Vibrant Quito

Begin your adventure in this historic equatorial city

Your expedition starts in Quito, high up in the foothills of the Ecuadorian Andes and straddling the Equator, where it feels like springtime year-round. Beneath Quito's bustling, modern façade lie its ancient Incan roots.

Quito's UNESCO-listed Old Town, the largest and best-preserved historical centre in the Americas, blends Spanish colonial architecture, with Moorish and indigenous influences.

Once you've settled into your hotel, you'll want to head out and explore. See the splendid period buildings and colonial era churches lining narrow, cobbled streets.

Discover Ecuador's capital

Stand on the 'true' Equator

At our first stop, the Intiñan Museum, you'll discover gravitational effects that only occur at the Equator. You'll see totem poles, and learn about the customs and folklore of indigenous Quechua-speaking tribes.

Then it's time to ascend the Teleférico, one of Quito’s most popular attractions. It's just a 10-minute cable car ride, but quite a rush as you shoot up to an altitude of 13,287 feet. Enjoy incredible views of Quito, the surrounding valleys and volcanoes.

You'll return to Quito for lunch in the charming colonial quarter, before enjoying a sightseeing tour of the area.

Santa Cruz Island

Learn about wildlife conservation in the Galápagos

Prepare to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands as we fly to Baltra Island, where you'll be met and taken to Santa Cruz Island. You'll travel through wild landscapes, home to many species of flora and fauna.

Once settled into your hotel, you'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. You'll see native giant land tortoises and the finches that inspired Darwin's 'Theory of Evolution'.

Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure. Visit the local craft shops of pretty Puerto Ayora. Or walk to Tortuga Bay to look for iguanas, crabs and white-tip reef sharks.

Galápagos island hopping

One of the planet's most fascinating ecological sites

All of the Galápagos Islands have a wealth of biodiversity to discover. To protect their delicate ecology, park authorities regulate the number of visitors. We'll be assigned two islands to visit over two days.

You may see Bartolomé Island's dramatic Pinnacle Rock and rare Galápagos penguin colony. Or spot Blue-footed Boobies and magnificent frigatebirds on North Seymour. 

Beautiful Santa Fe is home to lounging sea lions, while land iguanas roam among cacti on South Plaza Island. You might see brightly coloured marine iguanas on Floreana or wild tortoises on Isabela.

Wherever we go, you'll enjoy the precious opportunity to learn about the extraordinary geology, history and wildlife of the islands up close. 

From Baltra to Lima

A spot of sightseeing on the way back to Lima

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head to Baltra airport, making a stop on the way to see 'The Twins' or Los Gemelos. Although they look like volcanic craters, the two depressions are actually a pair of sinkholes in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island.

Then it's time to catch your flight to Lima, via Guayaquil. Once you get there, a transfer will take you to your hotel in the city, where you'll enjoy dinner before spending the night.

Historic Lima

Discover UNESCO treasures in the 'City of Kings'

Rich in history, Lima is a fascinating city to explore. After breakfast, we'll set out on a half-day city sightseeing tour, including a visit to the city's UNESCO-listed historic centre.

Highlights include Casa Aliaga, a nearly 500-year-old mansion, and the well-preserved Santo Domingo Convent. We'll lunch at a typical Peruvian restaurant where you can try ceviche, fresh fish marinated in lime juice and other seasonings.

We finish at the Callao quayside, where your ship awaits. Once you've settled in, it's time to meet your Expedition Team and fellow guests, as we set sail for more adventures.

Trujillo and Chan Chan

Discover Trujillo's ancient kingdoms

Salaverry is the gateway port to discover Peru’s third largest city, Trujillo, and some fascinating archaeological sites. If the weather conditions allow, you'll be in for some fantastic experiences today.

Colourful Trujillo boasts a Baroque cathedral, Colonial churches and Neoclassical mansions, as well as one of the longest mosaic murals in the world.

Nearby are the vast ancient ruins of the Chimu city of Chan Chan, dating back to 900 CE. On the other side of Trujillo, you'll find the Mochican pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, that pre-date Chan Chan.

A leisurely day at sea

Relax and unwind as we cruise towards Ecuador

As we leave Peru, you'll have the chance to enjoy the many onboard facilities, visit the Science Center and join the Expedition Team for lectures on the sights you'll be seeing next.

If you want to unwind, head to the Wellness Centre and indulge in a soothing treatment. If the warm breeze hasn't opened your pores, take some time to enjoy the sauna and outdoor hot tubs. You can even take part in a guided meditation class.

However you choose to spend your day, you'll be rested and ready for the adventures ahead.

