Bright city lights amid a lush rainforest landscape Your South American expedition cruise begins in the vibrant city of Colón, at the entrance to the Panama Canal on the Atlantic coast. It's a bustling cosmopolitan centre with hot springs, a thriving handicraft scene, and wonderful local restaurants. There's also a beautiful jungle lodge by the Chagres River that you may wish to visit as part of our optional Pre-Programme. However you choose to spend your time in Colón, your expedition ship will be ready and waiting. Take time to settle into your cabin, explore all it has to offer, and meet your expert Expedition Team.

Navigate one of the world's greatest engineering feats Early in the morning, we'll enter the Panama Canal, a complex network of huge, ingenious locks stretching 80 km through natural and man-made waterways. If weather allows, our Expedition Team will invite you on deck and tell the story of this ambitious project. Halfway through our transit of the canal, we'll enter the Gatun Lake section, one of the world's largest artificial lakes. The surrounding verdant rainforest flourishes here undisturbed. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, alligators, monkeys and even sloths. After 12 hours, we'll emerge into the Pacific, passing from one great ocean to another in just a day.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy your day at sea Your day cruising to Ecuador can be filled with onboard adventure. Try some wildlife spotting – scan the waves for whales and sea lions, and the skies for birds you might never have seen before. Your Expedition Team will continue sharing their knowledge and insights in the Science Center. While you’re there, why not find out about the Citizen Science projects you could help support. If you’d simply like to relax and enjoy the journey, try the hot tub or settle into the comfort of the Explorer Lounge & Bar. A spot of stargazing from the deck is a lovely way to wind up your day.

Discover the birthplace of Panama hats... in Ecuador It's not every day that you get the chance to seek King Neptune's blessing, yet that's what we'll do in a traditional ceremony as we cross the Equator early in the morning. Later, we'll visit the handicrafts town of Montecristi on an included tour, where you can buy a genuine Panama hat, expertly handwoven from the leaves of the jipijapa tree. You'll be able to buy the hats from local artisans and see their workshops. You can browse the stalls in the pretty plaza, admire the architecture of the church, or take in the colourful street art and murals. We'll also visit the archaeological museum in Manta.

A bustling port with a charming atmosphere We have a colourful day ahead, exploring Puerto Bolivar, a port in the city of Machala that exports coffee, cocoa, shrimp and bountiful bananas. Feast on delicious fresh seafood at a harbour restaurant, taking in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli and discover Machala's markets, plazas and Casa de la Cultura Museum on our included tour. As an optional excursion, you can visit a banana plantation and try to spot hummingbirds, parakeets and howler monkeys in Buenaventura Nature Reserve. Nearby Puyango Petrified Forest is one of the largest areas of fossilised trees in the world.

Relaxation, research – or a bit of both Your Pacific coast cruise continues as we head towards Peru. Soak up the scenery on deck, dine on delicious, locally-sourced food and enjoy the onboard facilities. The Expedition Team will continue their lectures in the Science Center, sharing insights on all kinds of topics. You'll learn about native communities and cultures, local geology and pre-Columbian history, among other things. Back on deck, the Team will help you identify the seabirds that like to follow our ship. Our onboard photographer will also be on hand with tips on capturing them – and other expedition highlights – on camera.

Discover Trujillo's ancient kingdoms Salaverry is the gateway port to discover Peru’s third largest city, Trujillo, and some fascinating archaeological sites. Colourful Trujillo boasts a Baroque cathedral, colonial churches and neoclassical mansions, as well as one of the longest mosaic murals in the world. Nearby the vast ancient ruins of the Chimu city of Chan Chan date back to 900 CE. On the other side of Trujillo, the Mochican pyramids of the Sun and the Moon pre-date even that. If the weather conditions allow, you'll be in for some fantastic experiences today, as well as an included onboard performance of the Marinera, a traditional Peruvian dance representing courtship.

