Road Scholar : Enrichment Voyage: The Cultural Wonders of Latin America - US/Mexico/Guatemala/Nicaragua/Panama/Ecuador/Costa Rica

Enrichment Voyage: The Cultural Wonders of Latin America

Program Number:

20585RJ

Start and End Dates:


	5/3/2012 - 5/19/2012;

Duration:

16 nights

Location:

Mexico

Price starting at:

$2,995.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises; Independent City Discoveries

Activity Level:

t (see description)

Meals:

47; 16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 16 Dinners

Meal Options:

Vegetarian

Enrichment Voyages are learning opportunities on Semester at Sea�s state-of-the-art �floating campus� that are open to participants of all ages. Experience the cultural treasures of Central and South America, from the breathtaking Lake Atitlan to charming Panama City and coastal Ecuador. On the ship, enjoy interactive lectures, workshops and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other renowned experts.

Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some stairs and uneven terrain.

Itinerary At-a-Glance

San Diego, Calif., 1 night; aboard MV Explorer, 15 nights.

Days 1-2: Arrival San Diego, Calif. / coach to Ensenada (Mexico) to embark MV Explorer:

Coach from San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico to board the MV Explorer.

Day 3: At Sea

Day 4: Cabo San Lucas:

Venture to the lush oasis of Todos Santos, home of a sophisticated artist community. Board a glass-bottom boat to spy the marine life off Baja California�s rocky coast, including colorful fish and sea lions.

Days 5-6: At Sea

Day 7: Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala):

Journey to Lake Atitlan. Located in the highlands of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan is considered one of the world's most beautiful lakes.

Day 8: Corinto (Nicaragua):

Pay a visit to a local school. Interact with the students and learn from the teachers about the educational system in Nicaragua.

Day 9: At Sea

Days 10-11: Balboa (Panama):

Watch the workings of the Panama Canal�s busy Miraflores Locks. Journey to Casco Viejo, the colonial old town of Panama City, with its original Spanish architecture, scenic plazas and cobblestone streets.

Day 12: At Sea

Days 13-15: Manta (Ecuador):

Explore coastal Ecuador, including Montecristi, home of the famed Panama hat.

Day 16: At Sea

Day 17: Puntarenas (Costa Rica) / disembark / coach to San Jos� / departure:

Disembark in Costa Rica and transfer to the airport for flights home.

MV Explorer

Built in 2002 by the renowned Blohm & Voss shipbuilders of Germany, the MV Explorer is described by Maritime Telecommunications Network as one of the safest ships afloat. Learning amenities include nine state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, computer and multimedia labs and a student union. The ship also has a pool, gym and wellness center.

Mexico

The oldest of the land�s found by Europeans in the New World, Mexico has endured a rough history at the hands of Cortes and subsequent invaders. Despite a turbulent past, the country maintains its relaxed and inviting charm with a mix of modern and traditional from its industrious cities to its captivating wildernesses.

Meals and Lodgings
	Courtyard San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle
		San Diego, California, USA	1 night
	MV Explorer
		Aboard the MV Explorer, USA	15 nights

Courtyard San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle
	Type:	Hotel
	Description:	Complimentary Nintendo Wii � GoBoard� touch screen with weather, news and restaurant info at your fingertips � The Bistro serving gourmet fare, grab-n-go meals and the only Starbucks espresso bar on the block �
	Contact info:	595 Hotel Circle South San Diego, CA 92108 USA phone: 619-291-5720 web: www.courtyardsd.com
	Room amenities:	Complimentary WiFi, 32" HDTV with premium channels, refrigerators
	Facility amenities:	Theater room with 52" HDTV, a lounge with personal booths wired for Internet and with personal LCD TVs, Full-service bar, Outdoor heated pool and spa, 24/7 fitness center, 24/7 business center, 24/7 market, Valet dry cleaning available, coin-operated laundry available, safe deposit boxes at front desk, free WiFi service
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights prior:	N/A Participants may arrange for pre-program nights. Rate to be advised by PD pending contractual agreement.
	Check in time:	3:00 PM

