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.

Expedition Cruises

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Your Expedition Team

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

Read more about the Expedition Team

Explore Lima

The historic heart of Lima, Plaza de Armas

As one of South America’s liveliest cities, you’ll never run out of things to do in Lima. The city is one of our destinations, and if you are staying for 24 hours, here is our top tips of things to explore.

The historic heart of Lima, Plaza de Armas

Drink some Peruvian coffee

Kick-start your day with a few shots of the finest Peruvian coffee. Much of Peru’s coffee comes from certified organic farmers and is known for its vanilla-toned sweetness and nutty, aromatic flavor . If you are feeling adventurous, try one of Lima’s traditional herb-infused drinks such as emoliente. The water is boiled with grains, herbs, and sugar, or with the addition of maca, a traditional root from the high Andes.

Take a stroll around the sights

Brave Lima’s infamously chaotic, but delightfully affordable, combi or larger micro (yes — bigger, but micro!) minibuses and head to Óvalo de Miraflores — a central roundabout fifty minutes away from Jorge Chávez International Airport .

There, visit Miraflores Central Park and the larger Kennedy Park and enjoy the boutiques, bars, and street-side ceviche cafés along the way to the coast. Don’t miss the Parque del Amor with its kissing couple statue and mosaics, as well as the Miraflores Lighthouse.

For a stroll with a view, walk along the cliffside Malecón promenade to the artsy and bohemian Barranco district , famously home to stunning sea views and sunsets. You’ll soon come to the Bajada de Baños walkway, which will take you to the iconic Bridge of Sighs — a 102-foot bridge fabled to grant wishes.

Discover the fascinating history of Lima

Learn about the Peruvian capital’s history starting at Lima’s main square, Plaza Mayor (or Plaza de Armas), a thirty-minute drive from Miraflores. This UNESCO World Heritage site is surrounded by other heritage buildings, including the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral of Lima . From there, explore the city center’s pedestrian-only Jirón de la Unión and find your way to the Museum of Inquisition and Congress, which tells the bloody — and torturous — history of the Spanish Inquisition.

Explore beautiful nature, fascinating archaeological sites and the mysteries of lost civilizations on a stunning cruise from Costa Rica to Chile via Panama, Ecuador and Peru.

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.