Coastal Treasures from the Panama Canal to Peru

Arrive in Panama City and drive to the pier in Colon to board the National Geographic Explorer. Settle in to your cabin, then begin your adventure with a passage through the Gatun Locks.

Admire the new canal locks which are under construction on the Panama Canal, and enjoy your choice of excursions: birdwatching, visiting the World Heritage site of Portobelo, or seeing the historic Fort San Lorenzo at the mouth of the Chagres River. Following your excursion, complete the transit of the Panama Canal. The Canal, surrounded by tropical rainforest, is an amazing feat of engineering.

Sail for the Islas las Perlas, a small cluster of islands that offer wonderful opportunities for exploring by foot or by Zodiac.

The dense tropical forests of the Darien Gap confounded the builders of the Pan American Highway, who were unable to extend the road across this wild natural barrier. Today, it remains a forest wilderness. Travel up one of the many freshwater channels into a Darien village and meet some of its inhabitants, the Emberá Indians, who are known for their traditional lifestyle and colorful basket weaving.

Arrive off the coast of Colombia and drop anchor at the tranquil town of Bahía Solano. Spend the day exploring, with a choice of activities including a walking tour of town, a visit to the botanical gardens in search of birdlife, and chances to swim, snorkel or dive.

Utría consists of primary rain forest in a gorgeous seaside setting with mangrove swamps, estuaries, and coral reefs. Choose between several activities, including forest walks in search of birds, wildlife and rare botanical species; a walk along the mangroves; a hike to a remote waterfall; and kayaking and snorkeling opportunities.

Gorgona is a remote island national park that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the ruins of the penal colony which existed between 1959 and 1984, and look for wildlife that includes the endemic blue anole lizard, monkeys, brown boobies and a host of others.

The new Galera-San Francisco marine reserve
protects 135,000 acres of prolific waters. Search for whales—humpbacks, orcas, and sperm and pilot whales—along with sharks and sea turtles.

Located 25 miles offshore, Isla de la Plata is renowned as "Ecuador’s other Galápagos." The island is an important breeding site for seabirds, including magnificent frigatebirds and blue-footed and Nazca boobies, as well as sea lions. Hike along the trails and explore the surroundings by Zodiac. In Puerto López, choose from several activities that are focused on the region’s history, or spend time with the ship's naturalists exploring Machalilla National Park.

Santa Clara is a rocky island surrounded by jagged outcrops, with a lighthouse and plants characteristic of the dry climate. It is a vitally important nesting ground for thousands of seabirds including blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigatebirds. The waters are also important for marine mammals.

Spend a peaceful day exploring islands abundant with marine life, including sea lion colonies, on foot and via Zodiac and kayak.

The intriguing desert oasis city of Trujillo was founded by Pizarro in 1536, and still exudes Spanish colonial charm. Following your visit, venture nearby into the sacred Moche Valley, the center of the ancient Moche culture which dates back nearly 2,000 years.View the famous Temple of the Moon, which was discovered by archaeologists after being covered by desert sands. Later, explore the ancient imperial city of Chan Chan, once the world’s largest adobe city and today a World Heritage site.

Disembark the ship after breakfast and set out to explore Lima's golden past, visiting the colonial market, the Indian market, and the Larco Herrera Museum. Check in to a day room or transfer to the airport for your continued independent journeys.