Treasures Of The Pacific Coast

ITINERARY

DAY 1  Embarking at Colón

Get ready to start your adventure
Your South American expedition cruise begins in Colón, which stands at the entrance to the Panama Canal on the Atlantic coast. It's a bustling cosmopolitan centre with hot springs, a thriving handicraft scene and wonderful local restaurants.  
If you’d like to explore more of Panama, you can join one of our optional Pre-Programmes.
However you choose to spend your time in Panama, your expedition ship will be ready and waiting. Once boarded, locate your cabin, explore the ship and get to meet your Expedition Team.

DAY 2  Through the Panama Canal

Navigate one of the world's greatest engineering marvels
Early in the morning, we'll enter the Panama Canal, a complex network of huge, ingenious locks stretching 50 miles through natural and man-made waterways. If weather allows, our Expedition Team will invite you on deck and tell the story of this ambitious project.
Halfway through our transit, we'll enter the Gatun Lake section, which is one of the world's largest artificial lakes and is surrounded by verdant rainforest. Keep an eye out for crocodiles, alligators, monkeys and even sloths.
After around twelve hours, we'll emerge into the Pacific, passing from one great ocean to another.

DAY 3  On the way to Ecuador

Enjoy a day at sea
As we sail towards Ecuador take time to relax and get to know the ship better. Go out on deck and look out for wildlife – whales can often be seen in these waters. Your Expedition Team can be found in the Science Center, and they’ll be giving some interesting talks on a range of topics.
While you’re there, why not find out about the Citizen Science projects we’re running. Or if you’d simply like to relax and enjoy the journey, try out a hot tub or settle into the comfort of the Explorer Lounge & Bar and watch the world pass by. Later, a spot of stargazing from the deck is a lovely way to wind up your day.

DAY 4  Made in Montecristi

Discover the birthplace of Panama hats ... in Ecuador
It's not every day that you get the opportunity to seek Neptune's blessing. We'll do just that in a traditional – and somewhat fun – ceremony as we cross the Equator in the early morning.
Later, we'll dock at the port of Manta and set foot on South American soil as we visit the town of Montecristi. Known for its handicrafts, you can buy a stylish genuine Panama hat here, expertly handwoven from the leaves of the jipijapa tree. 
Wander around this smart town and take a look at the imposing white church, or take in the colourful street art and murals. Returning to Manta, we’ll pay a visit to the archaeological museum.

INCLUDED
Visit the archaeological museum of Manta and discover Montecristi, home of the Panama hat.

DAY 5  Bountiful Puerto Bolívar

Explore a bustling port with a charming atmosphere
We have a fruitful day ahead exploring Puerto Bolívar, a port in the city of Machala that exports coffee, cocoa, shrimp and masses of bananas. Shipping more of Ecuador’s ‘green gold’ than anywhere else in the country, Puerto Bolívar is dubbed ‘Banana Capital of the World.’
Machala itself has all the charm you’d expect from a small coastal city, including friendly locals, cosy plazas and striking monuments. You can try delicious fresh seafood at the harbour restaurants, taking in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli. Then explore on foot the local markets, plazas and the Casa de la Cultura museum.

INCLUDED
On a guided tour, visit the market of Machala, the archaeological and paleontological museum, and a local craft fair.

DAY 6  Leisure and learning

Relaxation, research – or a bit of both
Your Pacific coast cruise continues as we head towards Peru. As we sail, you might want to soak up the scenery on deck, dine on delicious food or just enjoy the onboard facilities.
The Expedition Team will continue their talks in the Science Center, sharing insights on all kinds of topics. You might learn about Indigenous communities and cultures, local geology and pre-Columbian history, among other things.
Out on deck, they’ll help you identify the seabirds that like to follow our ship, as well as other wildlife. Our onboard photographer will be on hand with tips.

DAY 7  Salaverry, Peru

Discover Trujillo's ancient kingdoms
Salaverry is the gateway port to Peru’s third largest city, Trujillo, and some fascinating archaeological sites. Colourful Trujillo boasts a Baroque cathedral, colonial churches and Neoclassical mansions, as well as one of the longest mosaic murals in the world.
Nearby, the vast ancient ruins of the Chimú city of Chan Chan date back to at least 900 CE. On the other side of Trujillo, the mysterious Mochican pyramids of the Sun and the Moon pre-date even that.
Back on the ship, there will be a performance of traditional Peruvian dances.

INCLUDED
Learn about Peru’s many different cultural traditions and enjoy a dance performance.

DAY 8  Lima – a city both ancient and modern

Explore Peru’s historic capital  
Lima's historical centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a jewel of Spanish-era architecture, from colonial churches and monasteries to elegant mansions. Going further back in time, you can learn more about the city’s pre-Hispanic heritage at the ruins of the pyramid Huaca Pucllana.
Known as the food capital of South America, Lima has everything from gourmet restaurants to unmissable street food. We recommend trying Peru's national dish ceviche, fish marinated in lime juice, onion and chilli.

INCLUDED
Explore beautiful Lima on a guided tour.

