South American Explorer – Adventure on Land and Sea

Get ready to start your adventure

Your South American expedition cruise begins in Colón, which stands at the entrance to the Panama Canal on the Atlantic coast. It’s a bustling cosmopolitan center with hot springs, a thriving handicraft industry, and wonderful local restaurants.

If you’d like to explore more of Panama, you can join an optional Pre-Program.

However you choose to spend your time in Panama, your expedition ship will be ready and waiting. Once on board, locate your cabin, explore the ship, and meet your Expedition Team.

Navigate one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels.

Early in the morning, we’ll enter the Panama Canal, an impressive and complex network of ingenious locks stretching 50 miles through natural and man-made waterways. Weather permitting, our Expedition Team will invite you on deck and tell the story of this ambitious project.

Halfway through our transit, we’ll enter the Gatun Lake section, which is one of the world’s largest artificial lakes and is surrounded by verdant rainforest. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, alligators, monkeys, and even sloths.

After approximately 12 hours, we’ll emerge into the Pacific, having passed from one great ocean to another.

Enjoy a day at sea

As we sail towards Ecuador, take time to relax and learn more about the ship. Go on deck and scan for wildlife – whales can often be seen in these waters. Your Expedition Team can be found in the Science Center. They’ll be giving interesting talks on a range of topics.

While you’re there, ask about the Citizen Science projects we’re running. If you’d simply like to relax and enjoy the journey, try out a hot tub or settle into the comfort of the Explorer Lounge & Bar and watch the world pass by. Later, stargazing from the deck is a lovely way to end your day.

Discover the birthplace of Panama hats in... Ecuador?

It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to seek Neptune’s blessing. That’s just what we’ll do in a traditional – and somewhat quirky – ceremony as we cross the Equator in the early morning.

Later, we’ll dock at the port of Manta and set foot on South American soil as we visit the town of Montecristi. Known for its handicrafts, you can buy a stylish, genuine Panama hat here, expertly handwoven from the leaves of the jipijapa tree.

Wander around this interesting town and take a look at the imposing white church, or take in the colorful street art and murals. Returning to Manta, we’ll stop at the archeological museum.

Sample life in a typical Pacific Coast fishing village

With its long sandy beaches, Puerto López is a small town centred on fishing. Sat in an arched bay, people come here to go on whale-watching trips and visit the nearby Machalilla National Park.  

Take time to stroll along the street that runs beside the beach and discover its low-key restaurants and cafes. This is the perfect place to sit back and soak up the unhurried vibe of this Pacific coast fishing community.  

Relaxation, research – or a bit of both

Your Pacific coast cruise continues as we head towards Peru. As we sail, soak up the scenery on deck, dine on delicious food, or just enjoy the onboard facilities.

The Expedition Team will continue their talks in the Science Center, sharing insights on all kinds of topics. Topics may include indigenous communities and cultures, local geology, and pre-Columbian history, among other things.

Out on deck, they’ll help you identify the seabirds that like to follow our ship, as well as other wildlife. Our onboard photographer will be on hand with tips.

Discover Trujillo’s ancient kingdoms

Salaverry is the gateway port to Peru’s third-largest city, Trujillo, and some fascinating archeological sites. Colorful 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 Chimú city of Chan Chan date back to at least 900 CE. On the other side of Trujillo, the mysterious Moche pyramids of the Sun and the Moon are from even further back in history.

Back on the ship, you can enjoy a traditional Peruvian dance performance.

Inland towards Cusco and the Sacred Valley

After a week cruising the Pacific coast, we will arrive in Callao around noon. We will say goodbye to the expedition ship here and embark on the next exciting stage of our South American adventure.

From Lima, we fly to beautiful Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, situated around 11,100 feet above sea level. While you’re in the Imperial City, you’ll be able to see some of its most historical monuments, like Santa Domingo church and the Sacsayhuamán fortress. Seek out the famed 12-angled stone just off the city plaza.

Your day ends with an overnight stay in Cusco, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and a restful night before visiting Machu Picchu the next day.

Journey to the Lost City of the Incas

Start your day with a transfer to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Then we board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, enjoying brunch while the breathtaking Andean scenery rolls past.

Estimated to have been built around 1450, Machu Picchu was abandoned during the Spanish conquest. It was hidden by jungle for centuries, rediscovered only in 1911. The Incas left no written records, so mystery surrounds this magnificent stronghold. Enjoy the trails around the ruins, admire the precise Inca stonework, and meet some of the friendly resident llamas.

After the day’s adventures are done, we head back to Cusco for another relaxing overnight stay.

Cross the awe-inspiring Andean Plateau

Enjoy an unforgettable journey by bus across the Northern Andean Plateau – or the Altiplano, as it’s known.

The Altiplano is one of the world’s largest and highest plateaus, sitting over 12,000 ft above sea level. The vast plateau extends into Bolivia, northern Peru, and southern Chile. During this full day of adventure, you’ll pass through breathtaking scenery and be awed by the imposing Andes. There will be many opportunities to photograph this remarkable landscape. You will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch en route.

At the end of your journey, rest and prepare yourself for Lake Titicaca with a comfortable overnight stay in Puno.

Floating islands on South America’s largest lake

The sheer beauty of Lake Titicaca will amaze you. Visit the rural community of Llachón, which has spectacular views over the lake. Enjoy a guided kayaking tour on the peaceful, deep blue waters. You will also join a guided walk before joining a local family for a traditional lunch.

Then we will take a boat tour to reach the Uro people on their floating islands, which shimmer golden in the sun. These otherworldly islands are woven from the reeds that grow in the lake.

At the end of the day, relax and reflect at your hotel in Puno.

Visit the Sillustani tombs

Before heading to the airport to catch your flight to Lima, we will take time to stop at the Sillustani tombs, a pre-Inca burial place overlooking Lake Umayo.

The tombs (also called chullas) are tower-like structures built by the ancient Colla people, some as tall as 39 feet and big enough to hold entire families. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the shores of the lake in this peaceful and mysterious place.

After exploring this archeological marvel, we head to the local airport for our flight to Lima. In Lima, your local guide will transfer you to your hotel and you can enjoy the evening at your leisure.

End your adventure in Peru’s culinary capital

Your expedition ends in Lima, once known as ‘The City of Kings’. It’s well worth taking a day or two to explore this exciting city.

Lima’s historical center is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a jewel of Spanish architecture, from colonial-era churches and monasteries to elegant mansions. You can also see Lima’s Inca heritage in the ruins of the Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca ceremonial pyramids.

Known as the food capital of South America, you have a range of choices at your fingertips, from specialty restaurants to can’t-miss street food. We recommend trying ceviche, Peru’s national dish. It is fresh fish marinated in lime juice, onion, and chili. It’s the perfect place to end your adventure.