Panama, Ecuador & Peru – Inca Mysteries and Galápagos Islands (Fridtjof Nansen)

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 remote and wild Galápagos Islands.

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 Galápagos Island after the cruise
Economy flight Lima to Quito and Quito to Baltra
Two nights in Quito, including breakfast and dinner
Three nights at a hotel in Santa Cruz Island /Galápagos, including full board
Economy flight Baltra to Guayaquil
All transfers, excursions and meals as described, including English-speaking guide
Galápagos National Park entrance fee

Trip Name

Panama, Ecuador & Peru – Inca Mysteries and Galápagos Islands (Fridtjof Nansen)

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 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 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 and 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 "The City of Kings"

We dock in Callao and travel a short distance to Lima airport for your flight to Quito where you are picked up and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure and explore Quito, nestled at the foot of the volcano Pichincha and known for its eternally spring-like climate and beauty of its well preserved colonial quarter. Originally settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito was eventually integrated into the Inca Empire before being destroyed and re-established in 1534 by Spanish conquistador, Sebastian de Benalcázar. For nearly three centuries, the arts and intellectual societies flourished under Spanish colonial rule, a fact evident in the historic centre’s splendidly restored period buildings and churches lining narrow, cobbled streets.The city’s diligent preservation of its culturally diverse past prompted UNESCO to declare Quito the first of its World Heritage sites in 1978. Beautifully situated in an Andean valley at 2,850 meters (9,350 ft), Quito is the second highest capital city in the world. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight.

Day 10 - Day 10 Explore Quito

After breakfast, we drive north to the equator and visit the Inti Ñan Museum. Afterwards, we ascend the 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 the visitor 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's sightseeing is a good example why Ecuador's capital earned the honour as UNESCO´s first World Heritage site. Dinner will be served at the hotel before your overnight.

Day 11 - Day 11 The Galápagos Islands

The day begins with breakfast at your hotel. We drive to Quito Airport for the 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 individuals 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 restaurant.

Day 12 - Days 12 - 13 Galapagos Islands 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 13 - Day 14 Return to mainland Ecuador

After breakfast at hotel, we 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.Next is our flight from Baltra Island to Guayaquil. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, a representative will assist with the international flight connection. A packed lunch will be provided.

Day 14 - 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
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
Visit the famous Panama Canal and see its system of locks close up