Expedition South America with Panama Canal

Colón, Panama, stands as the Caribbean gateway to the Panama Canal, where colonial history, Afro-Caribbean culture, and one of engineering's greatest achievements converge. Visitors should not miss a canal transit through the Gatun Locks and a journey to the UNESCO-listed Fuerte San Lorenzo, the seventeenth-century fortress overlooking the Chagres River. The dry season from December through April offers the most comfortable conditions, with lower humidity and calm Caribbean waters ideal for both port exploration and jungle excursions.

The Gulf of San Miguel is a pristine Pacific estuary in Panama's Darién region, where Balboa first sighted the Pacific Ocean and Emberá indigenous communities continue their traditional forest-based way of life. Highlights include visiting Emberá villages by dugout canoe, birdwatching in one of the world's most biodiverse rainforests, and observing humpback whales in the nutrient-rich gulf waters. December through April provides the driest conditions for exploration, while July through October adds whale watching to the experience.

Pearl Islands, Panama is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Emerald Yacht Cruises. Must-do experiences include walking the historic center to experience the layered architectural heritage, and seeking out the regional culinary traditions at a locally favored establishment away from the port area. The optimal time to visit is May through September, when mild temperatures and long days favor unhurried exploration.

Utría National Natural Park on Colombia's Chocó Pacific coast is where the world's wettest rainforest meets warm ocean waters, creating intimate humpback whale encounters barely 50 metres from shore during the July-to-October calving season. Must-dos include kayaking the mangrove-lined inlet, snorkelling the rare Pacific coral formations, and tasting encocado fish in coconut sauce. July through October offers peak whale activity alongside the park's extraordinary birding and rainforest exploration.

Isla de la Plata, Ecuador is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Must-do experiences include exploring the vibrant local markets for regional specialties and fresh seafood, and discovering the waterfront quarter where maritime heritage meets contemporary energy. The optimal time to visit is November through April, when dry season brings clear skies and calm seas.

Paita, Peru is a distinctive port city where deep cultural heritage meets authentic local atmosphere, featured on itineraries by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Must-do experiences include exploring the vibrant local markets for regional specialties and fresh seafood, and discovering the waterfront quarter where maritime heritage meets contemporary energy. The optimal time to visit is November through April, when dry season brings clear skies and calm seas.

Salaverry is the Peruvian port gateway to Chan Chan — the largest pre-Columbian adobe city in South America — and the polychrome Moche temples that together create one of the Western Hemisphere's richest archaeological landscapes. Must-dos include the carved friezes of Chan Chan's Tschudi Complex, the vivid murals at Huaca de la Luna, and ceviche at colonial Trujillo's Plaza de Armas. Visit year-round; the coast is dry, with June through September best for archaeological site visits.

Callao, Peru, delivers South America's irresistible combination of dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and extraordinary biodiversity. Essential experiences include exploring local markets, tasting the distinctive regional cuisine, and venturing into the surrounding natural environments. Best visited May through September, when drier conditions prevail and temperatures remain pleasant. Cruise lines including Cunard feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.

Paracas is a desert peninsula on Peru's southern coast where one of the world's most productive marine ecosystems meets a landscape of dramatic aridity, enigmatic geoglyphs, and ancient textile traditions. Must-dos include a boat tour to the wildlife-packed Ballestas Islands, exploring the red sand beach and flamingo bays of the national reserve, and dining on fresh ceviche. Visit year-round in this rain-free climate, with mornings best before the fierce afternoon winds.

Isla Pan de Azúcar off Chile's Atacama coast is the centrepiece of a national park where the world's driest desert meets the wildlife-rich Humboldt Current — home to thousands of Humboldt penguins, endangered marine otters, and sea lion colonies on guano-whitened cliffs. Must-dos include Zodiac circumnavigation of the island, spotting guanacos on the fog-watered hillsides, and tasting caldillo de congrio fish soup at Caleta Pan de Azúcar. October through April brings the warmest conditions and peak penguin breeding.

Valparaíso is Chile's UNESCO-listed port city of 42 painted hills, Victorian funicular railways, and one of the world's most spectacular street art scenes, where Pablo Neruda built his hill-top home La Sebastiana. Must-dos include riding the historic ascensores, touring Neruda's house, and feasting on Humboldt Current seafood. October through March offers the warmest, driest weather.