Panama, Ecuador & Peru – Inca Mysteries & Machu Picchu (Roald Amundsen)

Description

Our journey begins in Panama City, site of the famous Panama Canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. From there, we head south, visiting cities full of charming architecture in Ecuador and Peru, discovering beautiful beaches, archaeological mysteries, and UNESCO sites. End your voyage with a visit to the fascinating ruins of Machu Picchu.

Included in your voyage:

Hotel
Overnight in Panama City, including breakfast before the expedition cruise

Transfers
Transfer from the hotel to the ship in Panama City, including excursion

Land-Programme Machu Picchu, Peru after the cruise
Two nights at Tambo del Inka Resort, including half board
One night in Lima, including breakfast
3-course set lunch and dinner on day 11, 12 and packed lunch on day 10
Return economy flight Lima-Cusco-Lima
All transfers and train rides as described, including English-speaking guide
Entrance fees according to programme

Trip Name

Panama, Ecuador & Peru – Inca Mysteries & Machu Picchu (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 Cosmopolitan Capital

Spend the night in a central hotel in Panama City. Hike to Ancón Hill and enjoy views of the skyscraper-lined cityscape and of the Casco Antiguo district which boasts a real mix of architectural styles. Arrange to arrive a few days early for a Pre-Programme that explores the local flora and fauna.

Day 2 - Day 2 Panama Canal Experience

Before embarking on the ship, we visit the locks and visitor centre at Miraflores and learn how massive ships are manoeuvred through this marvel of engineering. Enjoy lunch overlooking Chagres River before we board speedboats to cruise the canal itself. In the waters of Lake Gatún, we may spot monkeys and even crocodiles.

Day 3 - Day 3 Crossing the Equator

Spend time relaxing in the serenity of the sea. Join lectures as our experienced lecturers share their extensive knowledge and meet our Expedition Team on deck to spot marine wildlife and sea birds. 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 4 - Day 4 Made in Montecristi

Manta is a bustling port 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 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 6 - Day 6 Ecuador’s Coastal Metropolis

We arrive in the largest city in Ecuador. Colourful favelas blanket the hillsides will high-rise buildings line the Guayas river, surrounding Malecón 2000, the attractive riverfront square. Next to the majestic City Cathedral is ‘Iguana Park’, so named for the tame iguanas that roam the gardens here, mingling amiably with tourists, and posing for photos.

Day 7 - Day 7 At Your Leisure

Enjoy another day and spend it at your leisure. Recap our voyage so far with fellow guests in our comfortable lounge, indulge yourself with a spa treatment in our Wellness Center, or. Join in on interesting lectures. You can also refresh yourself by taking a dip in the infinity pool and Jacuzzis.

Day 8 - Day 8 Ancient Kingdoms

Next is the port of Salaverry, the starting point for two optional excursions. Visit the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site of Chan Chan (`Sun Sun´) to see the mud-brick ruins of the ancient Chimú kingdom. Or tour the Mochican temples of the Sun and Moon, the former being the largest adobe pyramid in Peru.

Day 9 - Day 9 UNESCO Site & Ancient History

Around noon, you disembark and transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Cusco. A packed lunch will be provided en route to the airport. Upon arrival in Cusco, meet the local representative and continue to the Tambo del Inka Resort in the Sacred Valley for dinner and to spend the night.

Day 10 - Day 10 The Splendour of Machu Picchu

After breakfast, you’re in for some unforgettable highlights. First, we visit to Ollantaytambo, an Incan town that shares its name with the formidable stone fortress that clings to a massive cliff above the community. This fortification was the valley’s main defence against the rival Antis people and was the site of the Incas’ greatest victory against the Spanish during the wars of conquest. Constructed of rose-coloured granite, this huge structure was once a thriving complex of baths, temples and military barracks. Next, head to the nearby train station to board the deluxe Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu. A savoury brunch is served as we enjoy spectacular views on the way to Machu Picchu.At last, we arrive at spectacular Machu Picchu. This hidden city overlooks the raging Urubamba River and was shielded from discovery for centuries by thick tangles of vines and trees. Now one of the great destinations in world travel, the city of Machu Picchu still hides the secret of its rise and fall, as the Incas left behind no written records. Explore the city's ruins, feel its pulse and visualise the lives of the priests, craftsmen, and servants who inhabited this incredible place. Excavations at the site have revealed skeletons, artefacts and woollen clothing. Inspect the famous precision of Incan stonework on display here. After spending an unforgettable day exploring the ruins, you can enjoy tea at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge before we head back by train to Tambo del Inka Resort for another relaxing evening and overnight stay.

Day 11 - Day 11 Centre of the Incan Empire

After breakfast, we head to Cusco, where we visit the Sacsayhuaman fortress. Sacsayhuamán is strategically located on a hill overlooking Cusco and was constructed without mortar like many other Inca structures. Yet the enormous stones (some weighing 200 tons) fit so tightly that not even a thin blade of grass can slide between them. The craftsmanship is a stunning example of the Inca’s sophisticated construction techniques and architectural skills. Next, proceed to the splendid Baroque-style Cusco Cathedral, built in the mid-1500s on the foundations of an Incan palace. Many of the stones used in its construction were looted from the nearby Sacsayhuamán fortress.Continue to Koricancha, where we admire the lovely Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo that was built on the foundations of the Temple of the Sun, the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The curved, mortar-less masonry wall at the west end of the church is considered to be one of the greatest existing examples of Inca stonework. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.Transfer to the airport and fly to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, meet the local representative and transfer to the Swissotel.Enjoy the evening in the capital of Peru.Visit the baroque Cusco Cathedral.

Day 12 - Day 12 Lovely Colonial Lima

After breakfast at the hotel, set out to discover fascinating Lima before returning home. The city and surrounding area are steeped in history. To the north is Caral, considered the most ancient city in the Americas, and to the south is the archaeological site of Pachacamac. Lima was established by the Spanish conquistadores in 1542, and the ruling Vice Royalty of Peru proceeded to build significant churches, monasteries, and mansions in the town. Today, Lima´s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 13 - 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

Visit impressive Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and the Sacsayhuamán fortress
See different cities along South America´s Pacific Coast, each with their own character
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites famous for archaeology or colonial architecture
Tour the famous Panama Canal and see its system of locks close up