Discover the capital of Peru and join a beach clean up We’ll cover Lima’s extraordinary blend of ancient and modern on today’s included panoramic tour. As well as the colonial architecture of the UNESCO-listed historic centre, we’ll visit Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca, Incan ceremonial pyramids. We’ll also take in modern art and culture in Barranco, with possibly a taste of local cuisine. Our other included excursion for today takes us to one of the most crowded beaches in Callao. Not to sunbathe, but to help collect, sort and responsibly dispose of waste and to raise awareness of the need to protect our environments.

Discover extraordinary wildlife and ancient mysteries Among Peru's most notable attractions are the Nazca Lines and Ballestas Islands. You'll be able to join optional excursions to both these incredible sights from Paracas. The origins of the geoglyphs and animal etchings at Nazca in Pisco Valley remain a mystery. Or join an optional boat tour of the nearby Ballestas Islands. Spot Humboldt penguins, turtles, pelicans, sea lions, Inca terns, humpback whales, and so much more. At the nearby Paracas National Reserve, take a walk among archaeological cultural sites along the Martian-like yellow dunes and red beaches, and look out for Andean condors and Chilean flamingos.

Rich marine life produced by the Humboldt Current As we cruise towards Chile, we'll sail through the Humboldt Current. The cold water climate creates conditions that sustain an incredible abundance of marine life, including anchovies, mackerel and sardines. Visit the Science Center to find out more. Your Expedition Team will tell you more about its importance and impact on the marine ecosystem. You’ll also have plenty of time to relax in the heated infinity pool, go for a run on the outdoor running track, and take in the stunning views and stimulating breezes you’ll find on deck.

Enjoy Arica's hikes, history and local food Arica enjoys a constant desert climate and is classed as one of the driest cities in the world, unusual for a place by the sea. No wonder the city is popular with sunbathers and surfers. Lively Calles 21 de Mayo and Bolognesi are fun to explore, and you can try local treats at El Agro market. Take a 15-minute hike up El Morro cliff for glorious views, or visit San Marcos Cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Visit mummies and learn about Chinchorro culture at the archeological museum, stretch your legs on a trek of Playa Corazones or explore the Caves of Anzota.

Discover the history of UNESCO-listed Humberstone Our expedition cruise sails on to one of Chile's premier beach resorts, bustling Iquique, lined with palm trees. You can enjoy a tour of a 19th century four-masted, wooden corvette, La Esmeralda. We'll visit the abandoned saltpetre mining towns of Santa Laura and UNESCO-listed Humberstone in the Atacama Desert on today's included excursion. It's history you can literally walk through before we head back to Iquique. People-watch along the picturesque promenades at one of the chic cafés. Enjoying a delicious coffee or a traditional mango sour and chumbeque – a dessert that blends fried thin dough with fruity caramels.

Pamper yourself on this final day at sea Your expedition cruise down South America's Pacific coast today sails towards La Serena in Chile. Take time to enjoy one of your final days at sea with a little pampering at the Wellness Centre. Choose a massage or a skin-scrubbing treatment to feel fully revitalised for the final leg of your adventure. You may also want to take one last trip to the Science Center to enjoy another insightful lecture from your Expedition Team on the historical discoveries you've made on this adventure – and see what's still to come.

Explore the 'City of Churches' and Serena Beach Perched on ocean terraces, La Serena is blessed with beautiful sandy beaches all along Avenida del Mar and beyond. Chile’s second oldest city is full of classical architecture; discover some of the 30 or so carefully restored stone churches. Visit the Archaeological Museum which houses pre-colonial artefacts. Then head down the discreet lane of Patio Colonial near Balmaceda to find relaxed cafés and eateries. You can also take a stroll through the city's manicured public gardens, like the Japanese-inspired Jardín del Corazón, or shop for crafts at Recova Market.

Valparaíso is the glorious finale to your expedition Your South American Pacific Coast expedition cruise ends in Valparaíso, known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific'. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, it's well worth spending time in this UNESCO-listed city before you fly home. Filled with exciting smells, sounds and people, it’s an exhilarating maze of winding alleyways and barrios, colourful houses, and mercados packed with local produce. Take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción. And if you're up for more adventures, you can join an optional Post-Programme to Easter Island, famous for its mysterious statues of giant heads in Rapa Nui National Park.

Itineraries are subject to change.