Duration
16 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
9 Ports
19 November
Setting sail from Colón
Situated at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal, Colón takes its name from Christopher Columbus, known in Spanish as Cristóbal Colón, although it's hard to imagine the famous explorer would find much reason to linger here nowadays. Once a thriving port, the city is now in a state of seemingly terminal decline, its colonial architecture crumbling and the modern city beset by social problems. It's not somewhere you will want to hang around for long, and serves merely as a gateway to the Canal, which will carry you to much nicer places.
Our tip
The wildlife in the region is amazing, particularly the birds, so if you have the slightest interest then extend your stay in Panama.
20 November
At sea
21 November
Panama: San Miguel Bay (Punta Alegre)
22 November
Colombia: Utría National Park
Utría National Park, on Colombia’s Pacific coast, is exceptional in its diversity, comprising tropical rainforest, coral reefs, mangroves and beaches where sea turtles come to nest. Species to look out for include spider monkeys, anteaters and sloths, and you can sometimes see whales off the coast.
23 November
At sea
24 November
Ecuador: Isla de La Plata
Isla de la Plata, the ‘island of silver’, is said by some to be the site of Sir Francis Drake’s buried treasure. The island is also known as the ‘poor man’s Galapagos’ on account of its rich wildlife, including blue- and red-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, sea lions and humpback whales.
25 November
Peru: Trujillo (Salaverry)
Salaverry is the nearest port to Trujillo, northern Peru’s most important city. Located amongst the verdant Andean foothills, Trujillo is home to a host of beautiful colonial buildings, and is also known for the spectacular nearby ruins of Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian city in South America.
26-28 November
At sea
29 November
Peru: Lima (Callao)
Peru’s underrated capital enjoys a fine setting on the Pacific coast, and the handsome colonial-era buildings surrounding the Plaza de Armas give clues to Lima’s distinguished history; for three centuries this was the capital of the Spanish Americas, when the city grew rich on the back of plundered Inca gold.
30 November
Peru: Paracas
The port of Paracas is surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the ocean along a coastline of sandy beaches and spectacular cliffs teeming with birdlife. Look out for species including pink flamingos, Humboldt penguins and condors.
1-2 December
At sea
3 December
Chile: Isla Pan de Azúcar
Rugged Isla Pan de Azúcar (Sugarloaf Island) is best known for its resident population of some 2,000 Humboldt penguins. Other species to look out for include sea lions, marine otters, Peruvian boobies, pelicans, kelp gulls, turkey vultures and blackish oystercatchers.
4 December
At sea
5 December
Arriving in Valparaíso
Characterful, colourful and a little chaotic, the port city of Valparaíso enjoys a somewhat awkward setting, scattered across 45 vertiginous hills. Thanks to this difficult topography the city streets are punctuated by steep staircases and funicular elevators, and energetic explorers will be rewarded with wonderful views of the pastel hued buildings that hug the slopes. Valparaíso's most famous former resident was the great Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, and you can visit one of his former residences, La Sebastiana, which now houses a small museum.
Don't miss
Although there are museums and some great architecture, what you really mustn’t miss is the vibe of this quirky and characterful town, so take the time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the views.
Your home from home
The expedition ships from Hapag-Lloyd, Hanseatic Nature, Hanseatic Inspiration & Hanseatic Spirit, represent the perfect marriage of experience and innovation in adventure cruising.
What we love
The perfect combination of technical expertise and thoughtful design makes these ships stand out as very special additions to the expedition fleet. We are particularly excited that Hanseatic Inspiration will be a totally bilingual ship, showing Hapag-Lloyd's commitment to the English-speaking markets.
Capacity |
230 Guests (199 for Antarctic cruises) |
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Style |
Luxury expedition means a fresh and airy décor, great food, service and facilities, alongside technical expertise and 30 years of experience in operating the very best expedition cruises. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Stay a little longer in Panama
It’s not in Colón, but if you want to extend your stay we propose Isla Palenque, off the Pacific coast of Panama – tricky to get to, but not to be missed.
Explore the Panamian jungle
Take a canopy tour and swing between great trees, seeing the wildlife as you go. Watch out – it’s not for the faint-hearted!
Where to stay in Valparaíso
The 23 room Palacio Astoreca comprises two buildings, including a completely restored national monument.
Around Valparaíso
For contrast, visit clean and orderly Viña del Mar just up the coast.