Embark on a 21-day cruise aboard SH Vega and explore the Atlantic coastline of South America. The adventure takes you from Barbados to Brazil, where you discover the wonders of this diverse region. During the trip, you encounter the rich biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, explore the colonial heritage of cities like Georgetown and Paramaribo, and are amazed by the ever-changing sands of Lençóis Maranhenses and the mouth of the Amazon River. This exceptional expedition takes you through a tapestry of different cultures, exotic wildlife, and breathtaking natural wonders, spanning the length of northern South America.
Highlights
Explore the rich biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest
Discover the colonial heritage of cities such as Georgetown and Paramaribo
Witness the ever-changing sands of Lençóis Maranhenses
Learn diverse cultures and encounter exotic wildlife
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Bridgetown, the lively capital of Barbados, blends historical allure with contemporary vibrancy and a hospitable island atmosphere. Its UNESCO-designated historic area features colonial-era buildings, including the Parliament Buildings constructed in the 1870s. The bustling city boasts vibrant markets, duty-free shopping opportunities, and Bajan eateries. Additionally, Bridgetown is renowned for its pristine beaches, such as the picturesque Carlisle Bay, with its crystal-clear waters.
Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad, is renowned for its lively Caribbean carnival and the Royal Botanic Gardens, home to a diverse array of plants. The Magnificent Seven mansions, dating back to 1900, highlight the city's architectural legacy. Recognized as one of the world's most eco-friendly destinations, Trinidad boasts the Caroni Wetlands, characterized by mangroves and meandering rivers, while the Northern Range mountains provide habitat for various birds, reptiles, and 620 species of butterflies amidst ancient rainforests.
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Georgetown, often referred to as the 'Garden City of the Caribbean,' is situated on the Atlantic Coast at the confluence of the Demerara River and the sea. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, highlighted by landmarks such as Stabroek Market, St. George's Cathedral, the National Museum, and the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology. With a populace hailing from diverse backgrounds including European, Indian, African, Chinese, and Amerindian heritage, Georgetown flourishes as a harmonious blend of cultures. Despite its geographic location, Guyana remains an English-speaking nation.
At the heart of Paramaribo, Suriname's capital, is the UNESCO World Heritage historical centre blending Dutch architecture with local craftsmanship. Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral-Basilica is one of the Western Hemisphere's largest wooden structures. Notable sites include Fort Zeelandia, a 17th-century fortress, the Garden of Palms and broad streets. The central square is encircled by impressive buildings including the Presidential Palace (1730).
The Iles du Salut (Salvation Islands) are a tiny archipelago off French Guiana's coast, with three main islands: Royale, St-Joseph and Diable - or Devil's Island, a penal colony. Serious offenders and political prisoners, such as Captain Alfred Dreyfus, were held here and dead prisoners were fed to the sharks. The prison buildings are now overgrown, and the islands are now home to green-winged macaws, capuchin monkeys, iguanas and sea turtles.
As you sail today, luxuriate in the boundless comforts provided by your ship. Admire the breathtaking sea vistas from the deck, unwind with indulgent spa treatments like facials or massages, or explore the educational materials available on board. Alternatively, retreat to your cabin for a tranquil moment of relaxation.
The most remote of Brazil’s 26 state capitals, Macapá, the capital of and the largest city in the Amapá State, sits on the north bank of the Amazon Delta. Founded by the Portuguese as an outpost, this city's foremost attraction is the Marco Zero monument, a 113-centimetre concrete sundial which symbolises the centre of the metropolis. Other sights include the Fortaleza de São José and the Museu Sacaca.
Day 11: Iquiqui, Amazon River | Gurupa, Amazon River
Iquiqui is a town along the Iquiqui River's unspoiled banks on a tributary of the Amazon in Brazil. Surrounded by rainforest, it provides access to traditional Caboclo communities living in harmony with nature, where visitors can learn ancient wisdom and observe their customs, beliefs and way of life in tune with the ecosystem. The area is home to diverse wildlife like aquatic birds, monkey squirrels and iguanas.
