Peru and Chile – Galápagos Islands and Inca Highlights

Description

Start your voyage by exploring the famous Galápagos Islands, home to an astonishing variety of native species. Then, embark on an expedition cruise along the scenic western coast of South America from Lima, Peru, down to Valparaíso in Chile. Contrast modern cities with historic ancient civilisations, and enjoy days at sea at your leisure.

Included in your voyage:

Galápagos Island Programme before the cruise
Two nights in Quito, including breakfast and dinner on Day 2.
Three nights at a hotel in Santa Cruz Island /Galápagos, including full board
One night in Lima, including half board
Economy flight Quito-Baltra, Baltra-Lima (via Guayaquil)
All transfers, excursions and meals as described, including English-speaking guide
Galápagos Islands National Park entrance fee

Trip Name

Peru and Chile – Galápagos Islands and Inca Highlights

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 140 m Passenger Capacity: 530 Built: 2020 MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe. Featuring Hurtigruten's revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen. Combining state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the two Norwegian built ships introduces the next generation of adventure travel. Cabins and public areas 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 hot tubs with spectacular views. Science Center The core of the onboard experience is the Nansen Science Center, an edutainment venue to guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Nansen Science Center will also be the on board HQ for the Expedition Team. Restaurants MS Fridtjof Nansen's three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration. Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations. After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the elegant Explorer Lounge, a large gym and Wellness center, or enjoy the scenery and sunsets on the massive in- and outdoor Observation Decks with the aft infinity pool and hot tubs as one of the highlights. Everything you need for an expedition cruise Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition Team will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science. MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a variety of custom built expedition equipment, including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas. In the footsteps of a great explorer The newest addition to our fleet will honor the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896). Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole - Roald Amundsen.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 UNESCO Site and Ancient History

Thanks to the city’s preservation of its diverse cultural past, UNESCO declared Quito the first of its World Heritage sites in 1978. The city is beautifully situated in an Andean valley at 2,850 metres (9,350 ft), making it the second-highest capital city in the world. Take a look around this marvellous city before spending the night at a centrally located hotel.

Day 2 - Day 2 Explore Quito and Surroundings

After breakfast, we drive north to the equator and visit the Inti Ñan Museum. Afterwards, we ascend Teleférico – one of Quito’s most popular attractions, offering spectacular and easily accessible views of the city. The ride lasts only 10 minutes but takes you to an altitude of 4,050 m (13,300 ft). At the top, the lookout offers visitors incredible views of Quito, the surrounding valleys and snow-covered volcanoes (along with coffee, snacks, and oxygen for the short-of-breath). Bring a sweater or light jacket - it can get chilly up there!Return to the city to enjoy lunch in Quito´s charming colonial quarter. The afternoon sightseeing reveals some of the reasons why Ecuador's capital earned its honour as UNESCO´s first World Heritage site. Dinner will be served at the hotel where you will spend the night.

Day 3 - Day 3 Glorious Galapagos Islands

After breakfast, we depart the hotel and drive to Quito Airport for our flight to the Galápagos Islands (via Guayaquil).Upon arrival at Baltra´s airport, we meet the local representative and board a bus for the short transfer to Itabaca Channel, which separates Baltra Island from Santa Cruz Island. Here, we board a small ferry that crosses the azure waters of the channel to Santa Cruz, a journey that takes about five minutes.On the other side, we travel through a rural agricultural area surrounded by wild landscapes and many different species of flora and fauna. We may well spot the finches that are famous for being the basis of Darwin’s theory of evolution.See the famous Galápagos land tortoises in their natural environment and learn how private ranches help protect these special creatures and their habitat. Tortoises of all different ages and sizes gather here: small young ones with shining carapaces and older ones with weathered and worn shells. Lunch will be served in the highlands.Afterwards, we continue to our hotel in the town of Puerto Ayora. Once settled, we walk to the nearby Charles Darwin Research Station, which hosts educational museums on both the history and development of the Galápagos Islands, and protection of their natural heritage. Native giant land tortoises can also be observed. Many different tortoise species exist in the Galápagos and the station is the only place where most of the species reside at one site.The afternoon is at your leisure to explore small yet picturesque Puerto Ayora and its many shops with local arts and crafts. We later enjoy dinner at the hotel´s cosy restaurant.

