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 such as Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica, or rich archipelagos such as 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. Many of its countless plant and animal species are 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 much more.

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

Long before colonial powers arrived, great Pre-Columbian indigenous civilizations ruled the region, including the Moche, Chimú, Quechua, and the most famous of all: the Inca. Discover the ancient ruins of city complexes, imposing fortresses, and pyramid temples used to worship the sun. The area around Pisco, near Nazca, is known for its mysterious geoglyphs. Meanwhile, few sites are as iconic or as impressive as Machu Picchu, found high above the Sacred Valley.

Spanish conquistadors arrived to the continent in the late 1400s and 1500s, bringing colonial influences that inspired the architecture that continues to charm visitors. See the best examples of the Neo-Colonial style in UNESCO-listed Valparaíso, in La Serena (Chile’s ‘City of Churches’), and the World Heritage historic center of Lima.

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 up to 6.5 feet in length. Two species are endemic to the Galápagos Islands: the marine iguana and the endangered pink land iguana, of which fewer than 200 remain.

With over 3,000 bird species, South America is one of the world’s best destinations for avid birdwatchers. Over 2,500 are endemic to the region, such as the tropical Toco Toucan, the El Oro Parakeet and the Scarlet Macaw.

Humpback whales are one of the most easily recognized large whales, and flock to the warm waters off the coast of South America. With their round heads covered in bumps (tubercles), they can reach up to 46 feet long and live up to 50 years.

Patagonia is home to five species of penguin: Magellanic, Humboldt, Gentoo, Southern Rockhopper, and King. Spot these inquisitive little creatures on rocky hillside nests or in giant colonies during small boat (RIB) landings, 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 experience nature up close 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, resort towns like Iquique, and remote villages like Puerto Edén. Landings bring you close to wildlife, such as on Isla de la Plata, or during the days we spend in the Galápagos Archipelago, where you’ll land on several different islands.

We use our small boats (RIBs) for landings when the ship is unable to dock, and also for taking scenic tours. These small boats (RIBs) are crucial for landing on the legendary Cape Horn or for more closely exploring Chilean fjords and glaciers.

Among the many optional shore 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 Bolívar.

The region is home to over 2,500 native bird species, including brightly colored 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 in Peru.

Visit Afro-Colombians in Bahía Solano, ride the teleférico (cable car) up the mountain in the bustling Ecuadorian city of Quito, or see original Panama hats handwoven in the handicraft town of Montecristi. Head to the jungle in Darién National Park to visit an indigenous Emberá settlement, or meet the Uru people on Lake Titicaca, atop their floating islands made from reeds.

The Expedition Team conducts daily lectures and workshops on a number of relevant topics. Learn about indigenous Pre-Columbian civilizations, the history of the conquistadors, and South America’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

During your expedition, enjoy access to the extensive library and scientific equipment in the ship’s Science Center.  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, connect with nature and get your energy flowing with our onboard yoga and meditation classes, run by a professional yoga instructor. Weather permitting, these sessions will take place on deck.