Cultures & Wilds of Peru, Utria and the Darien - South America Cruise

Lima, Peru's capital, sits between the Pacific Ocean and Andes Mountains with the seaport of Callao. The bustling city’s enowned culinary scene features a local favourite, ceviche. The UNESCO World Heritage historic centre features colonial-era architecture including Plaza Mayor and San Francisco Monastery. Nearby, the clay ruins of ceremonial pyramids, Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca, offer a glimpse of the Inca civilization's history.

A breeding ground for seabirds and sea lions, Isla Guanape lies a few miles off the Peruvian coast. Consisting of four separate islands, the area was exploited for guano (for fertiliser). The islands are now protected, and the harvesting of guano is strictly regulated. A few building relics remain scattered around from the guano-mining days. Wildlife, including pelicans, boobies, Humboldt penguins and Southern sea lions, live along the coastline.

The port of Salaverry is the gateway to Peru's pre-Incan past, with the best of Peru's rich archaeological heritage. Surrounding well-preserved ruins include incredible relics of the 1st- to 8th-century Moche, like the mud pyramids of Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna. Ancient Chan Chan, once housing 60,000 under the Chimú Empire, was the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas. Nearby Trujillo features the 16th-century Plaza de Armas.

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 gives you the opportunity 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 on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Puerto Bolívar, a charming port city, serves as the gateway to Machala. Local cuisine features fresh seafood, including ceviche, baked sea bass (corvina al horno) and shrimp rice (arroz con camarón). Nearby, the Buenaventura Reserve is a cloud forest sanctuary, boasting over 130 hummingbird species and various other birds. The area is surrounded by banana plantations, the region's notable export, and Machala houses the Museum of Bananas.

Also known as the Silver Island, Isla de la Plata, though rumoured to hold Sir Francis Drake's buried treasure, has never yielded any such riches. Nevertheless, it is rich in biodiversity, comparable to the Galapagos Islands, with a similar dry, tropical environment. The island hosts a diverse array of wildlife, including over 32 bird species like blue-footed boobies, waved albatrosses, pelicans, gannets and frigate birds.

Today as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

One of the worlds' wettest regions, with around 10,000 mm 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. The national park also overlaps the territory of the Emberà indigenous people and fishing villages of Afro-Colombian people spread along the coastline. Both communities are strong conservationists and provide the local ecotourism services.

The authentic Emberá tribe live in the Darien Jungle, and rarely receive outside visitors.They rely on the jungle, using its plants for food, medicine and clothing. This is a unique opportunity to meet the indigenous people and discover their local customs.This visit offers an immersive look at an ancient culture still thriving in the Panamanian wilderness.

Fuerte Amador, the Panama Canal's Pacific terminus, lies at the end of a mile-long manmade causeway, built from the canal's waste materials. Nearby, Frank Gehry's colourful Biomuseo showcases Panama's biodiversity. Miraflores Locks' visitor centre tells the story of this legendary waterway. A short taxi ride away, modern Panama City has evolved around its two historic centres: the conquistador-era Panamá Viejo and 17th-century Casco Viejo.

Itineraries are subject to change.