DAY 9  Ballestas and Nazca

Discover extraordinary wildlife and ancient mysteries
Among Peru's most notable attractions are the Nazca Lines and the Ballestas Islands, and both are accessible from Paracas.   
Known as El Chaco, the town has an array of restaurants along the main shorefront where you can enjoy traditional jalea – fried seafood with salsa criolla and yuca root. Just offshore are the wildlife rich Ballestas Islands. On today’s boat tour, look out for Humboldt Penguins, turtles, pelicans, sea lions, Inca Terns and humpback whales as you cruise around the islands.    
Otherwise, explore the Paracas National Reserve, with its otherworldly yellow sand dunes and red beaches, or fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines etched in the Peruvian coastal desert – an experience that’s on many people’s bucket list.

DAY 10  Clear skies, cool climate

Rich marine life produced by the Humboldt Current
As we cruise towards Chile, we'll sail through the Humboldt Current. The cold-water climate here creates conditions that sustain an incredible abundance of marine life, including vast shoals of anchovies, mackerel and sardines. Your Expedition Team will tell you more about the Humboldt Current’s importance to the marine ecosystem.
Visit the Science Center to find out more. Your Expedition Team will tell you more about its importance and impact on the marine ecosystem.
You’ll also have plenty of time to relax in the hot tub, work out in the gym, and take in the stunning views and stimulating breezes you’ll find on deck.

DAY 11  Sunny Arica

Stretch your legs in sunny Arica
Arica experiences a constant desert climate and is classed as one of the driest cities in the world, unusual for a place by the sea. No wonder the city is popular with sunbathers and surfers.
On the lively streets Calle 21 de Mayo and Bolognesi you can try local treats and peruse the El Agro market. Take a 15-minute hike up the remarkable El Morro cliff for glorious views, or visit San Marcos Cathedral, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
You can see mummies and learn about Chinchorro culture at the archaeological museum, or stretch your legs on a trek along Playa Corazones or exploring the Caves of Anzota.

DAY 12  Iquique and the Atacama

Discover the history of UNESCO-listed Humberstone
Our cruise continues to bustling Iquique, a flat city of promenades lined with palm trees. 
We’ll visit the abandoned saltpetre mining towns of Santa Laura and UNESCO-listed Humberstone in the arid Atacama Desert. Back in Iquique, explore this smart ocean-side city on foot, or just pull up a chair in a café and watch the people. 
While you’re there, enjoy a delicious coffee or a traditional mango sour and chumbeque, a beloved regional sweet. Or pay a visit to La Esmeralda, a 19th century four-masted, corvette that has historical significance.

DAY 13  Relax at sea

Reflect on your adventure
Your expedition cruise down South America's Pacific coast continues towards La Serena in Chile.
By this stage of your journey, you’ll have made friends with your fellow explorers, finding that you have interests and a passion for nature in common. You can spend time chatting with them in the Explorer Lounge and Bar, perhaps recalling the best bits of your expedition cruise so far.
Of course, the Expedition Team will continue to deliver insightful lectures in the Science Center, and you can delve into the books in the onboard library if you want to learn more about a particular subject.

DAY 14  Stunning La Serena

Explore the 'City of Churches' and Serena Beach
Docking at the port of Coquimbo, we’ll head to Chile’s second oldest city, La Serena.
La Serena is blessed with beautiful sandy beaches all along Avenida del Mar and beyond. Bursting with classical architecture, there are around 30 carefully restored stone churches to discover, and you can visit the Archaeological Museum to marvel at pre-colonial artifacts. 
Take a stroll through the city's manicured public gardens, like the Japanese-inspired Jardín del Corazón, or shop for handicrafts at La Recova market. Down the discreet lane of Patio Colonial near Balmaceda you’ll find relaxed cafés and eateries. Before boarding the ship, leave some time to explore Coquimbo.

DAY 15  Valparaíso, a UNESCO gem

End your voyage in style in Valparaíso
Your South American Pacific coast expedition cruise ends in Valparaíso. Known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific', this UNESCO-listed city is built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean. It's well worth spending time exploring before you fly home.
Filled with intriguing, impressions, it’s an exhilarating maze of winding alleyways and barrios, colourful houses, and mercados packed with local produce. Take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción.
Although your cruise has come to an end, if you're up for more adventures you can join an optional Post-Programme.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• 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

*House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water
*Please note there is very limited Wi-Fi and phone signal in the remote areas we travel to, and streaming is not supported.

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full use of our Science Center, small library and advanced biological and geological equipment
• Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
• Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
• Use of ship's hot tubs, infinity pool, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and running track (on MS Roald Amundsen)
• Use of the ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna and indoor gym (on MS Fram)
• 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

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)

Included
Manta and Montecristi Highlights
Visit the archaeological museum of Manta and discover Montecristi, home of the Panama hat.

Included
Marinera Dance Show On board
Learn about Peru’s many different cultural traditions and enjoy a dance performance.

Included
Panoramic Tour of Lima
Explore beautiful Lima on a guided tour.

Included
Machala City Tour
On a guided tour, visit the market of Machala, the archaeological and paleontological museum, and a local craft fair.