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Making your way through the Panama Canal.

Coastal Treasures from the Panama Canal to Peru

Example 13 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer
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Explore the stunning coastline and historical interior of South America on this 13-day small ship cruise from Panama to Peru. Begin your journey in Panama City and board the National Geographic Explorer. Cross the legendary Panama Canal and head south on your way to Islas las Perlas, Darien, Bahia Solano, and more. Experience the rich and varied cultures as you sail across the borders of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, and fall in love with the friendly locals and ever-changing scenery.
The jungle terrain of DarienEnjoying a parrotRuins of Chan ChanAerial view of a plaza in Lima.Making your way through the Panama Canal.
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Panama City / Embark in Colón

Arrive in Panama City and drive to the pier in Colon to board the National Geographic Explorer. Settle in to your cabin, then begin your adventure with a passage through the Gatun Locks.

Day 2: Panama Canal

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Admire the new canal locks which are under construction on the Panama Canal, and enjoy your choice of excursions: birdwatching, visiting the World Heritage site of Portobelo, or seeing the historic Fort San Lorenzo at the mouth of the Chagres River. Following your excursion, complete the transit of the Panama Canal. The Canal, surrounded by tropical rainforest, is an amazing feat of engineering.

Day 3: Islas las Perlas

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail for the Islas las Perlas, a small cluster of islands that offer wonderful opportunities for exploring by foot or by Zodiac.

Day 4: Darien Region

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The dense tropical forests of the Darien Gap confounded the builders of the Pan American Highway, who were unable to extend the road across this wild natural barrier. Today, it remains a forest wilderness. Travel up one of the many freshwater channels into a Darien village and meet some of its inhabitants, the Emberá Indians, who are known for their traditional lifestyle and colorful basket weaving.

Day 5: Bahia Solano, Colombia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive off the coast of Colombia and drop anchor at the tranquil town of Bahía Solano. Spend the day exploring, with a choice of activities including a walking tour of town, a visit to the botanical gardens in search of birdlife, and chances to swim, snorkel or dive.

Day 6: Utria National Park

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Utría consists of primary rain forest in a gorgeous seaside setting with mangrove swamps, estuaries, and coral reefs. Choose between several activities, including forest walks in search of birds, wildlife and rare botanical species; a walk along the mangroves; a hike to a remote waterfall; and kayaking and snorkeling opportunities.

Day 7: Isla Gorgona

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Gorgona is a remote island national park that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the ruins of the penal colony which existed between 1959 and 1984, and look for wildlife that includes the endemic blue anole lizard, monkeys, brown boobies and a host of others.

Day 8: Galera-San Francisco Reserve, Ecuador

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The new Galera-San Francisco marine reserve
protects 135,000 acres of prolific waters. Search for whales—humpbacks, orcas, and sperm and pilot whales—along with sharks and sea turtles.

Day 9: Isla de la Plata and Puerto Lopez

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located 25 miles offshore, Isla de la Plata is renowned as "Ecuador’s other Galápagos." The island is an important breeding site for seabirds, including magnificent frigatebirds and blue-footed and Nazca boobies, as well as sea lions. Hike along the trails and explore the surroundings by Zodiac. In Puerto López, choose from several activities that are focused on the region’s history, or spend time with the ship's naturalists exploring Machalilla National Park.

Day 10: Isla Santa Clara, Ecuador

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Santa Clara is a rocky island surrounded by jagged outcrops, with a lighthouse and plants characteristic of the dry climate. It is a vitally important nesting ground for thousands of seabirds including blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigatebirds. The waters are also important for marine mammals.

Day 11: Isla Lobos de Tierra, Peru

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend a peaceful day exploring islands abundant with marine life, including sea lion colonies, on foot and via Zodiac and kayak.

Day 12: Trujillo & Chan Chan

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The intriguing desert oasis city of Trujillo was founded by Pizarro in 1536, and still exudes Spanish colonial charm. Following your visit, venture nearby into the sacred Moche Valley, the center of the ancient Moche culture which dates back nearly 2,000 years.View the famous Temple of the Moon, which was discovered by archaeologists after being covered by desert sands. Later, explore the ancient imperial city of Chan Chan, once the world’s largest adobe city and today a World Heritage site.

Day 13: Disembark in Lima

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship after breakfast and set out to explore Lima's golden past, visiting the colonial market, the Indian market, and the Larco Herrera Museum. Check in to a day room or transfer to the airport for your continued independent journeys.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer's dining room.
Relax in the luxurious sauna aboard the National Geographic Explorer.
Relax in the National Geographic Explorer's lounge.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
National Geographic Explorer's Category 1 Cabin.
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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
National Geographic Explorer's Category 2 Cabin.
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Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 3 Cabin.
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Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 4 Cabin.
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Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 5 Upper Deck Cabin.
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Cat 5
Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 6 Cabin.
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Cat 6
Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213.
Luxurious Catagory 8 Suite
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Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230.
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
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Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window.
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
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Cat SB
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208.

Notes

Travelers under the age of 18 save $500 per person.
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider

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