Avalon Waterways River Cruises South America Cruises

South America is an exciting destination. There is so much natural beauty here, from the jungles of the Amazon to the beautiful peaks of the Andes Mountains. The Galapagos Islands are a wonderland cruise destination for nature lovers with the diverse set of creatures that call the Islands home. And the Amazon, which is home to half of the world’s known animal species, is equally as fascinating. Avalon Waterways offers in-depth itineraries through the Peruvian side of the Amazon. The amazon forest actually takes up 60 percent of Peru and here you’ll find giant lilies, an island of iguanas and waters rife with piranhas.  A trip to Peru isn’t complete without a visit to Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city atop a mountain. The other South American voyage you won’t want to miss is an Avalon Waterways cruise to the Galapagos Islands. Like Charles Darwin before you, this is a chance to see the beauty of this chain of secluded islands and understand what nature has to offer. 

Amazon River

 

 

Things to Do on a South America Cruise with Avalon Waterways

On a trip to South America with Avalon Waterways you’ll get to spend time with experts touring the beautiful natural habitats of the Amazon and the Galapagos and you’ll learn about the local culture with trips to Machu Picchu and Otavalo. Featured below are recommended things to do at either of these Avalon Waterways cruise destinations:

• Machu Picchu (Cusco, Peru)
  Travel up to Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost City of the Incas, to explore the much talked about town of ruins in the mountains. The structure is several hundreds of years old, but wasn’t re-discovered until 1911. Since then it has fascinated people the world over with many archeologists theorizing about what the buildings were used for, who lived there and when. See for yourself and see if you believe any of the theories.
   

• Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos)
  As you explore the islands that make up the Galapagos, visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station will give you a perspective on the animals that live in the area, the legacy of Darwin and the efforts being made to the protect the island’s giant tortoise population. Each day you’ll have a morning briefing and be guided through the islands by an expert naturalist.
   

• Bird Watch (San Cristobal Island, Galapagos)
  On San Cristobal Island you’ll head to the top of a volcanic tuff to spot all three boobies: the red-footed, blue-footed and Nazca. In the afternoon you’ll walk along the beach in search of pelicans, flycatchers and stilts. You’ll also look out for mockingbirds and the Chatham lava lizard; these animals are only on this specific island in the Galapagos. When you board your Avalon Waterways ship again you can discuss your adventures at the cocktail party and dinner.
   

• Wildlife Spottings (Peruvian Amazon, Peru)
  This day is all about spotting the wildlife that call the Amazon home. In the morning you can look out for the ukari, squirrel monkeys, sloths and birds. While you’re onboard keep your eyes peeled for pink dolphins and colorful macaws. You can even spot creatures at night. This is a place that’s always buzzing and flapping with animal noise and movement.
   

• Amazon Birthplace (Lima, Peru)
  Start your day off with the sunrise over the point where the Amazon River forms. Then you’ll visit a native village to learn the culture of the Indians that call the Amazon home. Your last stop will be to the Manatee Rescue Center. Here you’ll learn about these gentle “sea cows” and what the group is doing to save their species.
   

• Incan History (Cusco, Peru)
  Learn about the Incan civilization in Cusco where you’ll also learn about the invasion of the Spanish at sites like the Santo Domingo Monastery, which was originally the Incan Temple of the Sun. This site still has Incan foundation underneath the Baroque decorations. You’ll also have a chance to visit the Plaza de Armas, a colonial cathedral, and taste the flavors of Peru when you eat dinner at a local restaurant.