From the Panama Canal to Peru
Aboard the Explorer
From $9,180 per person, based on double occupancy; single rates from $12,150.
See the brochure (pdf)
Trip Overview
Along the Pacific coast of South America, explore an exciting sequence of off-the-beaten track islands, part of the Eastern Pacific Marine Conservation Corridor. This area of protected ocean boasts three World Heritage Sites: Isla Malpelo, off the Colombian coast, the fabled treasure island of Cocos in Costa Rica and Isla Coiba National Park in Panama. The tour includes a crossing of the legendary Panama Canal, too.
Trip Itinerary
Sunday, October 19: U.S. / Panama City, Panama / Embark
Arrive in Panama City and drive to Colon, where we embark our ship. (L,D)
Monday, October 20: Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is an amazing feat of engineering. Each of the 1,000-foot lock chambers will raise our ship 27 feet at a time. Today’s schedule will be flexible, with other activities based around our transit. (Note: A daytime transit cannot be guaranteed.) (B,L,D)
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 21 & 22: Isla Coiba National Park / At sea
Explore one of the largest marine parks in the world. Look for orcas, whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles. Swim, kayak or snorkel among them, or go on hikes through the rain forest to seek out scarlet macaws; the island is one of the last places in Central America where they’re found in large numbers in the wild. A day at sea follows. (B,L,D)
Thursday & Friday, October 23 & 24: Cocos Island Nationa l Park, Costa Rica / At sea
Nearly 350 miles from the mainland, Cocos Island has deep waters, reefs and caves that attract dolphins, sharks and rays and hosts 30 coral species. Snorkel, kayak or take Zodiac rides through the clear waters, or walk with Naturalists through the rain forest. A day at sea follows. (B,L,D)
Saturday, October 25: Isla Malpelo, Colombia / At sea
In stark contrast to tropical Cocos, Isla Malpelo is a sheer rock rising from the sea with three high peaks—the highest of which is 1,000-foot, cloudwrapped Cerro de la Mona. We’ll tour a sanctuary that’s visited by red-billed tropic birds, red-footed boobies and frigate birds. (B,L,D)
Sunday, October 26: Machalilla National Park, Ecuador
Visit unspoiled beaches, a fog forest and a dry forest, plus important archaeological sites dating back to B.C. 3000 on nature walks along footpaths and an indigenous village trail. (B,L,D)
Monday & Tuesday, October 27 & 28: Isla de la Plata / Coastal Peru
Off the coast of Ecuador, the island’s dry tropical landscape gives way to sheer cliff walls. Explore by Zodiac or snorkel or hike, looking for blue-footed and Nazca boobies along the way. The next day, cruise along Coastal Peru in true expedition style, without a set itinerary. Stops will be planned around wildlife sightings. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, October 29: Lobos de Tierra
Sea lions slumber on rocky cliffs and nesting blue-footed booby populations are often studied by scientists on this seldom-visited Peruvian island. Explore by Zodiac and kayak. (B,L,D)
Thursday, October 30: Moche Valley, Chan Chan and Trujillo
See the Temples of the Sun and Moon, major archaeological sites built between B.C. 100 and A.D. 650 by an elite Moche culture. Explore the vast mud ruins of Chan Chan—the largest pre-Colombian city in South America—and the Spanish colonial city of Trujillo. (B,L,D)
Friday, October 31: Lima / Disembark
Explore Lima’s markets and Larco Herrera Museum. Have dinner aboard the ship before departing on an overnight flight home. (B,L,D)
Saturday, November 1: U.S.
Arrive home today.
Optional Extension
