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.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Select a Date
Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
Select a Date
Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
Select a Date
Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
Select a Date
Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.