Don't miss
The Historical Panama Canal Railway goes from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast – the journey time is about one hour, and the views are amazing.
From Colón to Lima (Callao)
From Panama’s wild beauty to Peruvian shores
From Colón to Lima (Callao)
From Panama’s wild beauty to Peruvian shores
Voyage Itinerary
20 October
Setting sail from Colón
Situated at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal, Colón takes its name from Christopher Columbus, known in Spanish as Cristóbal Colón, although it's hard to imagine the famous explorer would find much reason to linger here nowadays. Once a thriving port, the city is now in a state of seemingly terminal decline, its colonial architecture crumbling and the modern city beset by social problems. It's not somewhere you will want to hang around for long, and serves merely as a gateway to the Canal, which will carry you to much nicer places.
21 October
Panama: San Blas Islands
Situated just off the coast of Panama, the idyllic San Blas islands are home to the Kuna Indians, who enjoy political autonomy from the mainland and have an unusual degree of control over tourism to their homeland. Visiting these simple island communities is a privilege, and an insight into an indigenous way of life unsullied by mass tourism.
22 October - At sea
23 October
Panama: Fuerte Amador (Panama City)
The port of Fuerte Amador sits at the southern edge of Panama City, near the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. The shining skyscrapers of the Panamanian capital are a testament to the city’s status as a key financial centre, while the tiny Casco Viejo is home to pretty colonial streets, hip hotels and happening bars.
24 October
Panama: Darién Jungle
The Darién Gap is the only break in the Pan-American Highway that runs from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, a wild and untamed region of thick jungle. Although the region has a reputation for lawlessness, tourism is making inroads thanks to the jungle’s staggering biodiversity and the fascinating culture of the indigenous Emberá people.
25 October to 27 October - At sea
28 October
Peru: Trujillo (Salaverry)
Salaverry is the nearest port to Trujillo, northern Peru’s most important city. Located amongst the verdant Andean foothills, Trujillo is home to a host of beautiful colonial buildings, and is also known for the spectacular nearby ruins of Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian city in South America.
29 October to 30 October
Arriving in Lima (Callao)
Peru’s underrated capital enjoys a fine setting on the Pacific coast, and the handsome colonial-era buildings surrounding the Plaza de Armas give clues to Lima’s distinguished history; for three centuries this was the capital of the Spanish Americas, when the city grew rich on the back of plundered Inca gold.
Our tip
This is the hop-off point to fly to Cusco and Machu Picchu, which is obviously a must-do, but schedule time in Lima too if you can, it’s a fascinating city.
The ship
L'Austral
- Capacity:
- 264 Guests
- Crew:
- 145 Staff
- Style:
- Refined with a wonderful mix of a modern super yacht and nautical tradition, all with a French flair.
Sleek and stylish, Le Boréal, Le Soléal, L'Austral and Le Lyrial are wonderful small ships that blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
What we love
These chic sisters are amongst the most stylish ships at sea, with muted natural tones, minimalist interiors and playful splashes of colour. The accommodation is flexible, with the option to combine staterooms and create expansive suites, while the restaurants deliver the sort of outstanding gastronomic experience that you would expect from a French flag cruise line.
inclusions
- All meals in all venues
- Tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- All onboard entertainment
- Unlimited use of the Fitness Centre
- Zodiac outings and landings on expedition sailings
- Complimentary WiFi
- One complimentary excursion per port
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Stay a little longer in Panama
It’s not in Colón, but if you want to extend your stay we propose Isla Palenque, off the Pacific coast of Panama – tricky to get to, but not to be missed.
Explore the Panamian jungle
Take a canopy tour and swing between great trees, seeing the wildlife as you go. Watch out – it’s not for the faint-hearted!
Where to stay in Lima
We like the Country Club Lima Hotel for a bit of colonial style.
See more of Peru
Travel south from Lima to Nazca to see the extraordinary Nazca Lines – well worth the journey, and stay on at the beach if you have time to spare.
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From cruise tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions
visit our faqs
Will I save by booking with Mundy Cruising?
Absolutely. You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line and enjoy more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
From flights and transfers to hotels and tours, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and also offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24hr emergency contact, so we offer complete peace of mind.
What are the benefits of a small luxury ship?
Because small ships are able to reach smaller ports of call and provide a higher level of service than their big ship counterparts, we believe that small ship cruising is the very best way to travel. Usually they offer more space per person, and an attentive team to make sure you have the very best experience. Small ship cruising offers the very best of the best.
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Why Mundy?
Who we are
Founded in 1970, we have sold more luxury cruises for more years than anyone else in the UK.
Mundy Cruising was the very first cruise specialist in the UK. We have been making the best cruise holidays even better since 1970.
How? Simply by offering our clients more expertise, more personal service, more unique ideas, more fascinating add-ons, more fabulous freebies and more peace of mind.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
