South American Explorer: Temples, Jungles & the Panama Canal

‘Vibrant’ barely captures this incredible city, capital and main port of Peru, and one of South America’s most thrilling cities. From incredible gastronomy, ancient monuments and world-class museums, the Peruvian capital offers experiences to wow even the most seasoned traveller! After embarking the vessel in the afternoon and completing the required safety briefings and drills, join your fellow explorers on the outer decks and toast your expedition as we sail out from the port of Callao, on course for adventure! 

Salaverry is a modern port, but it opens onto one of the Americas’ most layered cultural landscapes. Successive Indigenous peoples have inhabited this stretch of northern Peru for tens of thousands of years — the Moche, who raised the colossal mud-brick Huacas de Moche, the Temples of the Sun and Moon; the Chimú, who succeeded them; the Inca, who absorbed both; and finally the Spanish. Our shore excursion takes you deep into this archaeological wonderland, peeling back layer upon layer of an extraordinary human story.

As we approach the Equator, join your Expedition Team on the outer decks to watch for the abundant marine life of this region. The chilly Humboldt current sweeps up the Peruvian coast from Antarctica, bringing oxygen and nutrient-rich waters which nourish plankton. These in turn feed the anchoveta fish, which are feasted on by everything from whales to human beings. Watch the skies for sleek blue-footed boobies, elegant noddies and rapacious frigate birds! Alternately, join your Expedition Team in the Theatre to expand your mind and learn from our onboard experts about the ecology, culture and incredible history of this bountiful region. 

Sitting in a wide bay just above the Equator, Puerto Lopez brims with life above and below the water. Known as a beach destination throughout South America, Puerto Lopez is famous for its golden beaches, lively fisheries and the wildlife which comes to enjoy nature’s bounty. Humpback whales are common seasonal visitors and frigate birds and pelicans loiter around the water ready to snap up any scraps. Puerto Lopez is also the gateway to the vast forests of Machalilla National Park, an internationally important wetland which brims with incredible animal and plant life. Spend your first day in Ecuador exploring this incredible wilderness, led by expert local guides. 

The great city of Manta is one of Ecuador’s largest ports – while relatively unknown outside the country, most people will have eaten tuna which is caught and processed in this bustling city. Manta is also home to the legendary toquilla straw hat which is by far the most popular souvenir for visitors and still handmade in the nearby town of Montecristi – just don’t call it a Panama hat! Manta is also the centre of Ecuador’s valuable chocolate industry – indeed, this is where the world’s favourite treat originated, and Indigenous people in the area have been enjoying cacao for thousands of years. Prepare your tastebuds!

Days are sea are never dull and are the perfect opportunity to refresh and indulge the mind and body. Join your Expedition Team in the Theatre to hear expertly crafted lectures relevant to your destination or join them on the outer decks to watch for wildlife. Work up a sweat in the sleek onboard gym, or simply relax in our hot tubs and watch the soaring frigate birds accompany us on to our next destinations – the rich natural paradise of Colombia.

The coral-fringed sea fades into verdant mangrove forests and blends into the forested mountains beyond. This is Utria National Park, one of Colombia’s largest and most diverse National Parks. The diversity of this incredible natural wonderland needs to be seen to be believed – over 380 species of birds are recorded from the park, as well as a huge variety of mammals including primates, sloths and jaguars, as well as incredible numbers of amphibians and reptiles. The marine environment is no less diverse, holding vast coral reefs, sea turtles and over 180 species of fish. The park is also the home of the Indigenous Emberá people, who have lived in this Eden since time immemorial, and whose rich culture and traditions are as vibrant today as they have ever been. 

Between the balmy equatorial Pacific and the impenetrable jungle lies Bahia Solano. A world away from the metropolises of Medellín and Bogota, this sleepy village could be another world entirely! Sapphire waterfalls cascade down the mossy mountains and drooping flowers perfume the air – with no buildings higher than a palm tree, this charming town exists in harmony with its tropical surroundings. Far off the well-beaten tourist trail, Bahía Solano is one of the best places in South America to experience nature, with jungles, coral reefs and hiking trails easily accessed from town, stewarded largely by guides belonging to the Indigenous Emberá people. 

No other piece of global infrastructure carries quite as much significance as the Panama Canal. Constructed by American companies between 1904 and 1914, the Canal revolutionized global transport, reducing journey times and eliminating the need to transit the dangerous waters of Cape Horn and the Magellan Straits – now, transiting between oceans takes mere hours! During our transit, you will have ample opportunity to admire this engineering marvel, which includes the vast artificial Lake Gatun. Despite its commercial significance, the lake is surprisingly beautiful and brims with wildlife, including monkeys, and a plethora of tropical birds. As we exit the Canal, toast your successful package and look back upon your thrilling expedition at the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party.

Please note that while we will make every effort to ensure that passage can be secured through the Panama Canal on the stated day, intervention from the Panama Canal Authority may alter the date and time of our intended passage. 

Colón is the dynamic second city of Panama, and the country’s gateway to the Atlantic Ocean – and indeed gateway to the Pacific for the vast number of vessels lining up to transit the canal. After a fond farewell to your fellow explorers and the Expedition Team and Crew of Discoverer, descend the gangway back to dry land, ready to return home from nearby Panama City airport, or continue to explore vibrant central America.