Modern, bustling San José boasts a vibrant art scene and beautiful European-inspired architecture. Visit the fine museums of gold and jade on your overnight stay here.

Bocas del Toro, an archipelago of 9 islands, 52 cays and thousands of islets, is a colourful place, full of Caribbean-style clapboard houses. The area is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Panama's first National Marine Park. Considered the 'Galapagos of the Caribbean', Bocas del Toro is also one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. 

The village of Playa Muerto is set in the secluded Darién National Park and in one of the most remote corners of Central America. The tranquil village is surrounded by lush, green tropical forest and beautiful beaches. Its population of about 200 indigenous people belong to the Emberá Tribe. Due to its remote and difficult to reach location, the community has only a handful of visitors each year which they receive with joy and genuine curiosity.

The community is proud of their cultural heritage and the beauty of their pristine shorelines and the impressive vegetation that surrounds them. As their guests, you will enjoy cultural performances with music and dance, learn about their traditional crafts and have the opportunity to try some of their typical foods based on seafood and coconut water. You can also enjoy the magnificent flora and fauna whilst taking walks along the beach or a swim in the waterfall near the village.

Machalilla National Park is Ecuador’s only coastal national park, often known as Ecuador’s "Other Galapagos" because of its abundance of marine birdlife. Isla de la Plata is home to blue-footed boobies, nesting waved albatrosses and frigate birds among many others. The island is great for hikers, has plenty of birdwatching trails and offers great swimming and snorkelling. 

The small port of Salaverry is the starting point for the excursion to the ancient Chimu kingdom (700-1400 AD), who founded their capital by the banks of the Moche River. Chan Chan ("sun-sun") covers an area of 20 square km and was built using clay, mud, pebbles, straw and cane. It is considered the largest mud-brick citadel of the Americas in pre-Hispanic times, a remarkable piece of architecture that was listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1986. 

The historic Peruvian capital was established by Spanish conquistadores in 1542, with significant churches, monasteries, and mansions constructed in that era. Today, Lima´s historic centre is recognized as a World Heritage Site. 

Join one of our excursions to enjoy the city´s art museums, archaeological sites, beaches, and boardwalk, and savour the exquisite cuisine that gives Peru’s capital its unique personality. 

Days at sea means you can join the expedition team for interesting lectures, learn the basics of expedition photography, and spend time out on deck to enjoy the fresh salt air as you scout for wildlife. Of course, there’s also plenty time to chat with fellow explorers, or just find yourself a quiet corner to enjoy the deep peace of a day at sea.

We make our way south to Valparaiso, and the Expedition team will continue their lecture programme.