South America Sensations - Peru To Panama Expedition

Start your adventure in Lima, 'The City of Kings'   

An exciting cocktail of cosmopolitan cool and ancient heritage, Lima is the perfect city to begin your adventure. See colourful murals, bustling cafés and contemporary art museums in the bright, bohemian area of Barranco. 

Lima's historical centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a jewel of Spanish architecture, with colonial-era churches and monasteries, and 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.    

Fly to Juliaca and visit the Sillustani tombs  

Your day starts with a flight to Juliaca. Once you arrive, we'll take you to the Sillustani tombs, a pre-Inca burial place that's surrounded by Lake Umayo, where you'll enjoy a guided tour. 

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, you'll continue on to your hotel in Puno on the banks for Lake Titicaca – your home for the next two nights.   

See handwoven 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 aquatic villages 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. 

Cross the awe-inspiring Andean Plateau    

Enjoy an unforgettable journey across the northern Andean Plateau, or the Altiplano as it's known in Spanish.  

The Altiplano is one of the world's largest high plateaus and it sits at over 12,000 ft above sea level. The vast plain 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.  

Look out for the famous Pucara bulls perched on rooftops, enjoy lunch by the ancient rock formations of Tinajani, and watch out for wild llamas and alpacas on La Raya Pass, and marvel at the 15th century archaeological complex of Raqch'i. 

Your journey ends with a comfortable overnight stay in Cusco. 

Explore 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. 

Explore the centre of the Inca Empire   

Before catching your flight to Lima, you'll enjoy a guided tour of Cusco, the so-called Imperial City, and archaeological capital of South America.   

Admire some of the finest examples of Inca architecture, las well as the Santo Domingo church, which was built on the Inca temple of Koricancha, and the Sacsayhuamán fortress, a 15th century ceremonial compound that boasts panoramic views of the city. Other tour highlights include a visit to the Sulca Textiles Museum and a stop at the main square to admire the stunning cathedral that dates back to Spanish colonial times. 

You'll then transfer to the airport and fly to Lima to meet your ship and begin your expedition cruise. 

Discover Trujillo's ancient kingdoms       

Salaverry is the gateway port to Peru's third largest city 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. 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 for you to enjoy. 

Relaxation, research – or a bit of both     

Your Pacific coast cruise continues as we head towards Ecuador. Soak up the scenery on deck, read a book by a window, and enjoy the onboard facilities.   

The Expedition Team will continue their lectures in the Science Center, sharing their insights on topics such as Indigenous  communities and cultures, local geology and pre-Columbian history.  

Back on deck, they'll help you identify the seabirds that like to follow our ship. Our onboard photographer will also be on hand with tips on capturing birds in flight – and other expedition highlights – with your camera. 

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 fresh seafood at the harbour restaurants, and take in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli. Then explore on foot the local markets, plazas and the Casa de la Cultura museum.  

Discover the birthplace of Panama hats ... in Ecuador   

We'll dock at the port of Manta and 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. 

Serenity at sea 

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. 

Your day cruising to Colombia can be filled with onboard adventure. 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.  

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. 

Music, dancing and rainforest walks at Bahía Solano 

Your day in Bahía Solano begins with a town walk hosted by members of the local Afro-Colombian community. 

You'll be greeted by students with a traditional song and, later, with a performance of their unique Afro-Colombian music and dance. In between, they'll tell you about the town and their culture. 

Why not hike through tropical rainforest at the botanical gardens. At this 170-acre reserve, you can enjoy a guided walk where you'll learn about the local flora and fauna, and important conservations projects to protect it. 

Navigate one of the world's greatest engineering feats 

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. 

Bright city lights amid a lush rainforest landscape   

Your South American expedition cruise concludes in Colón, which stands beside the portal 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.  

Although your cruise has come to an end, if you're up for more adventures you can join an optional Post-Programme.

Whatever's next for you, we wish you a safe onward journey and look forward to seeing you on your next adventure.