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+44 (0)20 7752 000013Day 5 Colon & Panama Canal Transit. From our berth in Colon, we will visit the new locks of the Panama Canal expansion. The expansion was the largest project at the canal since its original construction and created a new set of locks, doubling the waterway%u2019s capacity. At the Agua Clara Visitor Centre we will learn about the history of the canal, the expansion efforts and watch the ships passing through. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and the remainder of the day and evening will be spent transiting the Panama Canal. The first attempt to build the canal was made by a French company but ended in failure in 1889. The American government eventually bought out the French for 40 million dollars, and their attempt to build the Canal started in 1904. Through the efforts of over 80,000 workers and the loss of more than 30,000 lives, the greatest single construction project ever undertaken was completed. The project ended in triumph, with the Canal opening in 1914, and it is now a vital artery of international trade, with nearly 14,000 ships travelling through it every year. The canal is around 50 miles long and takes between eight to ten hours to cross.Day 6 Islas de Las Perlas. Awake on the Pacific coast of Panama and enjoy a lesiurely morning at sea as we cruise to the Islas de Las Perlas. We will spend the afternoon exploring this archipelago of islands named after the large pearls found in the waters. Native Indians inhabited these islands until the 16th century when the Spanish discovered the pearls and Isla Contadora became a centre for their transit to Spain. With over 200 islands, the majority of which are uninhabited, we will find a spot to relax on the beach or swim in the clear waters with the schools of tropical fish. Day 7 Darien National Park. Over breakfast we arrive at the wild, rugged and remote Darien Province. The Darien Jungle is recognised as one of the world%u2019s top ten birding sites and we hope to see many bird species such as the colourful crimson-collared tanager, green and chestnut-fronted macaws, rufous-tailed and snowy-bellied hummingbirds. Landing on the beach of Playa Muerto we will visit the Embera Indian village. The Embera Indian Tribe are a proud people who have been able to maintain their traditions and lifestyles. During our time in the village we will learn about the history of the tribe, meet its people and learn about their life. Returning to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch, we will enjoy a leisurely afternoon at sea. Day 8 Chiriqui Gulf Marine Park. Our final call in Panama will be the Chiriqui Gulf Marine Park which spreads over 36,000 acres and comprises of 25 islands and numerous coral reefs. Created in 1994 the marine park%u2019s aim is to aid the preservation of the region%u2019s ecosystems, diverse flora and fauna, scientific conservation projects and to protect the islands%u2019 endangered inhabitants. We will land on one of the islands where you may choose to take a nature walk to mangroves learning about the local flora and fauna or find a spot under a palm tree on the beach and take a swim. Day 9 Golfito & Puerto Jiminez, Costa Rica. Arrive into Golfito and after clearing immigration formalities we spend the morning at one of Costa Rica%u2019s most famous National Parks, the Golfito National Wildlife Refuge. Spread out over 2810 hectares it is home to many species of birds including macaws, parrots and brown pelicans whilst common mammal sightings include white-faced capuchins, spider monkeys, howler monkeys and many species of snakes and butterflies. Over lunch we will sail across Golfo Dulce to Puerto Jimenez from where we will visit one of the nearby fincas that specialises in cacao production. The crop has been grown in this region since the Mayans and we will learn about the cultivation of the crops and after walking through the plantation, see how it is transformed into chocolate. Alternatively join a walk in La Perica Sloth Garden where there will be the opportunity to spot the animals in their natural environment as well as other wildlife including hummingbirds and iguanas.Day 10 Curu National Park & Isla Tortuga. We spend the morning exploring the Curu National Wildlife Refuge which boasts a rich and diverse wildlife in five different habitats ranging from marine zones, including a wide beach area, mangrove swamps and tropical forests. Here on a range of walks we will find a number of species of birds, howler and Secret World of Two OceansMayan ruins of TazumalBocas del ToroZodiac cruisingToucanAntigua, GuatemalaHowler monkey