Bountiful Puerto Bolivar

A bustling port with a charming atmosphere

We have a colourful day ahead, exploring Puerto Bolivar, a port in the city of Machala that exports coffee, cocoa, shrimp and bountiful bananas.

Feast on delicious fresh seafood at a harbour restaurant, taking in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli – and discover Machala's markets, plazas and Casa de la Cultura Museum on our included tour.

As an optional excursion, you can visit a banana plantation and try to spot hummingbirds, parakeets and howler monkeys in Buenaventura Nature Reserve. Nearby Puyango Petrified Forest is one of the largest areas of fossilised trees in the world.

Machalilla National Park

Dry forests, wonderful wildlife and archeological sites

Machalilla National Park is a truly special place. With its beautiful dry forests and protected wetlands, this stretch of coastline is home to more than 270 bird and 81 mammal species.

We plan to anchor off the long sandy beach at the fishing village of Puerto López, using our small expedition boats to land.

The park is also something of an outdoor museum of pre-Columbian history, thanks to the ancient Machalilla culture that used to thrive here. On our included excursion, we'll visit the Agua Blanca archeological site, taking in spectactular wildlife and scenery along the way.

Manta and Montecristi

Discover the birthplace of Panama hats... in Ecuador

Manta is a lively port city with a long history of fishing that has brought the city prosperity. You'll find wild shrimp, black clams, and red snapper at many local restaurants. Manta is most famous for its tuna, which we recommend trying in the encebollado broth.

Head to Playa el Murcielago for the lively shops and eateries of Malencón Escénico, or learn about pre-Colombian civilisation at the Museo Municipal Etnografico Cancebi.

The handicraft centre of Montecristi is also nearby. Perhaps surprisingly, this Ecuadorian town where the Panama hat was first created, and is still hand woven here to this day.

Crossing the Equator

Enjoy a quirky seafaring tradition

As our expedition cruise continues towards Panama, you'll have time to enjoy more lectures from the Expedition Team, and brush up on your photography or art skills. You can also take samples gathered on our cruise to analyse under our Science Center microscopes.

As we cross the Equator, you can seek Neptune's blessing in a short ceremony. Don't be shy, it's a Norwegian sailors’ tradition.

After spending time out on deck, you can join fellow explorers, bonding over common interests and a passion for nature in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or enjoy some fine dining in our onboard restaurants.

Island idyll of Cebaco

Traditional island life off the beaten track

We continue our cruise to Cebaco, a hidden gem of an island. The only way here is by sea, but with no regular ferries, it's untouched by development or mass tourism. The only human settlement is the small village of El Jobo in the north.

Wind your way round miles of pristine beaches, like Playa Grande to the south, with its soft white sands and coconut trees. Or hike through rainforest trails and enjoy the peace while looking out for wildlife.

The Gulf of Montijo, surrounding the island, is a nationally protected marine zone. You can enjoy exceptional snorkelling here, spotting colourful fish among the coral reefs.

Wildlife of Golfito

Abundant nature in Piedras Blancas National Park

Our expedition cruise reaches Costa Rica. Here in relaxed, blissful Golfito is the gateway to Piedras Blancas National Park. Follow the rainforest trails through the wildlife refuge. Among the lush rainforest, you’ll discover waterfalls, and spy toucans, macaws, blue morpho butterflies, anteaters, sloths and mantled howler monkeys.

The calm waters here are perfect for a kayaking tour, exploring local mangroves and isolated beaches as part of an optional excursion. Or go shopping in the town's duty-free centre. Then enjoy views from the marinas, where anglers head out in pursuit of the prized Pacific Sailfish.

Quepos and Manuel Antonio

Explore beautiful Manuel Antonio

Quepos is popular with visitors, offering everything from water sports and big game fishing to eateries and shopping. Its biggest attraction by far is the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll visit today.

One of Costa Rica’s most popular parks, it ranks 12 in the Forbes list of most beautiful national parks in the world. With spectacular views of mountains, mangroves, lagoons, beaches, and forest, the park is home to 350 bird and 109 mammal species.

Follow the breathtaking Perezoso trail to spot Scarlet Macaws, toucans, hawks, four species of monkey, sloths, iguanas and armadillos.

Arrival in Puntarenas

Enjoy Costa Rican coastal life before heading home

Your South American expedition cruise concludes in Puntarenas, a Costa Rican city on a needle of land jutting into the Pacific Ocean. If you have time, stroll down the palm-lined Paseo de los Turistas and soak up the sights and sounds of the promenade.

Before returning home, why not join one of our Post-Programmes. You can visit the magnificent Arenal Volcano Area where you’ll see more of Costa Rica’s beautiful flora and fauna. Or enjoy a jungle boat tour and discover the Costa Rican capital of San José.