The Amazon crowns the top of most world travelers’ bucket lists, and for good reason. The colossal river and its surrounding jungle are home to a thriving wonderland of plants and animals, not to mention a rainforest that serves as the oxygen-producing lifeblood of our planet. While the Amazon will always be a must-see, there are four less-traveled destinations in this region of South America that teem with their own unique natural wonders.
These rare sights from South America and beyond take some effort to visit, but you’ll be wholly rewarded when you arrive. Here are five wonders to be discovered—if you’re willing to go the distance.
Isabela and Fernandina Islands are both volcanically active. Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago and is formed by five active shield volcanos, with Wolf Volcano being the highest point in the Galapagos. Fernandina, the youngest and most volcanically active island, last erupted in May 2024.
Today we got to see two different sites on Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago made up of 6 volcanoes. In the morning, we walked along the trail of Urbina Bay in the central area of Isabela, at this site we encountered several Alcedo giant tortoises as well as Galapagos land iguanas. At this time of the year tortoises are in their mating season as well as land iguanas. With all the rain, there is an abundance of vegetation which is great for these herbivores. During the afternoon, our guests had a great snorkeling outing with sea turtles and several schools of fish, and some even encountered a Galapagos penguin swimming in the area.
The day started with the gentle sway of the ship and a crisp ocean breeze, a refreshing reminder that adventure was just ahead. At Playa Espumilla, early risers stepped onto the soft sand after a wet landing, ready to explore. Some grabbed their cameras and followed National Geographic Photo Instructor Omar to capture the golden morning light, while others took a scenic walk with a naturalist, soaking in the island’s beauty. Meanwhile, kayakers paddled along the coast, gliding past curious sea lions and diving seabirds. For those easing into the day, a stretching session on the Observation Deck offered the perfect slow start. After a filling breakfast, National Geographic Endeavour II continued to Buccaneer Cove where the real fun began. Kayakers set off again, while others explored the underwater world through snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tours. The crystal-clear waters were teeming with colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and the occasional reef shark cruising by. In the afternoon, Puerto Egas welcomed explorers for either a walk through striking lava formations or a relaxing beach break. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, guests returned to the ship, sharing stories of close encounters with wildlife.
Sailing along the Pacific Coast, we are finally due to start crossing the Panama Canal. Our first stop of the day was the remote island of Bona where we boarded Zodiacs to explore its rugged coastline. Steep cliffs, hidden coves, and rich wildlife created a breathtaking scene as we navigated the waters, spotting lots of brown pelicans, cocos boobies, and magnificent frigatebirds. Continuing our voyage, we entered the legendary Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering that connects two oceans. As we passed through the locks, the scale of human ingenuity became evident. By evening, we reached Gatun Lake, an artificial reservoir surrounded by lush rainforest. Here, we dropped anchor for the night, enveloped by the sounds of the jungle. The stillness of the lake contrasted with the bustling canal, offering a serene and immersive experience in nature. Under a starlit sky, we reflected on our journey—an adventure blending coastal exploration, history, and the raw beauty of Panama’s landscapes. Tomorrow, the passage continues, but for now, we savored the tranquility of Gatun Lake, a perfect pause in an extraordinary voyage.
We spent our morning at Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, an area that was protected at the urging of local people and conservation leaders. Their efforts succeeded! The marine life has recovered from overfishing and now there are healthy heads of coral, large schools of fish, and even top predators – all signs of a healthy ecosystem. The southern end of the Baja California Peninsula is a winter gathering place for humpback whales, and throughout the day we were observing their activities. Some mothers with calves were by themselves and others were accompanied by one or two adult whales. Groups of three or four whales got quite active at times. We saw many large splashes today as whales breached or energetically slapped their flukes down on the water surface. We were likely watching males compete for the privilege of accompanying a female and possibly mate with her.