Gurupa is a fishing town on the Amazon River delta in Brazil. Located on Ilha Grande do Gurupá island, it lies near the Amazon's convergence with the Xingu River. Adapted to seasonal floods, Gurupa offers access to the biodiversity of the vast Amazon Basin and an ecosystem which includes várzea forest and savanna. The area provides habitat for endemic birds like the scaled spinetail, fish, monkeys and bats drawn to the várzea's fruiting trees.
Navigating Brazil's Breves Narrows, upriver from Belem in the Thousand Islands region, is a mesmerising Amazonian journey. This natural passage, surrounded by towering walls of lush vegetation, creates a secluded green canyon in the heart of the jungle. Enigmatic wildlife such as scarlet macaws, and equatorial flora such as giant Victoria water lilies flourish. The welcoming locals, known as ribeirinhos, offer warm hospitality.
Once one of South America's most prosperous cities, known as ‘tropical Paris’, today Belém remains a thriving port and is the gateway to the Amazon. The opulence of Belém’s golden era is showcased at the neoclassical-style 1874 Theatro da Paz on the Praça de República. Pretty green spaces are shaded by mango trees and the historical centre has plenty of wonderful museums. The bustling Ver-o-Peso market is Latin America's largest open-air market.
Shore Excursions:
Old Belem & Arts and Culture
Walk Trough the colorful Vero -Peso Market , the largest open air market in Latin American.
Discover the Old town, today UNESCO heritage, this has been the first European colony in the Amazon
visit the Museum of Sacred Arts, formed by the architectural ensemble of the Church of Saint Alexander and the Episcopal Palace. It shelters fantastic works of religious art.
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is renowned for its stunning white sand dunes sculpted by the wind and filled with rain-fed, crystal clear blue lagoons, like Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita. Exploring this unique landscape is made possible through 4x4 safaris, hikes, sandboarding and kayaking. Beyond the dunes, the ecosystem includes mangroves and restinga, a forest type where rare wildlife like monkeys, foxes and vibrant birds thrive.
Spend your day at sea enjoying your boutique 5-star ship. Treat yourself to a spa day, attend an expert-led onboard lecture or enjoy the ocean views from the deck or the comfort of our Observation Lounge.
Fortaleza is Brazil's fifth-largest city, located on the northeastern coastline in the state of Ceará. Its history includes a Dutch outpost in 1654, later retaken by the Portuguese and renamed Fortaleza (fortress). Among the highlights are the Praia do Futuro beach, forró, traditional music and dance at the ornate, Art Nouveau-styled Theatro José de Alencar, or shopping for hammocks and handmade lace and embroideries at the Central Market.
Shore excursions:
Discover Fortaleza
Discover the two different faces of this fascinating Town, the old and the modern one
Stroll around the central market, the largest in the northeast of the country
Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts.
Brazil's fourth-largest city, Recife sprawls over islands at the mouth of the Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers, earning it the nickname the "Venice of Brazil." Recife Antigo, the colonial old town on its own island, has colourful architecture. North of Recife is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Olinda, an 18th-century Portuguese sugarcane hub, now an artists' colony with Baroque churches amid bright houses built on steep hillsides.
Shore excursions:
Panoramic Recife and Beautiful Olinda
Enjoy a panoramic drive in the city center
Visit Olinda, a UNESCO Heritage site, where you will discover colorful historic houses and centuries-old baroque churches and monasteries.
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Day 21: Salvador de Bahia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
With a rich Afro-Brazilian heritage, Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where African and South American cultures blend. Salvador served as Brazil's first capital from 1549 to 1763, and its UNESCO-listed historic centre, Pelourinho, bursts with cobblestone streets and colourful colonial buildings. Jorge Amado, a beloved literary figure, is celebrated at his former home, now the museum A Casa do Rio Vermelho.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$21,5802-3 travelers
Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony D5
28 m2, Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony M5
28 m2, Located at the center of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony D6
28 m2, Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Suite
44 m2, Our Suites features a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
Premium Suite
49 m2, Our grandest suites feature a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
Initial deposit is 20% (30% for Suite bookings), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
20 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 20 Dinners
20 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wifi
Self-service laundry
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
24-hour room service
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Adventure Life seems to be an honest company and has been quite helpful in the planning process. Good about answering questions.
Chris Dralle
1 week ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
1 week ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
1 week ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.