Panama to Peru – Through the Panama Canal and Along the Andean Coast

Description

Our journey begins with a transit through the famous Panama Canal, bringing our ship from the Caribbean Sea across to the Pacific Ocean. From there, we head south, visting stunning cities full of charming architecture in Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. Along the way, we’ll encounter beautiful beaches, archaeological mysteries, and UNESCO sites.

Trip Name

Panama to Peru – Through the Panama Canal and Along the Andean Coast

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 114m Passenger Capacity: 276 Built: 2007 MS Fram is designed for sailing in polar waters, holds the highest safety standards and is the perfect size for optimum nautical manoeuverability and guests' comfort. With space for only 276 guests, you are sure to get to know many of your fellow travellers. You will share stunning sights and memories of a lifetime long after returning home. The Norwegian word Fram means ‘forward’ – lifting expectations of the voyage at hand. MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind - to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. As well as offering numerous lounges in which to relax, our more active guests can use our well-equipped gym. Meanwhile, on deck, our Jacuzzis guarantee you surreal memories when passing the towering icebergs of Antarctica or Greenland.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 Gateway to the Panama Canal

Located at the entrance to the Panama Canal, Colón’s Canal Expansion Observation Center has viewing platforms over the Atlantic locks and Gatún Lake. Embark MS Fram and spend the night aboard in port.

Day 2 - Day 2 Connecting Two Oceans

Early in the morning, we depart Colón and enter the Panama Canal, a marvel of modern engineering. We experience the canal transit and the ingenuity of the lock's system firsthand as MS Fram is lifted over 26 metres above sea level, bringing us from the Atlantic side over to the Pacific Ocean.

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

As we cross the Equator, it’s our tradition to hold a ceremony seeking King Neptune’s blessing. He may even make an appearance before we reach our first call in Ecuador. 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 Better Photos

Our Expedition Team will continue the lecture programme to share their knowledge and experience, as well as summarise the voyage so far and let you know about plans for the exciting days to come. Our onboard Expedition Photographer will be available to help you with the basics of expedition photography.

Day 7 - Day 7 Ancient Kingdom

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 8 - Day 8 ‘The City of Kings’

We dock in Callao and travel a short distance to Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital. From Plaza Mayor, stroll around the UNESCO-listed Historic Center, admiring the architecture of colonial cathedrals and Baroque buildings. Whether walking the spacious parks or enjoying top cuisine, you’ll understand why the city was once known as ‘The City of Kings’.

Day 9 - Day 9 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 10 - Day 10 Fresh Salt Air

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

Day 11 - Day 11 ‘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 12 - Day 12 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 13 - Day 13-14 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 14 - Day 15 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 15 - 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 different cities along South America´s Pacific Coast, each with their own character
Learn the distinct culture of four countries: Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites famous for archaeology or colonial architecture
Experience a transit of the Panama Canal aboard your expedition ship