1 February

Costa Rica: Tortuga Island

Tortuga Island is actually made up of two separate islands just off the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, both uninhabited and both absolutely stunning. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the clear, coral-rich waters, or relax on pristine white sand beaches.

2 February

Costa Rica: Quepos

The little town of Quepos is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, a nature-lover’s paradise that’s home to monkeys, iguanas and the reclusive three-toed sloth. The area around Quepos also boasts some of the best beaches in Costa Rica, and the town itself has some nice restaurants.

3 February

Costa Rica: Golfito

4 February

Panama: Cébaco Island

5 February

Panama: Playa del Muerto

5 February

Panama: Darién Jungle

The Darién Gap is the only break in the Pan-American Highway that runs from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, a wild and untamed region of thick jungle. Although the region has a reputation for lawlessness, tourism is making inroads thanks to the jungle’s staggering biodiversity and the fascinating culture of the indigenous Emberá people.

6 February

Panama: Pearl Islands

The Pearl Islands archipelago is made up of more than 200 islands and islets off Panama’s Pacific coast, most of which are uninhabited and rich in bird and marine life. It’s a great place to go snorkelling or scuba diving, and whale watching tours operate between July and October.

7 February

Panama: Panama City

The port of Fuerte Amador sits at the southern edge of Panama City, near the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. The shining skyscrapers of the Panamanian capital are a testament to the city’s status as a key financial centre, while the tiny Casco Viejo is home to pretty colonial streets, hip hotels and happening bars.

8 February - At sea

9 February

Panama: Bocas del Toro

The Bocas del Toro archipelago is one of Panama’s most appealing tourist destinations, a collection of idyllic Caribbean islands blessed with beautiful beaches, lush mangroves and wildlife including sloths, iguanas and turtles.

10 February to 11 February

Costa Rica: Puerto Limón

Puerto Limón is a busy port on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, and plays a vital role in the export of bananas. Take a trip out of the city and explore the lush rainforest, with nearby attractions including the canals of Tortuguero National Park, a key breeding site for green turtles.

11 February to 12 February

Arriving in San Jose