Windstar cruises expands its market in South America
Windstar Cruises is expanding its global market with cruises for the first time in South America starting from December 2025 on board the Star Pride. Guests will have the opportunity to experience must-see destinations such as Machu Picchu in Peru and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.
The new itinerary covers 16 days exploring the Wonders of Latin America departing from Colón (Panama) to Lima (Peru), or vice versa, offering a pre or post-cruise tour to Machu Picchu. Additionally, there is the option of a mid-cruise overland excursion to the Galapagos Islands. Windstar also presents a shorter 11-day itinerary, a journey discovering the landscapes of Ecuador, Peru, and the Panama Canal.
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Starting on December 27, 2025, with the New Year’s cruise, until January, the itinerary includes a daytime transit through the iconic Panama Canal. Guests also have the opportunity to overnight for several days to explore Manta, Guayaquil, and Lima more extensively. Additional port visits include Machala and Trujillo, where guests can explore the nearby archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Chimu tribe at Chan Chan.
The Best of Land Offered by the Best of the Sea
The Machu Picchu tour is offered as a pre or post-cruise excursion lasting five days. Highlights include the journey to the Sacred Valley during the visit and dinner at local farms, riding the legendary Vistadome train to and from Machu Picchu, and a private guide accompanying guests through the UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour also includes a visit to the Urubamba market and the local ceramic workshop with an extensive overview of Cusco. Overnight stays during the tour are in luxury hotels, and the included meals focus on local ingredients and flavors.
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The mid-cruise Ecuadorian excursion to the Galapagos takes place over three days, starting from Manta or Guayaquil depending on the date/direction of the navigation. After flying from Guayaquil to the Galapagos, guests will take a ferry to the Highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. On the second day, through a navigable tour, they will travel to one of the uninhabited islands of the Galapagos: North Seymour Island, Bartolome Island, South Plaza Island, Santa Fe Island, or Floreana Island. On the last day, they will board a short flight and transfer back to the Star Pride in Guayaquil (or Manta, depending on the date and direction of the itinerary).
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“These tours take care of every detail and bring you closer to the wildlife, culture, and history of the region in a respectful manner towards the land and local people,” says Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog. “Since we start or end in Panama instead of Florida, where these itineraries traditionally depart from, we have fewer sea days and more stops in South American ports for a rich destination experience.”
All tours are designed to offer an authentic local experience. With over 2,500 excursions to choose from, Star Pride guests can live their South American journey in the way they find most meaningful. A truly 360-degree experience.
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