Colon - Valparaiso Expedition South America with Panama Canal: up close with lush nature

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 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.

How must the explorer Vasco Nuñez de Balboa have felt when he set eyes on the coast of Panama in search of the legendary land of gold in the 16th century? He would probably have been just as amazed as you are when you reach the Gulf of San Miguel, the starting point for discovering the stunning flora and fauna of the Darien jungle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be the largest contiguous rainforest area in Central America. Lush green forest as far as the eye can see, criss-crossed by wide rivers. Traditional boats take you right into the green heart of Panama, home of the harpy eagle – probably the most powerful hunting bird in the world and Panama’s national animal. It shares its seemingly impenetrable habitat with jaguars, tapirs, pumas and macaws. Meet the Indigenous Embera people, who live in widely scattered villages in the jungle. Your explorer’s heart will beat faster as you get to know their traditional everyday life.

The approximately 200 Pearl Islands in the Gulf of Panama, just 50 km (31 mi.) from Panama City, are of volcanic origin and, with their lush vegetation and fertile soils, are a true paradise. Palm groves, tropical rainforests and unique fauna, including hundreds of species of birds and exotic animals, characterise the untouched natural environment. Long before the Spanish conquered the islands, the islanders used to dive here for pearl oysters, after which the archipelago got its name. Later, it served as a hideout for pirates. Today, the islands are a hotspot for nature lovers because of the impressive coral reefs and diverse wildlife in the sea and on land. Toucans, hummingbirds and iguanas: explore the biodiversity of the archipelago with the Zodiacs after landing together with your experts.

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.

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.

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.

The Peruvian Salaverry is your gateway to a journey through time – to the testimonies and sanctuaries of the ancient civilisations of South America. Follow in the footsteps of the Chimu civilisation in what was once their capital city – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The former settlement area of the Mochica culture – which is around 2,000 years old – and the ruins of important Chimu shrines lie in the Moche Valley with the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon*. The imposing buildings – one built from millions of mud bricks, the other adorned with bright paintings and friezes – give an idea of how the favours of the gods was courted. Cultural treasures that rival the riches of nature here.

The explorer in you will be awed when cruising off the Islas Grupo de Huaura. Your Zodiac ride here will be guided by respect for the sensitive nature. The Humboldt penguins on the rocky islands are joined by seabirds such as Guanay cormorants and Peruvian boobies. Perhaps you will be rewarded with glimpses of whales surfacing.

The port city of Callao, the gateway to the Peruvian capital Lima, is a vibrant mix of history and culture. Founded in the 16th century by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, the looted Incan treasures and the mined gold and silver were shipped from here. What was once the most important port on the Pacific coast of South America today offers both colonial architecture and modern influences. The Fortaleza del Real Felipe, among other buildings, tells of Peru’s eventful history: the 18th-century fortress withstood pirate attacks during the Spanish colonial era. The harbour district of La Punta is an oasis of calm with scenic charm, elegant villas, picturesque beaches and traditional fish restaurants serving chupe de camarones, ceviche and leche de tigre. Be inspired by the vibrant city of Callao.

The Paracas Peninsula shows the best sides of Peru: a dream coast surrounded by the sea, a diverse animal world and historical sites. The nature reserve created here in 1975 includes the peninsula, the bay and the small archipelago of Islas Ballestas. The largest marine nature reserve in South America is home to blue-footed boobies, pelicans and Humboldt penguins as well as seals and dolphins. Many birds from colder regions also migrate here in winter. The area around the city is famous for its historical treasures, including pre-Columbian geoglyphs on the mountain slopes. Join your experts on board for a journey through time and find out how the images, such as the geometric figures and monumental animal pictures of Nazca, were created. According to legend, the region is where the first white-and-red flag of Peru originated when, in 1820, national hero Jose de San Martin was inspired by a flock of flamingos here. What will your encounter with the diverse fauna do to you?

Iquique is a lively port city in northern Chile, nestled between the Atacama Desert and the Pacific Ocean. Its impressive beaches attract water sports enthusiasts and sun worshippers alike. Historically shaped by the saltpetre boom of the 19th century, well-preserved buildings in the belle-epoque style in the Baquedano district still bear witness to this era – let these times pass you by on your city walk. With a mix of history and beaches, Iquique has developed into a diverse destination that combines culture and nature uniquely.

Along the Chilean coast, you will embark on an exciting cruise that will take you to some of the most beautiful natural sites in the Atacama region. However barren the land may seem here, your experts on board will convey its vibrancy to you – for example, when you see the Isla Pan de Azucar, a kind of large sandy mountain. Setting foot on the island is not allowed, but you can of course admire as much as you like. The “sugarloaf island” will treat your eyes to the sight of Peruvian pelicans on your Zodiac ride.