Diverse Cultures and National Parks of Latin America (Northbound)
18-day expedition cruise exploring the unique cultures and stunning national parks of five countries along Latin America's glorious coastline.
Explore colourful cities, idyllic resorts and stunning scenery in places like Paracas National Reserve and the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands.
Celebrate ancient and modern cultures and enjoy delicious cuisine as we cruise from Chile to Costa Rica via Peru's capital Lima, plus Ecuador and Panama.
Vibrant cities, old and new
From UNESCO-listed Valparaíso, pretty La Serena, and sunny Iquique and Arica, through to the ancient and mystical cities of Lima and Trujillo, unique and fascinating experiences abound on this expedition cruise.
South American wildlife paradise
Visit the biodiverse Ballestas Islands and spot wildlife among the yellow dunes and red beaches of Paracas. Explore Parque National Machalilla and the hidden gem of Cebaco Island in Panama, before seeing animals like toucans, iguana, sloths and monkeys in Costa Rican national parks.
Key Expedition Details
Itinerary
Your adventure at a glance. Daily highlights, included activities, and optional extras to make it unforgettable.
Valparaíso truly is the 'Jewel of the Pacific'
Your South American Pacific Coast expedition cruise begins in Valparaíso, known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific'. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, you'll love discovering this UNESCO-listed city.
Filled with exciting smells, sounds and people, it’s an exhilarating maze of alleyways and barrios, colourful houses, and mercados packed with local produce. Take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción. You can explore more of the region on one of our optional Pre-Programmes. Visit the Atacama Desert, Santiago de Chile or the Maipo Valley vineyards before joining your expedition ship.
Exploring the 'City of Churches'
As we approach La Serena, you'll see picture-perfect beaches flanking Chile's second-oldest city. Perched on ocean terraces, the city is full of classic architecture, including 30 or so carefully restored stone churches. Our included excursion of Coquimbo and La Serena includes a visit to the archaeological museum, deepening your knowledge of South American cultural contrasts, and crafts shopping at Recova Market. You might also want to see the city's manicured public gardens, like the Japanese-inspired Jardín del Corazón, or simply sit back and relax in a café in the hidden lane of Patio Colonial near Balmaceda.
Relaxation, research – or a bit of both
Enjoy the serenity of a day at sea as we cruise onwards. You can relax and admire the scenery from the outdoor hot tubs or the comfort of the lounge. Dine on delicious, locally sourced food in one of our three restaurants.
Throughout your journey, the Expedition Team will run lectures in the Science Center and share fascinating regional insights with you. Topics might include pre-Colombian history, local geology, and the folklore of native communities.
Sometimes we attract friendly seabirds. If we do, the Expedition Team will help you identify them. Our onboard photographer will also be on hand to give pointers.
Discover the history of UNESCO-listed Humberstone
Our expedition cruise sails on to one of Chile's premier beach resorts, bustling, palm tree-lined Iquique. You can enjoy a tour of a 19th century four-masted, wooden corvette, La Esmeralda. We'll visit the abandoned saltpetre mining towns of Santa Laura and UNESCO-listed Humberstone in the Atacama Desert on today's included excursion. It's history you can literally walk through before we head back to Iquique. People-watch along the picturesque promenades at one of the chic cafés. Enjoying a delicious coffee or a traditional mango sour and chumbeque – a dessert that blends fried thin dough with fruity caramels.
Enjoy Arica's hikes, history and local food
Arica enjoys a constant desert climate and is classed as one of the driest cities in the world, unusual for a place by the sea. No wonder the city is popular with sunbathers and surfers.
Lively Calles 21 de Mayo and Bolognesi are fun to explore, and you can try local treats at El Agro market. Take a 15-minute hike up El Morro cliff for glorious views, or visit San Marcos Cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Visit mummies and learn about Chinchorro culture at the archeological museum, stretch your legs on a trek of Playa Corazones or explore the Caves of Anzota.
Sailing along the Humboldt Current
As we sail south towards Chile, make sure you take full advantage of your expedition ship's fantastic facilities. Enjoy great views as you work out in the well-equipped gyms and outdoor running track, or look out to sea from the heated outdoor infinity pool.
The expert Expedition Team will continue their inspiring lectures, while we keep an eye on the rich waters we sail through. They're part of the cold water Humboldt Current, home to vast shoals of sardines, anchovies and mackerel.
Discover extraordinary wildlife and ancient mysteries
Among Peru's most notable attractions are the Ballestas Islands. You’ll be able to join today’s included boat trip to the Islands from Paracas, where you can look out for Humboldt Penguins, turtles, pelicans, sea lions, Inca Terns, humpback whales, and so much more.
Paracas is also close to the world famous Nazca Lines in the Pisco Valley, which you can visit on an optional excursion. See geoglyphs and animal etchings whose origins remain a mystery.
At nearby Paracas National Reserve, take a walk among the archaeological sites along the Martian-like yellow dunes and red beaches. Look out for Andean Condors and Chilean Flamingos.
Discover the capital of Peru and join a beach clean up
We cruise towards Lima, Peru's capital. Today, you'll experience Lima’s extraordinary blend of ancient and modern influences on our included panoramic city tour. As well as the colonial architecture of the UNESCO-listed historic centre, we’ll visit Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca, Incan ceremonial pyramids. We’ll also take in modern art and culture in Barranco. Our other included excursion for today takes us to one of the most crowded beaches in Callao. Not to sunbathe, but to help collect, sort and responsibly dispose of waste and to raise awareness of the need to protect our environments.
Discover Trujillo's ancient kingdoms
Salaverry is the gateway port to discover Peru’s third largest city, Trujillo, and some fascinating archaeological sites. Colourful Trujillo boasts a Baroque cathedral, colonial churches and neoclassical mansions, as well as one of the longest mosaic murals in the world.
