fbpx

Jewels of Latin America (L’Austral)

Jewels of Latin America (L’Austral)

From AUD $6,740

Description

Aboard L’Austral, set sail for a 13-day PONANT cruise taking in no less than five countries. A route to discover the most beautiful sites of Latin America.

Before you board the ship in Puerto Quetzal, do not miss the chance to visit the impressive and majestic Mayan site of Tikal, as well as the wonderful ruins and baroque monuments of La Antigua de Guatemala.

When your ship calls at San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua, you will travel to Granada, at the foot of the Mombacho volcano. This town is teeming with architectural treasures, and combines Moorish, Andalusian, Baroque and neo-Classical styles.

After a call at Puerto Caldera, from where you can visit the beautiful Poas Volcano National Parc, L’Austral will stop in Quepos, the gateway to one of Costa Rica’s finest natural treasures, the Manuel Antonio National Park. Combining forest and abundant wildlife, this unspoiled park is fringed with idyllic beaches.

Your ship will then drop anchor in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It will be the starting point for the visit of the historical centres of Cuenca and Quito, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Conclude your journey with the discovery of the jewels of Peru: the archaeological site of Chan Chan, the largest adobe citadel in pre-Colombian America, as well as the unmissable Machu Picchu, the marvel of Inca architecture.

Trip Name
Jewels of Latin America (L'Austral)
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”. Cuisine Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark. Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner. Life On Board Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest. Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting service. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please. Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser).

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 PUERTO QUETZAL
Located on the Pacific coast, 100 kilometres south of the capital, the city of Puerto Quetzal is the largest port in the country. Close to the city, the ravishing little old city of Antigua, is a former colonial capital listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. You’ll admire the wealth of its historical monuments.
Day 2 - Day 2 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3 - Day 3 SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Considered Nicaragua's surfing capital, the attractive seaside resort of San Juan del Sur is an idyllic location for chilling in the waves. You're guaranteed to fall in love with this former fishing town on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, now a popular seaside holiday spot. Less than a two-hour drive away is the city of Granada, founded in 1524 at the foot of the Mombacho volcano. Clinging to the shores of Lake Nicaragua, the town is a stunning example of colonial architecture, with its narrow streets and Al-Andalus houses painted in bright colours. Don't miss out on a tour of its La Merced church, wander around the main square and explore the San Francisco convent.
Day 4 - Day 4 PUERTO CALDERA
The port of Puerto Caldera lies on the Pacific coast, in the Puntarenas region, at the mouth of the Gulf of Nicoya. Areas of wilderness stretch along the coast. Further inland, among the countless natural wonders to be found in the generous rainforest of the Costa Rica’s national parks, Poas and Arena volcanoes towers up in all their majestic glory. In this luxuriant natural setting, Costa Rica protects one of the planet’s richest biodiversity: monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles, waterfalls, canyons, and more than ten thousand species of tropical plants.
Day 5 - Day 5 QUEPOS
Quepos makes for a charming stop-off on the Pacific coast, just next-door to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, an untouched tropical natural reserve lined with white sandy beaches. The town's seafront is an opportunity to stroll through market stalls touting pineapples and bananas in the shade of the manchineel trees. In this coastal town criss-crossed with tree-lined streets in bloom, admire the houses and their incredible sculpted balconies. Enjoy a spot of shopping in the many traditional boutiques: pick up some handmade cotton clothing, ceramics embellished with Costa Rican designs and home décor pieces in hand-painted wood.
Day 6 - Day 6 CASA ORQUIDEAS
Your ship will sail across the gulf of Dulce in direction of the splendid botanical garden of Casa Orquideas that you will reach by Zodiac®. Golfo Dulce is one of the most intense rainforest landscapes in the world, unfolding and exposing what has been described by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on earth”. More than 400 species of tropical birds, over 500 species of vascular plants, 140 species of tropical mammals, hundreds of butterfly species and many more tropical organisms call this place home.
Day 7 - Day 7 - 8 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 8 - Day 9 GUAYAQUIL
Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Pacific”, Guayaquil is the most inhabited city in Ecuador. Founded by the conquistadors in 1535, it borders the coasts of the province of Guayas. You can stroll without any cares in the world, in the upper part of the city, next to the Las Peñas district. This Bohemian district with its colourful houses offers an impressive view of the city, if you’re courageous enough to climb the steps which separate the chapel rooms from Cerro Santa Ana lighthouse. The city is also blessed with many parks and gardens, perfect for taking a breather.
Day 9 - Day 10 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 10 - Day 11 SALAVERRY
When your ship calls at Salaverry, this is the occasion to discover Trujillo, an elegant colonial town with brightly coloured façades, decorated with ornate wooden balconies. With its yesteryear charm, this city is also a cultural symbol of Peru, as it is home to the vestiges of the Chimú and Mochica civilizations. Chan Chan, the former capital of the Chimù kingdom is the largest adobe citadel in pre-Colombian America, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Admire the Moche pyramids, the Huaca del Sol and the Huaca de la Luna, decorated with colourful mythological frescoes.
Day 11 - Day 12 CALLAO
As the country's primary fishing and trading port, Callao is the maritime gateway to Peru. From the town centre, journey on to the capital, Lima, and wander around the Plaza Mayor (formerly Plaza de Armas), crowned with its gorgeous bronze fountain. Embellished with neo-colonial buildings such as the Government Palace or the Cathedral of Lima, the esplanade is a symbol of the city's founding by conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. Two streets away is the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the city's best-preserved colonial structures. Further south, don't miss the superb cloisters and patios of the Casona San Marcos.
Day 12 - Day 13 CALLAO
Disembarkation.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-10-202031-10-2020AUD $6,740Superior Stateroom
19-10-202031-10-2020AUD $7,350Deluxe Stateroom
19-10-202031-10-2020AUD $7,850Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
19-10-202031-10-2020AUD $8,100Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
19-10-202031-10-2020AUD $8,370Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
19-10-202031-10-2020AUD $11,630Deluxe Suite
19-10-202031-10-2020AUD $12,600Prestige Suite Deck 5
19-10-202031-10-2020AUD $13,010Prestige Suite Deck 6
19-10-202031-10-2020AUD $13,710Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • UNESCO sites: the archaeological site of Chan Chan from Salaverry; the historic centres of Quito and Cuenca from Guayaquil; Lima and Machu Picchu from Callao; La Antigua Guatemala from Puerto Quetzal.
    • Discovering an exceptional architectural heritage, between Granada and its many Andalusian-Moorish constructions (from San Juan del Sur), Lima and Trujillo and their rich colonial heritage.
    • Visiting one of the national parks of Costa Rica, pristine natural sanctuaries that cover almost a quarter of the country.
    • Before your cruise, you will have the opportunity to discover the famous Tikal pyramid, one of the major sites in pre-Columbian Maya culture.
    • After your cruise, the chance to discover the mythical site of Machu Picchu from Callao.

Map