South America

Depending on your itinerary, you’ll explore the Pacific coastal plains, mangroves and tropical forests of the northern Latin American countries or head down to the glacial landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park and the Chilean fjords of Patagonia. Visit nature reserves like Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica, or rich archipelagos like the Ballestas Islands in Peru, Isla de la Plata in Ecuador, and the famed Galápagos Islands.

South America is the world’s most biodiverse region with an unparalleled number of plant and animal species, many native to South America. The Galápagos Islands alone are a treasure trove of rare and endemic wildlife. Spot the Andean condor, blue-footed boobies, green turtles, iguanas, giant tortoises, guanacos, squirrel monkeys, sloths, and many more.

South America enjoys a fascinating melting pot of cultures. See authentic Panama hats still being handwoven in Ecuador. Visit the Afro-Colombian community at Bahía Solano, meet indigenous Embera in the jungle of Darien National Park, or go aboard the floating reed islands of the unique Uru people in Lake Titicaca.

Long before Latin colonial powers, great Pre-Columbian indigenous civilisations — the Moche, Chimu, Quechua, and the most famous of all, the Incas — ruled the region. There are ancient ruins of city complexes, sun-worshipping pyramid temples, and imposing fortresses to discover. The area around Pisco near Nazca is well known for its mysterious geoglyphs while few sites are as iconic or as impressive as Machu Picchu high above the Sacred Valley.

Spanish conquistadors arrived on the continent in the late 1400s and 1500s, bringing colonial influences, which inspired the architecture that continues to charm so many today. You’ll see some of the best examples of the neo-colonial style in UNESCO-listed Valparaíso, La Serena, the ‘City of Churches’ in Chile, and the World Heritage historic centre in Lima, Peru.

Lima sits at the gastronomic heart of South America’s culinary renaissance, serving up a feast of street food and fine dining. For lovers of fresh fish, ceviche and tiradito are a must. Enjoy Chinese-Peruvian style cooking, Chifa, and try picarones, an African-fusion dessert made from pumpkin dough and sugar cane. Then finish with a Pisco sour, made from the local brandy.

South America’s iconic llamas, alpacas, vicuña, and guanacos are all part of the camel family and also classed as variants of a llama. The latter two are generally wild while llamas and alpacas are bred in herds. Alpacas have fine, shaggy hair which transforms into superior quality wool, while the llama's larger size gives it a sturdy frame to carry goods.

These calm and docile reptiles are native to South America and are a common sight in the rainforests, desert and along the coast. Green (or tree) iguanas are herbivores and can reach two metres in length. Two species are endemic to the Galápagos Islands; the marine iguana and the endangered pink land iguana, of which fewer than 200 are left.

With over 3,000 bird species, South America is one of the world’s best destinations for avid bird watchers. Over 2,500 are endemic to the region, such as the tropical toco toucan, el oro parakeet and scarlet macaw.

Attracted to the warm waters off the coast of South America, Humpback whales are one of the most easily recognised of the large whales. With their round heads covered in bumps (tubercles), they can reach up to 14 metres long and live up to 50 years.

Five species of penguins call Patagonia home - Magellanic, Humboldt, Gentoo, Southern Rockhopper and King. These inquisitive little creatures can be spotted on rocky hillside nests or boat landings at giant colonies, depending on the season.

Admire the scenery from the water among the mangroves of Golfito Bay in Costa Rica, or on a guided tour of Lake Titicaca, where you may spot some of the 14 native fish species and 18 types of amphibian that live there.

Escorted by experienced local guides or Expedition Team members, you can get close to nature on scenic hiking trails through Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica or among spectacular fjords in Puerto Williams.

Go ashore to discover charming cities like Lima, Peru, resort towns like Iquique, and remote villages like Puerto Edén. Landings bring you to look for wildlife, such as on Isla de la Plata, or the days spent in the Galápagos archipelago where you’ll land on several different islands.

Our expedition boats are used for landings where the ship is unable to dock, and also for taking a scenic tour of the area. These small tender boats are crucial in attempting a landing on the legendary Cape Horn or for exploring the Chilean fjords and glaciers more closely.

Among the many optional excursions on offer, you can tour the ancient temples of Chan Chan, admire Mochican ceremonial pyramids, explore Torres del Paine National Park from Puerto Natales, or visit a banana plantation or petrified forest in Puerto Bolivar.

The region is home to over 2,500 native bird species that include brightly coloured tropical birds, birds of prey, and seabirds. Look for Darwin’s finches on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, the El Oro parakeet in Buenaventura nature reserve in Ecuador, or Humboldt penguins on Ballestas Island, Peru.

Visit Afro Colombians in Bahía Solano, ascend the Teleférico in the bustling Ecuadorian city of Quito, or see original Panama hats handwoven in the handicraft town of Montecristi. Head into Darien National Park to an indigenous Embera settlement in the jungle or meet the Uru people atop their floating islands made from reeds on Lake Titicaca.

The Expedition Teams conduct daily lectures and workshops on many relevant topics. Learn about indigenous Pre-Columbian civilisations, the history of the conquistadors and South America’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

During your expedition, you’ll have access to the ship’s Science Center, with its extensive library and scientific equipment.  Our Citizen Science projects let you explore the natural world  while also contributing data to international research studies.

On selected expedition cruises in South America, you’ll be able to connect with nature and get your energy flowing with our onboard yoga and meditation classes, run by a professional instructor. When the weather allows, this will take place out on deck.