Nearby the vast ancient ruins of the Chimu city of Chan Chan date back to 900 CE. On the other side of Trujillo, the Mochican pyramids of the Sun and the Moon pre-date even that.
If the weather conditions allow, you'll be in for some fantastic experiences today, as well as an included onboard performance of the Marinera, a traditional Peruvian dance representing courtship.
Relax and unwind as we cruise towards Ecuador
As we leave Peru, you'll have the chance to enjoy the many onboard facilities, visit the Science Center and join the Expedition Team for lectures on the sights you'll be seeing next.
If you want to unwind, head to the Wellness Centre and indulge in a soothing treatment. If the warm breeze hasn't opened your pores, take some time to enjoy the sauna and outdoor hot tubs.
However you choose to spend your day, you'll be rested and ready for the adventures ahead.
A bustling port with a charming atmosphere
Today's included activity takes you on a tour of the port city of Machala. Alternatively, spend the day exploring Puerto Bolivar, the export hub for coffee, cocoa, shrimp and bananas.
You can also visit Buenaventura Nature Reserve on an optional excursion to look for hummingbirds, parakeets and howler monkeys, or see where 'green gold' is grown on a local banana plantation. Nearby Puyango Petrified Forest is home to one of the largest areas of fossilised trees in the world.
Back in Machala, feast on delicious fresh seafood at a harbour restaurant, taking in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli, or explore its plazas and unusual monuments.
Dry forests, wonderful wildlife and archeological sites
Machalilla National Park is a truly special place. With its beautiful dry forests and protected wetlands, this stretch of coastline is home to more than 270 bird and 81 mammal species.
We plan to anchor off the long sandy beach at the fishing village of Puerto López, using our small expedition boats to land.
The park is also something of an outdoor museum of pre-Columbian history, thanks to the ancient Machalilla culture that used to thrive here. On our included excursion, we'll visit the Agua Blanca archeological site, taking in spectactular wildlife and scenery along the way.
Discover the birthplace of Panama hats... in Ecuador
Manta is a lively port city with a long history of fishing that has brought the city prosperity. You'll find wild shrimp, black clams, and red snapper at many local restaurants. Manta is most famous for its tuna, which we recommend trying in the encebollado broth.
Head to Playa el Murcielago for the lively shops and eateries of Malencón Escénico, or learn about pre-Colombian civilisation at the Museo Municipal Etnografico Cancebi.
The handicraft centre of Montecristi is also nearby. Perhaps surprisingly, this Ecuadorian town where the Panama hat was first created, and is still hand woven here to this day.
Enjoy a quirky seafaring tradition
As our expedition cruise continues towards Panama, you'll have time to enjoy more lectures from the Expedition Team, and brush up on your photography or art skills. You can also take samples gathered on our cruise to analyse under our Science Center microscopes.
As we cross the Equator, you can seek Neptune's blessing in a short ceremony. Don't be shy, it's a Norwegian sailors’ tradition.
After spending time out on deck, you can join fellow explorers, bonding over common interests and a passion for nature in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or enjoy some fine dining in our onboard restaurants.
Traditional island life off the beaten track
We continue our cruise to Cebaco, a hidden gem of an island. The only way here is by sea, but with no regular ferries, it's untouched by development or mass tourism. The only human settlement is the small village of El Jobo in the north.
Wind your way round miles of pristine beaches, like Playa Grande to the south, with its soft white sands and coconut trees. Or hike through rainforest trails and enjoy the peace while looking out for wildlife.
The Gulf of Montijo, surrounding the island, is a nationally protected marine zone. You can enjoy exceptional snorkelling here, spotting colourful fish among the coral reefs.
Abundant nature in Piedras Blancas National Park
Our expedition cruise reaches Costa Rica. Here in relaxed, blissful Golfito is the gateway to Piedras Blancas National Park. Follow the rainforest trails through the wildlife refuge to the park. You’ll discover waterfalls, and spy toucans, macaws, blue morpho butterflies, anteaters, sloths and mantled howler monkeys.
The calm waters here are perfect for kayaking through local mangroves and isolated beaches, or you can join today's included activity for a walk through the town. Enjoy some duty free shopping and enjoy views from the marinas, where anglers head out in pursuit of the prized Pacific Sailfish.
Visit an organic farm and experience Costa Rican culture
Our expedition cruise continues to Quepos. Today’s included excursion takes you to explore life on a Costa Rican organic farm. You'll learn about the local flora and fauna, plant a tree, sample some tasty Costa Rican snacks and enjoy a traditional folk dancing performance.
Quepos is also the gateway to nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, ranked 12 in the Forbes list of most beautiful national parks in the world. With spectacular views of mountains, mangroves, lagoons, beaches, and forest, the park is home to 350 bird and 109 mammal species.
Enjoy Costa Rican coastal life before heading home
Your South American expedition cruise concludes in Puntarenas, a Costa Rican city on a needle of land jutting into the Pacific Ocean. If you have time, stroll down the palm-lined Paseo de los Turistas and soak up the sights and sounds of the promenade.
Before returning home, why not join one of our Post-Programmes. You can visit the magnificent Arenal Volcano Area where you’ll see more of Costa Rica’s beautiful flora and fauna. Or enjoy a jungle boat tour and discover the Costa Rican capital of San José.
Included activities & excursions
These activities are included with your trip. Dates and times will be confirmed closer to departure, you’ll just need to reserve your spot after booking.
What else is included?
Optional extras
Enhance your journey with optional extras. Some activities are only bookable onboard and can’t be reserved online or by phone. Subject to availability.
Our South America ship
Get a taste of what life is like on board the ships that sail on this itinerary
