From Callao to Belem

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.

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.

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.

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.

The San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) are a Caribbean archipelago of 365 palm-fringed islands governed autonomously by the Guna indigenous people, whose intricate mola textiles rank among the world's finest textile arts. Must-dos include purchasing molas directly from Guna artisans, snorkelling pristine coral reefs, and experiencing the crystalline waters of uninhabited islands. Visit December through April for the dry season, and approach with respect for Guna sovereignty.

Cartagena, Colombia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its stunning colonial architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and rich culinary scene. Must-do experiences include exploring the historic Old Town and savoring local specialties like arepas de huevo and ceviche de camarones. The best time to visit is from December to April, when the weather is warm and dry, perfect for leisurely city explorations and excursions to nearby attractions.

Curaçao is a culturally rich Caribbean island with the UNESCO-listed Willemstad waterfront, whose colorful Dutch colonial buildings are among the most photographed in the hemisphere. Must-dos include crossing the Queen Emma pontoon bridge, visiting the Kura Hulanda slavery museum, and tasting keshi yená cheese dish and genuine Curaçao liqueur. Year-round warmth near 28°C and a position below the hurricane belt make it a reliable destination.

Port Elizabeth is the beguiling waterfront capital of Bequia, a former whaling island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines where Caribbean authenticity endures in gingerbread cottages, hand-built schooners, and charcoal-grilled lobster on the sand. Stroll the Belmont Walkway for the island's finest harbour views, then sail to the Tobago Cays for world-class snorkelling among sea turtles. The dry season from December through May offers the most reliable sunshine and the peak of luxury cruise calls into sheltered Admiralty Bay.

Port of Spain is Trinidad's pulsating capital, where African, Indian, and European cultures converge in a city celebrated for Carnival, steel pan music, and one of the Caribbean's most diverse culinary scenes. Must-dos include eating doubles at dawn, watching scarlet ibis at Caroni Bird Sanctuary, and exploring the Queen's Park Savannah. January through May's dry season offers the best weather, with Carnival providing the ultimate cultural immersion.

Ile Royale, French Guiana, 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 year-round, though the drier months from May to October tend to offer the most comfortable conditions. Cruise lines including Azamara 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.

Icoaraci, a riverside district of Belém at the Amazon’s mouth, is celebrated for its pre-Columbian Marajoara pottery workshops where artisans continue thousand-year-old ceramic traditions. Must-dos include visiting the ceramic studios, exploring Belém’s legendary Ver-o-Peso market, and tasting Amazonian specialties like duck in tucupi sauce. Visit June through November for drier weather in this equatorial gateway to the Amazon.