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Darien Jungle of Panama

Cultures of Northern Peru and Biodiversity

Callao - Panama City - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard SH Diana
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Embark on an unforgettable 11-day cruise through Northern Peru. Starting from Lima's bustling metropolis, where the renowned culinary scene awaits. Delight in ceviche, Peru's classic dish, and explore the UNESCO World Heritage historic center, showcasing colonial-era architecture and Inca ruins. Visit Isla Guanape for a wildlife expedition, spotting pelicans, penguins, and sea lions. Uncover the ancient wonders of Salaverry and Machala, home to magnificent archaeological sites. Discover the untouched beauty of Isla de la Plata, flourishing with diverse bird species. Immerse yourself in the lush rainforests of Utria National Park and the authentic Emberá tribe in the Darien Jungle. Conclude your journey in Panama City, marveling at the engineering feat of the Panama Canal.
Callao, PeruWelcome to TrujilloPlaza de Armas in TrujilloThe jungle terrain of DarienMiraflores Locks in the Panama CanalPlaza del Armas - LimaPlaza del Armas - LimaDarien Jungle of Panama
Highlights
  • Encounter diverse wildlife, including blue-footed boobies and Humboldt penguins.
  • Explore the Darien Jungle and meet the indigenous Emberá, the world's most remote people.
  • Discover some of Latin America's best-preserved archaeological sites, including the Moche civilization
  • Visit Isla Guanape is a breeding ground of seabirds and sea lions
  • Wander through the Plaza de Armas, one of the most iconic city squares
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: Callao, Lima

Arrive in Callao, Lima. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*specific hotel and location to be announced

Day 2: Callao, Lima

Situated on a strip of desert between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains is Peru’s capital city of Lima. The city is served by the seaport of Callao, where you will be boarding your boutique cruise ship. The bustling metropolis of Lima has much to offer, but not least of all its internationally renowned culinary scene. There are many award-winning eateries to explore and local dishes to sample. A local favorite is a ceviche, fresh fish marinated in tangy lime juice and other seasonings.

Day 3: Isla Guanape

Located a few miles off the Peruvian coast, Isla Guanape is a breeding ground for huge populations of seabirds and sea lions. Consisting of four separate islands, the area was formerly exploited for guano (for fertilizer). The islands are now protected, and the harvesting of guano is strictly regulated. Search for wildlife, including pelicans, boobies, Humboldt penguins, and Southern sea lions, along the coastline of the islands on our zodiac expedition boats.

Day 4: Salaverry

The port of Salaverry is the gateway to the very best of pre-Incan Peru. Just a short distance away you’ll find Peru’s northern capital, Trujillo. Here you can wander through the Plaza de Armas, one of the most iconic city squares in the country. The vibrant red and blue buildings date back to the 16th century. Surrounding the city you’ll find an array of archaeological ruins, some of which are the best preserved in the country. The Moche civilization flourished in Peru from 1-750AD, leaving several incredible relics in its wake. 

Day 5: At Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea allows you to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our onboard lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 6: Puerto Bolivar (Machala)

You will arrive in Ecuador today via the charming port city of Machala. Feast on local seafood at one of the many harbor restaurants, wander around the quaint plazas and get to know the friendly locals. The city is surrounded by banana plantations, the region’s most famous export. Today leave the city behind as you explore the Buenaventura Reserve located within a pristine cloud forest. The region is home to over 130 species of hummingbird alongside many other bird species. You will also have the option to visit a local banana plantation.

Day 7: Isla de la Plata

Also known as the Silver Island, the uninhabited Isla de la Plata allegedly derives its moniker from the centuries-old, buried treasure of Sir Francis Drake. Although no treasure has ever been found, what the island lacks in buried silver it makes up for in biodiversity. Rivaling the Galapagos Islands in its wildlife offerings, the island is home to the same dry, tropical environment. The variety of fauna is also similar, with over 32 species of bird living here. As you explore the island and surrounding waters, look out for more blue-footed boobies and more

Day 8: At sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea allows you to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our onboard lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 9: Utria National Park, Ensenada De Utria

The area is one of the world's wettest regions, with around 10,000 millimeters of rainfall per year. Utria National Park’s forested area has rich and diverse fauna and flora with seven different mangrove species along its shore. You will have the option to explore the national park on a rainforest or mangrove walk. The national park also overlaps the territory of the Emberà indigenous people. There are also fishing villages of Afro-Colombian people along the coastline whom you may come across as you explore the area.

Day 10: Darien Jungle, Playa Del Muertro

Today visit visit the authentic Emberá tribe in the Darien Jungle, who rarely receive outside visitors. After a briefing on local customs, you’ll meet the indigenous people, explore their village and maybe play volleyball with locals. Learn how the Emberá relies on the jungle, using its plants for food, medicine and clothing. This unique visit offers an immersive look at an ancient culture still thriving in the Panamanian wilderness.

Day 11: Fuetre Amador, Panama City | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Located west of Panama City, at the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal, Fuerte Amador is a manmade causeway, constructed with material excavated from the canal. Before boarding your boutique cruise ship, be sure to stop in at the Miraflores Locks’ visitor’s center. Here you will learn about the impressive engineering that went into building this legendary waterway. Watch the mighty barges make their way through the canal from the panoramic observation deck.

Ship/Hotel

SH Diana

SH Diana
SH Diana Observation Lounge
SH Diana Swan Nest

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
SH Diana Oceanview D4
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Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Diana Oceanview M4
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Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Diana Balcony D5
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Balcony D5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
SH Diana Balcony M5
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Balcony M5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
SH Diana Balcony D6
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Balcony D6
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
SH Diana Junior Suite
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Junior Suite
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
SH Diana Suite
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Suite
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
SH Diana Premium Suite
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Premium Suite
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Room Service 
  • Wifi
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
  • Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation

Map

When to Go

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Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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