Hurtigruten Expeditions Pacific Latin America - Ancient Wonders & National Parks

18-day itinerary

Day 1: Valparaiso, a UNESCO gem

Discover the beauty of Chile’s principal port city

The vibrant city of Valparaiso will be the first stop on your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise. Often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’, this colourful and unique city is built on steep hillsides overlooking the crystal blue ocean.

Brimming with enticing scents and sounds, Valparaiso is an exciting maze of alleyways and barrios, colourful houses, as well as ‘mercados’ packed with locally sourced produce. Immerse yourself with the city’s culture by taking a funicular ride up Cerro Alegre and Concepcion.

Fancy exploring more of what the city has to offer before setting sail? Join one of the optional pre-programmes so that you have more time to fully experience the port city.

Day 2: Stunning La Serena

As you dock at the port of Coquimbo, you will then be heading to La Serena, Chile’s second oldest city. Blessed with pristine, sandy beaches along the Avenida del Mar and beyond, La Serena is also teeming with historic architecture. There are approximately 30 carefully restored stone churches to discover, and you will also have the opportunity to visit the archaeological museum to marvel at pre-colonial artifacts.

The city’s manicured gardens are a must-see on this visit, including the Japanese inspired Jardín del Corazón, or search for local handicrafts at La Recova market. Before re-boarding your ship and heading to Valparaiso, be sure to leave aside enough time to explore Coquimbo.

Day 3: Relax at sea

Whether you wish to relax and unwind on this stage in the journey, or take part in research and lecture programmes onboard, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Throughout your journey, the Expedition Team will share insights on a wide array of topics in the Science Centre. You may learn about Indigenous communities and cultures, local geology and pre-Columbian history, among other things.

The onboard photographer will be on hand to shar their tips and tricks for improving the quality of your photos, and be sure to put this into practice as you can capture the many intriguing seabirds that will follow your ship.

Day 4: Iquique and the Atacama

You will be encountering yet another UNESCO-listed Heritage Site on this next stage of your trip, as you head towards the bustling Iquique. The cruise will be visiting the abandoned saltpetre mining towns of Santa Laura, along with the aforementioned UNESCO-listed town of Humberstone.

Upon arriving back in Iquique, explore this intriguing ocean-side city on foot, visiting an authentic local cafe to try a traditional mango sour and chumbeque, a beloved regional sweet.

Day 5: Sunny Arica

Classed as one of the driest cities on earth due to its continuous desert climate, Arica is a popular place for sunbathers and surfers alike.

Try local treats and experience the El Agro market on the vibrant streets of Calle 21 de Mayo and Bolognesi. Take a short hike up the remarkable El Morro cliff for glorious views, or visit San Marcos Cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Gain insights into the Chinchurro culture at the archaeological museum, or trek along the Playa Corazones and explore the intriguing Caves of Anzota.

Day 6: Rich marine life produced by the Humboldt Current

The cruise will sail through the Humboldt Current as you head towards Peru, with the cold-water in this area creating perfect conditions for many variations of marine life. Some of this marine life includes, anchovies, mackerel and sardines, and the Expedition Team will be on hand to offer more insights into the current’s importance in sustaining the abundance of marine life in the area.

You’ll also have lots of time to work out in the gym, drink in the stunning views and breezes, and sit back and enjoy a relaxing drink in the Explorer lounge and bar amongst your fellow travellers.

Day 7: Ballestas and Nazca

The Nazca Lines and the Ballestas Islands are among some of the most notable attractions in Peru, with both being accessible from Paracas.

Similar to Lima, there are so many foods to enjoy while in this region, as well as an abundant array of wildlife to seek out. Along the main shorefront you can enjoy authentic jalea –  fried seafood with salsa criolla and yuca root, and offshore you will be able to spot the wildlife rich Ballestas Islands. Be sure to keep an eye-out for penguins, turtles, pelicans, sea lions, Inca terns and humpback whales as you cruise around the island.

Alternatively, explore the Paracas National Reserve, with its captivating sand dunes and red beaches, or fly over the mysterious Nazca lines etched in the Peruvian coastal desert – a experience sure to be on many people’s bucket list.

Day 8: : Lima – Intriguing blend of ancient and modern

With its historical centre listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site, the city of Lima is considered to be a jewel of Spanish-era architecture. From colonial churches and monasteries to elegant mansions, you can also go even further back in time to gain insights into the pre-Hispanic heritage at the ruins of the pyramid Huaca Pucllana.

Recognised by many as being the food capital of South America, Lima has everything from gourmet restaurants to tasty street food. Be sure to indulge in the wonderful cuisines on offer at this stage in you journey.

Day 9: Salaverry and Trujillo

As the expedition cruise journeys on towards Trujillo on day seven, you will pass Salaverry which is the gateway port to Trujillo. The third biggest city in Peru, Trujillo boasts a Baroque cathedral, colonial churches and Neoclassical mansions, as well as one of the longest mosaic murals in the world.

Close by, you’ll be able to see the incredibly vast ancient ruins of the Chimú city of Chan Chan date back to at least 900 CE. Astonishingly, these are not even the oldest ruins that remain in the region. On the other side of Trujillo, the mysterious Mochican pyramids of the Sun and the Moon pre-date the Chimu city of Chan Chan.

Once you have re-boarded your cruise ship, there will be performances of traditional Peruvian dances for you to enjoy.

Day 10: Towards Ecuador

The next leg of your journey will be spent at sea, as you head onwards to Ecuador. This is an excellent opportunity for you to enjoy the ship’s amenities and facilities, including luxurious bars and restaurants, sauna, gym, as well as the onboard Science Centre. Visit the centre to take in lectures from the Expedition Team about topics such as the history and geology of the places you are soon to visit.

