Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica – The Pacific Coasts of Central America (Roald Amundsen)

Description

Get to know a few of Ecuador’s coastal cities, each with its own charm. Start in the bustling river and coastal city of Guayaquil before heading on to Puerto Bolivar and Manta. Cebaco Island in Panama is a remote and rarely visited paradise while Golfito and Quepos give access to nearby Costa Rican national parks full of scenic habitats and varied animal life.

Trip Name

Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica – The Pacific Coasts of Central America (Roald Amundsen)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 140 metres Passenger Capacity: 530 Built: 2019 In 2019, Hurtigruten adds a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. The state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible. MS Roald Amundsen is the first of two hybrid ships Hurtigruten will add to its fleet over the next few years, cutting emissions by sailing with electrical propulsion. Hybrid technology, combined with the advanced construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board will reduce fuel consumption and CO2-emissions on the ships by 20 percent. The build of these two ships represents the largest single investment in the history of Hurtigruten. The future of shipping will be silent and emission free. MS Roald Amundsen will lead the way towards an even more sustainable way of traveling. Sailing on electrical power is not only a great benefit for the environment, but it will also enhance the impact of experiencing nature for the guests. The ship will be specially constructed for voyages in polar waters and serve as a comfortable basecamp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way. Facilities on board One of the most eye-catching exterior design features of the ships will be the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck wrapped around the top of the ships’ raked bow. In a vast area behind it, you’ll find the core of the onboard experience: Amundsen Science Center. Packed with state of the art technology and high tech gadgets such as touch screens and science equipment, the immersive edutainment area will be the place guests and staff/crew meet, mingle and create a deeper understanding for the areas they explore. The flexible venue will feature lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more. The area, featuring large windows, will also be the onboard HQ for Hurtigruten’s hand picked Expedition Team. The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor Jacuzzis with spectacular views. MS Roald Amundsen will feature three restaurants inspired by Nordic and Norwegian heritage: Aune Main Dining, named after the Norwegian ship chandler and polar expedition supplier Tinus Aune. Fredheim - the ships’ informal and social meeting place – named after a 1900s hunting station on Svalbard. Lindstrøm, a speciality restaurant named after Adolf Lindstrøm, the favorite chef of the Norwegian polar heroes. Artwork on board When the world’s first hybrid powered expedition ship embarks on her maiden voyage, every piece of art on board will be handpicked by HM Queen Sonja of Norway’s art foundation - the Queen Sonja Print Award. Read more about the exciting collaboration here.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Metropolis on the Ecuadorian Coast

Your journey starts with an overnight in this sprawling city, the largest in Ecuador. High-rise buildings line the Guayas river while colourful favelas blanket the hillsides. Visit Malecón 2000, the riverfront town square before posing with tame iganuas in the local park. Extend your adventure by adding a Pre-Programme to mystic Machu Picchu or the amazing Galápagos Islands.

Day 2 - Day 2 Embarkation on MS Roald Amundsen

After breakfast at your hotel, we take you on a guided city tour by bus to see its highlights and learn about its history. Possible sites of interest include the Clock Tower that dates back to 1842 or Henry Morgan’s pirate ship along the river. The tour ends at the pier where MS Roald Amundsen awaits embarkation.

Day 3 - Day 3 Bananas, Hummingbirds & Petrified Forest

Known as the banana capital of the world, this area is surrounded by banana plantations - approximately 80% of Ecuador’s bananas are shipped through Puerto Bolivar. Join an optional excursion to an organic plantation and learn about their unique process of growing their banana plants – by playing classical music for them. Further ashore you can explore the Buenaventura Reserve where you have the chance to observe hummingbirds, hawks and parakeets, or walk amongst fossilized trees, flowers, and plants in the Petrified Forest of Puyango on one of our optional excursions.

Day 4 - Day 4 Made in Montecristi

Manta is a bustling port town with high-rise buildings and lovely beaches. You can visit the city museum which showcases artefacts from local pre-Colombian culture, a collection of Ecuadorian art, and weird and wonderful fishing paraphernalia. We recommend an excursion to nearby Montecristi where traditional Panamanian straw hats are hand woven.

Day 5 - Day 5 Serenity at Sea

A day at sea means you can attend interesting lectures, learn basic expedition photography, and enjoy the fresh sea air out on deck as you scout for wildlife. You can also use microscopes in the Science Center to analyse samples taken during the voyage or participate in a yoga and meditation workshop. As we cross the Equator, it’s our tradition to hold a ceremony seeking King Neptune’s blessing. He may even make an appearance.

Day 6 - Day 6 Beaches Off the Beaten Track

Even as Panama’s third-biggest island, Cebaco and its main town of El Jobo in the north is almost all but forgotten by passing ferries and cruise ships. The result is a small, quiet, and traditional community untainted by tourism development. Beautiful hidden beaches lie around each bend, promising exceptional snorkeling and fishing.

Day 7 - Day 7 From Bananas to Bargains

Built from the export of bananas, Golfito now instead boasts a large duty-free zone that draws visitors on shopping sprees. There are also hiking trails through the rainforest to the wildlife refuge on the hill, part of the Piedras Blancas National Park which features waterfalls, monkeys, bats, toucans, macaws, frogs, caimans, sloths, and even jaguars.

Day 8 - Day 8 Diverse Landscapes, Diverse Wildlife

Sat in a tropical inlet, the small harbour of Quepos acts as a gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. The park boasts mangroves, lagoons, beaches, coral reefs and rainforest and is described as an ‘outdoor zoo’ by visitors. You can hope to spot some of the 184 species of birds and 109 species of mammals.

Day 9 - Day 9 End of the Tropical Expedition

Your journey comes to an end here. Before returning home, why not make the most of your trip and add a Post-Programme with three nights at the Parador Resort close to Manuel Antonio National Park. Or join a jungle boat tour with lunch followed by a night in the capital city of San José.

Day 10 - Please Note:

Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

See a range of communities and islands along the Pacific coast of Central America
Visit national parks with diverse, exotic habitats such as mangroves and rainforest
Spot wildlife such as monkeys, turtles, dolphins, sloths, toucans and hummingbirds
Enjoy onboard yoga and meditation classes with a professional instructor