fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Expedition South and Central America with Panama Canal

Expedition South and Central America with Panama Canal

From EUR €11,390

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print

Description

Eight countries, countless natural treasures – connected by the Panama Canal, a masterpiece of engineering. Lush green jungle, turquoise-blue sea and bright coral reefs compete with colourful wildlife. Testimonies of an eventful past complete this unforgettable cruise.

Trip Name
Expedition South and Central America with Panama Canal
Days
20
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 138 m Passenger Capacity: 230 Built: 2021 The expedition class combines the thrill of true exploration with the comfort of luxury cruising. Aboard the small yet ultra-modern expedition ships HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration, and HANSEATIC spirit, a maximum of 230 guests can venture deep into some of the world’s most remote and captivating regions — from icy polar landscapes to tropical islands. These vessels are purpose-built for discovery, featuring advanced technology, the highest ice class for passenger ships (PC 6), and an expert team of scientists and expedition leaders who turn every journey into an enriching experience. Whether gliding through ice fields, landing by Zodiac in untouched bays, or learning from onboard experts, guests are immersed in nature and culture at their purest. With over 30 years of expedition expertise, these voyages redefine adventure travel by blending knowledge, comfort, and sustainability. Guests enjoy world-class dining, elegant suites, and warm, attentive service while exploring regions inaccessible to larger ships. Every itinerary is designed to uncover hidden corners of the planet safely and respectfully — leaving only traces of curiosity behind. From close-up wildlife encounters to champagne toasts beside icebergs, each journey promises rare experiences and unforgettable memories, guided by a crew whose passion for discovery is matched only by their dedication to comfort and care.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Tue, 23.03.2027 Callao (Lima)/Peru
Departure 17.00 hrs
Day 2 - Wed, 24.03.2027 Relaxation at sea
a:0:{}
Day 3 - Thu, 25.03.2027 Paita
In Peru, your expedition will be characterised by the former Spanish conquistadors. Let your experts on board get you in the mood for this moving history. All of Peru’s territories were conquered one after the other and placed under Spanish rule. The port city of Paita, the Spanish capital on Peru’s north-west coast from 1578 to 1588, still boasts historical colonial flair today.
Day 4 - Fri, 26.03.2027 - Sat, 27.03.2027 Isla de la Plata/Ecuador
In the 16th century, the privateer Sir Francis Drake went on a raid in the Pacific Ocean. He is said to have hidden a legendary silver treasure on the Isla de la Plata, the “Silver Island” in Ecuador. During your individual shore visit, you won’t have to search long to discover the real treasure: an impressive variety of wildlife. The whimsical frigate birds and turkey vultures, as well as lava lizards, are native to the island. With local guides and your experts, you will walk across the island and be introduced to the vegetation of this dry forest, which is also found in a similar form on the Galapagos Islands. The wildlife constantly invites you to take photos, perhaps when magnificent frigate birds gracefully circle over the surf or brown pelicans practice diving. Images of nature that will never fade in your memory, even without a camera.
Day 5 - Sun, 28.03.2027 Relaxation at sea
a:0:{}
Day 6 - Mon, 29.03.2027 Utria National Park/Colombia
In the Utria National Park on the Pacific coast of Colombia, the wild beauty of the rainforest and the sea combine to create an unforgettable habitat. This huge park boasts one of the greatest biodiversities in the world, with species including anteaters, howler monkeys and deer. Surrounded by mountains cloaked in mist and mangrove-lined estuaries that change with the tides, you will be amazed by the flora and fauna. During a walk in the jungle or along the lagoon, your experts on board will continually hone your eye for unforgettable natural and animal sightings. Tropical birds, reptiles, amphibians, land mammals – which of these species will you observe? An excursion into the cultural heritage of the Afro-Colombian communities living here will round off your experiences.
Day 7 - Tue, 30.03.2027 Daytime passage through the Panama Canal
One of the most amazing waterways and shortcuts ever created by man: the Panama Canal, a masterpiece of engineering. The daytime passage through the canal that is over 80 km (50 mi.) long is the perfect mix of nature and technology accompanied by the pure spirit of discovery. Instead of the new section for giant container ships, your small expedition ship will take the narrow, original route of the canal. Feel the pulse of the lifeline as the ship glides past jungle and mangrove forests. The banks here are denser and the lock chambers narrower, giving you a direct view of their mechanics. You can watch the ship negotiating the the locks of Miraflores, Pedro Miguel and Gatun with great excitement – as you listen to knowledgeable commentary from your experts on board. It’s not just a passage, but a nostalgic experience with a historic atmosphere.
Day 8 - Wed, 31.03.2027 San Blas Islands
On the Caribbean side of the Panama Canal, San Blas awaits you with its 365 stunning islands – many of which are uninhabited. White beaches, turquoise-coloured water and lush green vegetation create a pure Robinson Crusoe feeling. The archipelago is home to the Indigenous Kuna tribe, who fought for their autonomy within Panama in 1925 in disputes with the central government. Today, the tribe lives on the larger islands, mainly near the mainland. They are known as the “gold people” because of the gold jewellery they wear. The colourful “molas”, elaborate sewing with traditional decorations, are typical of the women’s costumes. Gain an insight into the life of the Kuna on an individual shore visit and spend a few relaxing hours on the beach of one of these beautiful islands.