MV Explorer
	Type:	Cruise Ship
	Description:	MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education�s �Semester at Sea� program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.
	Ship Information:	Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836
	Contact info:	PO Box 400885 Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA phone: 800-854-0195 web: www.semesteratsea.org
	Room amenities:	All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.
	Facility amenities:	CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights after:	The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Travel Details
	Start of Program: This program begins in the late afternoon at the orientation at the program hotel in San Diego. You will be staying at Courtyard San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle that night.
	End of Program: This program ends after breakfast on board the ship in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. You will be staying at MV Explorer the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
	Parking availability: Parking is available at the Courtyard for $16 per day. Parking is also available at the San Diego International Airport starting at $11 per day. Prices are subject to change without notification.

Transportation		(For Independent Travelers)

	Train or bus availability:	Amtrak station .6 miles from San Diego Marriott, San Diego subway .1 mile away, Greyhound bus station, 1 mile away

	To Start of Program
	Location:	San Diego, California
	Transportation to site:	All participants are asked to make their own way to the program hotel: The Courtyard San Diego Mission Valley. The hotel is located 5 miles from San Diego International Airport. A taxi is approximately $18 (subject to change without notification). If you are driving to the hotel, take Harbor Drive to Laurel Street and Laurel Street to I-5 North (follow the freeway signs). Exit I-8 East (El Centro Fwy.) and take the second 'Hotel Circle' exit (4A). Turn Left onto Hotel Circle South and the hotel is one block on the right side.

	From End of Program
	Location:	San Jose
	Transportation from site:	Puntarenas, Costa Rica is located approximately 70 miles northwest of the capital city of San Jose. The drive takes approximately 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. We do not recommend booking flights that depart before 2:00pm on May 19, 2012.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Arrival / Program Orientation
(Thursday, May 3)

Arrive To:	San Diego, California.
Afternoon:	Please make your own way to the hotel. Taxi's are readily available at the airport. After checking in to the hotel, meet your group leader for your program orientation.
Dinner:	Welcome dinner at the hotel
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	Courtyard San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle
Meals Included:	Dinner

Day 2:

Transfer to Ensanada, Baja California, Mexico / Embark the MV Explorer
(Friday, May 4)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	Check out of the hotel and transfer to Ensenada, Mexico (approximately 2.5 hours). *Please note: Have your passport conveniently packed as you cross the border into Mexico.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship
Afternoon:	This afternoon thre will be free time to unpack and familiarize yourself with the ship. A mandatory safety drill will be required of all passengers before the ship sets sail.
Dinner:	Dinner on board
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3:

Day at Sea / Presentations
(Saturday, May 5)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with limited internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly.
Lunch:	Lunch on board.
Afternoon:	Educational program continues throughout the day.
Dinner:	Dinner on board.
Evening:	Evening at leisure.

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

Cabo San Lucas / Todos Santos, Mexico
(Sunday, May 6)

Note: The drive to Todos Santos is approximately 75 miles and takes approximately one hour.

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Once the center of a prosperous sugar cane industry, the lush oasis of Todos Santos houses a sophisticated artist community. Ex-haciendas are presently boutique hotels, restaurants and galleries. The charming town has recently been declared a "magic town" by the Mexican government. Learn its history in a guided visit of the cultural center and the small museum. Explore the mission established by the Jesuits in 1724. Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants in a colonial style building. Stroll through the shops and galleries. The road between Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos offers majestic views where the cacti-filled desert meets pristine wide open beaches. Back in Cabo San Lucas, a rocky promontory ending in a perfect arch marks Land's End, the tip of Baja California Peninsula. Take a glass bottom boat to explore the jagged coast, pass by "lover's beach", round the famous Land's End Arch, and continue in open waters to spot whales. Birds and sea life abound from rocks full of pelicans and sea lions, and see fish swimming underneath your feet.
Lunch:	Lunch on shore.
Afternoon:	Continue exploring Todos Santos before returning to Cabo San Lucas.
Dinner:	Dinner on board.
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:

