Lake Titicaca & National Parks of South America
Cruise Overview
A magical exploration of ancient cultures and natural wonders
14-day expedition cruise visiting Lake Titicaca and the Uros people's floating islands, before touring South America's stunning Pacific Coast.
Discover the early history of ancient kingdoms and temples, from Lima’s ceremonial clay pyramids to the majestic city of Chan Chan.
Immerse yourself in UNESCO-listed cities and spot colorful wildlife in three of the region's most spectacular National Parks and Reserves.
Discover the marvels of South America’s Pacific Coast
Your expedition cruise starts in Lima before taking you through coastal cities, islands, cultures and wildlife of Peru, Ecuador, Panama and Costa Rica. You’ll experience Incan and pre-Incan cultures through the marvels they left behind, and contemporary cultures in vibrant cities and ports, finishing your adventure in Puntarenas.
Wildlife like nowhere else
South America’s rainforests, rich waters and islands are teeming with wildlife. You’ll watch for whales, turtles and dolphins, an astonishing variety of birds and jungle creatures like sloths, monkeys and macaws. This is an experience you’ll never forget.
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Practical information you need to know
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Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Lima's UNESCO treasures
Day 1
Lima's UNESCO treasures
Your South American adventure begins
Your expedition cruise starts on land in Peru, one of the most fascinating countries in South America. Landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport, your transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your hotel in Lima.
Lima's historical center is a jewel of Spanish architecture, from colonial churches and monasteries to elegant mansions. You'll quickly see why it's been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Known as the food capital of South America, choose from gourmet restaurants to unmissable street food. We recommend trying Peru's national dish ceviche, fish marinated in lime juice, onion and chilli.
Chucuito and Aramu Muru
Day 2
Chucuito and Aramu Muru
Visit the mysterious 'Gate of the Gods'
Our day begins with a flight from Lima to Juliaca. From here it's a scenic one-hour drive to Puno. Your hotel for the next two days is located right on the shore of lovely Lake Titicaca. You'll enjoy lunch here before we visit Chucuito and Amaru Muru.
See Chucuito's 16th century colonial churches, Santo Domingo and Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and the ancient solar clock. When here, check out the Inca Uyo, with its 86 phallic granite statues, the remains of an ancient fertility temple.
Mysterious Aramu Muru, or the Gate of the Gods, is an ancient T-shaped doorway carved into solid rock. According to locals also a site for extra-terrestrial or paranormal activity.
The Uros of Lake Titicaca
Day 3
The Uros of Lake Titicaca
See hand woven islands in South America's largest lake
At 920 feet deep and 89,340 square feet in size, Lake Titicaca is a true marvel. We'll reach the floating islands of the Uros on our small expedition boats, shimmering golden in the sun. These incredible islands are handmade and woven from the reeds that grow in the lake.
Next you'll visit the rural community of Llachón, with spectacular views over the lake. Your included activity is a guided kayaking tour of the peaceful, deep blue waters. Try to spot some of the 60 species of bird, 14 native fish species and 18 types of amphibian. You’ll also join a guided walk before joining a local family for a typical lunch.
Heading back to Lima
Day 4
Heading back to Lima
Your expedition ship awaits you in historic Lima
We'll say goodbye to Puno and head back to the airport, but not before stopping at Sillustani tombs, a pre-Incan cemetery. These tombs or chullas were built as tall as 39 feet, to hold the entire families of its society's elite.
On arrival in Lima, it's time to board your hybrid-powered expedition ship. Settle in and explore the ship. Later, you'll meet the Expedition Team who'll be your expert guides on this trip, as we set sail for more historical and cultural adventures.
Trujillo and Chan Chan
Day 5
Trujillo and Chan Chan
Discover Trujillo's ancient kingdoms
Salaverry is the gateway port to discover Peru’s third largest city, Trujillo, and some fascinating archaeological sites. If the weather conditions allow, you'll be in for some fantastic experiences today.
Colorful Trujillo boasts a Baroque cathedral, Colonial churches and Neoclassical mansions, as well as one of the longest mosaic murals in the world.
Nearby are the vast ancient ruins of the Chimu city of Chan Chan, dating back to 900 CE. On the other side of Trujillo, you'll find the Mochican pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, that pre-date Chan Chan.
A leisurely day at sea
Day 6
A leisurely day at sea
Relax and unwind as we cruise towards Ecuador
As we leave Peru, you'll have the chance to enjoy the many onboard facilities, visit the Science Center and join the Expedition Team for lectures on the sights you'll be seeing next.
If you want to unwind, head to the Wellness Center and indulge in a soothing treatment. If the warm breeze hasn't opened your pores, take some time to enjoy the sauna and outdoor hot tubs. You can even take part in a guided meditation class.
However you choose to spend your day, you'll be rested and ready for the adventures ahead.
Bountiful Puerto Bolivar
Day 7
Bountiful Puerto Bolivar
A bustling port with a charming atmosphere
We have a colorful day ahead, exploring Puerto Bolivar, a port in the city of Machala that exports coffee, cocoa, shrimp and bountiful bananas.
Feast on delicious fresh seafood at a harbor restaurant, taking in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli–and discover Machala's markets, plazas and Casa de la Cultura Museum on our included tour.
As an optional excursion, you can visit a banana plantation and try to spot hummingbirds, parakeets and howler monkeys in Buenaventura Nature Reserve. Nearby Puyango Petrified Forest is one of the largest areas of fossilized trees in the world.
Machalilla National Park
Day 8
Machalilla National Park
Dry forests, wonderful wildlife and archeological sites
Machalilla National Park is a truly special place. With its beautiful dry forests and protected wetlands, this stretch of coastline is home to more than 270 bird and 81 mammal species.
We plan to anchor off the long sandy beach at the fishing village of Puerto López, using our small expedition boats to land.
The park is also something of an outdoor museum of pre-Columbian history, thanks to the ancient Machalilla culture that used to thrive here. On our included excursion, we'll visit the Agua Blanca archeological site, taking in spectactular wildlife and scenery along the way.
Manta and Montecristi
Day 9
Manta and Montecristi
Discover the birthplace of Panama hats... in Ecuador
Your expedition cruise stops at Manta–a lively port city with a long history of fishing that has brought the city prosperity. You'll find wild shrimp, black clams, and red snapper. Manta is most famous for its tuna, which we recommend trying in the encebollado broth.
Head to Playa el Murcielago for the lively shops and eateries of Malencón Escénico, or learn about pre-Colombian civilisation at the Museo Municipal Etnografico Cancebi.
The handicraft centre of Montecristi is also nearby. Perhaps surprisingly, this Ecuadorian town where the Panama hat was first created, and is still hand woven here to this day.
Crossing the Equator
Day 10
Crossing the Equator
Enjoy a quirky seafaring tradition
As our expedition cruise continues towards Panama, you'll have time to enjoy more lectures from the Expedition Team, and brush up on your photography or art skills. You can also take samples gathered on our cruise to analyze under our Science Center microscopes.
As we cross the Equator, you can seek Neptune's blessing in a short ceremony. Don't be shy, it's a Norwegian sailors’ tradition.
After spending time out on deck, you can join fellow explorers, bonding over common interests and a passion for nature in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or enjoy some fine dining in our onboard restaurants.
Island idyll of Cebaco
Day 11
Island idyll of Cebaco
Traditional island life off the beaten track
We continue our cruise to Cebaco, a hidden gem of an island. The only way here is by sea, but with no regular ferries, it's untouched by development or mass tourism. The only human settlement is the small village of El Jobo in the north.
Wind your way round miles of pristine beaches, like Playa Grande to the south, with its soft white sands and coconut trees. Or hike through rainforest trails and enjoy the peace while looking out for wildlife.
The Gulf of Montijo, surrounding the island, is a nationally protected marine zone. You can enjoy exceptional snorkeling here, spotting colorful fish among the coral reefs.
Wildlife of Golfito
Day 12
Wildlife of Golfito
Abundant nature in Piedras Blancas National Park
Our expedition cruise reaches Costa Rica. Here in relaxed, blissful Golfito is the gateway to Piedras Blancas National Park. Follow the rainforest trails through the wildlife refuge to the park. Among the lush rainforest, you’ll discover waterfalls, and spy toucans, macaws, blue morpho butterflies, anteaters, sloths and mantled howler monkeys.
The calm waters here are perfect for a kayaking tour, exploring local mangroves and isolated beaches as part of an optional excursion. Or go shopping in the town's duty-free center. Then enjoy views from the marinas, where anglers head out in pursuit of the prized Pacific Sailfish.
Quepos and Manuel Antonio
Day 13
Quepos and Manuel Antonio
Explore the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park
Quepos is popular with visitors, offering everything from water sports and big game fishing to eateries and shopping. Its biggest attraction by far is the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll visit today.
One of Costa Rica’s most popular parks, it ranks 12 in the Forbes list of most beautiful national parks in the world. With spectacular views of mountains, mangroves, lagoons, beaches, and forest, the park is home to 350 bird and 109 mammal species.
Follow the breathtaking Perezoso trail to spot Scarlet Macaws, toucans, hawks, four species of monkey, sloths, iguanas and armadillos.
Arrival in Puntarenas
Day 14
Arrival in Puntarenas
Enjoy Costa Rican coastal life before heading home
Your South American expedition cruise concludes in Puntarenas, a Costa Rican city on a needle of land jutting into the Pacific Ocean. If you have time, stroll down the palm-lined Paseo de los Turistas and soak up the sights and sounds of the promenade.
Before returning home, why not join one of our Post-Programs. You can visit the magnificent Arenal Volcano Area where you’ll see more of Costa Rica’s beautiful flora and fauna. Or enjoy a jungle boat tour and discover the Costa Rican capital of San José.
What's included
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in the cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim
- Fine-dining in À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm is included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organizes and guides activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard activities
- Experts from the Expedition Team present detailed lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- The Citizen Science program, which allows guests to contribute to current scientific research projects
- The onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- The ship has hot tubs, an infinity pool, a sauna, an outdoor and indoor gym, and an outdoor running track
- Participate in informal gatherings with the crew, such as daily recaps and the next day’s preparations
Landing activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers will help configure your camera settings before landings
Expedition to Lake Titicaca/Peru before the expedition cruise
- One night in Lima, including breakfast
- Two nights at GHL Puno Hotel, including half board
- Two 3-course lunches (set menu) and one packed lunch
- Economy-class flights between Lima and Juliaca
- All transfers and train rides as described in the itinerary, including an English-speaking guide
- Entrance fee as listed in the itinerary
What's not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Included Programs
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages