The Colourful Variety of South America

The Heritage of Peru and Ecuador
Your South American expedition starts in Salaverry, where you will discover important cult centres: the excursion to the dragon temples of Huaca and Chan Chan* takes you to the one-time capital of the Chimú empire, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and probably one of the biggest mud-built cities of the world. Equally spectacular is the Moche Valley with the pyramids of the sun and moon*- the monumental dimensions of the temples of the Mochica are an invitation to explore on your own initiative.

Meanwhile, stimulating variety meets you on the Ecuadorian dream island of Isla de la Plata - blue-footed and masked boobies and frigate birds live in Machalilla National Park, which you can explore in the company of its experienced rangers.

Further north, the HANSEATIC arrives at the port of Esmeraldas, where broad Pacific beaches, pelicans flying in formation, the highest mango trees in the world and the clatter of the marimba create a thoroughly Caribbean atmosphere. A plantation walk* on a private hacienda introduces you to Ecuador's top exports - bananas, pineapples, cocoa and coffee. You may prefer to discover the colonial heritage of the capital if you opt for the flight to Quito*, where richly ornamented churches still have stories to tell of the days of the conquistadors.

The Green Sea and a Modern Wonder of the World
The Gulf of San Miguel is the starting point of your excursion to the biggest connected rainforest of Central America, the Darién jungle with its wealth of animal and bird species. Together with our experts you can penetrate far into the green depths of this UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, which provides a home for jaguars, tapirs and harpy eagles. While the sun glitters through the thick leafy roof, you will meet the Chocó Indians. These indigenous natives have preserved their customs and traditions to the present day and live in perfect harmony with nature.

In the heart of the jungle, the Panama Canal links the Pacific with the Atlantic over a distance of 82 kilometres. A breathtaking day's passage takes you past savannas, thick rainforest and proliferating mangroves.

Arriving at the Caribbean end of the canal, the HANSEATIC sets sail for San Blas, a small autonomous island reserve, where you will find out about the rites and traditions of the Kuna Indians.

A Caribbean Dream: Colombia and Tobago
Situated on Colombia's Caribbean coast, Cartagena is one of the earliest cities founded by the Spaniards in South America. A city tour* introduces you to its history as you pass by the imposing city walls to reach the gigantic Fort of San Felipe and the La Popa Monastery. If you prefer to continue your intensive exploration of nature, you can choose to enjoy a canoe trip through the mangroves* with their wealth of bird life. 

A quite different scenario meets you in Scarborough on Tobago: blue skies, white sand and waving palm trees on the Pigeon Point private beach. Get a phenomenal view of the underwater world* and travel in a glass-bottomed boat to the coral gardens, where you will also be tempted to swim and snorkel. If you choose the hike to the waterfall*, on the other hand, you can look forward to a refreshing bathe in a natural pool after penetrating the lush vegetation.

Pure Adventure in the Orinoco Delta
The Orinoco is the fourth biggest river in the world, and offers you a two-day expedition full of exciting experiences. The manoeuvrable Zodiacs make it possible for you to explore the narrow side branches of the river, and so immerse yourself in intact and unspoilt nature. Parrots, toucans, the bizarre hoatzin bird and various monkey species can be spotted in the tops of the gigantic trees, making an unforgettable conclusion to your expedition.