Embarking at Colón

Explore Colón and Panama's rainforests

Your expedition cruise begins in the vibrant city of Colón, at the Atlantic coast entrance to the Panama Canal.

You may want to explore before your expedition begins. We offer two fantastic Pre-Programmes: four days discovering the rainforest by the Chagres River, including a visit to a sloth sanctuary, or a chance to visit the locks at Miraflores on the Panama Canal.

Then you'll board your expedition ship, perfect for taking you to visit remote coastal communities. Take time to settle into your cabin, explore the ship and meet the Expedition Team.

Through the Panama Canal

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 80 km 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 of the canal, we'll enter the Gatun Lake section, one of the world's largest artificial lakes. The surrounding verdant rainforest flourishes here undisturbed. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, alligators, monkeys and even sloths.

After 12 hours, we'll emerge into the Pacific, passing from one great ocean to another in just a day.

Relax at sea

Learning, relaxing and stargazing at sea

You'll be spoilt for choice as our expedition cruise continues to Ecuador. Try the gym or Wellness Centre, take a soak in the outdoor pool or hot tubs, or head for the observation deck to watch for marine wildlife like whales, dolphins and sea birds.

The Expedition Team will be on hand in the Science Center to share their deep knowledge of the region. You can also support global research and conservation by getting involved in one of our Citizen Science projects.

End the day stargazing out on deck with the Expedition Team, or settle comfortably in the Explorer Lounge & Bar to raise a glass with newfound friends.

Made in Montecristi

Discover the birthplace of Panama hats... in Ecuador

It's not every day you get the chance to seek King Neptune's blessing, yet that's what we'll do in a traditional ceremony as we cross the Equator early in the morning.

Later, we'll visit the handicrafts town of Montecristi on an included tour, where you can buy a genuine Panama hat, expertly handwoven from the leaves of the jipijapa tree. You'll be able to buy the hats from local artisans and see their workshops.

You can browse the stalls in the pretty plaza, admire the architecture of the church, or take in the colourful street art and murals. We'll also visit the archaeological museum in Manta.

Bountiful Puerto Bolivar

A bustling port with a charming atmosphere

We have a colourful day ahead, exploring Puerto Bolivar, a port in the city of Machala, exporting coffee, cocoa, shrimp and bountiful bananas.

Feast on delicious fresh seafood at a harbour restaurant on our included tour, taking in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli. We'll also discover Machala's markets, plazas and Casa de la Cultura Museum.

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 world's largest areas of fossilised trees.

Learning and leisure

Learn how to capture your adventure on camera

Your Expedition Team includes an onboard photographer, who will be happy to share tips on how to get the best shots. A day at sea is a great time to get some pointers. Or simply relax and enjoy the scenery as we cruise towards Peru. Watch out for friendly seabirds following our ship – our Expedition Team can help you identify different species. Enjoy delicious, locally-sourced food in our onboard restaurants and join our regular lectures in the Science Center. Topics might include pre-Colombian history, local geology, and the folklore of native communities.

Trujillo and Chan Chan

Explore Trujillo's ancient kingdoms

Salaverry is the gateway to Peru’s third largest city, Trujillo. Colourful Trujillo has a Baroque cathedral, colonial churches and neoclassical mansions, as well as one of the world’s longest mosaic murals.

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.

You'll also enjoy today’s included activity – an onboard performance of the Marinera, a traditional Peruvian dance. If the weather conditions allow, you'll be in for some fantastic experiences today!

From Callao to Cusco

Inland towards Cusco and the Sacred Valley

After a week cruising the Pacific Coast, we arrive in Callao around noon. Here we'll say goodbye to your expedition ship and embark on the next exciting stage of your South American adventure – Machu Picchu.

From Lima, you'll catch a flight to Cusco, the old capital of the Inca Empire, around 3,400 metres above sea level. Then we'll head to the Tambo del Inka Resort in the Sacred Valley for dinner and a restful night before our visit to Machu Picchu tomorrow.

Mystical Machu Picchu

Discover the Lost City of the Incas

Start your day in the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Then we’ll board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu, enjoying brunch while the breathtaking Andean scenery passes by.

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.

You’ll enjoy the trails around the city, admire the precision Incan stonework and maybe meet friendly local llamas. This is a one-of-a-kind day at a truly special destination.

Cusco, city of the Incas

Heart of the Incan empire

After breakfast, we head back to Cusco to visit Sacsayhuamán, a fortress and temple complex overlooking the city. From here, the views of Cusco and the sacred Inca summits of Ausangate, Pachatusán and Cinca are glorious.

The enormous stones used to build Sacsayhuamán fit together entirely without mortar. Remnants of Inca civilisation and culture are all around, including their Sun temple Koricancha – Cusco’s spiritual heart – forming the foundations of the impressive Santa Domingo Church.

After taking in the splendid Baroque style Cusco Cathedral and lunch, we'll fly to Lima, where you can enjoy Peru's capital at your leisure. We recommend heading to the lively neighbourhood of Barranco for bars and restaurants.

Lima's UNESCO treasures

Your expedition ends in Peru's historic capital

Our expedition ends in Lima, once known as 'The City of Kings'. It's well worth taking a day or two to explore this exciting city.

Lima's historical centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a jewel of Spanish architecture, from colonial churches and monasteries to elegant mansions. You'll also see Lima's Incan heritage in the ruins of ceremonial pyramids Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca.

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, before you leave.