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.
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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
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Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
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Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
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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.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 142 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 142 reviews on
23 hours ago
Excellent trip saw much more than would have seen with out Adventure Life's help.
Anonymous traveler
2 days ago
Erin made things easier than I thought possible. So good at answering questions in a timely manner and explaining all. I feel she looks out for me.
Fran Folkman
2 days ago
Very personable and knowledgeable! Able to answer questions and provide advice based on personal experiences.
Robert Thompson
2 days ago
Erin is a seasoned travel planner and is very personable. She is a good listener and uses our questions and concerns to make the trip just as we want it. She is very good at moving the booking process along and meticulous with the details.
This is why we came back to have her plan this trip for us.
Lynn Oveson
2 days ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.