Hurtigruten Expeditions South America - Treasures of the Pacific Coast

15-day itinerary

Day 1: Embarking in Colon

Standing at the entrance to the Panama Canal on the Atlantic Coast, Colon will be the first destination on your exhilarating South American expedition. There’s so much to see in this bustling city. Whether you want to experience the hot springs, the thriving handicraft scene or wonderful restaurants, Colon is the perfect place to start your exciting journey.

There are a selection of pre-programme packages available if you wish to explore more of what Panama has to offer, before boarding your state-of-the-art expedition cruise ship. Once you’re onboard, get acquainted with the ship’s layout and facilities as you settle into your surroundings.

Day 2: Through the Panama Canal

In the early morning of day two, the expedition will be entering the Panama Canal. The impressive canal is made up of a complex, network of massive locks which stretch 50 miles through natural and man-made waterways. Weather permitting, the Expedition Team will invite you on deck and tell the story of this ambitious project.

As the cruise enters the halfway stage of the transit through the canal, you’ll be detouring to the Gatun Lake section – one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. Surrounded by verdant rainforest, keep your eyes peeled for the teeming wildlife in the area, including crocodiles, alligators, monkeys, and even sloths.

After approximately twelve hours, the cruise will emerge into the Pacific as you journey towards Ecuador.

Day 3: 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 4: 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 5: Bountiful 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 the nearby 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 6: Another day 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. As you head towards Peru, 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 7: 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 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: 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 10: Rich marine life produced by the Humboldt Current

The cruise will sail through the Humboldt Current as you head towards Chile, 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: Reflect on your adventure

As your expedition cruise continues down South America’s Pacific coast towards La Serena, take this opportunity to reflect on the amazing experiences and memories you have gathered over the course of your journey.

Spend time bolstering your knowledge about the different South American regions with the Expedition Team, chat amongst your fellow travellers in the Explorer lounge and bar, or even visit the onboard library to delve deeper into a certain subject area.

Day 14: 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 15: Valparaiso, a UNESCO gem

Discover the beauty of Chile’s principal port city

The vibrant city of Valparaiso will be the final stop on your South America 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 heading back? Join one of the optional post-programmes so that you have more time to fully experience the port city.

Expedition Cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurants Aune (MS Fram and MS Roald Amundsen) and Fredheim (on MS Roald Amundsen)
• À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
• Complimentary reusable water bottle
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
• 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

Activities

• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
• 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
• No gratuities expected

What’s not included

• International flights
• 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 (only on MS Roald Amundsen)

MS Fram

Ms Roald Amundsen