South America 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 centre with hot springs, a thriving handicraft scene and wonderful local restaurants.    

If you'd like to explore more of Panama you can join one of our optional Pre-Programmes.

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

Navigate one of the world's greatest engineering marvels 

Early in the morning, we'll enter the Panama Canal, a complex network of huge, ingenious locks stretching 50 miles through natural and man-made waterways. If weather allows, 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 around twelve hours, we'll emerge into the Pacific, passing from one great ocean to another.  

Enjoy a day at sea   

As we sail towards Ecuador take time to relax and get to know the ship better. Go out on deck and look out for wildlife – whales can often be seen in these waters. Your Expedition Team can be found in the Science Center, and they'll be giving some interesting talks on a range of topics.  

While you're there, why not find out about the Citizen Science projects we're running. Or 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, a spot of stargazing from the deck is a lovely way to wind up 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. We'll do just that in a traditional – and somewhat fun – 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 smart town and take a look at the imposing white church, or take in the colourful street art and murals. Returning to Manta, we'll pay a visit to the archaeological museum.  

A bustling port with a charming atmosphere   

We have a fruitful day ahead exploring Puerto Bolívar, a port in the city of Machala that exports coffee, cocoa, shrimp and masses of bananas. Shipping more of Ecuador's ‘green gold' than anywhere else in the country, Puerto Bolívar is dubbed ‘Banana Capital of the World'.  

Machala itself has all the charm you'd expect from a small coastal city, including friendly locals, cosy plazas and striking monuments. You can try delicious fresh seafood at the harbour restaurants, taking in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli. Then explore on foot the local markets, plazas and the Casa de la Cultura museum.   

Relaxation, research – or a bit of both    

Your Pacific coast cruise continues as we head towards Peru. As we sail, you might want to 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. You might learn about 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 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 Chimú city of Chan Chan date back to at least 900 CE. On the other side of Trujillo, the mysterious Mochican pyramids of the Sun and the Moon pre-date even that.  

Back on the ship, there will be a performance of traditional Peruvian dances.  

Inland towards Cusco and the Sacred Valley 

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

From Lima, we fly to beautiful Cusco, the old capital of the Incas, which is situated at around 11,100 feet above sea level. While you're in the Imperial City, you'll be able to see some its most historical monuments, like the 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 in Cusco, where you'll enjoy a delicious dinner and a restful night before your visit to Machu Picchu tomorrow. 

Journey to the Lost City of the Incas 

You'll start your day with a transfer to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Then we'll 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, and only rediscovered in 1911. The Incas left no written records, so mystery surrounds this magnificent stronghold. Enjoy the trails around the ruins, admire the precision Inca stonework and maybe meet some of the friendly resident llamas.  

After the day's adventures, we'll 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 high plateaus and it sits at 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 and you'll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch en route. 

At the end of your journey, you can rest and get ready 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. You'll visit the rural community of Llachón, which has spectacular views over the lake. You'll enjoy a guided kayaking tour on the peaceful, deep blue waters. You'll also join a guided walk before joining a local family for a typical lunch.  

Next, we'll go on a boat tour to reach the Uro people on their floating islands, shimmering 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 back at your hotel in Puno. 

Visit the Sillustani tombs  

Before heading to the airport to catch your flight to Lima, there'll be time to stop at the Sillustani tombs, a pre-Inca burial place that's surrounded by Lake Umayo.  

The tombs or chullas are tower-like structures built above ground 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 enigmatic place. 

After exploring this archaeological marvel, we'll continue to the local airport for our flight to Lima. Once we arrive 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 gastronomic 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 centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a jewel of Spanish architecture, from colonial-era churches and monasteries to elegant mansions. You'll also see Lima's Inca heritage in the ruins of ceremonial pyramids Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca. 

Known as the food capital of South America, you can choose from gourmet restaurants to unmissable street food. We recommend trying Peru's national dish ceviche, fish marinated in lime juice, onion and chilli. It's the perfect note on which to end your adventure.