There are plenty of Citizen Science projects available for travellers to participate in, but if you’re looking for something more relaxing, why not indulge in one of the many spa treatments available.

Day 11: Machalilla National Park

This is a truly unmissable place on your expedition journey. A utopia for an abundance of bird and wildlife due to its rich ecosystem of dry forests and protected wetlands, Machalilla National Park is home to more than 270 bird and 81 mammal species.

If conditions are favourable, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit Puerto Lopez. A small town which represents a typical Pacific Coast fishing village, Puerto Lopez is a popular destination for tourists, with many visiting to go whale-spotting and to also experience Machalilla National Park.

Puerto Lopez is the perfect place to sit back and disconnect from the stresses of everyday life on one of the pristine beaches. Alternatively, take a stroll along the street that runs beside the beach and discover its low-key restaurants and cafes.

Day 12: Made in Montecristi

As you journey past the equator in the early morning of the fourth day, prepare for the unique culture of Montecristi. Recognised for its handicrafts, Montecristi is the birthplace of Panama hats, despite being in Ecuador, and you can buy a stylish genuine Panama hat here, expertly handwoven from the leaves of the jipijapa tree.

Take a leisurely stroll round this charming town and witness the impressive white church, or alternatively immerse yourself in the vibrant street art and murals. You’ll then be returning to Manta, paying a visit to the local Archaeological museum.

Day 13: Crossing the equator

Your expedition cruise will now continue towards Panama as head towards the next exciting phase of your adventure.

Spend these days reflecting on your incredible experiences visiting a wide variety of exciting places, while scanning for any iconic wildlife, including whales, out on deck. Settle into the comfort of the Explorer lounge and bar as you recap your favourite moments with you fellow travellers. Alternatively, be sure to head to the Science Centre to find out what Citizen Science programmes are available for you to contribute towards.

Day 14: Island of Cebaco

Your expedition continues to Cebaco, an area of remote beauty. With the island only being reachable by sea, it’s almost untouched and the sole human settlement is the small village of El Jobo in the north.

Home to a plethora of pristine, sandy beaches like Playa Grande to the south, the island’s unique landscape makes it an ideal destination on your adventure. Visit one of these idyllic beaches on your day of exploration, or choose to hike through the rainforest trails, scanning for iconic wildlife whilst drinking in the area’s peace and serenity.

Surrounding the island is the Gulf of Montijo which is a nationally protected marine zone, and the Expedition Team will take you on breathtaking snorkelling trips round here,  so that travellers can spot the wide array of colourful fish among the coral reefs.

Day 15: Wildlife of Golfito

You’ll reach Costa Rica on your fifteenth expedition day, with a scheduled visit to the stunning Golfito. The gateway to Piedras Blancas National Park, be sure to follow the rainforest trails through the wildlife refuge to the park, witnessing the vast array of wildlife along the way including toucans, monkeys, sloths, and macaws to name a few.

The serene waters here create a perfect environment for kayaking through the mangroves towards remote beaches, or you can instead choose to join a guided walk through the town. Immerse yourself in the excellent views from the marina and see anglers heading out in pursuit of the prized Pacific sailfish.

Day 16: Stunning Quepos

As the cruise journeys further up the coast, the next destination is Quepos. Visit pretty Marina Pez Vela, and there are various water sports available at the mile-long Playa Espadilla.

A utopia for those who have a vested interest in nature and the ocean, there is so much to do and see in this blissful setting. Choose to enjoy marine pursuits, hike in the nearby rainforest, or simply visit the beautiful mile-long beach of Playa Espadilla.

The port is also a gateway to another National Park, with the Manuel Antonio National Park being regarded as one of the most scenic in the world, by Forbes Magazine. Boasting impressive views of mountains, lagoons, mangroves, beaches, and tropical forests, the park is also home to an abundance of wildlife which travellers can keep a keen eye out for.

As you head along the stunning Perezoso trail, see if you can spot any of the elusive Scarlet Macaws, toucans, hawks, sloths, iguanas, armadillos and up to four species of monkey.

Day 17: Colourful Curú

On the following day you will be sailing to the southern Nicoya Peninsula, where a plethora of different monkeys, exotic birds, deer, and iguanas thrive in the vibrant ecosystem of lush green forests and mangroves.

The Expedition Team will take you in small expedition boats to visit the Curu Wildlife Refuge. Set against a backdrop of tropical forests, pristine sandy beaches, and protected bays, take this opportunity to wander round the slaloming trails and gain more insights into local conservation. The refuge is an extremely successful sustainable development programme, working to re-introduce key species and preserve delicate local habitats such as the coral reefs.

Fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the setting by exploring the turquoise sea by kayak, or simply swim in the calm waters.

Day 18: Puntarenas arrival

Your exhilarating South America expedition cruise sadly comes to an end in Puntarenas, a thin strip of land jutting into the Pacific.

Prior to your onward journey, why not set aside some time to explore more of what Puntarenas has to offer, with a vibrant hub of restaurants, food stalls and vendors for you to enjoy. Not ready to conclude your adventure yet? Why not join one of the optional post-programme packages available to passengers following your expedition, in order to experience more of Puntarenas.

Expedition Cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
• All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
• Meals and take-away available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
• Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
• A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
• Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
• Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
• Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
• Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
• Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
• Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
• Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Notes

• All planned activities are subject to weather conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
• Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)

What’s not included

• International flights
• Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
• Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

MS Roald Amundsen