Day 4 - Day 4-5 Galápagos Island Hopping

Breakfast at hotel. We have two full days to tour one of the nearby, uninhabited islands by boat.Please note that only one of the four islands listed below will be visited per day:Bartolomé Island, famous for Pinnacle Rock and Galápagos penguins; or South Plaza Island, home to a colony of land iguanas; or Santa Fe Island, known for having the islands´ most sea beautiful coves; or North Seymour Island, considered a microcosm of the entire archipelago; or Floreana Island for a tour around the island to see tortoises and sea lions, and with some luck marine iguanas; or Isabela Island to visit a Tortoise Breading station and a walk to see four species of mangroves and lagoons with flamingos and migratory birds.The visits are regulated by the Galápagos National Park and we are notified of permission 30 days prior to the visit. Regardless of the islands we visit, lunch is served on board the vessel during the tour.Later, we have dinner at the hotel and overnight.

Day 5 - Day 6 Galápagos to Colonial Lima

Breakfast at hotel. We then transfer to Baltra airport for the flight to mainland Ecuador. En route to the airport, we stop at 'The Twins' or 'Los Gemelos' - two impressive volcanic depressions in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island.A packed lunch is served on the flight from Baltra Island to Lima (via Guayaquil). At Lima airport, we meet our local representative who transfers you to your hotel in the city. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6 - Day 7 Lima – UNESCO World Heritage

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.After check out, we transfer to the ship taking in a 'Half-day Lima Highlights Tour', including a visit to the city´s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour´s highlights include Casa Aliaga, a nearly 500-year old mansion built for one of Pizarro’s lieutenants, and Santo Domingo Convent, the best-preserved colonial building in all of Lima. The tour finishes at the quayside in Callao, where MS Fridtjof Nansen or MS Roald Amundsen stands ready to continue the expedition at sea.

Day 7 - Day 8 The Ballestas by Boat

From Paracas, we explore the nearby uninhabited Ballestas Islands. The shores here have a range of wildlife, including sea lions, turtles, dolphins, pelicans, Peruvian boobies and Humboldt penguins. Paracas is also the near to Pisco valley, the site of mysterious Nazca lines and geoglyphs, which you can see on an optional excursion.

Day 8 - Day 9 Fresh Salt Air

As we sail further south, enjoy our lecture programme, the fresh salt air, and all the amenities the expedtion ship has to offer.

Day 9 - Day 10 ‘The White City’

Matarani is a gateway to Arequipa, an exceptionally beautiful city with hectares of immaculate parks and gardens, and views of the dormant, snow-capped El Misti volcano. The UNESCO-listed historic centre is a treasure trove of impressive colonial architecture built with ashlar volcanic stone, inspiring Arequipa’s other name ‘The White City’.

Day 10 - Day 11 Where the Rain Never Falls

Arica enjoys a constant desert climate and is one of the driest cities in the world. Walk along beaches, visit San Marcos Cathedral, or hike El Morro cliff for views over the port city. The local San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum contains artefacts from the Chinchorro culture and some of the world's oldest mummies.

Day 11 - Day 12-13 Serenity at Sea

Enjoy two peaceful days at sea as we make our way south to Valparaíso. The Expedition Team recaps our voyage and continues their lecture programme.

Day 12 - Day 14 UNESCO’s `Jewel of the Pacific´

Our expedition ends in the seaport of Valparaíso. Built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, the UNESCO-protected city is a maze of monuments, churches, historical funicular lifts, cobblestone alleys and charming plazas. Arrange to stay longer to explore more or join a Post-Programme to Easter Island, famous for its mysterious statues of giant heads.

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

See a range of wildlife in the wondrous and biologically diverse Galápagos Islands
Combine a land adventure with a cruise to unique cities along the Pacific Coast
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites famous for archaeology or colonial architecture
Learn more about the fascinating histories and ancient cultures of Peru and Chile