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Central America Discovery
D1124041010
Dates
04/10/24 - 04/20/24
Ship
SH Diana
Duration
10 Nights
Guests
2 Guest
Price From
$ 6,601
Per Person
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Trip Details
Cruise in style on a boutique expedition ship that will take you to some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet. Embark on this Central America Discovery cruise and experience the diversity of cultures, landscapes, and wildlife along the Pacific coastline of five countries. From the mangrove forests of Guatemala to the beaches of Costa Rica, discover a stunning and wild region. Snorkel with humpback whales in the clear waters off the coast of Mexico, or go diving with dolphins and turtles. Hike through lush cloud forests, go whitewater rafting, or simply relax on a beach and soak up the sun. This is a journey of discovery, where you will learn about the region's rich history and culture and return home with memories that will last a lifetime.
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Itinerary Map
Itinerary
Pichilingue (La Paz) Day 1

Pichilingue (La Paz) is a port and a beach resort on the eastern coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It is located 18 km from La Paz, the capital of the state, and it offers a variety of attractions and activities for travelers. You can sunbathe, swim, and sport fish on the sandy shore or enjoy a meal and a drink at one of the restaurants along the waterfront. Pichilingue is where you can enjoy the sun, the sea, and the culture of Baja California Sur.

Day at sea Day 2

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Manzanillo Day 3

Nicknamed the Sailfish Capital of the World, Manzanillo is one of Mexico’s most significant port cities. As you might expect from such a moniker, most of the activities in town are centred around the water, and seafood dominates the local culinary scene. Although the city is largely a modern development, ancient history is never far away in this part of the world. We will be visiting the archaeological site, Zona Arqueologica la Campana today, which is about a two-hour drive away from Manzanillo port.

Zihuatanejo Day 4

One of Mexico’s most visited cities, Zihuatenejo is a modern beach resort with a fascinating and ancient past. Surrounded by significant archaeological sites, this morning we will be visiting Xihuacan. Opened in 2013, the area has yet to be fully excavated. The site and museum are located a little under an hour from Zihuatenejo. Here you can explore the ruins as well as visit the eight hundred plus pre-Hispanic artefacts on display.

Shore Excursion
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Xihuacan Archaeological Site
  • Duration: 05 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • This pre-Columbian archaeological complex is among the stand-out sights on Mexico's Pacific coast
  • Visit the zone’s major landmarks and the on-site museum
  • Learn about the ceremonial center constructed out of bricks and modeling clay during the pre-Columbian era
Acapulco Day 5

Acapulco, nicknamed ‘Pearl of the Pacific’, is Mexico’s most glamorous pacific resort that rose to fame in the jet-set era of the 1950s. Located on a deep, semi-circular bay, Acapulco is located southwest of Mexico City. With an average of 360 days of sunshine per year, the weather here is famously amicable. The city originated as a port city for Spanish galleons sailing between Spain and the Far East. Learn more about the city’s past at the Acapulco Historical Museum. Or perhaps head out on a bird-watching trip at Coyuca lagoon with a local ornithology expert. Pass through lush vegetation and native flora on the lookout for some of the 250 species of birds that call the lagoon home.

Shore Excursion
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Acapulco Walking Tour
  • Duration: 02 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Stroll through one of Mexico's oldest beach resorts
  • Visit the Fort of San Carlos, one of the most important Spanish fortifications along the Pacific coast
  • Discover the rich mask tradition of the State of Guerrero at the Museum of the Mask
City Tour & Cliff Diver
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • The cliffs of La Quebrada are home to the daredevil cliff divers
  • Witness the courageous cliff divers as they soar from dizzy heights into shallow waters below
Mezcal Tasting
  • Duration: 03 h 30 m
  • Optional
  • Taste different mezcals and mezcal cream
  • Learn about the production process
Turtle Farm
  • Duration: 04 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Visit the sea turtles camp established for their study and preservation
  • Take a trip in a typical local boat
  • Photography opportunities of Acapulco's bay
Day at sea Day 6

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

Puerto Quetzal Day 7

The modern port city of Puerto Quetzal is situated on the Pacific coastline just south of Guatemala City. From here you can explore the World Heritage Site of La Antigua Guatemala or head out to the stunning Lake Atitlan and explore its surrounding villages. The former capital of Guatemala, Antigua, is a short distance away and definitely worth a visit. Now a World Heritage site, this beautiful colonial town has buildings that date back to the 16th century. The museums and architecture will transport you back in time through the city’s fascinating past.