Day at Sea / Presentations
(Monday, May 7)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with limited internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly.
Lunch:	Lunch on board.
Afternoon:	Educational program continues throughout the day
Dinner:	Dinner on board.
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:

Day at Sea / Presentations
(Tuesday, May 8)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with limited internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly.
Lunch:	Lunch on board.
Afternoon:	Educational program continues
Dinner:	Dinner on board.
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala / Lake Atitlan
(Wednesday, May 9)

Note: Transfer to Lake Atitlan is between 1.5 to 2 hours through beautiful vistas.

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Board your air-conditioned motor coach for a 2 -hour drive to the village of San Lucas Tolim where you will change transportation and board a boat to explore Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlan is a large endorheic lake (one that does not flow to the sea). It was formed some 84,000 years ago when a volcanic eruption created an enormous caldera. Atitlan is surrounded by three volcanoes and is 1,000 feet deep in some areas, making it the deepest lake in Central America. The word atitlan is a Mayan word that means "the place where the rainbow gets its colors". Also surrounding the lake are 12 villages, named after the 12 apostles. After about 90 minutes of boating, stop at Panajachel for some free time to walk the streets, perhaps meet some of the local people, and explore the arts-and-crafts stores.
Lunch:	Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon:	After lunch, make the return trip across the lake and coach back to the ship.
Dinner:	Dinner on board.
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:

Corinto, Nicaragua
(Thursday, May 10)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	We will start our day by visiting the first city of Leon built in 1524 by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba and left by its inhabitants 60 years later, because of scaring activities caused by the Volcano Momotombo. Leon Viejo has been declared in the year 2000 by UNESCO a -heritage site of humanity- as a symbol of Spanish conquest. Continuation we will drive towards one of the oldest cities in Nicaragua, along the way we will be able to admire the local landscape of the country. Arriving at the city we will discover the charms of the actual Leon enjoying the attractions of this cultural city, its churches, monuments, markets, and learn about its rich history, including its most famous former resident Ruben Dario Father of Nicaraguan poetry. After enjoying a pleasant walk through the colonial streets, we will have a short lunch break. During our visit we will make a visit to a public school, meet children and teachers and learn about the education in Nicaragua.
Lunch:	Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon:	Return to the port.
Dinner:	Dinner on board.

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9:

Day at Sea / Presentations
(Friday, May 11)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with limited internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly.
Lunch:	Lunch on board.
Afternoon:	Educational program continues
Dinner:	Dinner on board.
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10:

Balboa, Panama / Miraflores Locks
(Saturday, May 12)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Enjoy the ship's amenties.
Lunch:	Lunch on board.
Afternoon:	This afternoon travel out to the Miraflores Locks and watch boats float through the Panama Canal from the observation deck, peruse the museum located at the Miraflores Vistors Center, and read about the historical exhibits of the Canal. Then head out to the old quarter of Panama City and explore where the streets are still lined with classic colonial houses of French and Spanish architecture.
Dinner:	Dinner on board.
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11:

Balboa, Panama / Embera Village
(Sunday, May 13)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Explore the the village of the Embera Indians, one of seven indigenous tribes in Panama. Get an introduction to the village and their way of life. Learn about the history of the tribe, its traditions, cultures, beliefs and handicrafts. You will also enjoy a short tour through the rain forest where the village's medicine man will speak about the medicinal plants of the jungle that are used for many purposes by the Embera.
Lunch:	Lunch with the Embera tribe in their village.
Afternoon:	Return to the ship.
Dinner:	Dinner on board the ship.
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12:

Day at Sea / Presentations
(Monday, May 14)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with limited internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly.
Lunch:	Lunch on board.
Afternoon:	Educational programming continues. Later in the afternoon there will be an exclusive Road Scholar presentation by the featured keynote speaker.
Dinner:	Dinner on board.
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13:

