Galápagos Islands & National Parks of South America

Description

Iguanas, tortoises, and finches
The Galápagos Islands are a nature lovers dream. Explore the beautiful islands and discover endemic wildlife like giant tortoises, marine iguanas and Darwin’s famous finches.

South American adventure
We begin our expedition cruise with a tour around mystical Lima, capital of Peru, before heading to the ancient temple ruins of Chan Chan. This tour is an adventure of a lifetime, taking in ancient mangrove swamps in Golfito, magnificent coral reefs in Cebaco and the lagoons of Manuel Antonio National Park.

Trip Name

Galápagos Islands & National Parks of South America

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 Vibrant Quito

Begin your adventure in this historic equatorial cityYour expedition starts in Quito, high up in the foothills of the Ecuadorian Andes and straddling the Equator, where it feels like springtime year-round. Beneath Quito's bustling, modern façade lie its ancient Incan roots.Quito's UNESCO-listed Old Town, the largest and best-preserved historical centre in the Americas, blends Spanish colonial architecture, with Moorish and indigenous influences.Once you've settled into your hotel, you'll want to head out and explore. See the splendid period buildings and colonial era churches lining narrow, cobbled streets.

Day 2 - DAY 2 Discover Ecuador's capital

Stand on the 'true' EquatorAt our first stop, the Intiñan Museum, you'll discover gravitational effects that only occur at the Equator. You'll see totem poles, and learn about the customs and folklore of indigenous Quechua-speaking tribes.Then it's time to ascend the Teleférico, one of Quito’s most popular attractions. It's just a 10-minute cable car ride, but quite a rush as you shoot up to an altitude of 13,287 feet. Enjoy incredible views of Quito, the surrounding valleys and volcanoes.You'll return to Quito for lunch in the charming colonial quarter, before enjoying a sightseeing tour of the area.

Day 3 - DAY 3 Santa Cruz Island

Learn about wildlife conservation in the GalápagosPrepare to explore the spectacular Galápagos Islands as we fly to Baltra Island, where you'll be met and taken to Santa Cruz Island. You'll travel through wild landscapes, home to many species of flora and fauna.Once settled into your hotel, you'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. You'll see native giant land tortoises and the finches that inspired Darwin's 'Theory of Evolution'.Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure. Visit the local craft shops of pretty Puerto Ayora. Or walk to Tortuga Bay to look for iguanas, crabs and white-tip reef sharks.

Day 4 - DAY 4-5 Galápagos island hopping

One of the planet's most fascinating ecological sitesAll of the Galápagos Islands have a wealth of biodiversity to discover. To protect their delicate ecology, park authorities regulate the number of visitors. We'll be assigned two islands to visit over two days.You may see Bartolomé Island's dramatic Pinnacle Rock and rare Galápagos penguin colony. Or spot Blue-footed Boobies and magnificent frigatebirds on North Seymour. Beautiful Santa Fe is home to lounging sea lions, while land iguanas roam among cacti on South Plaza Island. You might see brightly coloured marine iguanas on Floreana or wild tortoises on Isabela.Wherever we go, you'll enjoy the precious opportunity to learn about the extraordinary geology, history and wildlife of the islands up close.

Day 5 - DAY 6 From Baltra to Lima

A spot of sightseeing on the way back to LimaAfter breakfast at the hotel, we'll head to Baltra airport, making a stop on the way to see 'The Twins' or Los Gemelos. Although they look like volcanic craters, the two depressions are actually a pair of sinkholes in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island.Then it's time to catch your flight to Lima, via Guayaquil. Once you get there, a transfer will take you to your hotel in the city, where you'll enjoy dinner before spending the night.

Day 6 - DAY 7 Historic Lima

Discover UNESCO treasures in the 'City of Kings'Rich in history, Lima is a fascinating city to explore. After breakfast, we'll set out on a half-day city sightseeing tour, including a visit to the city's UNESCO-listed historic centre.Highlights include Casa Aliaga, a nearly 500-year-old mansion, and the well-preserved Santo Domingo Convent. We'll lunch at a typical Peruvian restaurant where you can try ceviche, fresh fish marinated in lime juice and other seasonings.We finish at the Callao quayside, where your ship awaits. Once you've settled in, it's time to meet your Expedition Team and fellow guests, as we set sail for more adventures.

Day 7 - DAY 8 Trujillo and Chan Chan

Discover Trujillo's ancient kingdomsSalaverry is the gateway port to discover Peru’s third largest city, Trujillo, and some fascinating archaeological sites. If the weather conditions allow, you'll be in for some fantastic experiences today.Colourful Trujillo boasts a Baroque cathedral, Colonial churches and Neoclassical mansions, as well as one of the longest mosaic murals in the world.Nearby are the vast ancient ruins of the Chimu city of Chan Chan, dating back to 900 CE. On the other side of Trujillo, you'll find the Mochican pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, that pre-date Chan Chan.

Day 8 - DAY 9 A leisurely day at sea

Relax and unwind as we cruise towards EcuadorAs we leave Peru, you'll have the chance to enjoy the many onboard facilities, visit the Science Center and join the Expedition Team for lectures on the sights you'll be seeing next.If you want to unwind, head to the Wellness Centre and indulge in a soothing treatment. If the warm breeze hasn't opened your pores, take some time to enjoy the sauna and outdoor hot tubs. You can even take part in a guided meditation class.However you choose to spend your day, you'll be rested and ready for the adventures ahead.

