South America

– Search for rich, cultural treasures
  • Sustainable expedition
    Sail with the greenest expedition cruise ships through a diverse landscape full of amazing wildlife and hidden treasures.
  • From rainforest to relics
    Experience the incredible variety of South America, from lush jungles and remote islands to majestic reminders of great civilizations.
  • Colourful and historic
    Go ashore in the fascinating ports and cities of Ecuador, Chile, and Peru to explore their rich history and culture.
  • Beyond the sea routes
    Explore with packages that include the Incan wonders of Machu Picchu and the breathtaking wildlife of the Galápagos Islands.

Cruises in South America

Show all (13) Popular cruises Oct, Nov, Dec 2019 Jan, Feb, Mar 2020 Apr, May, Jun 2020 Oct, Nov, Dec 2020

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Sail with the experts

– Your Expedition Team in South America

Our experts are here to safeguard both explorers and the pristine environment. They serve as your invaluable hosts throughout your expedition cruise.

Leading and teaching

During your discovery of South America, your Expedition Team will lead the way on short hikes, museum visits, food tastings, and onshore cultural performances.

“Some of the most memorable moments come when we take some time to deeply experience local nature and culture – to really appreciate where we are.”

– Helga, Assistant Expedition Leader

Meet the South America Expedition Team

Costa Rica Highlights

A beach near Manzanillo village in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife and Marine Refuge in Costa Rica.

When it comes to paradise-like locations, Costa Rica is one of our top picks. From beach breaks to volcano climbing to wildlife spotting.

A beach near Manzanillo village in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife and Marine Refuge in Costa Rica.

Wildlife

Though fairly small, Costa Rica is home to half a million different species — one in every twenty-five types of plants, insects, and animals in the world! As you might expect, this variety ensures that there's weird and wonderful wildlife in Costa Rica. Don’t be surprised if you come across cute capuchin monkeys, brightly colored frogs, and noisy toucans.

In the country’s nature reserves, you can try to spot an ocelot. Although very rarely seen in the wild, this big-pawed wild cat is definitely one of Costa Rica’s highlights. Ocelots can be found at wildlife sanctuaries like the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. If you like more curious-looking creatures, there are tapirs and three-toed sloths.

Volcanoes

Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, with more than 200 volcanic formations in the country. Most are located in the northern and central highlands. Of these, five are active: Arenal, Poás, Rincón de la Vieja, and Irazú.

Irazú and Poás both have beautiful lakes in their craters. Although you wouldn’t want to swim inside, as the lake at Poás is filled with boiling acid.


Beaches

If you fancy a dip, Costa Rica’s two coastlines offer lots of picture-perfect locations. The most popular are Playa Flamingo and Tamarindo — both of which offer plenty of opportunities for water sports and, of course, sunbathing.

These beaches are great for local activities, with friendly residents ready to take you out on boat trips. They’re also good places to find tour guides for visiting various historical sites, taking volcano hikes, and more.