Shore Excursion
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La Antigua walking tour
  • Duration: 06 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Explore the historic streets of this city that was the capital of Guatemala for two hundred years
  • From its remarkable architecture, strolling through its cobblestone streets and enjoying its beautiful surroundings, you will learn about Guatemala's history during colonial time
Colonial Antigua in Depth
  • Duration: 08 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Delve into the architectural and cultural treasures of this UNESCO Site
  • Admire the arcaded General Captaincy and the Cathedral de Santiago
  • Taste the typical food
Acajutla Day 8

Originally a Mayan village, Acajutla is now El Salvador’s main export town for coffee, sugar and balsam. You can still see evidence of the area’s Mayan past in the ruins near the port. The town itself is a pleasant place to spend some time exploring the boutique shops and strolling the dark sand beaches. Further afield, we will be visiting the UNESCO-protected site of Joya de Cerén, a pre-Columbian 600 AD Maya village preserved in ash, known as the ‘Pompeii of Central America.’ We will also visit the fascinating archaeological site of Tazumal. In the K’ich’ language, Tazumal means ‘pyramid where victims are burned’. Archaeologists estimate that the area was first settled in 5000BC.

La Union Day 9

Today we arrive in the small port town of La Unión in El Salvador. As we disembark, we will be greeted with a local dance performance before setting off to explore this striking part of the world. La Uníon is the gateway to the beautiful Gulf of Fonseca, overlooked by the Conchagua volcano. This remote region isn’t often visited by cruise ships and visitors are few. Whilst here we will visit El Salvador’s largest protected area, the Jiquilisco Bay Biosphere Reserve. Cruise through the mangrove canals, past deserted beaches and remote islands as we search for migratory birds and other wildlife. The area is a nesting site for four sea turtle species including the endangered hawksbill turtle.

Shore Excursion
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Jiquilisco Bay Mangrove & Turtle Experience
  • Duration: 06 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Discover El Salvador’s most important marine ecosystem at the Jiquilisco Bay Biosphere Reserve
  • Spend time with the environmentalists and scientists who will teach us about the conservation of the turtles
  • Learn how the finest chocolate comes from and about the cultivation of cacao
Playa Flamingo, Marina Flamingo Day 10

One of Costa Rica’s prettiest beaches, Playa Flamingo is just about as picture-postcard perfect as it gets. The white sand, shell beach and serene blue sea make for a popular but laid-back holiday resort. We will be visiting the nearby Palo Verde National Park, located on the banks of the Tempisque River. A birdwatcher’s paradise, Palo Verde is the meeting place of the largest concentration of aquatic birds and migratory birds on the Central American Pacific Coast. You can spot toucan, scarlet macaws, the roseate spoonbill, wood storks, tanagers and much more here. In total Palo Verde is home to 279 species of birds.

Shore Excursion
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Santa Cruz & Chorotega Pottery Town
  • Duration: 05 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • The traditional pottery of the Chorotega indigenous people of Guaitil is from the soul, it is the heart of the town and is a beautiful craft to witness
  • The pottery village of Guaitil is a glimpse into the culture and history of Costa Rica and the Chorotega people, a respect for the ancient traditions
Palo Verde River Cruise, Traditions & Lunch
  • Duration: 07 h 00 m
  • Optional
  • Tempisque River is one of most important of Costa Rica and is considered one of the largest bird Sanctuaries in Central America
  • Spot crocodiles, iguanas and monkeys in their natural environment, perfect for wildlife lovers
Congo Canopy Tour
  • Duration: 04 h 15 m
  • Optional
  • Feel the adrenaline rush of soaring over many waterfalls
  • Enjoy breathtaking views over the ocean, mountains, and rainforest
Catamaran Adventure & Snorkel
  • Duration: 04 h 15 m
  • Optional
  • Snorkeling in crystal clear waters
  • Wildlife sightings include dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, or even a breaching whale
Puntarenas Day 11

Puntarenas is a place to experience the authentic and diverse culture of Costa Rica, located on a narrow peninsula that stretches into the Pacific Ocean. Puntarenas is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, who come to enjoy its beaches, seafood, and carnival atmosphere. Puntarenas is also a gateway to explore the region's natural wonders, such as the Tortuga, Chira, Coco islands, the Nicoya Peninsula, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

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Rates Include
Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (ONLY available for Antarctica cruises starting or ending in Ushuaia, Arctic cruises starting and ending in Longyearbyen and Kangerlussuaq)
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
All meals onboard
Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category
24-hour room service
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
Standard WiFi
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
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Itinerary Map

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK
Stateroom
Number of Guests
Oceanview D4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Oceanview M4
20 m2 Sleeps 2
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony M5
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Balcony D6
28 m2 Sleeps 2
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Junior Suite
35 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Junior Suite features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area, walk-in closet, luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Suite
44 m2 Sleeps 2
Our Suites feature a Super King Size bed and separate living room with a soothing flame-effect fireplace, a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a 6 sq. m. private balcony.
Price From
$ 0
Premium Suite
47 m2 Sleeps 2
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Price From
$ 0

We are providing a list of sample excursions that Swan Hellenic may offer on this itinerary, which are subject to change. We constantly update our shore excursion program with exclusive and genuine experiences, so please do not hesitate to review your excursion program choice closer to your departure date.

We invite all guests to visit swanhellenic.com for the most updated information.

09:00 AM – 05:30 PM (EST)

+1 (800) 537 6777
ARRANGE A CALLBACK