Lake Titicaca & National Parks of South America

Your South American adventure begins

Your expedition cruise starts on land in Peru, one of the most fascinating countries in South America. Landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport, your transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your hotel in Lima.

Lima's historical centre is a jewel of Spanish architecture, from colonial churches and monasteries to elegant mansions. You'll quickly see why it's been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Known as the food capital of South America, choose from gourmet restaurants to unmissable street food. We recommend trying Peru's national dish ceviche, fish marinated in lime juice, onion and chilli.

Visit the mysterious 'Gate of the Gods'

Our day begins with a flight from Lima to Juliaca. From here it's a scenic one-hour drive to Puno. Your hotel for the next two days is located right on the shore of lovely Lake Titicaca. You'll enjoy lunch here before we visit Chucuito and Amaru Muru.

See Chucuito's 16th century colonial churches, Santo Domingo and Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and the ancient solar clock. When here, check out the Inca Uyo, with its 86 phallic granite statues, the remains of an ancient fertility temple.

Mysterious Aramu Muru, or the Gate of the Gods, is an ancient T-shaped doorway carved into solid rock. According to locals also a site for extra-terrestrial or paranormal activity.

See hand woven islands in South America's largest lake

At 920 feet deep and 89,340 square feet in size, Lake Titicaca is a true marvel. We'll reach the floating islands of the Uros on our small expedition boats, shimmering golden in the sun. These incredible islands are handmade and woven from the reeds that grow in the lake.

Next you'll visit the rural community of Llachón, with spectacular views over the lake. Your included activity is a guided kayaking tour of the peaceful, deep blue waters. Try to spot some of the 60 species of bird, 14 native fish species and 18 types of amphibian. You’ll also join a guided walk before joining a local family for a typical lunch.

Your expedition ship awaits you in historic Lima

We'll say goodbye to Puno and head back to the airport, but not before stopping at Sillustani tombs, a pre-Incan cemetery. These tombs or chullas were built as tall as 39 feet, to hold the entire families of its society's elite.

On arrival in Lima, it's time to board your hybrid-powered expedition ship. Settle in and explore the ship. Later, you'll meet the Expedition Team who'll be your expert guides on this trip, as we set sail for more historical and cultural adventures.

Discover Trujillo's ancient kingdoms

Salaverry is the gateway port to discover Peru’s third largest city, Trujillo, and some fascinating archaeological sites. If the weather conditions allow, you'll be in for some fantastic experiences today.

Colourful Trujillo boasts a Baroque cathedral, Colonial churches and Neoclassical mansions, as well as one of the longest mosaic murals in the world.

Nearby are the vast ancient ruins of the Chimu city of Chan Chan, dating back to 900 CE. On the other side of Trujillo, you'll find the Mochican pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, that pre-date Chan Chan.

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. You can even take part in a guided meditation class.

However you choose to spend your day, you'll be rested and ready for the adventures ahead.

A bustling port with a charming atmosphere

We have a colourful day ahead, exploring Puerto Bolivar, a port in the city of Machala that exports coffee, cocoa, shrimp and bountiful bananas.

Feast on delicious fresh seafood at a harbour restaurant, taking in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli – and discover Machala's markets, plazas and Casa de la Cultura Museum on our included tour.

As an optional excursion, you can visit a banana plantation and try to spot hummingbirds, parakeets and howler monkeys in Buenaventura Nature Reserve. Nearby Puyango Petrified Forest is one of the largest areas of fossilised trees in the world.

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

Your expedition cruise stops at Manta – 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. 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. Among the lush rainforest, you’ll discover waterfalls, and spy toucans, macaws, blue morpho butterflies, anteaters, sloths and mantled howler monkeys.

The calm waters here are perfect for a kayaking tour, exploring local mangroves and isolated beaches as part of an optional excursion. Or go shopping in the town's duty-free centre. Then enjoy views from the marinas, where anglers head out in pursuit of the prized Pacific Sailfish.

Explore the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park

Quepos is popular with visitors, offering everything from water sports and big game fishing to eateries and shopping. Its biggest attraction by far is the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll visit today.

One of Costa Rica’s most popular parks, it ranks 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.

Follow the breathtaking Perezoso trail to spot Scarlet Macaws, toucans, hawks, four species of monkey, sloths, iguanas and armadillos.

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.