Day 9 - Thu, 01.04.2027 Cartagena/Colombia
08.00 – 18.00 hrsCartagena de Indias, as the Colombian port city is called in contrast to the Spanish city of Cartagena, is said by many South America experts to have the most beautiful old town on the continent. Colombia declared the historic city centre a national heritage site as early as 1959, and in 1984 it also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The massive fortress walls that still encircle the old town today and the colourful facades of the noble palaces and merchants’ houses are truly exceptional. With his novel, “Love in the Time of Cholera”, Gabriel García Márquez brought literary fame to Cartagena. Relax and explore the lively old town, the Spanish fortress of San Felipe and the Gold Museum on your own or with your experts. Cartagena’s Andalusian roots are unmistakable in its flair and architecture.
Day 10 - Fri, 02.04.2027 Relaxation at sea
a:0:{}
Day 11 - Sat, 03.04.2027 Curacao/Netherlands Antilles
09.00 – 19.00 hrsCaribbean dreams come to life in a colourful landscape: here on Curacao the sky appears to melt into the ocean, and the beaches and the sun gleam as if they were trying to outdo each other. Curacao is the largest of the three ABC islands – Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao – in the Netherlands Antilles, and is located in the Caribbean Sea. Historic Willemstad is a Dutch treasure of palm trees with its canals, pastel-coloured houses, beautiful colonial buildings and the historic Fort Amsterdam. During your exploration, the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will show its European aspects and Dutch roots. In addition to the urban highlights, your experts on board will also shed light on the former dark side of slavery.
Day 12 - Sun, 04.04.2027 Relaxation at sea
a:0:{}
Day 13 - Mon, 05.04.2027 Bequia/St Vincent and the Grenadines
The small Caribbean island of Bequia has retained its friendly and laid-back atmosphere. Here, life seems to move at a slower pace: the island only gained electricity and telephone service in the 1970s. Port Elizabeth adds an international flair: take a relaxed stroll through the capital, with its popular marina, which is also the starting point for sailing trips to the island world of the Grenadines. Bequia is a mecca for sailing, even in miniature: every year at Easter, a regatta of miniature sailors takes place here, for which there are numerous workshops for model ships. The island has something for everyone – from the small vegetable market to Mount Pleasant with its sweeping views and a sea turtle sanctuary. Or you can simply enjoy a day at the beach on the white sands of a sheltered cove, with the turquoise sea as your backdrop.
Day 14 - Tue, 06.04.2027 Port of Spain/Trinidad and Tobago
08.00 – 20.00 hrsThe name itself reflects the eventful history of Port of Spain – taken by the Spanish, conquered by the British, then the capital of the short-lived Federation of the West Indies. In 1962, the city was named the capital of Trinidad and Tobago as part of the country’s independence from Great Britain. Follow in the footsteps of these times, either independently or with your experts: Independence Square, Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Parliament Building and Queen’s Park Savannah with its colonial-style buildings are all settings for history. The name Trinidad goes back to Christopher Columbus, who, inspired by the island’s three distinctive mountain peaks, named it after the Holy Trinity. The large wetland habitat on Trinidad’s west coast is a birdwatchers’ paradise where cormorants, three-coloured herons and cardinals live. A real highlight is the opportunity to watch the scarlet ibises as they return to their roosting trees in large numbers at dusk.
Day 15 - Wed, 07.04.2027 - Thu, 08.04.2027 Relaxation at sea
a:0:{}
Day 16 - Fri, 09.04.2027 Ile Royale/Iles du Salut/French Guiana
The rocky island of Ile Royale welcomes you with a mix of Brazilian rainforest and Caribbean palm trees as a cinematic backdrop. It was used as a French penal colony until 1951 – made famous by the book “Papillon” by Henri Charrière and its 1973 film adaptation starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. The island invites you to go on an exciting journey through time – from arriving by Zodiac at the old landing site, which was once built by the prisoners, to looking into the cell blocks overgrown by vegetation. Enjoy the freedom to explore this secluded island independently. No film can capture the experiences that you’ll gather on your expedition.
Day 17 - Sat, 10.04.2027 Relaxation at sea
a:0:{}
Day 18 - Sun, 11.04.2027 Icoaraci (Belem)/Brazil
Arrival 08.00 hrs
Day 19 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-03-202711-04-2027EUR €11,390Outside Cabin
23-03-202711-04-2027EUR €11,390Panoramic Cabin
23-03-202711-04-2027EUR €14,340French Balcony Cabin
23-03-202711-04-2027EUR €15,570Balcony Cabin
23-03-202711-04-2027EUR €21,770Junior Suite
23-03-202711-04-2027EUR €29,720Grand Suite

Inclusions

    • Eight-country adventure with two crossings of the equator
    • Daytime passage through the Panama Canal: a technical masterpiece between the South Pacific and the Caribbean
    • Exciting insights into the lives of the people and their traditional roots
    • Snorkelling, swimming, beach life: pure Caribbean feeling on the islands of Curacao and Bequia
    • Utria National Park: untouched rainforest with reptiles, birds and amphibians

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Peru
More of activity:
South & Central America Cruises