Hurtigruten Expeditions Pacific Latin America - Diverse Landscapes and Cultures

15-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 13-14: Crossing the equator

Over the next two days, your expedition cruise will continue towards Panama as you reach the end of your journey.

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 15: Concluding in Panama City

Your South American expedition cruise will end in the famous Panama City. A vibrant metropolis with a skyline dominated by skyscrapers, the city still holds on to its rich cultural history, with there being a UNESCO-listed old town and historic district for travellers to experience following the end of their expedition.

If you have time before your onward journey, why not explore more of what this bustling city has to offer.

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
• 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, 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 landing 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

MS Fram