Day 9 - DAY 10 Bountiful Puerto Bolivar

A bustling port with a charming atmosphereWe have a colourful day ahead, exploring Puerto Bolivar, a port in the city of Machala that exports coffee, cocoa, shrimp and bountiful bananas.Feast on delicious fresh seafood at a harbour restaurant, taking in views of the mangrove swamps of Isla Jambeli – and discover Machala's markets, plazas and Casa de la Cultura Museum on our included tour.As an optional excursion, you can visit a banana plantation and try to spot hummingbirds, parakeets and howler monkeys in Buenaventura Nature Reserve. Nearby Puyango Petrified Forest is one of the largest areas of fossilised trees in the world.

Day 10 - DAY 11 Machalilla National Park

Dry forests, wonderful wildlife and archeological sitesMachalilla National Park is a truly special place. With its beautiful dry forests and protected wetlands, this stretch of coastline is home to more than 270 bird and 81 mammal species.We plan to anchor off the long sandy beach at the fishing village of Puerto López, using our small expedition boats to land.The park is also something of an outdoor museum of pre-Columbian history, thanks to the ancient Machalilla culture that used to thrive here. On our included excursion, we'll visit the Agua Blanca archeological site, taking in spectactular wildlife and scenery along the way.

Day 11 - DAY 12 Manta and Montecristi

Discover the birthplace of Panama hats... in EcuadorManta is a lively port city with a long history of fishing that has brought the city prosperity. You'll find wild shrimp, black clams, and red snapper at many local restaurants. Manta is most famous for its tuna, which we recommend trying in the encebollado broth.Head to Playa el Murcielago for the lively shops and eateries of Malencón Escénico, or learn about pre-Colombian civilisation at the Museo Municipal Etnografico Cancebi.The handicraft centre of Montecristi is also nearby. Perhaps surprisingly, this Ecuadorian town where the Panama hat was first created, and is still hand woven here to this day.

Day 12 - DAY 13 Crossing the Equator

Enjoy a quirky seafaring traditionAs our expedition cruise continues towards Panama, you'll have time to enjoy more lectures from the Expedition Team, and brush up on your photography or art skills. You can also take samples gathered on our cruise to analyse under our Science Center microscopes.As we cross the Equator, you can seek Neptune's blessing in a short ceremony. Don't be shy, it's a Norwegian sailors’ tradition.After spending time out on deck, you can join fellow explorers, bonding over common interests and a passion for nature in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or enjoy some fine dining in our onboard restaurants.

Day 13 - DAY 14 Island idyll of Cebaco

Traditional island life off the beaten trackWe continue our cruise to Cebaco, a hidden gem of an island. The only way here is by sea, but with no regular ferries, it's untouched by development or mass tourism. The only human settlement is the small village of El Jobo in the north.Wind your way round miles of pristine beaches, like Playa Grande to the south, with its soft white sands and coconut trees. Or hike through rainforest trails and enjoy the peace while looking out for wildlife.The Gulf of Montijo, surrounding the island, is a nationally protected marine zone. You can enjoy exceptional snorkelling here, spotting colourful fish among the coral reefs.

Day 14 - DAY 15 Wildlife of Golfito

Abundant nature in Piedras Blancas National ParkOur expedition cruise reaches Costa Rica. Here in relaxed, blissful Golfito is the gateway to Piedras Blancas National Park. Follow the rainforest trails through the wildlife refuge. Among the lush rainforest, you’ll discover waterfalls, and spy toucans, macaws, blue morpho butterflies, anteaters, sloths and mantled howler monkeys.The calm waters here are perfect for a kayaking tour, exploring local mangroves and isolated beaches as part of an optional excursion. Or go shopping in the town's duty-free centre. Then enjoy views from the marinas, where anglers head out in pursuit of the prized Pacific Sailfish.

Day 15 - DAY 16 Quepos and Manuel Antonio

Explore beautiful Manuel AntonioQuepos is popular with visitors, offering everything from water sports and big game fishing to eateries and shopping. Its biggest attraction by far is the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll visit today.One of Costa Rica’s most popular parks, it ranks 12 in the Forbes list of most beautiful national parks in the world. With spectacular views of mountains, mangroves, lagoons, beaches, and forest, the park is home to 350 bird and 109 mammal species.Follow the breathtaking Perezoso trail to spot Scarlet Macaws, toucans, hawks, four species of monkey, sloths, iguanas and armadillos.

Day 16 - DAY 17 Arrival in Puntarenas

Enjoy Costa Rican coastal life before heading homeYour South American expedition cruise concludes in Puntarenas, a Costa Rican city on a needle of land jutting into the Pacific Ocean. If you have time, stroll down the palm-lined Paseo de los Turistas and soak up the sights and sounds of the promenade.Before returning home, why not join one of our Post-Programmes. You can visit the magnificent Arenal Volcano Area where you’ll see more of Costa Rica’s beautiful flora and fauna. Or enjoy a jungle boat tour and discover the Costa Rican capital of San José.

Day 17 - Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

An incredible Galápagos Islands, wildlife and nature experience