tour per person
29-1 days before departure
100% of the cost of the tour per person