Manta, Ecuador
(Tuesday, May 15)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Board the brightly painted Chiva bus, once an important means of transportation for locals, and explore the city of Manta. The bus takes you by the marina, the lcoal shipyard and the Plaza Civica. Continue to Montecristi, home of the famous Panama hat.
Lunch:	Early lunch on board.
Afternoon:	Your afternoon is free to explore Manta or relax on board the ship
Dinner:	Dinner at the hotel.
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14:

Manta, Ecuador
(Wednesday, May 16)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	This morning you are free to explore Manta and the Ecuadorian coastline. Join one of the ship's excursions (not included in the program price) or explore on your own.
Lunch:	Lunch on board the ship or at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:	Continue your free day in Manta
Dinner:	Dinner at the hotel.
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15:

Manta, Ecuador
(Thursday, May 17)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	Explore the Pacoche Forest. This forest in the western part of Ecuador encompass a large part of the Pacific Coast covering a series of plains and small elevation variations that make this eco region unique by enhancing its ecological complexity. Compare and contrast the dry forest with the wet forest as you approach the Pacoche Forest. Take a short walk and discover this unique region.
Lunch:	Lunch on board.
Afternoon:	Time to relax.
Dinner:	Dinner on board.
Evening:	Evening at leisure.

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16:

Day at Sea / Presentations
(Friday, May 18)

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with limited internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly.
Lunch:	Lunch on board.
Afternoon:	Educational programming continues
Dinner:	Dinner on board.
Evening:	Evening at leisure

Accommodations:	MV Explorer
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17:

Disembark in Costa Rica / Transfer to San Jose / Departures
(Saturday, May 19)

Note: PLEASE NOTE: There is a $28* departure tax all for people exiting Costa Rica from one of the country's international airports. The tax applies to both Costa Rican residents and foreign tourists departing from the country. You may pay with a major credit card, U.S. dollars or the local currency. *subject to change without notice

Breakfast:	Breakfast on board.
Morning:	Transfer to the San Jose Airport for flights home

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

16 nights accommodations
47 meals: 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches, 16 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 12
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 7
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.

Plus these special experiences...

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride across Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, one of the world's most beautiful lakes.
Study the history, culture, language, music, and literature of Central and South America on the MV Explorer- a state-of-the-art floating campus.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes

Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some stairs and uneven terrain.

Itinerary At-a-Glance

San Diego, Calif., 1 night; aboard MV Explorer, 15 nights.

Days 1-2: Arrival San Diego, Calif. / coach to Ensenada (Mexico) to embark MV Explorer:

Coach from San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico to board the MV Explorer.

Day 3: At Sea

Day 4: Cabo San Lucas:

Venture to the lush oasis of Todos Santos, home of a sophisticated artist community. Board a glass-bottom boat to spy the marine life off Baja California�s rocky coast, including colorful fish and sea lions.

Days 5-6: At Sea

Day 7: Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala):

Journey to Lake Atitlan. Located in the highlands of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan is considered one of the world's most beautiful lakes.

Day 8: Corinto (Nicaragua):

Pay a visit to a local school. Interact with the students and learn from the teachers about the educational system in Nicaragua.

Day 9: At Sea

Days 10-11: Balboa (Panama):

Watch the workings of the Panama Canal�s busy Miraflores Locks. Journey to Casco Viejo, the colonial old town of Panama City, with its original Spanish architecture, scenic plazas and cobblestone streets.

Day 12: At Sea

Days 13-15: Manta (Ecuador):

Explore coastal Ecuador, including Montecristi, home of the famed Panama hat.

Day 16: At Sea

Day 17: Puntarenas (Costa Rica) / disembark / coach to San Jos� / departure:

Disembark in Costa Rica and transfer to the airport for flights home.

MV Explorer

Mexico

Meals and Lodgings

Travel Details

Daily Schedule

Note: The drive to Todos Santos is approximately 75 miles and takes approximately one hour.

Note: Transfer to Lake Atitlan is between 1.5 to 2 hours through beautiful vistas.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

And included with all Road Scholar programs: