The inaugural outing of our journey provided the privilege to visit two iconic sites in one day, Panama Canal and Barro Colorado Island.
Daybreak found National Geographic Quest anchored at Gatun Lake, an honor given to our expeditions. Catching dawn in the middle of the canal allowed excursions to Gamboa Rain Forest Discovery Center, Barro Colorado Island hikes, and Zodiac cruises around the perimeter of BCI.
Over a century of research by The Smithsonian Institute produced many publications about tropical ecology at BCI Research Station, and we witnessed it. Also, a scientist shared his project with us.
Mountain almond trees, collared ant eaters, howler monkeys, red brocket dear, three-toed sloths, snail kites, slaty-tailed trogons, and Jacobin hummingbirds created excitement and joy among our guests on the first full day of our expedition. Then we continued crossing one of the seven wonders of the world.
